It Takes Two to Survive

Chapter 11

Steve watched as the barren land that he had gotten used to turned into streets and homes as they made their way into town, the man keeping his promise and taking them into town. Steve wasn't sure where they were going to be dropped off, but he wasn't too worried. They would make it work. Anything was better than the lab at this point.

Robin, who still seemed affected by the heat stroke she experienced, had fallen asleep on his shoulder a couple of hours ago, softly snoring, and he didn't mind. It was a nice comfort. He didn't know if he nodded off at one point, yet he felt exhausted. The first goal that he had was to get a safe place where they could sleep in a proper bed, which could be challenging. Who would be willing to offer beds to people that looked like them?

He could see the man cast concerned glances at them as he drove. Steve didn't really know why, though this whole situation must've been strange for him. It was understandable.

"Do you trust me, kid?" The man asked suddenly, kicking Steve out of his thoughts.

"I would like to, I guess." He replied, confused at the question.

"Your friend seems to."

"I guess so." Steve glanced back down to his best friend, a soft smile on his lips. Robin continued to sleep, unaware of the conversation around her.

"She'll be okay. As long as she keeps hydrated she'll make a full recovery."

"Thank you."

The man shrugged, his eyes still on the road. "I wanted to ask, what's the plan now?"

"Plan?"

"Where am I dropping you off? The hotel?"

Steve knew that that wouldn't work. They didn't have money. But what else was he supposed to say as another idea? To drop them off on the streets?

Apparently the man understood him through his silence. "You can stay at my place, if you would like."

Steve raised his eyebrows, shocked at the words that he just heard. "What?"

"I want to help you two. I got a nice house outside of town, with food, clothes, and running water. I don't mind the company, and I wouldn't charge you a penny."

"I..." Steve didn't know what to say to that. Robin said that they could trust him, but to go into his home? Eat his food? Was this a smart idea? Steve hated getting help from people, he never felt like anyone should waste food on him, yet Robin needed food. Maybe he could accept this offer for her, and if things went wrong he could protect her. And Robin would know the instant something was fishy.

"I couldn't ask you to do that." Steve replied, and the man laughed a friendly laugh.

"You didn't ask. I'm asking."

"Okay. That would be great."

The man smiled. "I'm glad to hear it. My name's Thomas Brown, but you can call me Tom."

Steve let himself smile, feeling a bit more at peace. "Nice to meet you."

"And you're....Steve?"

His fear came back instantly. "How did you know that?"

"Relax, kid. Your friend said it earlier."

"Oh." How could Steve be so silly? Of course that was what happened. Yet, a part in his mind that suspiciously sounded like Nancy told him that he had a right to be afraid, especially because of what he had been through.

She is always so smart, and Steve knew that that was something she would say to him, if she were here. Dustin would probably call him stupid for thinking that, but in a freindly way, like an annoying little brother.