A/N:

Hey guys! Sorry for the long wait, this took me forever to update :,) Life has been wild lately with some ups and downs. So thank you so so much for your patience and for sticking around in spite of this short unprompted break <3 That said, I hope you enjoy this chapter that is a bit longer than usual!









































Tobias anxiously exhaled as he stood a few feet away from (Y/n), silently observing her as she hung the laundry on the clothesline outside the house. He didn't know how long he'd been standing there, working up the courage to approach her and mend whatever relationship they had had before their last interaction.

It had been a few days now, and honestly Tobias couldn't take anymore of the uncomfortable and deafening silence that none of them knew how to break. Of course they had never been best buddies or anything close to that, but still, something about their current situation bothered Tobias greatly.

He missed his brief conversations with (Y/n), he missed... Gosh he didn't know exactly what it was he missed but one thing was for sure, he had to put an end to this situation.

"See how easy it was for me to overpower you?" He said in a steady voice, holding her gaze. "Anyone else could have done this without as much as batting an eyelash. That is just how weak you are compared to most Infected."

Then again, Tobias knew he didn't have anyone other than himself to blame for that. He'd be damn lucky if (Y/n)'s current silence around him was only out of discomfort and not out of fear of him. Even if his intentions had been in her best interest, he shouldn't have taken advantage of his strength with her.

It's for the best. It's in her best interest to fear me. Part of him thought, still another bigger part of him couldn't bear the idea of (Y/n) ever fearing him.

"You know I can feel you staring, right?" (Y/n)'s voice sliced through his quiet considerations, sounding more irritated than timid.

Tobias stepped out of the darkness, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck. Gosh this was off to a good start. And although he had no idea what to say, there was no turning back now.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." He said quietly, keeping his head down. He didn't dare meet her gaze in fear of what he'd see there. Fear, discomfort, annoyance, hatred. Tobias could only imagine all the negative emotions (Y/n) was bound to feel towards him after what he had done.

And he knew he should give her some space, but he also knew this was one thing he wouldn't be able to do until he made sure (Y/n) would at least have a weapon or something to defend herself with when she went out alone. Ideally, he'd prefer to go with her whenever she went out, but he knew that this was realistically impossible, and she probably wouldn't want him to after what had happened the last time. The thought stung, but once again Tobias tried to convince himself this was for the best.

If only he could dissolve the tension between the two of them, then he could be more at ease and wouldn't feel so bad... Right?

Tobias buried his hand in the pocket of his beige cargo pants, thumb caressing the smooth surface of the pocket knife he had bought just this morning. For (Y/n) herself.

"It's fine." (Y/n) answered curtly, her attention focused on her task of hanging the laundry. "Is there anything you wanted from me?"

Tobias cleared his throat, fishing out the pocket knife and hesitantly handing it over to her. She paused, carefully eyeing the item and taking it into her hands. As Tobias had thought, it was a perfect fit. Not too big nor too heavy, something she would be able to handle with ease.

Heat rose to his cheeks as she turned it over in her palm, inspecting its design and tracing the carved wooden handle with her fingers. Tobias wasn't anywhere near wealthy, so he had bought a simple knife with a basic wooden handle and had carved it himself.

"I hope the design is to your liking... I thought you'd maybe like a wildflower pattern." He explained, burying his hands in his pockets again to keep himself from fidgeting. "It's light and has a decent size, the blade is pretty sharp so be careful not to cut yourself with it when you switch it open. But it should come in handy if-"

"If push comes to shove?" (Y/n) looked up to meet his gaze, "If an Infected decides to make me their target?"

Tobias internally winced at her words. This wasn't something he liked to think about or envision. But yes, (Y/n) had pretty much summed up his intentions. So he simply nodded and took a step forward, eyes searching her features for any signs of displeasure.

"Do you know how to use it?" He doubted she did, but still, it was worth asking. "If not, I could give you some pointers on how to handle it. I know you probably wouldn't want to use it to kill anyone, but you should at least know how to inflict some damage. Enough to defend yourself if need be."

Tobias remembered (Y/n)'s reaction when she had witnessed a murder when the two of them had gone out for drinks, and judging by this, he knew she probably wouldn't be able to stomach the idea of killing someone herself. Hell, he himself felt sick at the idea of taking someone's life too. Any decent human being would. But that was the thing with Infected, hardly any of them were decent human beings and would be more than willing to kill if it meant getting what they wanted.

Which was why (Y/n) needed to know how to defend herself in the first place.

(Y/n) shook her head, embarrassment tickling her pink. Grey had a pocket knife too and (Y/n) had seen her using it a few times, but always to cut down food or herbs and never to actually inflict harm on another.

"Thanks for the gift." She said with the ghost of a smile on her lips. Part of her was still angry at Tobias for what he had done and the way he had treated her like she was nothing but a weakling, even if she knew him to be right to an extent. But her anger was quickly dissipated by the kindness of his gesture.

Tobias was a tough nut to crack. More often than not emotionally repressed, but he had a kind heart, and it bled through his actions. And (Y/n) knew his previous outburst had been more out of concern for her safety than anything, she knew he hadn't meant anything mean when he had shown her just how weak she was compared to him, or any Infected for that matter. He merely wanted to make a point, one (Y/n) needed to integrate and keep in mind.

She was worth no more than a prey here, much like anyone else but even more so due to her status as an Uninfected and the biological disadvantages it brought along. Darlings usually had little chances of escaping the grasp of other Infected who had set their eyes on them, but (Y/n)'s chances were even slimmer.

And although Tobias could have passed the message through other less radical means, this had been the electroshock (Y/n) had needed to remind herself not to get too comfortable or at ease in the city.

"And I'd really like for you to teach me how to use it too." She said, this time allowing herself a warm smile. Unaware of the way this affected Tobias.

To him, this was the most beautiful smile he had ever seen, not to mention the one that brought him the most relief. After days dwelling on the anxiety-inducing thought of (Y/n) fearing or hating him, her smile had the same effect as a breath of air to a drowning man.

He blinked, shaking away the daze of (Y/n)'s bright smile.

"Sure." He said, mustering a small smile. "Is now an okay time for you? The sooner the better."

"Yes, just give me ten minutes to finish this." (Y/n) answered, gesturing to the clothesline with her chin. Tobias nodded and stepped closer, picking up a damp tee shirt and proceeding to help (Y/n) with her task.

The two of them continued in comfortable silence, until no clothes were left, (Y/n) thankful for the help and Tobias pondering over his next words. He knew the subject of Grey was a sore topic for (Y/n), and he didn't want to upset her so soon after they had just made up. But he needed to know how things were going in regards to that. As, the main reason (Y/n) had come to the city in the first place, was to find her sister.

"How is your search for your sister going?" He asked, throwing a side glance in (Y/n)'s direction to gauge her reaction.

"Nothing new." (Y/n) heaved a sigh, her heart pressing up against her throat with guilt.

It's not like you've been trying very hard to find her. Taunted a voice in the back of her mind. And it was true, (Y/n) hadn't really gone out of her way to find any more information about Grey's whereabouts.

Sometimes she felt like a fraud, like her search for Grey was just a pretext for her to stay in the city longer, away from her old life. And to a certain extent it was true, (Y/n) dreaded going back home to a life that had nothing in store for her. But finding Grey was still one of (Y/n)'s priorities, the only issue was that she had no idea where to start now that the Uninfected Shelter was off her list. It's not like she could ask around for her sister's whereabouts either. It was way too dangerous, as if Grey's kidnapper heard that someone was searching for her, (Y/n) was sure to become their target.

Unfortunately (Y/n) was stuck with no other choice but to wait. If luck was on her side, she'd catch sight of Grey at some point. Marcus did say that whoever had taken Grey in would have to let her outside at some point. That is if they had any respect for the recent law that had been passed concerning Darlings' mental health.

But well, it's not like (Y/n) had any other sliver of hope to cling onto. So she'd rather not think too much about this latter possibility.

"And... Are you sure she's even in the city in the first place?" Tobias swallowed thickly, his question weighing heavy on his tongue.

"Where else would she be?" (Y/n) retorted, "Grey told me she was leaving for the city that night. If she has to be anywhere, it's here."

(Y/n) knew Tobias hadn't meant anything bad, that he was probably trying to help her out in his own way. But the city was the only tangible lead (Y/n) had, without it her chances of finding Grey were null. Grey had to be in the city, because if she wasn't this meant that all (Y/n) had done had been for nothing. This meant that (Y/n) would never have a chance at ever finding her sister.

"And have you thought about the possibility that maybe she wanted to leave?" Tobias knew he was treading on thin ice with this question, but this was also a possibility (Y/n) had to take into consideration. "I mean, you seem pretty reluctant to go back to the Uninfected Community. Maybe Grey had had enough as well and decided to-"

"No." (Y/n) cut him off, more harshly than she had meant to. Guilt pricked at the back of her neck as she met Tobias's conflicted gaze. It was too late though, and although she knew Tobias hadn't meant to hurt her, her nerves were already rubbed raw. "You don't know what you're talking about. Grey wouldn't have just left without telling me first or without packing any of her most valuable items."

Grey wouldn't have left me behind. I'm her sister. She would have told me if she planned on leaving. And she wouldn't have left with so little packed.

Grey was a materialist, who loved collecting trinkets of all kinds; her latest obsession had been crystals for which she had cleared a whole shelf. To think that Grey would have left without packing any of her valuables was pure fantasy to (Y/n). More than this, (Y/n) knew Grey, she knew that in spite of being hot headed and impulsive, Grey wouldn't have left on a whim. Not for a city that aimed at putting people like her into Uninfected Camps, as tempting and novel as this city might be.

But then again, wasn't it what (Y/n) had done? Chosen to stay in the city for a taste of freedom in spite of her knowing how dangerous the Infected society was for her? Hadn't she too left everything she had ever known behind, including their mother? If (Y/n) was willing to throw away all sense of reasons for a crumb of liberty, why would Grey be any different?

It's different. I would have never left if it wasn't for Grey. She is the reason I came here in the first place. (Y/n) thought, and yet she couldn't say she was very convinced by her own words.

Still, one thing remained sure in her mind, Grey would have never left without her. And she would have never left her belongings behind either.

Unless Grey thought (Y/n) too weak to survive in the city, and had someone else to sacrifice her life in the Uninfected Community for. Images of Grey's nape covered in purple love bites flashed through (Y/n)'s mind, cold dread trickling down her spine.

(Y/n) had never been able to get information out of Grey when it came to her lover. She didn't know what they looked like, what their name was, where they lived or who they were. Grey had always evaded (Y/n)'s questions by changing the subject or asking her about her nonexistent romantic interests.

(Y/n) had thought Grey was probably just being secretive as per usual, or messing with her. But now that she thought about it, what if the reason Grey had refused to answer her questions was because the person she loved was an Infected?

Someone from the city?

What if during one of her escapades Grey had met an Infected near the city and had fallen in love with them?

No, Grey was reckless but she wouldn't be that reckless as to fall for an Infected. She wouldn't have gone to the city for an Infected either, not when the chances of her being made a prisoner were so high. Grey knew what awaited her in the city as an Uninfected. She wouldn't have traded her freedom for love.

Yeah, something had happened to Grey. And (Y/n) would make sure to find her and make things right.

(Y/n) lowered her gaze, reluctant to meet Tobias's eyes. She hadn't meant to snap at him.

"Sorry." She said quietly, "I didn't mean to take my frustration out on you and I shouldn't have. It's just that I know Grey. And she would have never left home without telling me about it first."

Tobias stared at her, heart softening in his chest at her apology. If anything he should have been the one to apologize for being insensitive on a topic he knew was touchy for her. It seemed like this was one of his flaws when it came to her, he never knew what to say or how to say it.

Then again he had never been very skilled with his words and had always been rough around the edges when it came to interacting with other people. But with her it was different, he actually wanted to make the effort, he wanted to try and work on this side of him. Because he cared what she thought of him, and because he cared for her. He didn't want to keep on accidentally hurting her with his words.

He knew the idea of Grey leaving the Uninfected Community of her own accord and consciously leaving (Y/n) behind probably wasn't a nice thought for (Y/n). So although Tobias thought this to be a possibility, he didn't press the matter. (Y/n) would find out soon enough if it was the case anyways, as soon as she found her sister and got some information out of her.

That is, if she did find Grey at some point though.

(Y/n) sat down on the grass and Tobias followed suit, taking his spot right beside her.

"It's alright. I shouldn't have pressed the matter." He said, "Would you tell me about the Uninfected Community though? I only have very few memories of it."

(Y/n)'s head perked up at his words. Now that she thought about it, she knew very little about Tobias, Marcus had given her some crumbs but not much to work with. Something about what he had just said told her that she might know more about him than she had thought though.

"Wait, you're the Infected kid the Community kicked out?"

Tobias chuckled humourlessly, nodding his head.

"That's me." He said, scratching the back of his neck. "I thought you knew. Like, I thought Marcus had told you."

"No, he didn't." (Y/n) shook her head, twiddling with her fingers. She threw him a shy glance. "He didn't want to tell me anything you wouldn't be willing to tell me yourself."

Tobias chuckled once again, though this time his eyes crinkled at the corners with amusement. This indeed sounded like Marcus.

"I'm sorry." (Y/n) continued, turning to him, her gaze earnest. "I can't imagine how traumatizing this must have been for you. You must have felt so-"

"Scared? Lonely? Abandoned?" Tobias said the words that tasted too bitter on (Y/n)'s tongue. It had been a long time since he had last talked about this, the last time having been with Marcus when they had first met and had settled on their agreement. In fact, this had been the only time he had ever talked about his childhood.

He didn't really like to ponder over it. Some things were better left in the past, and this traumatizing event of his life was one of those things.

"And angry." (Y/n) added, holding his gaze. "I mean, honestly I would have been enraged if it had been me. Like, you were just a child. An innocent child."

"No Infected child is innocent, (Y/n)." Tobias retorted, shaking his head in dismissal. "We're all potential threats, adult or child. The Community was right in kicking me out, they were only trying to preserve themselves."

(Y/n) was at a loss for words. What could she answer to that? From a logical perspective, she knew Tobias was right, and frankly she admired him for his objectivity when it came to such a traumatizing event. But he had been a child, none the wiser to his own condition. In (Y/n)'s mind this was just... wrong. Tobias had been lucky enough to find his way to the Infected city, but so many things could have happened to him.

He could have starved to death, could have been attacked by wild animals like wolves or whatever... Nauseating thoughts, really.

"Anyways, should we get started?" Tobias interrupted abruptly, standing up and offering her his hand to help her to her feet. "I'd like to get this done and over with as soon as possible. As I said earlier, the sooner the better."

(Y/n) had almost forgotten that she had accepted for him to teach her how to use the pocket knife he had bought and carved for her. And she would have liked to ask more questions and learn more about him, but she knew that this was Tobias's attempt at changing the subject.

So with a sigh, she took his hand and brushed the dust off her clothes.

"Yes. Let's do this."