After the Bombs

Chapter 2

I yawned and stretched out on the sofa, feeling my muscles protest. I rolled onto my side and saw Ren sitting on my bed smiling at me. "You really shouldn't have given up your bed again for me, I'd be just as happy on the sofa."

I climbed to my feet and started fixing us breakfast, "It's fine, I don't want Grant knowing you're better, or you'll get thrown in the cell with your friends."

"Why do you care?" he asked curiously. I shrugged and answered honestly, "I don't know why. But I do believe that you only did what you did to help Aria." He nodded.

"Is that why you lied to him last night?"

I felt my body tense, "Oh. You were awake then."

"Yeah. I'm sorry. I swear I didn't watch you and your fella going at it, I kept my eyes shut." I had to force my shoulders to relax, but my stomach was twisted in what felt like a vice.

"Grant? He isn't my 'fella'. I know you didn't watch otherwise you'd know I wasn't into it."

"Then why did you?"

"Because I don't have a choice." I bit back defensively.

He looked at me blankly and stated, "But you didn't tell him not to."

My cheeks flooded with colour as I glared at him. "No. But you don't know my fucking life history. Did I judge you when I found out you killed two people!?" and with that I grabbed my trainers and bag, stalking to the door, slamming it shut behind me while Ren stammered something about not judging.

I was seething for a long while as my feet pounded the pavement, how dare he judge me, just as I was beginning to think he wasn't like all the others. Without even realising it I ended up at the infirmary, I usually only came here when summoned, but with Ren at mine I thought I might as well do something useful.

I pushed the door open and greeted Stiles the greying doctor, he waved me over, "Noah. I'm glad you're here, two guards got into a fight this morning one's practically dead and one has a bullet in his arm. Could you deal with the bullet please?" I nodded, pulling on gloves and walking into the room.

Several hours later I was saying goodbyes to Stiles after stitching up not only the man with the gunshot wound, but also giving some guards tetanus shots and dealing with a sick kid. I made to leave when a blow to the side of my face made me stagger before I was pulled to the ground with someone on top of me, screaming "You saved the scum that killed my brother?"

Several hands pulled the man off of me, but he continued to scream and strain at them. Stiles was holding ice to my face within seconds pulling me onto a chair. Luckily the man had been drunk, I'd likely only be left with a bruise, but still I could have done without it. I humoured Stiles letting him hold ice to my face for 15 minutes before I insisted on leaving. I'd had far worse; a drunken punch was nothing. So, with that in mind I headed towards the holding cell with the excuse of checking on Akeem's shoulder. Another excuse to keep me away from Ren's judgement.

Once I got to the cell, I was relieved to find Sam on shift, "Hey Sam, here to change the dressings. I can stay an hour if you have other stuff to do?" He was up and out the door within seconds, I pulled open my bag and passed through some food, "Eat it now or hide it. I'm sure they haven't fed you much." I whispered so that the group of men in the next cell couldn't hear.

A concrete wall separated three cells, one was filled with Ren's friends, the second, with people that had pissed off a guard in some way. The third sat empty, but I knew for certain that it'd be filled in the next few day, the guards would find a reason.

As I changed the dressing through the bars, Aria asked about the bruise blossoming below my eye, deciding it wasn't worth keeping it to myself, I relived the story. Akeem was shaking by the time I finished, "I wish I was there. I'd have knocked him on his arse."

This confused me, "Why?" I asked. My question clearly confused the three of them in return.

"Because he hurt you." stated Aria.

"But you don't know me so why you would care?"

It was Akeem who replied, "Noah, you saved Ren. You're helping me. Not to mention you're the only person here who's shown anything other than hostility towards us, I mean you brought us food today, knowing we'd barely eaten in two days. You should come with us. When we get out." I pressed a finger to my lip, jerking my head to the other cell.

I stood and mulled over what he said, they had been kind to me too, and grateful. Ren had upset me this morning, but he was still grateful that I saved him. "Listen." I said, "I will help you get out. But I can't come with you, they'll come after me. They need me. But tell me, what can I do to help?" Akeem answered, "We can't go anywhere without the jeep it had our supplies in to get us through the grey wastes, and stuff that my community needs."

"What does it look like?" I asked.

"It's black and green, with solar panels on the top, I'll be shocked if someone hasn't laid claim to it though."

"I'll see what I can find out, also full transparency you're in here for the Arena, it's a fighting tournament, that takes place every fortnight, it'll starts in 3 days. We need to get you out before then. These cells will be filled to the brim before then."

"What is this place?" Asked Elijah in shock.

...

An hour later I was pushing the door to my apartment open and was surprised to see the room had been cleaned and tidied. Ren was sat on the sofa and held his hands up in surrender; made difficult by the fact they were still chained together, "My way of apologising. I wasn't judging you. But I understand why it felt like I was. I've done things to stay alive too. We all have. I just hate that you have to do that." I was taken aback by his apology.

"It's err, okay. I'm sorry if I overreacted."

A smile spread across his face, making him even more handsome than he already was. I stared at his wrists and said without thinking "I can take off your cuffs if you want?"

"I'd like that. Does that mean you forgive me?"

"Yes," I laughed, "I saw your friends today, I've decided to help you all get out of here before you're sent to the Arena, but we only have three days max."

"Well, that would be great. Do we have a plan?"

We mapped out a plan relatively quickly. Ren convinced me that it'd be best to search for the jeep after midnight, so that he could come too. Knowing that I'd need his protection if there was any trouble, I reluctantly agreed.

"Tell me about the Arena," he said, "just in case I end up there."

"I really don't know much. I've never been, all I know is it's like a fighting pit, several people go in and one person comes out, almost everyone attends. So, let's hope it doesn't come to that. That's why me need to act fast, they'll start throwing people into the cells for all sorts of reasons now. They just want a better show."

We talked for a few hours, passing time, Ren told me more about their settlement, it was called 'New Hope'. Turns out Ren had been at New Hope for about 8 years and often went on supply runs with Akeem, that's when they'd met Aria and Elijah. Their jeep had run low on power, so they pulled over and were waiting for the sun to come up when they were attacked by Salvation. Being on the common road, they hadn't expected any trouble, Ravers avoided it knowing it was well protected. Salvation had broken the Law set up by neighbouring blocks not to attack others using the road, but I guess it was no longer being policed. Or more likely it was the Salvation's who was supposed to be policing that part of it.

We also talked some more about random things mostly, the kinds of medical procedures I'd performed, his life before New Hope. Like me was an only child and his parents were both dead. Somehow, while talking my toes had made their way beneath his hairy, warm thighs and his hand rested on my knee. I realised with a start, that I was comfortable around Ren, for the first time I could relax in someone else presence. I felt the same with his friends too. I felt a pang on sadness knowing I was helping them leave me. I wanted to go with them. I would, if it didn't put them at more risk of being followed and hunted.

"How old are you? You look about 25 but you don't have facial hair." Ren asked randomly.

I laughed, "I know. I get that a lot. Pretty handy as getting a shaving blade is pretty difficult. I'm 26 and I have almost no body hair either. Look," I pulled up my trouser leg revealing only very fine hairs, "My arm pits are the same."

He glanced at me through his eyelashes, while skimming his fingers over the fine hairs around my ankle, "What about your crotch?"

I laughed, "A little. Not that it's any concern of yours."

He smirked and changed the subject, asking me about the bruise on my face. As I answered he ran gentle fingers across it saying, "I'm sorry that happened to you. You don't deserve to be treated like that."

"Thank. Want to help me fix us some dinner?" I said strolling to the units. We spent the next couple of hours in easy conversation. I hadn't shared this space since my mother had passed away. Having him here now, made me realise how lonely I'd been. I noticed that he kept finding excuses to touch me and his hands always seemed to linger longer than was necessary.

That evening Ren tried getting me to take the bed, but I'd told him Grant was likely to pay a visit and I didn't want him knowing Ren was doing better.

...

There was a knocking at my door, much earlier than I would have expected. I urgently whispered to Ren reminding him, to pretend he was still unconscious, no matter what. He didn't look happy about it but replied through clenched teeth "Fine. But not if he hurts you." I accepted that response out of necessity as the next knock on the door became more forceful. And Ren rolled onto his side facing away from the door.

Grant staggered into the room, drunk. "Took you long enough," he slurred leaning on the sofa before dropping into it. He took in Ren's body in the bed, "He still dead? Good job you're better at sucking dick then you are at being a medic." He drawled. I cringed knowing Ren could hear this and I just hoped he would stay quiet.

...

15 minutes later, as Grant was leaving, he said, "Pretty boy is heading to the jail tomorrow, whether he's better or not."

I nodded, acting like it didn't bother me and closed the door behind him. Before going straight to the bathroom. I stared at my face in the mirror as shame spread across it and a tear ran down my cheek. I pushed it aside roughly, washed my face and brushed my teeth, then opened the bathroom door. Ren stood on the other side and when he looked at me, he held his arms out. I walked toward him and let him envelop me, as he held me tight to his broad chest as he whispered resolutely, "That's never happening again." Before leading me to my bed and climbing in beside me. He shifted into a seated position and held me to his chest in silence. He must have known that I didn't want to talk, as we stayed silent until sleep eventually took me.

...

"Noah, wake up," I felt my face being stroked, "Noah." I opened my eyes; the room was pitch black and no light filtered through the curtains. "It's gone two AM. I haven't heard much noise outside for over an hour," Ren whispered.

I nodded, "Let's go. Remember, there's a curfew, so don't be seen."

The streets were beyond dark at night, I could barely make out individual buildings, the odd flicker of light from windows high above didn't help. I stuck close to Ren's side and whispered directions in his ear so that he could lead the way, we had decided that the small warehouse by the front gate was the best place to start, but it would be guarded.

Noises echoed through the derelict alleyways, as we got closer to the warehouse and front gate, we saw light from a few small fires casting long shadow. I told him we were there, and he took my hand and stood me in an alleyway that was totally concealed, he leant right against my body and breathed, "Stay here. I'll be back in five minutes. If you need me, scream." I agreed, knowing he'd slink into the shadows far better alone. I strained my ears, listening to the guards talking.

The five minutes ticked by excruciatingly slow. A sudden clatter of bins from the other side of the road had my heart leaping from my chest as guards rushed towards it, I started to panic that I'd be caught, and Ren would dissolve into the shadows. But then he was back with me, his hand in mine leading me away from for commotion.

"What happened?" I asked,

"I caused a distraction when I saw one of them walking in your direction. I've found the jeep; idiots clearly don't know how it works because it's solar. But I think I've got it set up for charging now."

"Your supplies?" I panted

"All the food is gone, but that was only extra goods. Our main supplies are hidden beneath the bed of the truck. Guns, ammo and technology equipment for Zeke; Akeem's brother."

We stopped for me to catch my breath. "Sorry I took so long," Ren whispered, his voice steady, "You, okay?" He turned towards me; concern etched on his features.

"Yeah," I breathed, trying to steady my racing heart. "Thanks. I thought--"

"I know what you thought," he interjected, his eyes scanning our surroundings, before landing back on mine, "I'll look after you Noah."

"Shall we head to the cell? It might help for you to know its location and layout." I suggested.

"Great idea, but first I need to do something." I was about to ask what when he pulled me closer and kissed me gently on the lips. I had to tilt my head up slightly to meet his as his arms wrapped around me, holding me tight. His tongue flicked across my lips, asking for entry. Without thinking I kissed him back letting our tongues roam over one another's. We broke apart as he quietly laughed, "Good. Now we can go to the cell."

I felt the heat from that kiss warm my face as we continued to quietly navigate the dark streets. Once at the cell I peered through the window and saw a guard that I wasn't on a first name basis with, hunched over the desk, asleep. We headed around the back of the building to where I knew a small window looked directly into his friends' cell. Ren and I stood on a small crate so we could look in and gently tapped at the broken glass. Akeem looked up at the sound and his eyes widened like saucers as he looked between the two of us. Glancing at the sleeping guard he came toward the window. "You're alive, thank god."

Ren smiled and grasped my shoulder saying, "Thanks to Noah here. We found the jeep and best of all the important supplies are still hidden too. We're going tomorrow night; I want two days behind us before the Arena begins."

"How can we get out?"

"I'll cause a distraction to get the guards away from the gate and I know you would've unlocked and locked the cell door a dozen times already."

He shrugged casually, "Well, not a dozen."

I smiled, adding, "A useful skill. I'll get you and lead you to the gate while Ren does the distraction. We better go. I'll be back at about 9 tomorrow night though. We'll have cover of darkness but its before curfew, so there will be others on the street. It'll look less suspicious."

Akeem smiled, "It's a date. Thank you, Noah, I hope you'll come with us."

...

We were back in my apartment before Ren spoke again, "Noah. You're coming with us, right?"

I knew the silence we travelled back in was because I hadn't told him I wasn't going with them. "I can't Ren. They need my skills, and they'll come after you for me. I just want you all to get out."

He took both of my hands, forcing me to look at him, "I don't care Noah. You're one of us. Please come with us, I'll protect you. I promise." I avoided eye contact while mumbling. He huffed out a breath and continued "Okay. A compromise, you pack a small bag of things important to you and bring it with you tomorrow so that if you change your mind, nothing holds you back."

"Okay," I agreed.

"Good," smiled Ren stepping towards me, "If you don't come how will I be able to do this?" He leant forward and kissed me again pushing his body against mine so that our thighs, stomachs and chests were flush against each other's. He broke the kiss briefly as he whispered "Let me show you what sex is supposed to be like. How it's supposed to make you feel," my body felt electric as he gently thrust his hard dick against my own hardening cock, "I want to make you feel good Noah. Let me."

I looked into his dark eyes, wrapped a hand around the back of his neck and pulled him towards me so his lips met mine once more. We awkwardly stripped out of our clothes, trying not to break our kiss and within seconds we both stood there naked, drinking in the view of the other's naked body. Ren's cock was a little longer then my own six inches, and where I had very little in the way of pubic hair, he had a significant amount; particularly in a triangle around his dick and across his balls. The contrast of his black hair and pale cock was a huge turn on. But before I could reach for it Ren dropped to his knees and began pressing kiss after kiss to my stomach, gradually working lower until he was kissing my balls and then shaft where he changed from kisses to licks, running his tongue up and down my shaft and then across the tip of my dick, sinking his mouth over it. He used his lips to roll my foreskin back and forth. My breath escaped in a shuddering huff, it had been a long time since I'd been on the receiving end of a blowjob, and I'd forgotten how great they felt. Ren took his time, making sure not to be too rapid, drawing the moment out. Something I was not used to doing. I couldn't wait any longer and said, "I want to suck your dick Ren."

He looked up at me through thick eye lashes and replied, "Only if you want to. You don't have to."

"I know. And I want to suck your dick." I teased.

"Then get your lips around it." He replied moving to the bed sitting with his legs spread, feet on the floor.

I wrapped my hand around his dick at its base and squeezed it, it was hot and rigid. I pulled gently on his hairy balls with the other hand as I licked and kissed his cock and then without hesitation sank my mouth right down to the base taking him into my throat. He groaned a drawn-out curse as my mouth worked up and down his length many times.

"I'm close." He moaned, a few moments before throwing back his head as he shot hot ropes of cum down my throat. I wrapped my hand around my own dick and began jerking rapidly, when he stopped me, and smiled "If you come and it's not in my mouth. I won't be happy Noah."

"Well, I wouldn't want that," I said standing to my feet and presenting my dick to his mouth once more and came very shortly thereafter.

We sat at the edge of the bed collecting our breaths when he said, "Sleep in my arms tonight."

I nodded, climbing into the sheets, holding them open for him to follow. I settled onto my side as he came up behind me, snaking one arm beneath my head and wrapping the other around me protectively. I fell asleep quickly, feeling safer than I ever had.