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The wind was rustling dead leaves around on the trees. The wind wasn't strong and thankfully not cold as the spring melted up the cold weather and remaining snow that had collected over every part of the Zone.
You smile as you remember Strelok's surprised face as you took hold of his hand as the man nearly walked into a geyser anomaly hidden in the white cold mass. Both of you stood there, with eyes sparkling in astonishment as the anomaly got triggered, sending snow into the air, creating a slight colorful rainbow as the sun reflected off the freshly melted snow. It was just a little moment but you can't stop stopping thinking about Strelok's face when it happened. His dark brown eyes were sparkling with awe, his face beaming as he smiled, watching the dangerous colorful snow rain down on both of you.
Your gaze was more fixated on the Stalker than the beautiful unneutral phenomena, both clothing you with white snowflakes, mixed with a relaxing heat and the hiss of the cooking water being catapulted into the cold air. Steaming clouds rasing from the holes from the ground, making it a good landmark to orientate in case of anomalies blocked the path to Skadovsk through the swamps again.
You smile as you recalled those memories, taking another bite from your meal. The wind was ruffling the hood that you had pulled over your head, trying to escape the amiable sun blinding your eyes. Everything was so quiet and peaceful, the long grass loudly rustling as the wind swapped over it, making it look like a sea of dancing brightly green straws. You took another bite of your bread that you were trying to finish. The bread was crunchy, perfectly baked maybe a little bit too long, and kinda old but the texture inside was still soft and eatable. You swallowed, grimacing slightly as the salty taste in your mouth overwhelmed your senses from the sausage that was placed onto the bread. Some Loners were walking around relaxed, their green suits clearly visible from the distance even if they perfectly blended in with the rest of the environment. You weren't sure when you felt this relaxed and happy, not even the faraway howls from mutants sending a spike of fear inside of your body. Cordon indeed could be any normal wild plane in Ukraine if it wasn't for the echoing gunfire, the unneutral buzzing of anomalies, and screaming reminding of the grim and harsh survival fight. You took your last bite of the bread, swiping your mouth of remaining crumples and you looked up, to the man sitting in front of you. Strelok's face lit up by the PDA that he was holding in his hands, tapping his index finger slightly against the case of the electronic device, clearly waiting for you to finish your meal. You smiled teasingly, clearing your throat and the man looked up. His green hood which was tattered with holes was hanging into his face, hiding his eyes and most of his features but you swear you saw his lips slightly curl up as he looked at you.
" Don't be impatient... " You warned in a warm tone, smiling as the man pulled his hood away, the phone screen making his facial features glow, highlighting the blemishes on his face. A deep scar was running from the side of his face, mixing in with multiple small scratches that ran horizontal towards his cheek, his stumble parted by another white scratch on his chin. His dark brown eyes were lightened, a warm brown tone wrinkling as his eyes squinted and he smiled at you.
" No, take all the time you need " he reassured, shifting his legs and he pulled his backpack closer to himself. Nervously checking if everything was in place.
" Well... next time I'll be faster if I don't have to finish your food too! " You forewarned, and you smiled as you saw Strelok flinch at that, being called out on his eating habits.
" I... The sausage was too salty " he complained, starring at the grass that you two were sitting on, his hands nervously tearing out blades of the grass, playing around with it.
" If I die of salt poising it's your fault! !" You laughed and the Stalker raised his head alarmed, blinking shocked at you. A chuckle left your throat noticing that Strelok now looked worried, his hands quickly rambling through his backpack. The metal of the trinkets attached to his pack loudly rang up as they moved and he pulled out a water bottle from the insides of the green fabric. He leaned forward, trying to close the gap between you and your hand brushed over his as you accepted the plastic bottle with an adoring smile spreading over your face.
" Thank you " You stated, taking a sip of the still cold water, it swapping the uncomfortable salty taste of your mouth away. You licked your lips, swiping with your sleeve the remaining water droplets off your face, and handed the bottle back. Strelok wordlessly stored it again, zipping his backpack close and he braced himself up, standing up. You watched him, the trinkets from the backpack again clinking up like wind chimes, the metal of the countless rings and bullets and other items clashing onto each other from the movement as he strapped the pack over his back. You finally stood up too, bracing your fingerless gloves into the soft and warmed-up grass from the sun. Everything looked so colorful and a warm feeling spread over your chest, enjoying the tweeting from birds as they flew from branch to branch, hiding in the bright green leaves from trees.
The Stalker strapped his gun over his shoulder and he looked around, making sure that you hadn't left anything behind, his eyes traveling over the verdant grass stopping at you, looking up. Your heart fluttered as Strelok's eyes met yours, his lips curling up slightly in a gentle smile.
" Ready to go? " He asked, his deep voice not louder than a whisper as if he wanted to startle you or the quiet calming ambiance around in nature.
" Yes! " You announced happily, instantly starting walking as you quickly threw your own rifle over your shoulder, rearranging the strap as it got tangled onto your Loner patches on your Stalker overalls.
Strelok walked calmly next to your side, he was looking around a lot. He was turning his head in search of any threads, you couldn't help yourself and let out a chuckle how nervous the most legendary Stalker in the Zone was. You observed him as he calmly but still tensely jogged next to you. His trinkets that were attached to his backpack connecting with the other small pendants that he had snapped onto his strap from his rifle were ringing like a keychain, reminding you of old busy days in a crowded city. The sound was relaxing you, and you closed your eyes for a moment, enjoying it briefly not watching where you were going, giving all your trust to the Stalker. The grass smelled fresh and new, so many different sweet but wild scents reaching into your nostrils as you took a inhale, favoring the sun that was warming up the light green fabric of the Stalker overalls.
You took another look around and you smiled widely, dumbing your shoulder into Strelok's as you walked closer next to him, trying to get his attention.
" Where are we going? You still haven't told me! " you urge, squinting at the man as he turned his head, trying to hide his smile.
" If I tell you... it won't be a surprise " he explained and you frowned at him, trying to come up with how to get Strelok to reveal the plan he had, just thinking that he had something prepared just for you made your heart beat faster.
" But... I wanna know " you try again to convince him, stopping walking as Strelok stopped next to some trees which had little tiny new leaves scattered on their branches. The Stalker just shook his head, and he bent forward reaching his hands into his pockets from his pants. You watched him amused as you heard him very quietly cursing as he was rummaging around, not able to find what he was looking for. He tried the other pocket of his cargo pants and then finally found it. Strelok pulled an already falling apart cigarette pack out of his side pocket and he took one out, placing it between his lips. He stretched his arm towards you, his sleeve from his suit and hoddie that he was always wearing underneath, falling upwards. The old S.T.A.L.K.E.R. tattoo was still clearly visible on his arm, making all the scars on his skin even more noticeable as the black already overstated outlines were highlighting the contrast between ink, skin, and scar tissue. You accepted a cigarette thanking him with a small nod and a smirk, watching him again how he went into a deep dive into his pockets for a lighter.
" Do you need mine? " you asked amused and Strelok shook his head, his hood falling onto his head as he bent down more, trying to reach into every part of his pocket, various items and metal screws making rattling noises as he moved his hand around. Strelok rose and his wrinkles close to his eyes got more visual as he triumphally beamed. He stretched his arm towards you again but you made a step forward to him. Strelok blinked at you surprised and he raised the lighter towards the cigarette that you were holding in your mouth. He clicked the lighter, very gently holding his other hand protective near the flame so the wind couldn't
extinguish it. As you leaned forward you saw that the Stalker was staring at you, his eyes sparkling as the small flame lit up his brown eyes and he didn't stir. He was completely lost by your view and he shook his head real quick, trying to return to the task to ignite both of your cigarettes. You leaned even closer, stealing the small flame from the lighter first, instantly inhaling the smoke. The nicotine taste overran your senses and you exhaled slowly, feeling the smoke entering your lungs, a tight feeling coming back up as you weren't used to the effects of the cigarettes. Your head began spinning slightly and a wave of nausea hit you but after the second drag, it disappeared. You tried to hold in a cough, your entire chest vibrating as your body was fighting against your own urge to hold the toxin in. Strelok rose his eyebrow and smirked amused, shaking his head, causing his torn apart hood to fall back onto his shoulders again. Another sharp inhale out of surprise made your entire body vibrate with excitement and warmth as Strelok took your hand, leading you away from the trees.
A light wind was blowing, sending some dead lives around that still hadn't decomposed yet by the earth, and birds and crows were cheerfully singing in the sky, dropping themselves into falls to catch small insects that were flying around. The sun was warming your back as you continued walking next to Strelok, your hand still in his. A squeeze made his head turn and he smiled, his nearly gone cigarette dancing on his lip and he returned the gesture, his cold hand gently wrapping more around yours.
" You are so beautiful " he stumbled out and you felt your face heating up at that. You smiled as thanks, feeling how the sun was shining into your face, and you felt joy and excitement running through your veins and muscles. Unable to hold still you wrap your arms around the man who made a startled step back but he quickly laid his arms around your body, pulling you closer towards him. You can't help but smile, shoving your face into his shoulder and neck, a giggle escaping your mouth as you squeezed your eyes shut, overwhelmed by the happiness and the feeling of being loved rolled over you. You pulled slightly away as Strelok stirred, throwing the cigarette onto the floor, making sure it was put out so not the grass would catch on fire. The Stalker now pulled you even closer with his now free hand and he leaned his head against yours. You let out a laugh, shoving your hood away from your head, wanting to feel his stumble trace over your own cheek as he leaned into you.
" I love you " he whispered and you could feel his warm breath travel over your ear. You squeezed him even tighter before letting go, slowly parting with him and running your hand over his hair, ruffling it.
" I love you too! " you stated happily, your heart drumming in your chest so fast, not believing how lucky you were to have him by your side.
Strelok intertwined his hand with yours and he continued walking, not looking at you as he tried to appear busy scanning around for threats, his face flushing not wanting you to see.
You chuckled amused again, positively following the Stalker and both of you stopped near the train tracks that conducted through Cordon, the wind gently blowing your hair around in a soft breeze. You desired to stir forward and depart under the bridge but Strelok pulled you into a different direction, gently carrying you along, guiding you the way to wherever he had planned to lead you. You relaxed watching the bird happily fly around in the sky, the trees and their leaves splitting the sunrays as they shined onto both of you. A shaky exhale escaped your chest, not acknowledging how stunning and relaxing the Zone could be sometimes, forgetting all the threads for just a few minutes was already a tremendous blessing. And Strelok's hand in yours even more.
" Is it far? " you asked out of curiosity and the Stalker shook his head again, not speaking up. You didn't mind if he was silent, but your heart always leaped when he called you by your name or tugged gently on your sleeve trying to get attention. You always loved how Strelok was so gently even shy about wanting something, just with small signals trying to get across what he wished. Him nervously not peeking up, outstretching his arm, wanting to get hugged and rest his head onto your shoulder, always his entire face flushing, smiling with tenderness.
You didn't even notice that Strelok had halted and you got pulled back by his hand, nearly losing your balance being so lost in thought about the man next to you. He chuckled, his voice coming out with a deep scratch from his throat and you returned the smile.
" Sorry... " you apologized and Strelok pointed his finger towards the sky and the landfill that was laying before you. Both of you were standing on a small hill, endless countless high grass running down the hillside, making it look like a soft blanket of green straws. The wind blew over it, making it wave in a hypnotizing way, trees were protecting the grass field, sheltering from the sun. You took a gasp, not believing how you never had seen this spot in the Zone, and you turned your head to Strelok. He was smiling, his eyes wrinkling as he just smiled seeming finally relaxed.
" How did you find this spot? " You questioned, following the Stalker as he was walking through the grass, tracing his fingertips over the green blades that reached to his hips. His dark suit, which was discolored of age and coated with mud and dust was softly blending into the environment. You watched him with awe, as he turned around to you beaming.
" This isn't- " Strelok couldn't even finish his sentence as you enveloped your arms around him again, pressing your body against his. Your heart leaped as Strelok flinched back, stumbling, and before you could let go of him uncomfortable pain spread into your knees and side. Strelok crashed into the grass groaning as your weight pressed onto his chest, softening your own fall and you looked up shocked into his face.
" Omg, I'm sorry! " You instantly apologized, unable to hold in your laughter as you grinned at him. Strelok blinked at you stunned for a few seconds but a chuckle escaped him, you feeling how his chest vibrated under you.
He wrapped his arms around you, tugging you closer to him and you closed your eyes, hiding his face in his neck, trying to escape the rough texture of his Seva Bulletproof vest. Everything felt so warm and safe as you listened to his breathing, as he began drawing small circles onto your back, his other hand in your hair, carefully running his fingers through it. Birds were cheerfully singing. Their song resounded peaceably in the air and the grass that was swaying in the breeze was tickling in your face. You blinked, not attempting to doze off as you laid on top of Strelok, nuzzling your face into his neck, even more, calming at his scent and the smell of grass.
" I always forget how stunning the Zone is... " you mumble, your lips nearly touching his skin and you could regard him nudging you closer to him.
" This isn't the Zone " Strelok announced shyly and you raised your head blinking at him confused.
" Wait... what? " You question, dropping your head to the side like a confused hound, and Strelok blazed excitedly.
" We left Cordon a while ago... I showed you the fence but you were so lost in your thoughts watching the birds I didn't wanna pester you... " he explained and he looked away his face flushing.
" Aww... I didn't even notice, I'm sorry, everything is just so pretty! " you ascribed overjoyed, looking around again, driving your hand over the soft green grass, relishing the chirping of grasshoppers and additional noises of the green field.
" But... it's not as pretty as you " Strelok floundered out and he flexed his head again nervously. You opened your mouth, unable to say anything as you smiled amazed at him and you pressed your face into his. You pressed a gentle prolonged kiss onto his forehead and you could feel how Strelok flinched and exhaled, pressed himself even closer against you, flustered.
He moved a little and you looked down, his brown eyes sparkling with admiration as he gazed at you, seeming completely hypnotized with tenderness. His lips curled up and Strelok turned his head, trying to hide the flush that was creeping over his cheeks. The Stalker looked back to you again and his brown eyes traveled to your lips, leaning slightly closer but doubtful. Your heart was racing in your chest and you could feel your stomach turning with excitement as you carefully placed your hands onto his cheeks, leaning into the kiss. His lips were chapped but you didn't mind, sweet taste mixing with the slight taste of nicotine that still lingered on his lips. Strelok buried his hands into your hair, desperately trying to get you even closer and you smiled as he wrapped his other hand around your waist. You pulled back and you could feel him smile against your lips and you kissed him again. The sun was warming your back and you shoved your head into his neck again, readjusting yourself to get even more relaxing as you laid on him.
The soft breeze was still swaying the tall grass around and it tickled you at your hands. You both were just laying in the grass and you weren't sure how much time had passed but you really didn't want this to end, cuddling and enjoying the relaxing midday in the wilderness. The smell of the grass was wrapping you into a soft snooze and you blinked repeatedly trying not to fall asleep.
Strelok moved and he yawned, also seemingly being completely relaxed and you smiled.
Listening to Strelok's soothing heartbeat made you even wearier and you shut your eyes, feeling guarded in his arms as you dozed off.