By the time Shachi and Penguin, now joined by Law and Lexi, had finished clearing and searching the health foods store, it was close to getting too dark to move around. The vibrant red sky of the incoming sunset was as bright of a warning sign as you could get. Unfortunately, that meant there wouldn't be enough time to go all the way to the apartment buildings that Law had seen earlier on. Despite the promise of a bed, they'd all rather sleep with all of their limbs attached. They'd have to find something close by and fast.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYbDKmjFLw
An office building that looked relatively untouched-minus the natural wear and tear by the weather and elements-was a mere few buildings away. It'd have to do, Law had decided, and they set out to clear out their shelter for the night. They all internally processed their disappointment at the lack of a proper bed, but knew better than to voice it. Complaining wasn't going to help the situation, nor produce the bed they were all hoping for anyway.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5k2tgVT7Jw
Lexi was forced to put her whirling thoughts aside as they faced several hungry undead within and around the building. It was more difficult than anticipated, but you could quickly forget a lot of things when there was a pair of dead eyes and a chomping mouth coming straight for your face.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWBhbiL4gu
Either their movements or those of Brittany's group had begun to stir up the zombies within the city throughout the day, causing a more difficult and dangerous trek on the street. Two facing behind them and two facing forward, they cleared a path to the office as safely as possible. The sun had fully gone down by the time they made it to the front entrance, and by the time they cleared out the entire interior-both floors-it was nearly reached sun-down.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX29ODVXB6a
Used to improvising security and barricades, they made quick work of all of the known windows and doors. Desks were turned up on their sides, creating not only an open space for them to congregate in, but plenty of protection and cover from the zombies roaming the streets. A lot of the time, if they couldn't see you, you were fine. Of course, that didn't negate the fact that they could smell you...408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡka8XjK5mQX
The wind still came through the cracks in the doors and through unknown opening along the building that they couldn't fix, so it was quite chilly in their little secured bunker of sorts. All of them bundled up in their jackets as best they could, but without a fire there wasn't much help against the chill. Without ventilation, that wouldn't be a smart idea, and if they tried to light one now, it would probably just end up setting the building on fire. Which would not help things.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAENJXrxf4w
Close to sun-down, they finally were able to settle in and relax in relative comfort. Penguin and Shachi huddled up next to each other, going through their packs to catalog everything they'd managed to grab in their store. Law was doing the same with his and Lexi's haul. His sour mood from earlier seemed to have lessened a degree, but it wasn't quite up to the point it had been before Brittany's group came along.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapAJPIMQlW
Lexi herself was keeping watch out the one window they had kept partially uncovered for use in night watches. She'd procured a plush office chair from one of the nearer offices, and 2 years time hadn't been kind to it. It was dusty and the foam within the seat was crunchy and hard. But it was better than nothing.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRlexEOIs4
In the dim light, she could see shambling figures wander the streets. It always seemed that the number of active undead grew dramatically at night time. Had the zombies developed some sort of nocturnal behavior after turning? Ah, well. She was no scientist, and shook her head to dismiss the crazy thought.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrylAM36hH
She appreciated the time to herself. Law hadn't told the boys what had happened at the Walgreens yet, no doubt giving her time to bring it up herself. She wondered how long he would give her to think about everything that had occurred today. He was a naturally curious and suspicious person, so she doubted very long.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58ErZUNqbz
How exactly did she feel about seeing Brittany again?408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VKQZPtTfA
Of course she was glad the woman was alive. Any life that hadn't been snuffed out by the apocalypse was a good thing. But Lexi honestly didn't know if that was the extent of her delight, or if it was because it was Brittany specifically that was alive. How terrible she was, having to examine whether she was glad to have her best friend around again.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNDaTQ302q
Ex-best friend, she reminded herself.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡew7JRT7dNw
"We're gonna look around, see what we can find in this place." Shachi said, bringing Penguin with him to explore the second level. Their steps thumped against the stairs, until both Lexi and Law could hear them walking around on the above floor. They'd done a quick search when clearing the building, but not a refined one to look for supplies. She wondered if they'd find anything useful.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCBzbVLDoK
Law continued to sift through the backpack, watching Lexi out of the corner of his eye. She'd remained by the window for some time now, just watching the street outside. Legs crossed at the ankles and resting on the window sill, she appeared lost in thought, as if her eyes were watching a completely different scene from the one right outside.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpUmiEdX17
He was a little concerned for her. She hadn't appeared all that happy to see this Brittany person, no matter how much enthusiasm the black-haired woman had shown upon seeing the brunette. Perhaps so much time apart had worn away the friendship they had. Or perhaps something had happened to make them this way. Come to think of it...408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUaHUJcczJ
A conversation from some time ago, something Lexi had mentioned came to mind. That's right. When the world had first started going to shit, she'd told him that they had survived together, for a time. He couldn't remember exactly what had caused them to split up, though.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOgDWvzEjC
Taking out one last blanket, he'd hit the bottom of Lexi's pack. Resting on the bottom of the canvas was a single penny. It had probably been there for month, dropped from some pair or pants or maybe a wallet at some point. Law's mouth twitched, and he picked it up from the pack.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfAkDFs4rZ
"Hey." Lexi heard Law call, and she turned her head. He had a somewhat amused expression on his face. "Penny for your thoughts?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtKyT1B1Kc
He briefly showed her the penny he'd found somewhere, before flicking it towards her with his thumb. She caught it pretty easily, staring down at it with a small smile.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3yMz3pDYO
"Are you sure this'll cover it? There are a lot of them in here." She tapped the side of her head.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QFd7LY8Tp
"I can try to find more pennies, if that's the case." He replied with a shrug, and she gave a chuckle.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNI2eHwQnH
"Nah..." Another moment or two was spent staring at the coin, before she brought it over to the window sill she was sat beside. "I'm still not entirely sure what to think about all of this, but I know I'm conflicted."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1heMHTTqi
Law watched her try to balance the penny on it's side on the sill, holding it between her fingers and making minute movements to try to get it to stay in place. She was having some trouble.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA28Gp5utok
"Conflicted about what?" He asked, curious.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrIZ1NKksX
"Whether I'm happy to see her or not." The penny fell with a metallic click, and she set it on it's side again. "I'm glad she's alive, but..." There was a long silence after she trailed off. It didn't seem like she intended to finish her thought.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsajqfHJmlc
Law spoke up again, leaning back against the wall he was sat in front of. "I remember you telling me you survived together for a little while, but I don't remember what caused you to split."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFE8soLKPk
"Difference in opinion." She said shortly, eyes still fixed on the penny. "After losing her parents, Brittany became a 'shoot first, ask questions later' sort of person. Sometimes we'd come across other groups of people and she'd immediately try to attack them if she felt we could overpower them. They didn't even have to make the first hostile move, she'd attack anyway. I started to think she actually enjoyed tearing others down.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkwRc6msXA
"I'm not like that, and when I tried to ask her to stop, she only told me I need to wake up and smell the roses." She concluded with a sad shake of her head.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDg6uI8AZiQ
Law was silent, unsure of how to respond. He didn't necessarily disagree with the way Brittany did things, so long as they weren't done against him or those he cared for. Granted that sort of mentality can garner you a lot of enemies if not nipped in the bud, but...408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hY7p52qEH
"I can't say I don't understand where she's coming from." He eventually said, and she looked at him sharply. "Perhaps to her, everyone is her enemy. She's merely trying to make sure they don't get to her first."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU6yLLjiAA
Lexi shook her head adamantly, a frown furrowing on her face. "I've seen her take shots that intentionally cause a slow, painful death. I've seen the way her eyes light up when someone is at her mercy, begging for her to just end their suffering. How can you understand that? How is that justifiable?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHrUsDiSHc
"Not everyone is as human as you are, Lexi." He said blankly, meeting her stare of disbelief. He knew it wasn't what she'd want to hear, but he wouldn't lie to himself by blindly agreeing with her. "This world now...changes you."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOFWSPuQai
"I know that." She emphasized. "But it doesn't mean we have to forget who we were entirely. We don't have to become monsters to survive. I've gotten by just fine and-"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKwaNl6g1m
"That's all well and good, but your story isn't everyone else's." Law interrupted firmly. Truthfully, what she'd said struck a cord with him, as if she thought herself better than them because she still felt guilty for the results of her actions.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPO4y7Pw4I
"What I've had to do-what all three of us have had to do- to survive before we ever met you can hardly be judged by any moral code." He told her evenly. "We've made some questionable decisions because it was either that, or one or all of us die. And I will never regret choosing to live another day. So, no, I can't fault her for choosing to be the one that walks away from a dangerous encounter."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzDeJWbVXz
"Not everyone is out to get you. I've met several survivors and not been harmed by them before we parted ways."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh6a6N4d6W
"I'd rather not even take the damn chance, Lexi."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3RGrLy3lI
Lexi sighed but said nothing, looking back out the window for several moments. "I just don't think we have to choose ourselves over another person so readily. Kindness goes further than violence."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWmfufjAcr
"Sure, I'll make nice with the next person holding a gun to my head. And hey, while we're at it, the next time a zombie's about to bite us, why don't we try asking it nicely to stop? I'm sure that'll get us real far." Law snorted in derision, fully knowing how rude it came out to be, but he was thoroughly annoyed at the moment.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBj9UbIUSec
The brunette didn't deign to respond, only continued staring out the window, her mouth a thin line. The tension and simmering anger in the air was palpable, and eventually Law disregarded her with a shake of his head. A tiny part of him felt like an ass for biting back with such a cutting response, but he honestly didn't need her judging him for making hard decisions.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnRPYnGN1H
In fact, none of this even had anything to do with him! They'd been discussing her mysterious best friend who just happened to show up out of the blue. Why the hell was she getting mad at him for something only semi-related. Ugh, women, he thought to himself.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjD7VRQt3Jr
He was now fairly thankful that he'd only ever had to deal with one girlfriend up to that point, before things went south. She'd been a bitch, but she'd been hot, and he supposed neither of them had anything to lose. Sure, a bad move on his part, but he hadn't actually been looking for anything meaningful back then, and neither had she.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGl6HxfpzS
But damn, had she nagged like a fucking witch. Only now was he reminded how quickly a woman could be pissed off for something so trivial.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLqYjpJxxz
Law tried to shake his thoughts from girlfriend territory because...hell, that and Lexi were not things he was comfortable putting together in any way shape or form, no matter how often he might think about her...That shit has long since passed. Girlfriends, relationships, women in general...he had too much depending on him to afford getting distracted. He'd learned that after his disastrous decision to sleep with Margaret.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwaaYKIBhD
Satisfied that he'd gone through everything they'd newly scavenged, he began putting it back into the packs in a much neater way, to try to save some space where he could.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEq0wycoKR
Shachi's and Penguin's footsteps continued to thump above them, but since they hadn't heard any shouts of alarm or gunshots, they figured everything was just fine. Besides, they were still carrying their knives, so if they did encounter another zombies or two, they should be able to handle it just fine.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHdZ13YyfX
"Someone's coming." Lexi suddenly said, the negative feelings between them momentarily forgotten at this new development. Law jerked his head up and stood, moving to stand beside her and peer out in the darkness for himself.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WAXK5RjLT
Several beams of what could only be a few flashlights bounced and skittered across the pavement and surrounding buildings. There were three people, from the looks of it. Hell, Law didn't believe in coincidences, and Brittany had suggested seeing them again sometime soon.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJI7IoJplQ
"I believe that would be your friend and her entourage." He ventured to guess, straightening with a sigh. "They're either courageous or stupid for traveling in this darkness."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8AcokB1Jk
Lexi shook her head, watching as the beams came closer to their location. Eventually, both Law and the brunette reached the same conclusion. "Somehow they knew we were here."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GEVjG95zT
"Looks like it." He grumbled darkly. He didn't like that fact one bit, because it meant they had either been followed, or they stuck out like a sore thumb for any passing survivor to notice. He wasn't sure which one he preferred over the other.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bJuv31fDE
"I suppose we have to let them in."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5QZPx6PwY
Lexi glanced at him. "You mean you're to be kind enough to actually allow that?" She snarked, expression carefully blank.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTpoWE5CFy
His eyes narrowed. "There's always the possibility you would leave the group if I turned them away and didn't let them in, considering you used to be best friends. So in the interest of the group, I'm willing to give them a chance. Just this once."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSwzgLRExT
She didn't comment about that, and simply sat there watching as the beams came closer and closer. The beams concentrated on the door of their office building, and they heard an insistent knocking on the door.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqzl4gTi0p
Law unlocked it quickly and opened it, allowing the three girls inside the building. Brittany huffed and shook her head with a little laugh.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sZ3DZRq7K
"Jeez, there's a bunch of those zombies out there. And an office building? Really? Why didn't you pick a place with actual beds to sleep in?" She remarked snidely, setting down her pack and the other girls followed suit.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIkUpEebLX
Law's eye twitched, but he simply shut the door quickly and re-locked it, peering out the look-out window for any sign that zombies had noticed where the women had gone. Nothing so far.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zQ8m44DdM
"Sometimes you have no other options." Is all he said by way of explanation, turning his back to the door and crossing his arms. "How did you find us here, anyway?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXyEm1cTlW
The female leader stuck a thumb at Candice. "I had her tail you for a bit, see where you were staying. We didn't want to miss out on a chance to get to know you guys. I was afraid you'd leave the city before we got the chance!"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjryaiWDV0W
Candice didn't seem to like the idea of being identified as the one who'd lead them directly to the group, and shrugged, turning to her pack to rummage through the contents.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSSPP5gue1
"Anyway," Brittany said, turning to Lexi and throwing her arms around the girl, "I've missed you so much! We've got so much to catch up on."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadldJZysU5
"Uh...yeah." The brunette responded, reluctantly putting her arms around her ex-friend.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhlwSIdluw
The sounds of conversation must have made it up to the boys upstairs, because they both appeared from the hallway that lead to the stairwell further in. They stopped short upon seeing the three, unfamiliar women making the place their home.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3jOiYnXEe
Shachi frowned. "Who the fuck are-"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVdacim84T
"Relax." Law interrupted, holding up a hand placatingly. "This is a friend of Lexi's."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcfexKT0ck
"Lexi's friend? Wow, what a coincidence!" Penguin said, the tenseness of his shoulder releasing in an instant. "You must be so happy to see her, Lexi!"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsRjQxeHfX
Lexi managed a passable smile, but Law could tell it was forced. Candice and Natalya both could see it too, holding back from the two embracing women, waiting for whatever their leader told them to do next. They both caught his eye, and a mutually shared distrust passed between them.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bR6d3Ixb7
"Oh, I forgot to mention. I brought our best stuff with us!" Brittany backed away and bent to retrieve something from her pack. When she straightened, she held two cans of soda. "We've been saving these for a special occasion, and I'd say this one is pretty special, don't you think?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqqAHaqWjf
Law's group was equal parts amazed and jealous when Brittany continued taking out sodas and even candy from her pack. After exchanging a glance, Candice and Natalya both began to produce rare finds from their packs. Bottles of alcohol, which Shachi and Penguin were eyeing eagerly. Candy, something Lexi had been craving for days. And even coffee, which held Law's attention minutely.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlff2wgtfY
"Are you sure you want to be sharing?" Candice asked openly, not shying away from coming off like a jerk.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5xwfJZaaz
Brittany turned to her. "Well, yeah! Any friend of Lexi is a friend of mine, and besides, when else were we really gonna have the opportunity to breaks these open? What's the point in carrying them around if we aren't ever going to use them?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbnit14356
The darker-skinned woman stared at her leader another moment, before shrugging, and handing Shachi one of the bottles of whiskey. It was still full, the seal unbroken. Brittany and Natalya handed the others treats as well, settling around the center of the room where Brittany placed a lantern, turning it on a low setting. For the first time in a long time, they actually had light within a building at night.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXhOOygCpw
Strange how something as simple as that made you take a second to marvel at it, Lexi thought. It was also a little sad, too.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV6CNJkDuL
__________________________________________408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡii17SiP4BC
408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0TfNQqwVS
"Damn, where'd you get all this stuff?"Penguin asked, inspecting the bottle of whiskey more closely, but also referring to the other treats that their group hadn't seen in ages. In some cases, not since the end first began.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw83i42NCcn
"Here and there." Natalya said, the first words she'd spoken so far.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe948Fnqc6U
Just like the others in various parts of the room, she leaned against one of the walls, staring at the lantern quietly. To any socially adept person, it would have been obvious that she didn't want to be bothered or even talked to. But Penguin was in too good a mood to care. Besides, she was pretty, and if the opportunity presented itself...408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpt6EvjHLuw
"I've been keeping an eye out for something like this this whole time. Never did find any." He said lightly, opening the bottle swiftly. They didn't have shot glasses or cups of any kind, so he simply took a swig from the bottle.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuToIflO8ak
His face made a grimace, but he let out an 'ahh.' "Oh, yeah. That's the stuff."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KNmu2pc2j
He handed the bottle back to the pale woman, who took it without humor. She took a much larger swig than he did, and didn't appear affected by it at all. Not even a small change in expression.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESadCtlIa3
"So, how long have you been with Brittany? Have you been together since the start?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fQdLUEI2u
Natalya took another drink of the whiskey before answering. "No."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWGfDdbGam
Penguin waited, but no further answer came. He'd have to keep in mind not to ask more than one question at once, he supposed. "I've been with Law and Shachi since the beginning. We were best friends before, but experiencing all this hell together has made us brothers. They're family, for sure.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38tibjxT4u
"Lexi came along later, but we trust her with our lives, and she's like the sister I never had. You know?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXNaLkzgtL
Natalya said nothing, either not caring about what he had to say, or simply unsure of what to respond with. He bet the former option.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6r7oyxeE41
She passed him the whiskey when he reached for it, and took a longer swig. He hadn't been drunk in a long time, but he desperately wanted to be. "Have you always been the quiet type?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv0aXkQR6a
"Yes." She said. Well, that explained it. Penguin wanted desperately to have a conversation with a new person, though, even if they weren't forthcoming with responses.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvKbn4ts2L
"I've been wondering...why the eyepatch? Did something happen?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpx2qwSnC9
She shot him a stale glare with the eye that wasn't covered, telling without words that she wouldn't deign to answer that question, and he held up his hands, trying to come up with another line of conversation he could pursue.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nbZ0205wv
"I used to be a mechanic before all this started."He said, shaking his head. "Worked on all kinds of shit. Boats, RV's, cars, bikes, air conditioning units...you name it, I've probably tinkered with it. So has Shachi." He gestured to his friend, who was talking to Candice, who seemed a little upset.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxdqCeHrOO
"I miss my last job most, though. My boss was a fucking prick, but the job itself was great. Had any tool I wanted at my disposal. It was great." He said earnestly. He fell into another silence after that, thinking about his routine before it all was lost.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoyCegBgvK
"I studied in nuclear science before the end." Natalya offered up, surprising the hatted man. "I was 2 months away from completing my degree."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIzIsgUOM1
"Nuclear science? Damn, that's awesome." He passed the whiskey back to her. At least he had her talking now. "What made you want to get into that field."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iezAyLUTG
"..." She took the whiskey and drank again. "My country. I was born in Russia. So were my parents."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFKbyBf9e6
Now that it was confirmed, Penguin could identify the traces of an accent beneath her words. Not anything obvious, but just the hint of Russian underneath it all. "What made you come over here to America?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkgcQSg3HM
She shrugged, another rink of whiskey going down her throat. "Freedom. Russia was very restricting. My parents started enrolling me in programs and classes that would set me up in the nuclear program when I turned 5. I could not think for myself, or pursue the career I wanted. I immigrated when I was 21, against my parents' wishes."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLNoLKVVsU
"So...why didn't you study something different?" If it was so oppressive to her, why wouldn't she do something different?408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktZX5ByEF1
"I did, at first." For a moment, she almost looked sad. "I am not creative, or artistic. I am very logical. There weren't many fields I enjoyed that I was good at. So I went back to nuclear science for no other reason than because I was good at it."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNy2Rn3P6Q
"Oh..." He wasn't sure what to say about that. He'd always known he wanted to be a mechanic, tinkering and messing with things since a young age, and his parents had encouraged him to pursue it from the very beginning. He didn't know how to relate to her story.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKMBTZdT6w
"But it does not matter now. Everyone is dead, and there is no need for my skill-set now." She concluded bitterly, tipping the bottle back again to drink some more. They were already almost halfway through the bottle. "Wasted years..."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ357h59VdMr
He didn't like that she had an outlook like that. "Someone's gotta know how to turn all the power back on when this is all over." Penguin offered kindly, and she finally looked at him. "What? I doubt too many nuclear engineers made it out alive, and I don't think we'd want another Chernobyl happening."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGgMSGkjcK
She let out a humorless breath, shaking her head. "Without engineers around to control the water gauges and ensure the rods remain cool, all of the reactors would have melted down the moment this all started. We are probably all slowly dying to radiation, without realizing it. We all died years ago."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgpaRvigBX
Her dark words dampened his good mood, and he sat against the wall silently, taking the offered whiskey when she was done. Now he really wanted to get drunk.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIwQZiKER8
__________________________________________408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qIaqjqmOs
408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrD7DItbXYm
"You call this a party?" Candice asked incredulously, arms crossed as she ate from the bag of MMs in her lap. "This blows."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnrROJAUBb
"Compared to the days we've had recently? Hell yeah this is a party." Shachi smiled, taking sips from the flat and stale soda he'd been offered earlier.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3LLKQ9tfu
"I've been to parties before. Trust me, this ain't no party." She shook her head, refusing to acknowledge his excitement.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFMXaJwY4G
Shachi sighed. "Well, hey. The least you could do is not bring the rest of us down with your sour attitude. Let me enjoy the first break we've had in months."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PaAcRBQuS
Candice sneered at him. "Douchebag. The only reason I'm making nice is because Brittany knows that girl."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcgcsxpDcD
"Same." Shachi said, being honest about it. "But honestly, I'm not gonna turn down shit like this even if I hated your guts. I'd rather not starve."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVMw6uXcs0
"I don't even know why Brittany offered to share our stuff with you in the first place." Candice said, grabbing several MMs and tipping them into her mouth. She chewed them before speaking again. "I've been dying to have all of it for months, but she always said to hold it for a special occasion or something. And now we're giving away half of it to people we barely know."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZz9BvobFR
Shachi glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. She was frowning, obviously unhappy with their predicament. Only Brittany seemed to be enjoying herself of the three women.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkuPDgDuaj
For several seconds, the two of them fell silent, not really in the mood for conversation. She pulled another few MMs from the bag, but stopped after looking at them a second. She dumped several until only one remained. It was deformed, irregularly shaped, and looked like it was more candy than chocolate. Candice only stared at it.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkARHuw0G3w
Shachi, being the ever curious person he was, watched for several moments before speaking up. "What?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡku66LOuSaE
"What?" She glanced at him like she'd forgotten he was there.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzXWQewS24
He gestured to the MM in her hand. "You've been just staring at it for awhile. What is it?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvCJwkGt6a
Her face darkened, before throwing it in her mouth without a second thought. "Nothing."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8keSSHo3m
"Well, it wasn't nothing. You wouldn't have just stared at it for nothing."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqmh8hViOk
She let out a huffed breath. "It reminded me of my little brother. That's all."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTBhgP2F9C
The hatted man's expression changed to one of understanding and sympathy. "Oh." He settled himself beside the window in a more relaxed way. "Was it before or after the outbreak?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeloSK792p9
He ventured to ask, hoping that maybe she'd open up to him a little about it. Unfortunately, her expression made it very clear that would not be the case. "I'm done talking to you."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotOSWBUqeO
Well, that was that. Candice effectively pretended he didn't exist for the rest of the time, munching away on her MMs. Shachi nursed the stale soda until it was gone, before setting it to the side and just sitting there in silence.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAT1utb8wU
_________________________________________408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGf1yvCfXi
408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckwl2idAmn
"Do you ever miss it?" Brittany asked, and Lexi turned to look at her. "Traveling together?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZJicoDpX5
The black-haired woman's face was hopeful, and it made the brunette uncomfortable. She really didn't know where this question would ultimately lead, but knew it would be rude to not answer. "Yeah, sometimes."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwzXB6LCZX
Brittany nodded, drinking away without care at the soda in her hands. It was her second one for the night. She didn't seem to mind that they were devouring so many supplies in one go. Apparently, special occasions warranted no need for following a ration plan.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U6YxHZHJN
"I'll tell you one thing," she continued, face still marked with amusement, "I didn't know what to do after you left. I was so pissed! Trashed a few houses just to get it all out. I was lucky no zombies heard me, but I probably would have just bashed their skulls in if they had."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fZ8LICY5J
Lexi laughed at the same time as Brittany, wanting to give the impression that she cared for the conversation, but it was definitely making her nervous.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuowUMcBOG
And Law's solitary position by the door of the office building, occasionally drinking the cold coffee he'd accepted from Candice, wasn't helping either. Every once in awhile, she'd feel his stare on her, the indifferent and calculating one that she'd known from him when they'd first met.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTV9ELrMEor
She'd thought the two of them were past it, having traveled so long together, but now that her ex-best friend had showed up in town, she couldn't be sure that he still trusted her entirely.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvifYBoDwAK
"Why did you leave, anyway? All you left was the note." Brittany asked, looking at her pointedly.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYt6JjubhKN
"I told you in the note. I just didn't think we could both survive together and not get in each other's way. I...would have just slowed you down." She decided to say, hoping that would satisfy her curiosity without being too much of a lie. She'd always been a pretty terrible liar to her friend, who could generally see right through her.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPojRk4kIsF
"Lex, you're my best friend. No matter what would have happened, we'd have gotten through it, no matter what it was. I'm hurt that you couldn't believe that too."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG8eXj9RXL
"Brittany..." Lexi trailed off, having barely touched her soda, she set it on the ground by her feet, "I wanted to stay with you. I really did. It was terrifying being out on my own without someone to have my back. There were times when I wanted to try to go back and find you, but-"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cAMwtpbxx
"You couldn't." She said, a sad smile taking the place of her previous amusement. "I get it."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVUEwTmglm
"Get what?" Lexi asked, unsure of what she meant.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR3vmsJnjk
The black-haired woman gestured to the outside of the office building. "I get that you weren't ready to do what I do. I know that after that bastard killed my parents, I changed. Hell, I lost a lot of who I was after that. And maybe I scared you. So I don't entirely blame you for leaving, but it still hurt to know that you could, you know? You could walk away and still be ok, and I didn't know what to do about it.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7HkcnizMX
"But I had a long time to think about it, and I understand why you left. I do." Brittany's words eased some of the fear that Lexi had held in her chest since the moment she'd seen her ex-best friend again.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKRHaAXiG5
She'd thought that the woman would hate her, or want to kill her, for leaving like she did. But she supposed everything had worked out ok.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlNp6y4RSK
"Thank you. It wasn't an easy decision, just so you know." Lexi said, looking away sadly.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sH2fBY5Z8
"I know. You've always been a loyal friend to me, Lex. Hell, you were there for me when I found Ryan cheating on me with Eliza, remember that? God, I wanted to rip his throat out." She shook her head, but still a smile marked her face.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvuI8A5F5D
"Ryan?" Lexi searched her brain for the memory, and smiled as well. "Oh yeah, him. Didn't he get arrested for public intoxication, like, the day after?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcXqunxvM8
"Totally. And if you hadn't stopped me from beating his ass that day, I wouldn't have gotten to see him pissing his pants live on camera on the news." Her eyes closed and she chuckled, relishing the memory. "Ahh, blissful karma."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQmMgKr0Yi
The brunette suddenly remembered another moment from their past. "Hey, do you remember Christmas, 2017?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1ETIWDWZ5
"Oh God, with my Uncle Mike?" She grimaced and placed a hand on her brow. "I wish I didn't...why did you bring that up?" Lexi chuckled.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjNhFkKkRG
"Oh, come on. You were the one who thought it was a good idea to spike every single edible food item at the party with alcohol of some kind. And I'm pretty sure it was also you who set the neighbor's shed on fire."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugHouCgZ35
"The conversation with my parents when they came home after the fact was long and filled with swear words." Brittany admitted, cheeks slightly pink due to embarrassment. "You wouldn't believe it but my mom was way worse than my dad in that regard."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp56gpH6z3l
"I wish I could have been there." Lexi laughed, wrapping her arms around herself. Brittany joined in, laughing despite her embarrassment.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHznbc2bvd
"Ahh, I never thought I'd get to reminisce like this again. I haven't thought about those times in...a long time." She admitted, staring down at the lantern with a pleased smile.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4cI9oPSdY
"Yeah. Same here."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1d7kbvvVLB
It felt...nice. Even if this world had changed her, Lexi was glad that some part of Brittany from before the turn had remained. Her college best friend who helped her get out of her comfort zone, and occasionally tried to set her up with her weird guy acquaintances was still in there, somewhere. Maybe there was still hope, that Brittany wasn't too far gone.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV4PRej38x
She felt a stare at her head again, and knew it was Law. She wondered what exactly he was thinking, since he was constantly staring at her.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SMMsfpyQj
"After you left, I tried to find somewhere to hole up and stockpile some supplies. There wasn't much left in Prosperity. Ironic, right?" The black-haired woman gave an eye roll. "Anyway, once I had nothing left, I made my way up to Charleston and met Candice there. She was pretty broken up over losing her brother, but I think in a way we both picked each other up from the dirt."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8iB4FXlgW
Lexi listened patiently, waiting until Brittany's thoughtful expression changed.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs9tY3wZSH
"We kept moving around, for a few months I think, then we found Natalya. We've met others along the way, but they seem to all be hostile. One time we came across this encampment, but we moved on. Didn't feel like it was worth risking. And now we're here."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwG5UicCCwh
They settled into a long silence, Lexi wondering how much was left out of her story. Three years was a long time, and the events she just described didn't quite fill in all those gaps.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGgofVyWQa
"So, what happened to you, after you left?" Brittany suddenly asked, her eyes fully concentrated on her friend. "You don't seem quite the same as before."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAcq7o40JF
Lexi met her stare for a moment, before looking away. "A lot of things."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6UzeARwj7
"Like?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtF9snk9Ndt
"..." She debated telling them in detail but that very familiar look in Brittany's eyes, the one that she'd always equated with the motherly intent to help relieve you of a mental or emotional burden, was too strong for her to resist. Brittany had always been her go-to person to seek comfort, as it always seemed she knew just what to say to make her feel better.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2vEocc3p6
"I was scared. For a few weeks I could barely sleep more than a couple hours, I didn't know how to do everything by myself. Tag-teaming buildings to search was impossible, so I had to learn to do it myself. I picked up little tricks as I went, until I didn't feel so bad about being alone."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziblVNKAdN
"You never did do well by yourself." Brittany remarked offhandedly. "If not for me, I think you would have been a hermit back in college."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8blzOz9xI
Despite the truth to her words, the statement sort of bothered Lexi. Had she really been that bad?408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfCK9WwEXd
"I kept on the move, ran into a lot of survivors. Some aggressive, but most were kind. I traded with them, helped them scavenge or clear buildings, but every time we always went our separate ways. I didn't want to be a burden to anyone."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4SW17fY4v
"Lex, you were never a burden." Brittany shook her head, laying a hand on her knee. "I need you to know that."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZN4QsR5wp
Lex nodded, but didn't quite believe it.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiQgPHIrPE
"And then I started having these chance meetings with Law's group. Every few months or so, we'd just bump into each other again. If you asked me why, I honestly wouldn't know." She smiled a little, looking back on their encounters. "Maybe it was the universe telling me it was time to stop being alone, I don't know."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhnQO7wA9s
"So you've been with them awhile?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVcUB6vtXj
The brunette shook her head. "No, only several months. It took me awhile and...some terrible experiences to really make the decision."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKwgqS6aXN
"What happened?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI6AIeuHEw
"I was...captured." She explained, not too comfortable with explaining this part. "They took me to their compound and basically treated us like slaves. I escaped one night. They sent men after me and I was shot, and I ended up blacking out in the woods. When I woke up, I was in this encampment, and Law was treating my wounds. Somehow, once again, we happened to be in the same time at the same place."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDWIO0nTCa
"Crazy." Brittany said with a smile. "What then?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAsWyWF5lt
"They treated me until I was better, but the men caught up with me and...killed everyone in the camp they didn't kidnap. Law and his friends survived, and rescued me and the other women before we reached the compound."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DJjPKMzKA
There was a lot she wasn't including, and judging by the stare on her back, Law knew it too. There was still some things she'd left out of her talk with him about it originally that she didn't want them finding out.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2P5N6gL4T
"Jesus, Lex. I'm sorry." Brittany said quietly. "That's insane."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4zqE9xsWj
"Yeah." She said, recognizing that it did sound totally surreal. "After that, I realized that I couldn't justify being alone any longer. I needed help, and I trust Law and his friends with my life. They've saved it more than once, like I said before."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVMLSgWl84
"Your night in shining armor, huh?" Uh oh, that smirk on her face was recognizable, all right. Lex preemptively grimaced, knowing what was next. "So, have you...you know...showed your appreciation?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlniRCCFcs
"Brit, come on...really?" She shoved her friend in the arm, and the woman just laughed.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyV81KK6Bu
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding..." She trailed off, then leaned forward in a whisper. "But seriously, those tattoos? He just screams lady killer."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbrd9lfW2c
With a visible eye roll and shake of her head, Lexi decided she had had enough talking to Brittany for one night. Somehow, she'd forgotten how actually being with her best friend could actually be. "I think I've had enough partying for one night." She said, standing from her spot beside the other woman.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6s11MW3YD
"Turning in already?" She asked, but it was actually Law who replied, speaking for the first time in around an hour.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtUI1naeQQ
"We should get what rest we can before tomorrow. I want to get a jump on scavenging as soon as it's light out." He said sternly. His gaze was directed right at Brittany, garnering no argument from the woman.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYJAILVHDf
She smiled and nodded. "That's smart, I guess. We'll get out of your hair then."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdePlC9e2g
Candice stood, gesturing to the door. "This late? It's the middle of the night! We'd be walking buffets for those things if we go out there now."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpl1LHST5P4
Natalya went to stand beside the darker-skinner woman, but said nothing. She simply waited on their leaders decision, though her expression showed her agreement with the darker-skinned woman.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13ryY7Anit
Lexi, Shachi, and Penguin all looked to Law expectantly, wondering what he'd say. He looked conflicted for a moment, before sighing. "It would be too dangerous for you to be traveling in the dark. Staying would be safer."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HVxK4vLQz
"That's very kind of you, thank you." Brittany smiled brightly. Somehow, Lexi had a feeling this was exactly what Brittany wanted all along. They come so late at night and stay up for a while, just to put themselves in a position where they couldn't leave. Huh. "We'll try not to be a burden on you. Lex, want to spend the night with us girls?"408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BQf0FfeQo
"My group will sleep upstairs." Law dictated, not giving Lexi the choice. He didn't like the thought of having her away from his group. "Yours can sleep down here. We have it well-fortified so a sudden break-in shouldn't be an issue."408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Wuv0TGcpy
Natalya narrowed her eyes, obviously unsure about staying in close proximity to people she didn't trust. Candice knew that they didn't have much of a choice, but neither woman seemed thrilled at either of their options.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9UlxHPD0L
"Heh, you're the boss! Come on, ladies, let's set up something comfy." Brittany instructed, taking her pack and bringing them towards one of the corners of the room. Candice and Natalya followed suit silently.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1zDk9IhAa
408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiWumPSTIs
408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMqquK2OW2
408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvgxfEmD9F
Lexi turned to Law, catching his eye, but he turned away to head upstairs. She supposed their tense conversation before Brittany's group showed up still left him a little bitter, and having people he didn't trust in the vicinity wasn't helping his mood. She sighed, before grabbing her bag and heading towards the stairwell with the others.
