Reunited

***October****

Zack hadn't killed her after jumping out of the window. He had been running with Ray slung over his right shoulder, grasping his new scythe in his free hand for what felt like hours. He carried her through the back alleyways using darkness as cover. Who knew anyone could run without showing any sign of weakening for so long. Not that she should be surprised. This was Zack after all. He had survived fire, electrocution, bullet wounds and a deep slice to the stomach. The latter might have actually finished the job had Ray not gone to great lengths to save his life. After a year of being apart they were finally together again.

Zack...you really came for me. She hadn't said much it all still felt so surreal. Leaning her face against his shoulder she breathed in his scent which seemed to always have a bit of a metallic smell...blood. Rachel clung to that smell reassuring herself it was real. It hadn't been a dream Zack was really here.

Once sirens could no longer be heard in the distance, the serial killer took cover down a deep alleyway with apartment buildings on either side and placed the pale blonde girl onto her bare feet. It all happened so fast she hadn't time to think about putting on her little white slippers. Zack was observing their surrounding as if looking for something. "Zack?" Ray gently tugged at the brown sleeve of his hoodie.

"Just a sec Ray. Wait here." He ruffled her hair handing her his weapon before jumping to a ladder that hung off one of the apartment buildings fire escape stairs. It was high enough that she would've needed to stand on a dumpster and even then she would barely reach it. Ray Instinctively clutched at her arms as a shiver crept over her. It was late October the fall breeze had a chill to it. Might have not been so bad had she not been wearing a simple thin nightgown and no shoes. The pavement was really cold. She hoped he had come up with an idea or something.

After a few minutes her hooded companion returned. A golden eye peered from under his hood at the small girl holding herself for warmth; a smile across his lips. "C'mon, lets get ya out of the cold." He motioned to a balcony with an open window on the 3rd floor. "It ain't occupied so should be safe for tonight at least" Zack lifted her to the ladder; following behind her once she had gone up enough for him to do so.

"Um...Zack?" Rachel suddenly felt self conscious. "Can you...look away until I get to the stairs?"

"Hah? What fo-" Eyes widening in in embarrassment Zack swiftly shifted his gaze to the ground . They had both momentarily forgotten that Ray was in a thin nightgown. She had underwear on of course, not that it made it any less awkward of a situation. "Shit, hurry it up then!"

The apartment was indeed vacant with no furniture. There was a strong smell of paint and chemicals. Whoever had cleaned the place of after prior residents must have opened the window to let the place air out but forgotten to close it once they left. Luckily the electricity and water still seemed to be working. They only used the water and the heater though, it was too much risk to turn on any lights. Between the brightness of street lamps and the full moon there was enough light to see what they needed to. Rachel slumped against a wall in the living room staring at the man beside her. The only person she cared for in this hellish world. Thinking about how he looked when she saw him without his hood for the first time; reaching out and taking her hand. Taking her away from that place. It still felt like a dream.Why are my cheeks warm... "Ray? Why ya blubbering again?" She hadn't even noticed the tears streaming down her face.

"S-sorry." She smiled. She felt...happy? She couldn't be sure since it had been so long since she'd known how that felt. She guessed the warm feeling that she had now and would get during various moments with the man sitting next to her was happy. She felt wanted and cared for, something she never felt with her own family. A bandaged thumb reached out catching one of her tears before it could fall.

"Its over Ray. We escaped that murder hole. I'm not in prison and your not in the looney bin. Ya can relax." His golden eye seemed to be glowing. He was smiling, her heart skipped a beat as it always did the few times he would smile at her that way. Not that she had an understanding of why. Feelings were hard for her to understand.

"I know. I'm guess I am crying because you came back...earlier tonight night... I had been told that they were going to kill you." Her gut wrenched replaying that memory in her mind, she must've clenched her fists subconsciously because they stung a little. A small amount of blood trickled down her wrist when she opened her hand to look at her palms. Zack ruffled her hair once more, standing up moving towards the balcony window.

"Ya know I wouldn't kick the bucket so easy Ray." He smirked, "I'll be back, try to get some sleep and quit hurting yourself." Isaac's eyes narrowed at her bloody palms.

Feeling a rush of anxiety and not wanting him to leave her for even a second, Ray bolted up "Wait...please don't go." Her eyes which were usually void of emotion filled with a desperation. I can't ...I can't be separated from him again.

"Chill, cant have ya running around with no shoes and the looney bin dress right?" He motioned to her clothes, she knew he was right but continued to give him a pleading look. "I ain't goin' that far Ray. I saw some chick that looked your size throw some bags of clothes into one of those bins near the front of the alley. I'm just gonna grab them real quick see if anything might suite ya."

She recalled seeing the donation bin, he was right she couldn't stay in these clothes. Too cold not mention the amount of attention she would draw. Rachel nodded her consent, though she still felt uneasy. "Okay...but please be careful and hurry."

He rolled his eyes giving her a look as if to say. Obviously, idiot. Before climbing down the side of the building. She knew she should just trust him. After all this lifestyle was nothing new to Zack. He had been on the run from the authorities long before he was the resident of B6. She wondered how he'd managed to dodge the cops for so long having murdered so many people.

She on the other hand knew nothing of this life. Sure her life before the building sucked. She'd been abused and watched her dad murder her mother. He then tried to kill her as well, she'd managed to pull a gun on him and killed him first. Then she created her perfect family. Ray's gut churned at her actions. She knew that wasn't normal, it was sick, she had a sick 2nd side to herself which threatened to emerge whenever she hit a breaking point.

Rachel had never lived on the streets before though. Never experienced being on the run from the police. She would need to talk to Zack about that, last thing she wanted was to pull him down. She wouldn't ask him to kill her again until she knew he was safe.

Ray crawled over to the window and poked her head out to make sure Zack was okay, she could see his hooded figure digging through the donation bin, retrieving 2 trash bags of clothing and possibly other random items that people disposed of. It must have been really late, there was no one else around. The police had more than likely given up their search for the night. She scanned the buildings, trying to think how they could get out of this mess. They needed to rest first of course especially Zack. She remembered just then that his head and shoulder had been bleeding a bit. She would need to inspect his wounds whether he wanted her to or not. Ray retreated back against the wall once her companion turned back towards the alleyway with 2 bags in tow.

They were quite lucky that there was a bin so close. Saved them the trouble of having to find one or get more clothing through more risky methods. "See? Quick n' easy!" He seemed pleased with himself, tossing the bags at her feet.

"Thank you." Rachel carefully untied the bags so they would be able to go back into the bin after she finished searching for anything useful. Seemed like Zack hit the jackpot. Once she had finished sorting through she had managed to find a black backpack. This will be useful. The rest was mostly clothes, luckily she was able to obtain a few t-shirts, 2 pairs of jeans, a jacket, some activewear leggings, pajama pants, few tank tops, a single dark blue pullover and a set of sneakers and few pairs of socks. All of which looked about her size. Setting aside the shoes, hoodie and a set of socks for the next day, Zack waited in the bedroom while she changed into the leggings and a simple white t shirt. The rest she of what she wanted to keep went into the backpack while the unwanted clothing went back into the black trash bags.

"All done?" Her companion called from the other room.

"Yeah."

Zack looked at her appraisingly re entering the room. He slid down next to her " Not bad Ray."

"Thanks...oh right I almost forgot." Ray ripped a few pieces of cloth from one of the shirts that hadn't fit her properly.

Her hooded companion watched curiously as the little blonde headed to the kitchen; she wet the strips with hot water squeezing out any excess liquid. Zack sighed, he knew it was coming eventually. Ray knelt beside him and pulled back his hood. Isaac closed his eyes allowing the girl to brush away a few strands of hair to inspect the cut in his hairline. He knew there was no point in arguing with her about it.

Ray had felt a tad tempted to touch those locks during their time together in the building. His raven hair felt as soft as it looked, she couldn't resist running her small delicate fingers through his locks. "It's so silky…" Her cheeks flushed, realizing she'd accidentally voiced her thoughts out loud. She lowered her eyes to his which were now open and staring at her. He looked a bit confused, probably never had anyone touch him like that. Luckily he kept his usually rambunctious mouth shut for once. Ray swallowed, then readjusted her attention to the wound on his head.

It wasn't too deep and had already stopped bleeding. Gently she wiped any excess blood, though there wasn't anything she could do about the stains on his bandages. She would need to find him some new ones later.

" That one wasn't bad thankfully, do you mind if I pull your sweater down a bit to check your shoulder." she closed her fingers around his zipper, waiting for permission.

"Ya don't have to I can take care of it myself." a bandaged hand gently clasped hers. There's that freaky concerned face again, "Don't look at me like that...it aint that bad."

"You do recall last time you said that?" she gave him that look that told him that even if she was being polite and asking permission he really didn't have a choice.

"Tch...fine. Do what ya want." he allowed her to partially unzip his hoodie so that she could pull it down enough to see his shoulder. The little gash on his shoulder wasn't too bad either. Zack looked away as she cleaned the wound...for which she was grateful as she couldn't seem to help herself from looking at his bandaged torso...He's so thin...most likely from malnutrition, but even so it's like he is nothing but muscle under all the gauze. His build was very athletic, it was the build of a predator. A killer.

She didn't understand why...but looking at him sent a warmth through her cheeks.

"What ya staring at shortstuff?"

Ray hadn't realized she had paused and very obviously fixated on his torso...she really hoped he didn't notice her blushing.

"Sorry...I...just...zoned out." Which was true. Luckily he didn't press her further.

"Tch"

Zack pulled his jacket back up, he felt a little self conscious by her staring...though curious as to what she was thinking...part of him was afraid to ask. He tugged his hood down...Her face though...was she blushing? Probably just embarrassed for getting caught staring...tch...whatever.

The awkward silence made the 21 year old killer uncomfortable "So how was it in that place?"

"The mental hospital?"

"Duh. Where else?"

"True...dumb question. Um it was...okay. The people were nice enough. They just didn't understand. If I asked about you...they wouldn't tell me. They didn't understand that I didn't ask because I was afraid of you. I just wanted to know…" Her eyes watered again. Her aching heart still needed to catch up. "I wanted to know you were alive."

"Yeah I suppose it would suck for ya to be stuck in that place. A slow death"

"To be honest our oath wasn't what came to my mind...it wasn't just because of our oath." The blonde clutched her hands to her chest, her voice shaky.

"Then why?" he asked softly though he probably already knew the answer. It was the same reason he had allowed himself to be arrested so that her life would be saved. The same reason he went to such great lengths to protect her and to take her away from that place. Sure there was their oath...but it was more than just that.

Ray wiped her eyes, struggling to speak her throat felt tight. His hand squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. As if to say 'hey it's okay I'm here...I'm really here.' "Because...I care about you Zack...I don't want you to get hurt...I don't want you to d-" in one swift movement her small body was encased in warmth. Zack held her against him, face buried into the golden sea of her hair.

He didn't say anything. Just held her. Her crying was muffled by his hoodie. He understood. How could he not after carrying her bleeding body from that place. The anguish he felt when he thought he was going to lose her. He never thought he would ever feel that way towards anyone. Never believed it possible to care for another person above his own survival. Yet here he was holding the one person who had reminded him...no matter his past… no matter how many labeled him monster...murderer...freak...he was still human.

It was always weird to him when she showed so much emotion. Throughout their time in the building it was like she slowly became more and more….normal. Well almost normal. Ray would never be completely normal. Normal people don't care about the life of a cold blooded murderer. Normal people call him monster, freak, disgusting...the list of insults could go on forever. They shrunk before him and ran for their lives though they never made it far. And their smiles...their laughs pissed Zack off. Really pissed him off the only cure in his eyes was to wipe their stupid smiles from the face of the Earth.

Ray was different, when she smiles it felt different. He didn't feel pissed off, he wanted to see the young girl smile. In a way she reminded him of himself when he was younger. She had a shit background just like him. She didn't deserve to die like those people. She deserved more. So much more.

The hooded killer let her close in a way no one else ever would be, he felt a warmth in his chest as she cried, because she had been so afraid of losing him. He let her cry until eventually she fell asleep against him. He'd almost forgotten how tired he was himself, closing his eyes he knocked out almost immediately.

"How the hell did he escape a max security prison?!" The chief officer was a gruff man with salt and pepper hair...at least the little that was left of his receding hairline.

The day Isaac Foster had been apprehended had felt like a huge weight off his shoulders. Though he had to admit it was very peculiar. Peculiar that the wanted criminal had been completely off the radar for so long; only to emerge from some building carrying the missing child Rachel Gardner. Onlookers stated that the killer had seemed remorseful over the young girls state. He had turned himself in without any fight. Reynolds believed that Isaac spoke the truth about the young girl. If he had been the one to shoot her why would he carry her outside. There was also no signs of any sexual trauma to indicate motives of a more sinister nature.

None of it made sense. Chief Reynolds though curious had decided he supposed it didn't really matter at this point. Isaac Foster was a cold blooded killer that needed to be put down.

"We don't know sir...the security cameras were blacked out for 2 hours, we presume it was during that time period in which he escaped. However there as no sign of any struggles...he had to have had help" the young female officer reported.

"So your telling me that someone just came in and walked out with Mr. Foster, a well known serial killer who is hard to miss and NO ONE noticed?" Unbelievable. Reynolds slammed a pudgy fist onto his desk.

"That's right...no one saw anything...not even the other prisoners. The only thing each person who was at the prison that day seems to have in common, is saying that there was a sweet aroma throughout the air. But no one saw Isaac or the person who may have assisted him." the young blonde nervously replied.

"That makes no damn sense. A sweet smell? That doesn't mean anything. Could've just been someone doused in cologne or perfume. We still have no leads I take it? Just that he took the girl?" Reynolds really hoped he was right in his conclusion of Foster NOT having sinister motives with the young teenager.

"No leads sir. The girl had barricaded herself in her room. It was as if...she knew it was him. By time we broke through, all that was there was a broken window, a knife and blood on the window seal. There was no sign of either of the 2 anywhere. All we were able to confirm is that the blood does belong to Isaac we presume he injured himself upon breaking in."

The older man sighed resting his forehead on his palm. " Continue your search and let me know soon as possible if any leads are available."

"Yes sir."

Zack was the first to wake despite the little sleep he had procured during the night. He wasn't used to sleeping with someone so close...let alone sleeping right up against him. She was still asleep, the sunlight bouncing light off her blonde hair. Ray's head had slid from his chest to his thigh she was curled up with her head on his his lap her small body between his thighs. Sigh. Definitely wasn't his usual MO, but she had needed it last night, and though he wouldn't admit it aloud he had needed it too. He really had missed her during their long separation. He had felt so empty as if a piece of himself was missing. She looked so fragile, so easily breakable.

He must've roughly ruffled her hair out of habit, because Ray's blue eyes slowly fluttered open. "Hey."

"Zack?" sapphire orbs gazed up at him sleepily. A small smile crept up her lips. "You really are here…"

"Still can't get that through your head?" unable to help himself from flicking her head. "Ya gonna lay there all day?" Couldn't say he disliked the contact, but he felt much more at ease with her off him.

Rachel tried to fix her hair(yeah he messed it up pretty bad.). "What now?" She pulled on the socks and sneakers and pullover she had laid out the night before. It was odd hearing her say that. Usually she was the one with the plans. "I don't know much about this type of lifestyle…" she admitted sheepishly. Made sense, they were in Zack's element now. Now that there wasn't any stupid ass puzzles to figure out.

A low rumble erupted from his stomach. "Heh, well we can get some food for starters...then we need to cover as much ground as possible and get the hell away from here."

"Okay...and how do we do that. I'm sure we are all over the news. Your not exactly hard to spot...most people don't walk about covered in bandages."

"Ya think I don't know that smartass? We can check the dumpsters behind the restaurants. They always throw out shit thats still edible." Ray didn't look kneen on the idea of eating from a dumpster. "What? You gotta better Idea?"

"That just sounds unsanitary. We could get all kinds of food borne illnesses."

"Hah? I used to live off it I never got sick."

"Yeah but your not normal. Most people would get sick." Her bluntness was starting to irritate him, thought she was probably right. He wasn't like most people.

"Okay then . Come up with something better!" he snapped.

They walked around looking for an opportunity, sticking mostly to the alleyways. Most people wouldn't risk venturing down them now that his name was all over the headlines and had been announced escaped and highly dangerous.

Despite her inexperience to street life, Ray proved to be most resourceful. Not that he was surprised he'd seen her beat the odds with that brain of hers more than once.

She tucked her long hair away in her hood which she used to partially hide her face to make herself less recognizable. " Wait here, I have an idea."

Zack watched amused at her little act. He could never get away with begging. Nor would his pride allow him to do it.

After a mere 30 minutes of the young 14 year old begging on the streets (she kept her head down so no one would see her face while he hid in the shadows making sure no one shady came up) she had gotten $54 and a couple bags of snacks. Seemed like people(mostly men) were suckers for little teenage girls begging on the street.

Zack felt a little proud watching her walk purposefully in his direction. "Hey ya did pretty good there!" she dodged his hand knowing he would mess up her hair. Again.

"Well...it's definitely better than digging through a trash can." He was pretty sure there was a hint of amusement under that boring ass stare.

"Shut up! I ain't the begging type." He grimaced at the thought of sitting there begging for help. The idea alone was enough to make him wanna hurl his guts up.

"I suppose your right Zack." Ray handed him one of the 2 packaged cinnamon rolls she had acquired, which he took happily. They walked as they ate.

Keeping her hood pulled down, Ray was able to buy some supplies such as food, water and bandages and other basic supplies at a gas station along the outskirts of the city. She also purchased a pair of cheap sunglasses to help disguise herself further. Zack would have to stick to the alleyways gathering supplies from either the trash or homeless people who wouldn't be missed. Breaking their necks instead of his usual slashing(Ray's suggestion), thinking maybe the cops wouldn't make the connection to the old back alley murder who normally tore his victims to pieces.

Once they had managed to travel past the main city they headed for the woods, making sure to keep the main road somewhat in site. They had to remain hidden, especially since Zack didn't seem keen on the idea of losing the scythe. The weapon on its own was enough to draw attention.

Ray had begun to slow down drastically, tired from having to keep up with Zack's longer strides. Not to mention she didn't have the same stamina he had. Though he had at least been kind enough to carry the book bag so she wouldn't be slowed down any further.

"Zack…" Her legs were about done, shaky and weak from moving practically nonstop.

Ray's companion turned to look back at her.

"Need to take a break?"

Her blonde head nodded. Zack peered up at the cloudy sky. The darkening clouds in the distance told them that a storm was on the way. They would need to find some shelter.

"It's gonna storm, Ray. Can you make it just a bit further I think I see an old abandoned house further up."

"I'll try." Her eyes were drooping, her pace slow.

The bandaged man sighed, seeing how exhausted she was. Without a heads up he slung his weapon over his shoulder scooped her up in one arm, and carried her the rest of the way. Ray, too tired to protest closed her eyes.

Zack had managed to make it inside the old wooden home just before the storm hit. It was a rough one and the house had a few leaks, but it would be enough to shelter them for the night until the storm passed. It was a studio cabin with a small kitchen a dusty full size bed and a fireplace with 2 old wooden chairs sitting in the front.

Ray was deposited on the bed, somehow the little brat had fallen asleep dangling under his arm. He leaned his scythe against the wall, then rummaged through the backpack for some water and snacks.

Ray awoke restrained to a chair unable to move...even her head had been strapped down. Forced to stare forward at the screaming man in front of her. Zack was back in an electric chair again… when shock after shock didn't kill him...Ray screamed shouts of protest "NO! NO! NO!" forced to watch as the executioner came forth with a large blood stained axe. As the monster raised his axe to deliver the final blow, a tear could be seen in Zack's eye. "Ray...I'm sorry…" SWISH!

Zack had sat on one of the chairs near the fireplace twirling the hunting knife he had gotten from a thug dumb enough to try to get in his way back in the city. He felt restless and on edge. Had that chill he would get whenever it had been awhile since he had killed someone. He growled knowing he would have to live with it for a while. He couldn't risk drawing attention or giving the cops a hint as to their location. Snapping necks just wasn't the same as the feeling of his blade sinking into flesh ripping and tearing it as his victims face filled with despair.

"Zack…" he turned his head to look at his blonde companion who had just whispered his name, she sounded distressed. Her eyes were still closed. She callin my name in her sleep? Freakin weird. "ZACK!" her small body was twitching as if she was restrained and trying to break free.

"What the?" Isaac shoved the knife into his boot and sat next to her on the bed. She had beads of sweat dripping from her forehead, a bandaged hand reach out in an attempt to rousse Ray from her nightmare. "Ray? Raaay!? Wake up idiot! OW SHIT!"

Zack's hand shot up to his throbbing nose which the young blonde had accidentally head butted as she woke with a start from her nightmare.

No blood fortunately, he quickly shifted his attention back to Ray who was breathing heavily tears streaming down her face.

"Nightmare?" She looked up at him for a moment then slung her small arms around his neck and sobbed into his chest. "What the hell...again with this crap?"

Zack reflexively stroked her hair.

"I'm sorry...I...I just needed to feel sure everything is real…

Zack's eyes softened "Whatcha mean? I'm right here Ray."

"I know...I just had a dream...and well..I'm really sorry...you've gotten hurt so much because of me." Those blue orbs began to water again.

"Geez Ray...what the hell are you talkin' about?" He continued playing with her hair twirling a feel strands around his fingers. He wondered if it was as soft as it looked. He couldn't tell through his bandages.

"Back at the building...when you sliced yourself open...when you got arrested...and when you came to save me...you got arrested in the first place because of me…" She felt a gentle pat on the back of her blonde head; hiding her face in his jacket.

"Shut up you idiot...none of that was your fault...I CHOSE to do those things." He grabbed her shoulders and forced her back to see her face. Surprisingly her eyes seemed more alive...sad but vibrant. "Ya hear me Ray? It was MY choice. I chose to slice myself open instead of you. I chose to get arrested so you could be saved. And I chose to rescue you. Everything was my choice. Not yours and it's not your fault. Ya gotta quit blaming yourself for shit. Just forget it and move on."

"I...I'll try Zack." she leaned back into his chest still sobbing a little. She felt safe there, "I guess I just don't really know how."

"Just keep reminding yourself that it doesn't matter. It done and over. Focus on right now and right now...everything is fine. Right?" She could feel his mismatched eyes looking down at her.

"Y-yeah. Everything is… good. But Zack?" she lifted her head so she could match his gaze. "Would you mind staying here with me...there's no blanket...and it's kind of cold..and you help me feel better."

He wanted to protest but the words wouldn't form from his lips. She was right it was cold and this would be the best way to avoid getting sick from the cold. She probably wasn't used to being out in the cold like he was.

Zack used one arm as a pillow, he laid down facing away from her. Not commenting as her back settled into his. Surprisingly feeling her there helped him to feel more relaxed and he was finally able to fall asleep. Maybe he needed the reassurance that it was real as well.

The following morning they trecked near the highway coming up on a gas station, they took refuge in the cargo area of a semi transporting food to a retailer; as the truck driver had gone into pay for the gas filling his vehicle. It Ray's idea of course. It wasn't comfortable and the ride was bumpy but no one would think to check the back for 2 wanted persons. They could just disembark at the next pit stop, covering a lot more ground than if they were to just walk.

Yeah having her around was definitely going to make this easier. He was glad to have her. He didn't know what it was to live a truly normal life...then again neither did she. Though not near to the extent of himself they both had darkness in their pasts. No matter what happened, their vow would remain intact, but Zack didn't intend to fulfill it for a long while. Right now he felt what someone might consider...happy.

His spirit was lifted the instant he broke that window and her ocean blue eyes stared into his and he knew when the time came to end her life it would take him a long time to move on, if he ever would. So until then he intended to hang onto however much time he had with her. He hadn't lied that he desired to be the one to end her life. He just had left out that he also desired to be the one to light a fire into the life she had decided wasn't worth living. He couldn't understand why she still wanted to die. She said she wanted to be desired in life and in death. In desiring both he was granted her own desires wasn't he?

That night back then on her floor when they renewed their oath he saw the change in her. She had more life, even if she still claimed to want to die...there was definitely life in her eyes, and then again when he came for her, how fast they shifted from her old dull eyes to a brightness that shown brighter than the moon reflected in them. He wasn't ready to see that light extinguished.

He felt something soft on his shoulder though he could barely see in the dark of the cargo hold. Ray must've passed out. With a deep sigh he closed his own eyes a smile across his lips. He looked forward to seeing more of that light that he knew was for him and him alone.