Midnight Hours

[Deleted]

    Selina could walk these streets with a hell of a lot more confidence than most could. Hell, her life was practically a damn fairy tale compared to the vast majority. She knew how to blend in well though, keeping her head down enough to not be taken notice of, but keeping her movements smooth and steady so as not to be mistaken for an easy target. It was a delicate game that could end up being a matter of life and death in these uncertain times.

    Selina didn't mind too much though, she was one of the few in the city who owned a gun, thanks to the generosity of her employer, and she kept it well hidden on her person at all times. To go unarmed was foolish, and she wasn't about to risk anything. Why she was still pressing on after all this time was still a mystery, but she didn't mind. Surviving each day as it came was her goal, and working for Trevor was a part of staying alive.

    After all, she highly doubted he'd let her keep the firearm if she decided to leave. There was more to it though, and even she could admit that she still held out hope of finding her mother. Despite the woman's leaving her four years ago, Selina understood why her mother had gone and was searching to find her before something or someone else got to Katerina first.

    Selina paused as she noticed fighting up ahead, and her hand casually drifted to where she kept her gun. It was an absolute last resort... not because of some altruistic bullshit that didn't even exist in this fucked up wasteland, but because it would mark her as a target. Guns were rare, and people wanted them enough to kill for them. Ammo was also expensive and Selina wasn't a wasteful person.

    Selina wondered if she should just wait this out or try walking the even more poorly lit back-roads so she could get around the participants without being noticed. Getting embroiled in the mess would be sheer stupidity, and she wasn't about to concern herself with something that had nothing to do with her if she could help it. She remained on guard, prepared for anything or anyone who tried to start something. She had a feeling it could end up being a long night.

Adrian Bennett

[Adrian Bennett]

Sometimes, Adrian didn't know why he bothered. Sometimes, he wished that there was nothing here, tying him down. He wanted to leave. Take his chances out in the wasteland. Then he remembered how stupid that was. He wouldn't survive out there. Anything outside the Scorch was a danger zone. It was pointless. And then, then there was his sister and Oliver. He couldn't just abandon them. He wouldn't.

So, here he was. Scouting the streets. He didn't remember when they'd decided to put on nightly patrols, but they did. Or at least, whenever someone needed an excuse to leave their small housing, they did. He didn't much enjoy being out in the open, but staying cooped inside had been even more insufferable today, and he just needed some fresh air. Not that the air around here could be considered fresh, but that was a whole different story.

Sitting on top of a pile of bricks near a fallen down building, Adrian had one of his thighs pressed up against his chest and his head rested on top of his knee. His other foot was dangling lazily in the air. He heard the ruckus, but it wasn't anything new. In fact, these idiots ought to know that the only thing they would attract was trouble - and not the good kind. Nope, they were asking for the Doomed to come running.

Sighing, Adrian leaned back against his elbows, his brown eyes moving from the fight to the people around. His eyes then rested upon a woman, probably around his own age, although, most people took him for being much younger with his boyish appearance. Something about her, the way she looked as if she was ready for anything, reminded him of himself. The way her body moved, the way her eyes took in the situation... He then decided that he respected her. "Oi," he called out, waving his arm lazily in the air in hopes of catching her attention. "Don't waste yer time, mate," he added with a shrug.

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    Selina heard a voice and immediately sharply turned to face it, catching sight of the boy who looked far too young to be out this late. Then again, she wasn't exactly the best to be dispensing advice on when someone should or shouldn't be on the streets. Still, she made her way over to him and sighed, leaning up against the bricks and ignoring the people who were so determined to die young, "Don't worry, they're not worth my time. Though you seem a bit young to be out here," she added as she looked him over.

    He looked like a young teen, and she felt a protective side of her come to life that she'd thought dead a long time ago. Perhaps she was just feeling sentimental tonight. Whatever it was, it was best shoved down never to rise again. She couldn't afford to get attached to a child who could so easily be dead the next day, or worse, infected with the Rot. Selina couldn't help being intrigued by him though, besides, waiting out the fools would go quicker while talking with him than it would otherwise.

    She wouldn't be crass enough to ask where his parents were. With how things in this city were, she doubted they lived. He could also just be a rebellious little shit though. The thought amused her enough to bring a half-smile to her face as she watched the fight escalate with a bored expression. "At least you're smart enough not to get involved," she admitted.

[Adrian Bennett]

The girl drew closer and Adrian offered her a lopsided grin, which immediately faltered as she pointed out his boyish looks. Shaking his head, a faint chuckle came from his parted lips. Pushing himself down from the bricks, he landed on the ground with a light thumb. He rolled his shoulders, hooking his thumbs into the loops on his pants and he rocked back on his heels, contemplating just how exactly, he was supposed to respond to that. "Aye," he nodded. "Ain't we all?" He furrowed his brows then and cast a glance towards the fight.

He looked back at the girl again, smiling his lopsided grin once more. "Wisdom doesn't necessarily come with age, Princess." It felt weird, acting like his old self again. He's spent so much time worrying about the people he cared for, he rarely had any time to have any fun. "Although," he gestured towards the fight. "There's proof for ya."

Reaching out his hand then, Adrian smirked. "Adrian. Too old to know better, and not as young as one would think." He absolutely hated it when people thought of him as a child. Sure, being twenty-one didn't make him some old, saggy far, but it surely deserved more than 'you seem a bit young', did it not?

[Deleted]

    Selina studied him as he got down from his perch, as she studied everyone who came within ten feet of her. He didn't seem like a threat, and yes she definitely considered young teens a potential for threat. She knew too well how the Rot could infect anyone at any age, and she also knew that starvation amongst other things could drive even someone who appeared innocent to do terrible things. She was never one to underestimate even the unlikeliest of people. At his question, Selina let out an amused huff and shrugged. Perhaps he had a point. Shit, she probably wasn't much older than he was. "I suppose you're right."

    Princess, huh? Selina laughed at that, which a rare occurrence these days. So he had a sense of humor. She normally beat the shit out of people who dared call her anything other than her name, but this time it didn't bother her, then again Princess was the kindest term she'd heard used in a long time. Selina nodded and smirked as he gestured to the people fighting. She couldn't really argue, nor did she want to. He was definitely much more interesting than she would have guessed. Perhaps she'd ended up underestimating him after all.  
    
    Selina shook his offered hand with a smirk, "Princess, too jaded to care," she offered with a smirk. Hey, he'd been the one who wanted to give her a nickname. "But also curious. You're older than I think? What, like 18?" she asked in with a half-smile. At first glance, the best she'd have given him was 16.

[Adrian Bennett]

At least the girl didn't seem offended. Good. He enjoyed people with a good sense of humor, even if he rarely acted like it. Then again, most of his experiences with humor came from his friend, Oliver and well... The boy didn't have a funny bone in his body - even if Oliver really thought that he did. Still, Adrian loved him like a brother and wouldn't have traded him for anyone.

He couldn't help the grin that spread over his lips at the way the girl replied. So, she wasn't all that keen on sharing her name? He supposed he could respect someone who was careful. In fact, in a way, he even admired it. This world was too filled with people who were far too reckless. "Twenty-One," he shrugged lightly. Well, eighteen was better than most people gave him credit for, he supposed. In a way, maybe it wasn't so bad. Maybe it was a good thing that people underestimated him.

It gave him an advantage, in a way.

"But don't worry, Princess. I get that a lot," he added with a second shrug and looked around. It was foolish to keep his focus solely on the girl. He needed to be careful. You never knew who might be looking, after all. "

[Deleted]

    Her eyes widened in genuine surprise as she gave him an unapologetic once-over. He really didn't have any reason to be lying right now unless he was overtly paranoid, but he didn't quite seem the type... just regularly paranoid, which was good in a city like this and something she could respect. She then smirked as she wasn't exactly blind to good looks. Now that she got a better look at him she could at least believe he was 18. She was still struggling with 21, but she would get there someday.

    "I'll bet," she responded wryly. "Although, there are some ways that could help convince people of your experience," she teased with a wicked grin. She did so enjoy playing the game, regardless of the risk... that was almost what made it fun. She couldn't quite help her natural instincts... unless she was on the job, but these were her off hours, so she could do as she pleased, and who she pleased. Besides, she was careful enough. 

    "And I'm always willing to help a man in need," she offered easily. He was even claiming to be one year older than her... so let him prove it. She would leave him be if he wasn't interested, but she couldn't help the playful smile on her features.

[Adrian Bennett]

The tease registered in Adrian's brain and he stared blankly at the girl, trying to understand what on earth had caused the sudden switch. For a moment, he just stared at her before his brows furrowed. "I'm sure," he nodded hesitantly. Oh god, this so wasn't under his field of expertise - or even at the point where he'd feel comfortable. Playful banter he could handle, sure, but flirting? No.

Opening his mouth to reply, no words escaped. She was forward and Adrian had no idea how to handle that. He'd never been a ladies man. In fact, most people found him too brooding to really care about him. He wasn't the life of the party or the kind of person anyone really noticed. And here he was, being flirted with. "Uhm," he began, stumbling over his words. His brown eyes darted over the crowd, hoping to see a familiar face he could use for an excuse - or an actual excuse. Nothing seemed to come to him.

"Aren't you... Kind." He looked back at her, his brows knitted together. He wanted to point out that she'd ought to be careful about who she offered her... Assistance to, but he also realized that it was futile. She could handle herself. She looked the part, anyways. Awkwardly, Adrian rubbed the back of his neck and took a step away, once again looking over the crowd. "Nice evening, huh?"

[Deleted]

    "I certainly try to be," she replied with a mischievous glint in her eyes when he talked about kindness. It was a straight up lie, as Selina was a purely selfish being, but she didn't think he'd take it for honest truth. Selina almost laughed out loud at his change in demeanor. She couldn't help it, he was cute. She grinned at his attempt to change the subject and nodded, "A lovely night, though a bit chilly," she offered with a smirk. She could let him off the hook a little... for now. 

    "Pity people can't cool their heads with it," she offered wryly as she glanced back at the fighters. It was quite fascinating to watch really. Besides, she had a feeling he would be much more comfortable talking about the type of body heat that formed from a fight. She was patient if anything though. She had never pushed people either. If they wanted it, they could take it, otherwise she generally left them alone. 

    She absently wondered just how he felt about her title of 'Princess' now. She certainly wasn't anybody's fair lady, that was for damn sure. She never would be, had never wanted to be. Then again, there weren't many of those left these days. Sometimes it seemed that even the rich and privileged couldn't afford to be too innocent. 

[Adrian Bennett]

Suddenly, Adrian felt more like this girl's prey. He felt like a lamb stuck in a den filled with lion and he didn't like it for one second. The way the girl looked at him was... "It is," he said, looking upwards at the sky. It was almost a little bit ironic, how searing hot the days could be, but how incredibly chilly the nights became once the sun went down. At least they didn't have to deal with the heat every single second of the day. There was that.

"Yeah," he nodded in agreement. He followed her stare and pursed his lips. Idiots. That's what they were. Folding his arms over his chest, because he had no idea where else to put them and standing still made him feel uncomfortable, Adrian rocked back on his heels again. "Well, Princess. Although I'm sure you can handle yourself, standing around this people for much longer is asking for trouble. This noise is going to attract any kind of bad people neither of us would want around."

Despite her change in demeanor, he still felt it appropriate to call her Princess. Maybe for the sake of the sheer humor in it. He didn't know. She didn't look like a princess, nor did she act as one. That wasn't saying she wasn't pretty, but she didn't strike him as delicate either.

[Deleted]

    Selina actually loved the cold, so night was her favorite time to come out and play... unfortunately most of the nastier citizenry did as well. She was just glad she could fend for herself. It opened up so many things to her... like the job she wouldn't have gotten if she hadn't worked her ass off for it. Selina followed his look and absently wondered if the sky looked different back before the sun flares had hit. She often wondered what life would have been like, but she didn't spend too much time on it. Wishing for things that could never be was merely a waste of time.

    She glanced at him and nodded, "I know, but they're standing between me and home. You got a better place to go?" she asked casually. Normally she'd make some sort of comment laden with sensuality at the suggestion of finding someplace else, but he seemed a bit too innocent for that yet. Besides, if he was offering, she certainly wouldn't refuse. She absently wondered if she shouldn't be more wary of him. He was older than she was and while he may be innocent in some ways, that certainly didn't mean much. 

    She sighed as she ran a hand through her hair and eyed the people getting progressively louder, "I don't think they'll miss us too much," she added with a smirk.
    

[Adrian Bennett]

Tensing, Adrian looked over at the girl again as she asked him if his place was better. Now, he knew that his comment could have been taken the wrong way, but he didn't particularly enjoy the idea of bringing this girl home to where his sister and best friend was. That was far too risky. Especially given that he'd just met her. "Nah," he shrugged his shoulders. "Nothin' worth mentioning." He wasn't lying. The place he lived wasn't anything brag worthy. In fact, it was nothing more than a beaten down, dusty building that was safe enough. For the time being.

"You could always circle them." He attempted to be casual about it. "But I think you're right about that. Doesn't seem like they've really noticed us." Still, he didn't feel comfortable just leaving the girl. Yes, she could probably fend for herself and kick his ass easily, but he'd feel like an ass if he just abandoned her.

"I know of a place close by. You can wait it out there," he said as he jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "Unless you wanna try crossing the red sea of idiocy. Then hey, suit yourself."

[Deleted]

    Selina smirked at that, "Hmm, well I suppose I should head off then," she offered with a shrug. She hadn't believed he would honestly take her home, what with his own cautious behavior, and at his suggestion, she nodded, "I was considering that when you called out to me," she admitted. The lit roads were bad enough this time of night, going the back way would be worse, but still, staying out here much longer probably wouldn't benefit either of them.

    At the mention of a place close by, she nodded, "Thanks." What did he get out of it though? Perhaps the vague hope that she might one day return the favor? She glanced over at him, "By the way, if you feel obligated in some way towards me, you shouldn't. Being that soft is not only stupid but dangerous, you know?" she offered with a cold smile. Being a live ass was a hell of a lot better than being kind and dead. Wisdom may not always come with age, but he didn't yet seem to be wise enough to be able to cut himself off from complete strangers... nor could she apparently. She should have just used him and not said a word. 

    But honestly, waiting for the fight to end looked like it would be an all night affair at this point, or at least a few more hours than she intended to stay. She'd likely end up sleeping if she went to this safe place, and she'd really prefer a bed. The choice between the remote possibility of safety or the probability of danger was interesting, though she'd never exactly been one to live on the safe side. Besides, if she got attacked, at least there was a likelihood of her dying quickly... though now she was just being melodramatic.

[Adrian Bennett]

Returning her cold smile with a sad one of his own, Adrian shrugged. "Yeah, I know." He looked away then, turning on his heel. He knew turning his back to her was stupid and that it was even more stupid to go anywhere with her, but all in all, Adrian considered himself a good guy. He didn't know how to explain it, but it was that very same compassion that had lead him to take Oliver in, and well... He didn't regret that decision. "But what world is this if there isn't an ounce of kindness left?" He looked at her over his shoulder. "That's not the kind of world I wanna live in."

Without waiting to see if she'd follow, Adrian started moving towards the pile of bricks he'd been sitting on and started climbing them until he reached the top. Once he was there, he placed the palms of his hands against the ledge of the next door building and hoisted himself up until he was laying on his back on the roof. For a moment, he stared up at the dark sky, wondering what else was out there. Surely, this couldn't be what life was all about, could it?

Sighing to himself, he sat up and ruffled his hair. He craned his neck over the edge to see if the girl had decided to follow, or if she'd decided to take her chances down below.

[Deleted]

    Selina was briefly surprised at his response and stared after him, wondering what the hell it was that she was doing. And turning his back to her? She was a stranger... or did he simply not take her for a threat? Selina's eyes narrowed as she briefly thought about literally stabbing him in the back solely to teach him a lesson in fear... but she didn't. "It's the only type of world there is. You don't exactly have a choice," she warned him as he started to climb. She sighed as she glanced down a side street and shook her head. She was doing this because she was smart and because she was taking advantage of his offer. Nothing more. 

    Selina climbed up after him and looked up in time to see him glance over the edge, her face ending up surprisingly close to his as he did so. She was a fast climber and quite agile, "And here I thought you weren't the flirtatious type," she teased. She then climbed up and laid down a few feet from him "Well, it's not too bad up here, I suppose," she offered with a twisted smile. Damn, she was soft too, wasn't she? At least she'd never turn her back to a stranger though, she was still in shock. Really, there were limits. 

    Selina kept an eye on him at all times but she wasn't truly on alert. If she were, she'd never have climbed up here with him.