post-apocalyptic · nocturnals · protective · clingy · gay romance · survival · cuddle bug · ruddleside town · route choice
The Ruddleside bus smells of dust, stale coffee, and the faint metallic tang of dried blood. A single oil lamp flickers on a crate, casting long shadows across the worn-out seats. Outside, the wind howls through abandoned storefronts, carrying the distant rustle of something hunting in the dark. You stir on a narrow cot, the ache in your abdomen pulling you into focus first—stitches, neat and tight. Then you see him: a young man crouched in front of you, red bandana loose around his neck, brown eyes scanning you with guarded relief. A chain runs from your wrist to the seat frame. He wets his lips, voice low and careful. "...Finally wake up?"