One Killer Maze

Epilogue: Hoodie

Y/N moved across the room slowly, her knees wobbling only slightly, but it was a short walk. She picked up the hoodie, fluffy tuffs of the clothing spiraling off of it in a worn way. It was washed but still damaged. Y/N unfolded the hoodie and pulled it on over the t-shirt. The warmth of the hoodie sent goosebumps up her arms and she smiled. This was something she was glad that stayed with her.

Exiting the room, Y/N noticed how warm and homey the cabin felt. There was a kitchen near the left-hand side of the small cabin and near the right was a couch with a boxy TV. There were three other doors that led somewhere else.

It was familiar.

Brian's tall form was noticeable through the living room windows. He was sitting on a small bench, watching the trees diligently. Y/N tore her eyes away, realizing that she had been staring, and headed towards the kitchen.

Brian had been correct about food being out. There was a plate with tinfoil covering it. She pulled the foil away and almost gasped at the sight.

Bacon.

Three pieces to be exact.

Y/N took one piece, eating away quickly. It wasn't warm, but it wasn't cold either. Though, that didn't matter to her; something else than trail mix or granola was heaven to her. Y/N quickly grabbed another piece, nibbled on it, and placed the foil over the plate once more, then turned to the fridge.

Fruit... Or maybe an egg? She thought, her mind buzzing with the possibilities. She pulled open the fridge door and noticed how stocked the appliance was. How long were they here? No, how long were they planning to stay here?

Suddenly, Y/N didn't feel as hungry anymore. She released the door and let it shut on its own. Brian had not moved from his place at the porch, but his head was craned back to watch the sky through the pines. Y/N ate away the rest of the bacon and shuffled over to the front door. At the sound of the door opening, Brian's head twisted to the side.

Her head was craned from the doorway, H/C hairs falling to the side with her titled form.

"Oh," he looked back to the forest, then to her, "do you...need something?"

The female thought, do I need something? but ultimately shook her head.

"Just wondering what you were doing."

He hummed in response, glancing down to fumble with his hands, which were clasped and rubbing together.

"Watching..."

"Well, can I watch with you?"

Brian hummed again, but paused, looked at Y/N, then processed her words. It seemed like he wasn't paying attention too much, but he moved over on the bench so she was able to sit if she wanted to. A small smile stretched across her lips and she closed the front door gently behind her, moving to sit down on the bench with Brian.

Their shoulders inevitably brushed together for it wasn't the biggest bench. The two of them sat in silence, the distant sounds of birds and bugs crying out or scuttling the only thing that kept the silence broken. It was a peaceful silence though, something that created a comfortable bond between the two.

Though, Y/N had many questions...

"Will...I be able to see my mom again?" She suddenly asked, tracing the outlines of the bandages on her bare ankle. Brian stared off somewhere else but took very quick glances at her with the corner of his eyes.

"I'm sure you will..." Brian replied quietly, slouching over on the bench, but he decided he didn't like that position and leaned back again. The bench creaked at the weight.

"Do you think... She's safe?"

Brian stayed silent, shifting in place. He nodded though, something Y/N realized he had done after a few moments of silence. Her heart raced at that answer, the quiet answer.

"I don't want to be alone.."

This time, the male turned his head to face her. Her head bent over, staring at her hands. His own eyes softened and sucked in a breath. He lifted his own gloved hand and placed it on her open palm, this action startled Y/N, but she didn't pull her hand away.

"You...aren't alone." He squeezed her hand, a muster of a smile coming up to his face. Y/N stared at him but managed to squeeze back. Something like doubt slipped away from the back of her mind.

"I'm..." She trailed off, her voice slightly weak, "I'm glad."

"Y/N?" Brian's voice echoed in her mind. Both their hearts raced. She focused on him, a look telling him to continue.

"Can I...kiss you?" His ears were burning. It took all of his courage to ask this. It took Y/N a moment to process this; to make sure she wasn't still asleep.

After such thoughts, she smiled, leaning forward herself to meet his tall body. Their lips met, his own surprisingly soft against hers. It was quick and sweet but left the two of them breathless.

"You aren't alone, Y/N." Brian whispered, taking her other hand in his own, "I'll stay with you...as long as you're here... I'll be with you."

~

Route completed.

[Up next; Eyeless Jack]