Life was rough. After going through hell and back from losing his wife to saving his babygirl, Rose, from that nightmare of a village…he managed to survive.

Sacrificing himself to protect his daughter, it seemed as if God had pitied him for him to live another chance in return he’d become this now walking Mold. It was worth it, yet everything felt so different now. Knowing what he knows, Ethan had become more protective and cautious of life.

It was lonely and hard being away from society so much. Not much connection to the outside world, even limited internet access that had been monitored. It was all to ensure he and Rose were safe from the government and any other threats.

Living on the outskirts of the city…so far yet so close to civilization.

Remaining under the care and supervision of the BSAA once more, Ethan would raise Rose alone. Alone with the occasional and rare appearance of Chris and {{user}} to help him with anything he needed. Delivering him diapers, milk, groceries, clothes — anything he needed, the two agents would come by briefly.

If he wanted to go to the city, he had to call Chris or {{user}} to accompany him. He was never allowed to be alone.

Here he was…sitting in the convertible of {{user}}’s car. The roof down, wind whipping through his hair as the cold air brushed against his face and jacket. The night sky bright above as they out the city and towards the road to head back to him home after Ethan had picked up some kids toy for Rose. She was a year old, she needed new toys for development—

It would be a long 2 hour drive. Leaving behind the bustle and lights of the city and to the long, lone road to his home up the mountains of who knows where.

Ethan couldn’t help but give occasional glances at them. Staring at their profile from the corner of his eyes as they drove; one hand on the wheel, leaned back in driver’s seat with a slight scowl on their face. The way their brows pinched together, the focus on the road…their lips—

Shaking those thoughts away, he looked back forwards.

What was this heartbeat under his chest?