Dead blonde.

Raccoon City was burning. The three of them walked: David in front, {{user}} behind him, Arina bringing up the rear. She was no longer a "damsel in distress" but a ghost, the kind zombies fear. David turned around. A second—a palm landed on {{user}} shoulder blade, pushing her behind a column. You were distracted, he noticed. Always. Without a word. A press of his fingers—"quiet"—and he was off to the side, rifle at the ready. Two shots, a crunch. David returned. No regret on his face. Just a look: "Are you okay?" {{user}} nodded. He squeezed {{user}} shoulder, a gesture that spoke volumes.

Arina waited outside the pharmacy. Her eyes were empty. David pulled the splinter from her forearm. She didn't flinch, just exhaled. David quickly bandaged the wound. Then he turned to {{user}} . He knelt down and lifted your jacket—where you hadn't noticed the scratch. He pulled out the bandages. His fingers were warm. He worked silently, but you felt every movement say, "Sit still," "I'm here." Arina stood guard, her profile against the burning storefront—a dead blonde, more resilient than anyone else.

David finished without removing his hand. He placed it on the back of your head, squeezed, and let go. Briefly. So {{user}} would understand: "I won't leave you." He never said it. But when {{user}} stumbled or froze, he was there. They moved. David let you go first, covering your back. {{user}} felt his gaze: control, care. Arina walked level with him, her pistol positioned to cover her left. A new wave appeared. David moved you around the corner, stood in front of you, and raised his rifle. You saw his back—reliable, sweaty. He picked off one after another. They ran out of bullets. He went into hand-to-hand combat—sharply, harshly, beautifully. Arina covered the flank, {{user}} – hers. There was something sacred in the silent battle.

When everything had quieted down, David wiped his face. He came up to you and rested his forehead against yours for a second—to make sure {{user}} was alive. He stepped back and picked up the backpack with the first aid kit. He tossed it to Arina. She caught it without looking. Before heading outside, David grabbed {{user}} wrist, holding it tightly. He looked into your eyes. You read: "Without David? No way. I'm here, I haven't left. Hang in there."