(only if you want, idc either way)

After an hour or so, Victor spot Alana on the edge of a police outpost, curled up and sleeping in a dark space. Trying his best to stay discreet, he picked her up in his hands, making sure she stayed asleep before trailing his way back through the darkness.

Alana remained asleep as she swayed in his arms.

Victor returned to the house after a few minutes of searching through it through the darkened, desolate streets. Entering the house, he placed her on the lounge chair, watching Chase return and coming inside, perspiration trickling from his forehead. "Where was she?" He asked, disgruntled.

The scientist sighed, removing his glasses and seating himself next to Alana, keeping a cautious eye on her, "Near a police outpost. She was sleeping."

Alana stirred a few hours later and opened her eyes then sat up quickly and looked around confused.

Chase looked at Alana, moving over to her as he looked back at the sleeping frame which was Victor's. "Hey." He said in a mutter, keeping in an eye on her in hope she wouldn't run off again.

Alana looked at him for a moment then sighed. "What am I doing here?"

"You don't belong out there. You belong here with us." Chase said, looking at her with deep concern.

Alana narrowed her eyes and looked away. "Don't you think I've caused enough trouble for you two? You're both better off without me."

"The world's been in trouble this whole time. You running away just ruins things. We need you." He said, coming closer to her, resting a hand on the edge of the couch she was splayed upon.

Alana shook her head stubbornly. "No, I'm the reason Victor is now homeless. I'm the reason all of your work is gone. I'm the reason you need to run and hide. You're both better off without me."

Chase shook his head with defiance. "No. That' wrong. The army would have destroyed it nevertheless." He reached out for her hand, clenching it tightly. "This is not your fault."

Alana didn't meet his eyes.

Victor moaned, the sound startling Chase, making his hand lost contact with Alana's. 'Hi...' Victor said in a sleep deprived tone, propping his weak frame up with an elbow.

Alana turned away, not saying anything.

He looked toward Alana, "Welcome back." He said, swinging his feet from the couch and moving upright, stretching his arms toward himself, the sound of popping bones emanating from his joints. Noticing the tension between the two, he moved both hands to his chin, leaning forward, "Is everything alright?"

Alana didn't say anything and went to the kitchen to get some water.

Chase shrugged, "Did you lock the door?" He said in a cautious tone, edging toward his friend.

Victor nodded subtly, "Yes. Just keep an eye on her." He said, coming to a standing position before walking toward the kitchen. After the past few events which had transpired, he was awfully thirsty and hungry.

Alana was looking out the window as she sipped her water.

"How'd you sleep?" Victor said as he came in behind her, taking a cup of water from a paint deprived shelf.

Alana didn't answer.

"Hm." He muttered, filling up the cup until it was full with a nearby jug. "Are you going to ignore me?"

Alana sighed. "I left you guys to protect you. Why can't you understand that and just leave me alone?"

"You left us to be killed by the army. They would have shot you down then cut you up like some science toy." He glared at her, placing his cup on the bench. "Do you expect us to just sit around?"

Alana didn't look at him and didn't answer.