15TH OF JULY. OUTSIDE THE WALLS. @maraxsinclair
In the days that follow the outbreak, novelties like peace evade the confines of Idaho Falls. Between murderers, dictators, and the infected, there always seems to be a new threat staring Teddy and his family in the face. The horror of the outbreak serves as a wakeup call, a reminder that any incendiary actions or sparks of rebellion that may form are useless if they all become infected. In the aftermath, they would all do well to remember that.
Sent out to patrol the perimeter of the QZ ( his shift still on the schedule despite the sudden, unaccounted absence of his assigned partner ), Teddy sees this as an unprecedented opportunity. He invites Mara to join him on his route outside the walls, and lets their quiet walk together through the trees remind him of Boston, of simpler times. As they pass a thicket of larkspur, the path ahead of them lies still, no danger in sight or earshot. For some time, Teddy’s able to pretend it’s just the two of them in this whole wide world, and so he lets go of Mara’s hand to kneel down and pluck a few of the purple flowers.
“For my Mara,” he says sweetly, presenting her with a bouquet of the wildflowers before them. Things as frivolous as gifts and celebration are rare in a world as cruel as theirs, but Teddy still loves the way this small act lights up Mara’s face. “Maybe we can trade some venison jerky for a bottle of potato vodka to go with that.” It’s not quite as romantic as a bottle of merlot, but it would have to do, considering the circumstances. Teddy supposes that soon enough, they’ll be trading venison jerky for everything, relying on their contraband as a means of survival. His hand lingers on Mara’s waist, holding her close to him. “When’s the last time you and I had a proper date, anyway?” What is a proper date these days, when times like these are so precious?
The world is falling apart around them but that’s nothing new. Not anymore. Mara and Teddy have been through so much together and apart, that even in the midst of the chaos, they can find moments of peace together. Together. After so long holding that candle of hope in her heart, they’re together again. Their family reunited against all odds and Mara holds space for that despite the outbreak, despite the confessions and the curfews and Alexei’s hold tightening.
When Teddy invites her on his patrol, she doesn’t hesitate to say yes. She’d rather spend time with him than sit idly during daylight hours. Even when she’s got night shift, she finds it hard to sleep with all the activity around her from inside and out of the hotel. They walk in companionable silence for a bit, the chirp of a stray bird here and there, the soft rustle of grass underfoot, all reminding her of a time before they were separated. When he was her biggest concern and focus, before Felix made them a family.
She can’t help the soft smile that tugs at her lips at the flowers, accepting with a growing grin. “Oh yes. Though, I’m afraid I’m not as young as I used to be, Teddy. A few sips of that stuff and I’ll be knocked out,” she laughs before bringing the flowers to her nose. They smell fresh and untouched. Calming, almost. Just like him. He’s always made her feel steady. Even now. She leans in, pressing a kiss to his cheek, “All things considered, my love, this is a perfect date.” Better than a proper one, the memory of couples at restaurants or walking hand-in-hand down the sidewalks of Boston a distant memory now. A teasing smile forms as she cups his cheek with her hand. “Besides, I can’t remember the last time someone’s brought me flowers.” Her heart had only ever been his.