Ch 32: The perfect Place- Part 2

Ethan had gone missing and Selene had a bad feeling about it. She instantly started to search for him, but it proved to be difficult.

Frowning, she searches for him even harder and eventually finds him in the secret storage room.

He stands in the middle of the space, arms crossed, surveying the shelves stocked with food, water, medical supplies, and other survival essentials. 

Ethan's expression looked unreadable, but his presence in this private space makes her uneasy.

Selene stiffens. She hadn't planned for anyone else to see this. 

"What are you doing?"

Ethan glances at her, then gestures around the room. 

"This place is perfect."

"For what?" 

She asks cautiously.

He smirks.

"Our hideout."

Selene stares at him in disbelief. One could hear a pin drop in that silence as Selene tried to comprehend what she had heard come out of her companion's mouth.

"Our?"

Ethan nods, looking entirely serious. 

"I'm moving in tomorrow. I will bring my stuff over once I have it packed."

Selene's jaw dropped at those words and for a second she wondered if she was over-hearing.

"Excuse me?"

She asked in as serious of a tone as she could.

Ethan shrugs, not even paying attention to how she was acting and her displeasure. 

"It makes sense. You need a secure place for the apocalypse, and so do I. This house is ideal."

Selene glares at him. 

"I never invited you."

Ethan raises a brow. 

"Think about it logically. You've spent the last month training because you know what's coming. You're gathering supplies because you know you'll need them. But can you really protect all of this on your own? Are you confident?"

Selene's hands clenched into fists. 

She doesn't want to admit it, but he has a point. 

If someone were to come for her—whether it be the Vale family or other survivors once the world collapses—she would be at a disadvantage alone.

Selene had plans to get other companions, but even then, it did not feel like enough. Especially if someone like Ethan chose to lay their hands on her place.

Ethan takes a step closer. 

"Besides, consider it repayment."

Selene narrows her eyes. 

"Repayment?"

"For all the training I've given you. You wouldn't have made it this far without me." 

He says smoothly. 

Selene scowls. 

"That's not how repayment works."

Ethan merely smirks. 

"Then think of it as a trade. I'll supply my own resources, food, and gear before and during the apocalypse. In return, I stay here."

Selene exhales sharply. She still doesn't trust him completely, but she knows the truth. 

If Ethan wanted to be her enemy, he wouldn't be offering this deal—he would have taken what he wanted by force.

Reluctantly, she nods. 

"…Fine."

What other choice did she have? Besides, this house was big enough for her not to run into Ethan all the time. She could spare some room for Ethan and Zara (which was a packaged deal at the moment.)

Ethan grins.

"Smart choice. Then, I will see you tomorrow."

______

Selene spends her first night in her new home, but sleep doesn't come easily. 

The excitement of finally being free keeps her awake. She had never done anything like this before and she felt excited and terrified at the same time.

Worries about the future weigh heavily on her. 

Her family is looking for her. The apocalypse is coming. And now, Ethan is moving in. It's too much to think about and keep track of. 

Sleep did come to Selene sometime during the morning hours, but she did not get to sleep long.

When morning comes, she feels like she barely slept. 

Her body is sluggish, and her mind foggy. Just as she considers closing her eyes for a little longer, the doorbell rings. The sound is sharp and insistent.

Ding

With a tired sigh, she forces herself up and opens the door. 

Zara stands outside, looking apologetic. Ethan, on the other hand, looks far too excited.

Before Selene can say anything, Ethan steps past her and into the house. 

"I'll find my room. First come, first served." 

He says, already walking down the hall. 

Zara sighs. 

"I'm so sorry for his behaviour. I tried to stop him, but you know how he is" 

She says, shaking her head. She looked like an older sister…no rather, a dog-owner apologising for her dog's bad behaviour. It made Selene feel sympathy toward her.

Selene gives a tired shrug as she welcomes the female into her house. She made sure that Zara would see that Selene was truly fine with the pair being there.

"It's not your fault. I knew what I was getting into when I accepted his deal."

Zara smiles slightly. 

"Still, if he gets too unbearable, just say the word. I will sedate Ethan so that we can get some peace around here."

Selene steps aside to let her in. She was not sure if it would work, but she felt thankful toward Zara for offering this.

"Come on. I'll show you your room."

Before they get far, Ethan's voice echoes from down the hall. He seemed to have found the place he wanted as his own.

"Selene, I want this one."

Selene frowns and follows the sound. When she turns the corner, she sees Ethan standing inside her bedroom.

She crosses her arms. 

"That's my room."

Ethan leans against the doorframe with a smirk. 

"Not anymore."

Selene considers arguing. But then she looks around. She hasn't even unpacked yet. Fighting Ethan over this would be exhausting. And she really doesn't care enough.

She sighs.

"Fine. Take it. I'll move to a new one."

Ethan blinks, caught off guard. 

"Wait, really?"

"Yeah. I'll just pick another room." 

Selene says, turning away. 

Ethan watches her, looking almost disappointed. He was clearly hoping for a fight, a reaction, maybe a reason to tease her. But Selene doesn't give him one.

"Huh, this is no fun. For some reason, I thought it would make her agitated."

He mutters.

Selene ignores him and leads Zara to her new room. It doesn't matter which one she sleeps in. What matters is keeping the peace—for now.