#cod alejandro vargas

Alejandro Vargas

Dampness sticks to your skin. Moisture blooms on the aged concrete walls. Distantly, you hear water dripping, slow and steady like a leaky faucet.

“It’s not much,” comes Alejandro’s voice as he enters the small room. “But you’re safe here.”

Here is a hole in the ground, just a rotten board covering a metal door in the earth, and a ladder leading to semi-darkness. The safe house Alejandro brought you to is completely remote, a sanctuary from the fallout following the assassination of the leader of the region’s cartel. A murder you helped execute with your red-painted lips.

Small and cramped, the lone room in the underground safehouse is sparse. There’s a worn mattress on a metal frame with a few blankets piled in the middle. In the corner is a faded wood bookcase minus a shelf and smelling of rot.

It’s only a few days.

Alejandro coughs, your gaze shifting from the bookcase to him.

“They don’t know it’s me?” you ask, voice cracking.

Alejandro’s mouth twitches. “Have a shower.” He jerks his head to the right. “Through that door.”

Frowning, you step forward. Alejandro shifts back as you peer out in the short hall. There’s a ladder, and two doors, one of which stands open. From it, you can just make out the edge of a cracked sink.

“Down here?”

Alejandro inclines his head. “Runs on a hand pump. Water won’t be warm. But it’ll do the job.” He reaches out, almost absently, lightly cradling your check. Gaze roaming, your savior frowns. “You’ll want the blood off you.”

Clarity comes, your arm rising, hand pressing to the front of your dress. It crackles and crunches, thick and hardened with blood. Not yours, but of the man that kept you, showed you off when his wife and kids weren’t around. Men with power love to parade their pretty things. Now, he’s composed of rotting flesh and splattered brain matter.

Alejandro’s hand drops to your elbow, “I’ll find you some clean clothes.”

Robotically nodding, you shuffle toward the bathroom. There’s a toilet, the cracked sink with a matching cracked mirror, and shower that’s just a off-pale green curtain, a showerhead, and a drain in the floor.

You don’t shut the door, stripping in full view, turning the crank in the wall. Behind the wall, a pipe rattles, and then clear cold water bursts from the showerhead. It pebbles your nipples, brings a shiver to your skin, but it’s washing away the blood, softening it until is runs down your body and circles the drain.

“I’ve brought—”

Alejandro’s voice falters. You glance over your shoulder, finding him standing in the doorway, gaze averted from your naked body. Too focused on removing the blood, you never shut the curtain.

He clears his throat. “Found a towel. Clean clothes.” Failing, Alejandro’s gaze shifts to your body, works his way up until he meets your eyes. Your savior glances away again. “Have a few storage boxes,” he explains, as if you wanted to know where he found them. “Smell a bit musty.”

“Thank you,” you murmur, reaching for the offered towel as the water sputters out.

Alejandro walks in, bringing the towel closer. He stands there, stoic and observing, watching as you dry yourself and dress. The clothes don’t fit, too large, but it’ll do. It’s better than the blood.

“I’ll take the floor,” says Alejandro, backing away.

“No,” you say quickly, darting forward without thought, grasping Alejandro’s wrist.

He’s surprised as you, lips parting slightly as he takes you in. This isn’t a man you’ve just met. For months, Alejandro sought you out, stalking your every step, emerging from the shadows when prying eyes were absent. Always flirting, always insisting, negotiating to the point of exasperation. Fear came first, for your life and his, but you were never caught, not even gossiped about.

His favored would never. Not the gorgeous thing that sat in his lap. That spent more time with him than his wife and kids. That never had a choice to begin with because you don’t say no when a drug kingpin offers to pay for your abuela’s cancer treatment in exchange for being his mistress. The monster that paraded you in front of his men, fucked you in front of them, enjoyed coming inside you without birth control but never liked when you ended up pregnant. Those always had to go away. Can’t have bastard children running around.

Alejandro whispers your name the same way he did when he dragged you from the slaughterhouse. Bullets flew. Blood sprayed. You, curled up on the ground, crying. And then Alejandro, wrapping his arms around you, lifting you up and away.

“I don’t bite,” you smile.

Alejandro chuckles, the corner of his mouth quirking. “That’s a shame.”

Your stomach flips, squeezes. This is the Alejandro who pursued you, gained your trust, and helped you escape. The one who flirted with you, the man you eagerly awaited until his next appearance. Alone with him, hidden in this bunker, you’ve never felt safer.

“Alejandro,” you murmur, breathy and soft.

You place your hands on his chest, the rough fabric of his uniform scratching against your skin. Pressing in, you keep your gaze low and demure, focusing on a small strap near your right hand, toying with it but not loosening.

“We shouldn’t,” he rasps, needy.

His tone goes straight to your pussy. After meeting Alejandro, you thought of him during sex, picturing him over you, his hands on your body. It’s the only way you could show desire or orgasm, pretend that you were even remotely interested in the man paying for your abuela’s cancer treatment.

“But you want to,” you say, tugging on the strap. “And I want to.”

Let you choose this for yourself. Have some control for once.

Temptation is easy. Alejandro needs no more convincing.

He grasps the back of your neck, banishing separation. One arm snakes around your back, and your hands slide up to lock behind him. Months of tension evaporate in a second, morphing into desperation. Fresh clothes forgotten, Alejandro yanks them off you, baring your body. He drops to his knees, kissing your stomach and hips, spreading your thighs with his hand, placing kisses there, too, only to part your pussy with his fingers and give your clit a little lick.

Eyes rolling back, you fist his hair, hips arching upward into his mouth. Alejandro’s hands grasp your ass. The world tilts and you’re on your back, the worn mattress beneath you, and Alejandro’s head buried between your thighs.

Toes curling, everything in you sharpens. A hard swirl of his tongue and you’re already falling apart, choking out a sob. Years of faking it and the real thing slams you into the floor, crushing you under its fist.

“Wanted to be here forever,” groans Alejandro, lightly biting your inner thigh. He turns his head, bites the other, licks a slow line up your pussy. “Worth the fucking wait.”

Alejandro pushes up and over you, pinning you to the bed. Your mouths connect, tasting yourself and the faintest hint of cigarette smoke. Still in uniform, Alejandro is ceaseless, starved for your kisses, claiming you like he’s always owned you.

You spread your legs wider, reaching between your bodies. A large bulge meets your palm. Alejandro’s hips flex, rubbing his erection against your hand. Hunger chews beneath your skin in urgent need, wanting out, wanting Alejandro in. In similar desire, Alejandro places his hand over yours briefly before yanking at his zipper and button.

“Keep the uniform on,” you gasp, helping in easing his pants open, to admire the way his cock slides out, bouncing slightly as it’s released.

A haggard groan leaves his lips, dripping like honey as you explore him. He’s heavy and thick in your hand, warm and throbbing. Your legs fall wider, heels hooking behind his thighs to guide him forward. Alejandro’s forehead dips to rest against your own, his gaze glued to your face, watching every little movement, every expression.

You guide him in, heels digging, urging him deeper.

“I was always there,” he rasps, rocking his hips slowly, his cock slowly dragging in and out of your pussy. “Never alone.” His thrusts slowly increase. “You were never alone.”

The next thrust is hard. You gasp, lips parting. Alejandro smiles, cheeky and soft, still gazing into your eyes as you come undone.

Rodolfo "Rudy" Parra

Rudy’s heart is a bent branch close to snapping.

On the other side of the bed, the only bed, you unclip straps, removing gun holster and knives until you’re down to just your clothes. Rudy does the same but his fingers are sweaty, his gaze busy watching your slow removal, as if he’s not in the room at all.

He clears his throat, and you turn. “I can sleep in the chair,” he says flatly because it’s the only restraint he has.

You glance at the off-red armchair in the corner. “The cuck chair?”

“There’s only one bed.”

You arch an eyebrow. “That a problem?”

“Don’t start,” he breathes, removing his gun, checking the safety. If he unloads and loads and unloads it’ll keep him busy and not looking at you.

“Rudy.”

“Sergeant Major,” he corrects.

There needs to be distance. Alejandro did this on purpose, shoved the two of you together because he keeps asking why the two of you aren’t a thing anymore.

“Sergeant Major,” you repeat, softly, enunciating. Rudy surrenders, looking your way, only to find you topless, breasts on display. “My apologies.”

He glances away quickly, the back of his neck flaming. “How’s Rose?”

“Rose?” you snort. In his peripheral, you bend, removing your pants. You’re not wearing underwear. “On first name basis now?”

Rudy inhales sharply, exhaling slowly. “Your mother. How is she?”

“She asks about you. Wants to know why I’m not bringing that handsome man around anymore. She thinks I did something to run you off.” Rudy remains silent. “Did I?”

“No,” he finally says, removing his jacket and then his shirt.

You’re completely naked now and on display, not caring to cover yourself up. Rudy can’t help it, his dick is hard and throbbing, his mind racing toward old memories of you begging for him to fuck you.

“You shower first,” he grunts, undoing his belt buckle.

“There’s room for two.”

Rudy curses and turns on you, ready to swat the idea aside. Words escape him, leaving him stranded and staring, lips parting as he takes in the full view of you, and how you saunter closer.

Reaching for his buckle, you slide the belt from of the loops, dropping it the floor. “Or we can go to bed. Shower in the morning.”

Absently, he drags his fingers over your shoulder and down your arm, trailing back up to rest his hand between your breasts. Your heartbeat upticks, chest heaving slightly with anticipation. The feeling grows. Become bright and hot and red.

Grasping the backs of your thighs, Rudy lifts and dumps you onto the bed, following after. Pinning one leg to the bed with his hand, he lifts the other, locking it against him, your foot in the air. Rudy doesn’t need to touch to know how wet you are.

“How long were you thinking about me?” he growls, control slipping.

You fist the sheets, tilting your hips to give him better access. “The whole time,” you admit.

Rudy shouldn’t, but he does.

You welcome him without resistance. There’s no softness in him, only carnal need. He thrusts, your body bouncing but unable to go anywhere. His hold is powerful, vice-like. Rudy needs to fuck you, hard.

Head falling back, you moan, the end strangled as your pussy squeezes him. Rudy releases your thigh to palm one breast, teasing the nipple between his fingers.

“Tell your mamá she’ll see that handsome man again.”

Your lips form the start of words. Rudy silences them, crushes it into dust in the air. He brings your legs together, turning you onto your side. Bracing himself with his hands flat on the bed, his thrusts quicken. Your hand comes around his throat. Squeezes.

However, you, in another world—a world that’s very different from his. You were living a normal life, humming to yourself while you took a step into your work office. Greeting your co-workers with a smile, brewing your coffee signing for a new day. A co-worker approached you, one of your close friends and said, “How’s your relationship with that Soldier Guy, huh?” she teased. You just shrugged, “What? We’re just friends. Nothing more, nothing less.” you replied. Preparing your coffee, a notification popped up on your phone. It’s him, Alejandro, asking you if you’re free after work hours. You smiled at the question, and replied with a ”yes” instantly.

But the smile didn’t linger for too long, a thought has been bothering you. “What’s your relationship with him? Are we really friends?” is all that you can think about. Alejandro has been a good guy, well, a man with respect and discipline. There’s not even a single flaw for how he treated you; but the two years of being more than friends and less than lovers made you felt bitter to think about. Celebrating each other’s birthday together, each achievements, him picking you up from work whenever he’s free, you praying for him to come home safely after each mission, sharing secrets, getting drunk at his house—and falling asleep together, side by side.

As hours passed by, Alejandro was getting ready to pick you up. He carefully checked his appearance a million times, making sure that he wore his perfume that you’ve always loved. Everything has been slowly coming into his mind, how he realized that two years has been long enough to set a clear boundaries—or seek for something else with you. All of his emotions, it’s pouring out straight from his heart, and Rudy’s statement from earlier was right. If you were in love with him, maybe, the two years is enough to determine what you both have. He couldn’t blame you either, he’s been a coward to tell you what he felt.

Meanwhile, you bid goodbyes to your coworkers with a smile as you waited at the exit—waiting for Alejandro. Your co-worker and a close friend, Lisa, who happens to stood beside you while waiting for a ride said “Waiting for him, ya?” and you just nod at her. “Seems like something’s bothering you, no? Let me guess, him?” she stated, voice sounding so sure about it. “I know you’ll be able to figure it out, Y/N. Time’s ticking, for you and for him, you might lose something that has always been around you. In front of you, even. You’ll be able to know that, just follow what your heart says, ya?” she said as she tapped you on the shoulder. Lisa waved her hand as you watched her get into her ride and disappear slowly from your sight.

A familiar car stopped in front of you and you knew who it is. Alejandro got out from his car and opened the passenger door for you, he’s always been like this. You smiled at him, taking a seat inside, as Alejandro get onto his car—he looked into your eyes and smiled before driving away from your workplace. The ride has been quiet, it’s like there’s a tension build-up between the both of you, or you’re the only one who’s feeling that way? Alejandro broke the silence first and said, “I know a spot. It’s my favourite place ever since I was a child.” he stated and you just smiled at him. Arriving at the destination, it’s some kind of garden with little benches. You knew he loved places like this but he never mentioned you this spot before, amusement covers your eyes as you saw the greens and the assorted flowers.

Alejandro takes your hand in his, almost contemplating, but you didn’t mind it—too occupied at your thoughts and your surroundings. He took you at one of the benches and guiding you to seat. He sat down and looked away, hands still intertwined, you decided to break the silence and said, “This place is too beautiful. I never knew that some kind of place like this existed.” Alejandro remained silent and looked at you warmly. “I want to tell you something,” he stated, his voice sounds hesitant and empty. You squeezed his hand a little and nod, afraid to let your emotions backfire at you.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you this, but I’ve always been afraid to say it. Two years has been a long run and you put my heart into its happiest place, I want you, mi vida. I loved you all this time, and I want us to get far from this—but I know that you’d have a different feelings from me. I just want to tell you this, because I do believe that two years is enough to determine what are we.” his voice thickens, his accent lingering, but voice sounded too bitter to hear. “Dos años son suficientes, siempre te he amado, cariño. (Two years is enough, I always loved you, dear.)” he squeezed your hand at his last sentence, you couldn’t understand what he said, all you knew that he’s speaking Spanish.

You don’t know where to find your words, too unsure of everything and too untrusted. You blurted out “We’re friends,” absentmindedly, battling with your own head that why you said that—you should’ve said that you feel the same too. “Friends doesn’t kiss and sleep together, Y/N.” he stated roughly but with warmth in his eyes. You felt attacked, heart panicking and mind flying somewhere else. It’s like your blood has been draining you out and you felt the heat of something’s burning inside yourself. You took your hand away from his, you don’t know why you were acting this way. But all you just knew that you’re overwhelmed but you don’t want him to go.

“Of all the ones that begged to stay, I’m still longing for you. Of all the ones that cried their way, I’m still waiting on you.”

“Tell me, mi amor, have you ever thought of everything? I couldn’t blame you, no, but I wanted to ask why... Does everything that happened doesn’t matter to you, mi vida?” he asked you. You feel your emotions all at once, it felt like they’re running to get you, “I loved you, Alejandro!! I feel the same way for y-you..” your voice broke, tears are in the verge of falling out. You intertwined your hand in his, fingers locked, “I don’t want you to go, Ale, I want you everyday and for everything.” voice still shaky and hands holding him tight.

“Maybe we seek for something that we couldn’t ever have, maybe we choose the only love we know we won’t accept.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t know why I said that. You’re right, friends doesn’t kiss and share the bed. I loved you more than everything! You don’t seem like a friend to me, Ale. I see you more than that. Literally, two years is such a long journey to determine what our relationship is. I love you all the time, but I just couldn’t say it right in front of you. Your love has always been in front of me, but I couldn’t accept it at that time.” you said, tears rolling down your eyes. You felt Alejandro’s arms wrapped around you, he shush you and kissed your forehead. “It’s not your fault, mi amor. Ninguno de nosotros está equivocado. (None of us are wrong.)” he whispered into your ears, lips brushing past against it.

“Or maybe we’re taking all the risks for something that is real, ’cause maybe the greatest love of all is who the eyes can’t see.”

Alejandro kept you closer in his chest, whispering sweet nothings in Spanish that you couldn’t even decipher. His tears almost rolled into his eyes, out of sadness that he felt earlier, or out of happiness that he’s feeling right now. One thing he’s sure of, he is much lucky to have you stand in the same way as him. To see his heart the same way you see yours. All he just knew, he told you what his heart has been longing to pour uncontrollably. The thoughts that always kept him in night, the thought that always popped into his mind whenever he looked straight into your eyes when you stayed up into his house.

He held you tight in his arms, feeling your heart to beat the same way in his. His mind has been blank but not empty, he got you now after all. You’re his now, and he’s yours. All the time, he’s always been yours. He doesn’t mind if you’ll take his heart and eat it out, as long as it’s you—it won’t matter to him. He doesn’t matter if he’d be stupid in love with you, he’ll always choose you in every lifetime.

He’d be proud to show you off, to Rudy, to the Vaqueros, and to the whole world. But still intelligent enough to lock you out—not to forbid your freedom but to keep you away from his enemies, to his dangerous world. After all, he cherish you like a precious gem that no one would be deserving to hold; not even him. He’d be okay as long as you stood by him. Mind too, for sure, body and soul, he’s always yours.

– taglist: @livelyinborderland, @ladysouthpaw1213

– credits for the gifs that I used: @tomc4t, @sweetmelodygraphics

But it seemed like Great Dane had the same plan, even though he got to spend time with you all the time. 

You had a knack of nuzzling Hernando’s fur, especially his stomach area, on days where you found him extremely irresistible (which was always, to be honest). The pooch barely minded the lipstick stains you would sometimes leave on his silky fur, only caring about your attention more than anything.

But sometimes, Alejandro thinks he was also acting cute for you just to spite him.

He revealed himself from behind the wall, smoothing out the front of his shirt as if he had just come down from upstairs. Hernando laid on his back, enjoying your unlimited belly rubs and head smooches.

Though he and Hernando pretty much were fighting for even an ounce of you, he'd be lying if he said seeing you, sweet little you, taming a giant beast with little to no problem.

Be it a Great Dane, who turns into a baby when you're around or a muscular colonel, who worships his beloved like his life depends on it.

“Oh, Ale,” You smiled, small and shy, slightly embarrassed at the thought of him overhearing you baby-talking yet again, “Ready to head out?” 

“Si,” He grinned, reaching for your hand for a sweet kiss before whispering against your temple, “You look beautiful as always, mi amor.” 

It should've been too early to feel the burn in your face. Hell, you should've expected it, especially when he has never missed a day to compliment you.

“Thank you,” You looked down for a moment, biting down the giddy smile before meeting his eyes, “You look very handsome.” 

“For you, amor, it would be a crime not to look my best.” He replied with zero hesitation, even puffing up his chest at your praise. He tried not to let his gaze linger, but oh, how impossible it was not to appreciate how your curves looked in your dress.

“Come,” He offered to hold the leash, partially to monopolize your attention as you walked, but just as you tried passing it to him, Hernando huffed. He sat on the floor as soon as it was in Alejandro's hand, seemingly persistent about not wanting to move when he was barking at the door just moments ago. He grumbled under his breath, knowing what the canine was trying to do, “Ay, dios mio.” 

He should've seen it coming.

The deadpan on his face softened as he heard you giggle, hiding your amusement behind your hand.

“It's okay, he's probably just grumpy that we're late.” You were supposed to take him to the park nearly half an hour ago if it weren't for Alejandro's sudden need to trap you against the wall for kisses when he saw you exited the bathroom in just a towel.

And just as he suspected, Hernando jumped to his paws the moment Alejandro returned the leash in your hands.

Typical.

Still, Alejandro was able to wrap his arm around you without his pal protesting, and he took advantage of it like no other.

If one thought getting mauled by a giant dog for making a lady uncomfortable was already scary, they'd have to think again.

Now, they'd have to worry about the same dog and his tall, dark and handsome… and intimidating owner.

But each time Alejandro managed to steal your attention for a few seconds longer, Hernando tugged at the leash. Not to the point of hurting you from the suddenness or worse, causing you to fall, but enough for the man to realize the little game he was playing at.

But for just a moment, Hernando seemed distracted by the birds near the pond.

You noticed, and Alejandro most certainly did, and to his gratefulness, you unhooked the leash from his collar. Patting his head, you said, “Go on, buddy.” 

Given the green light, he immediately zoomed towards the flock, his enormous size would scare the living shit out of a grown man, let alone some pigeons. 

You were about to ask Alejandro what the two of you should do while Hernando was going crazy on his own, he took you by surprise when he wrapped his arms around you before dipping you just a little. A stark resemblance to a cheesy scene in a romantic drama. 

The first thing you thought of doing as he embraced you was to cover your face with your hands. You were growing hot at the thought of the people, who were just trying to enjoy nature, seeing the passion your boyfriend was exhibiting in public. 

The softness in the way he spoke your name, despite his deep, gruff voice prompted you to pull your hands, away, albeit slowly. His eyes held adoration, and just a hint of jealousy, you realized. Whether or not he was concealing the rest of his enviousness was unknown, but his stare was… intense, to say the least.

With one arm around you and the other holding your hand, he leaned in and almost immediately, you closed your eyes, anticipating his lips on yours despite the possibility of being watched.

But the kiss never came. Not fully. You could feel his lips but it was nothing more than a feathery touch.

“Kiss me,” He whispered, “Kiss me, and I shall show you how much I yearn for you always.” 

Letting out a shaky sigh, you shyly closed the distance, only to gasp when he returned the kiss feverishly. Like a man starved, he held you against him like a lifeline as he shamelessly groaned in the kiss. 

But just as the passion clouded your mind, just as Alejandro was hoping to feel his lips against yours, you heard a bark.

And to your horror, Hernando was running towards the two of you at maximum speed.

Alejandro didn't waste any time, holding you to his chest while his back faced the Great Dane. Hernando body side-slammed into him, eliciting a grunt from Alejandro, followed by your squeal as your bodies tipped. 

Alejandro was quick to turn amid the fall, being the first to hit the grass while he became your cushion. 

You face planted into his chest, but it beats facing the same fate on the ground instead.

“Amor? Amor, are you okay?” He may have bore the brunt of it, but that didn't mean his worries were dispelled just yet. 

You could've gotten seriously hurt! 

Hernando had left the crime scene at this point, opting to play with the other dogs in the area, but Alejandro liked to think his buddy knew he was in trouble.

“I'm okay…” You raised your head with a tiny ‘ow’, only to begin fretting about falling on him. Thankfully, he laughed, a hearty one, the kind that you couldn't resist smiling at.

“I'm fine, don't worry,” Alejandro turned his head to the right, prompting you to follow his line of gaze. Hernando was having fun with a Pug and even an orange cat. One wouldn't have guessed he was the culprit of you and Alejandro's current state, “I guess he really is mad about us being late.” 

You traced your fingers along his chest, “That's your fault.” 

“Oh? I don't think you were very innocent either.” He teased back, not bothering to move his hands that were resting on your back, “But can you blame me? I can't let ‘Nando take up all of your attention, now that I'm back.”

“He's just feeling playful, now that you're back.” 

“More like a pain in the ass,” He mumbled, only to let out a painless ‘oof’ when you smacked his chest with an ‘Ale!’. He grinned, showing off his pearly whites as a way to say he was not sorry before gripping you tighter for a bear hug, “Come here!” 

He paid your squeaks and whines no mind, just content to be the one kissing you and making you laugh at that moment.

And though he'd have a little word with Hernando about nearly getting you hurt, he'd also like to say one thing.

“Thanks, hermano.”

The plan went south. No one spotted the bomb before it detonated, sending everyone flying in different directions. Task Force 141 members are now separated. Alejandro wakes up, blinded by the sun. He sits up and looks around him. Along with seeing he’s in the middle of the woods, he spots Jamie nearby. He crawls toward Jamie with a worried expression as he sees she’s unconscious. Alejandro is careful as he searches Jamie’s body for injuries. He sighs, relieved that the only injuries she has are some cuts, but he worries about her unconscious state. “Jamie? Come on, wake up.” Alejandro taps her cheek, hoping to wake her. He continues attempting to wake Jamie for a few minutes. “Damn it.” Alejandro is careful to lift Jamie into his arms, knowing he needs to either find shelter or the team. He walks forward, hoping the path will lead him somewhere.

As Alejandro walks, he worries about Jamie being unconscious. He knows he’s screwed if she has a TBI. After a few minutes of walking, he stops and puts Jamie against a tree. He taps her cheek, hoping she’ll wake up. He’s relieved when Jamie awakens. “Look who’s awake.” He knew disorientation would happen, but Alejandro also observed the signs of a concussion. “Do we have a plan?” Jamie asks after being told what happened. “Our only choice is to keep walking and hope we find the others, or help,” Alejandro says. Jamie attempts to stand up. “Hell no. I’ll carry you.” He crouches down in front of her. “Climb on my back.” Jamie sighs, annoyed, but does as he says. Alejandro has a tight hold on Jamie’s legs as he walks.

An hour passes. Alejandro continues to walk down a path in the woods. He’s getting annoyed because of the lack of finding the others, or the end of the woods. “Unbelievable,” he mutters. “Then put me down.” Alejandro realizes Jamie heard him. He sets Jamie down by a tree and sits next to her. “This has nothing to do with you,” he assures her. “I’m just frustrated. I don’t know if we’re getting closer to help or finding any of the others. You’re injured, and while a concussion requires rest rather than medical intervention, I worry you need medical intervention. This is a disaster.” “In the end, it’s worthwhile,” Jamie says. “How? I think your concussion is messing with your thinking.” Jamie says nothing. Alejandro hopes this is a temporary symptom of the concussion. He can see that the sunlight is bothering her. He found his sunglasses in his tactical vest. He puts them on for her. “You can sleep while I carry you. I think it’ll help.” Jamie gets on Alejandro’s back, and he continues to walk.

Alejandro walks for three hours before he comes across an old cabin. As sunset approaches, he decides he and Jamie must stay in the cabin for the night. Alejandro is concerned that the door is unlocked, but he enters the cabin.

Once inside, he grabs his flashlight. He looks around and notices a single bed. Alejandro walks closer to the bed. It’s a full-sized bed for both him and Jamie. He sets Jamie on the bed. She looks tired. “We’ll stay here tonight,” Alejandro tells her. “There’s only one bed —” “I’ll sleep on the floor.” “Of course you’d say that. The bed has ample space for us, no need to sleep on the floor.” He assists Jamie in removing her gear, then removes his. He places his gun within arm’s reach of the bed. Alejandro sits beside Jamie as they eat one of their MREs. The cabin is silent as they eat. Alejandro worries about the others and continues to worry about whether Jamie needs medical intervention. Jamie feels tired and now has a headache. Alejandro notices Jamie in pain and finds his small first aid kit, hoping he has something for pain relief. Jamie takes the pain relief and lies on the bed. Alejandro covers her with the blankets. He watches her fall asleep, hoping he’s not making a mistake letting her sleep. If it were more serious, she’d be showing other symptoms. She’s ok. Alejandro tries to assure himself. After Jamie is asleep, he shifts her closer to the wall. He lies under the covers, hoping to sleep. He still worries about Jamie’s injury and about the others. Alejandro hopes that tomorrow he and Jamie can locate the others and a way to leave the woods.

Alejandro knew Jamie would still struggle with a concussion when she woke up. He continues to worry that Jamie needs medical attention rather than time to recover. He looks around the cabin, hoping to find a working radio to contact the others. Alejandro sighs, as he doesn’t find the type of radio he needs. “Of course, this isn’t a safe house. Just someone’s abandoned vacation home.”