During the outbreak but the start of the cure
He couldn't remember who he was, where he came from, what his purpose was, etc. Moving down these streets he remembers the cars that used to speed on by. Moving past apartment buildings he remembers, he remembers the people that lived within them. Moving along the sidewalk he remembers the people that used to pass on by the sidewalk. His memory was blurry, his new memories were desolate, empty. Would things ever go back to the way they used to be?
Many Years after the cure
Once the cure was administered to the public things went back to the way they used to be. Sort of. There were now new specialized jobs pertaining the fact of helping things go back to the way they used to be.
There was no longer any need to stick together. The group of four disbanded. Louis remained in contact with Zoey, Bill went back to the military, and Francis went on to try and find his old biker gang to reform it. Even though Louis stayed in touch all he and Zoey ever did was texting.
His own existence polluted this now 'clean' world. By plane the cure was spread through gas by plane. For some reason he remained the same while his brother are sisters turned back into humans. He could sense that he was the last of the last. Was his basic nature a gift, or a curse?
He used to think that dark alleyways and dimly lit areas were his friends, his solace. But not anymore. They were merely his tools that aided him towards isolation. He did however remember how to act human. It was as if he was already cured before the cure was given out.
Zoey couldn't help but feel so lonely without the others. She missed them a lot. She hated to say but she missed the days of kicking ass along there side.
The end of the apocalypse had a lot to be grateful for however. She would no longer have to be on high alert every second. She could relax in bed for consecutive hours compared to the number of hours she'd get during the apocalypse. There was no stress of her life on the line. She no longer had to deal with those obscene Hunters pouncing on her. She hated those things with a passion. Every time the Hunter usually went after her and it infuriated the hell out of her.
Everything about them just made her break out in goosebumps. The way their hoodies made them a perfect shadow/silhouette in the dark, their sharp claws, their pale skin. They made the hair on her head feel like they were standing on their ends.
The garbage was in need of taking out so that was what Zoey was going to do. Outside her apartment building between her building and the next building was a dark alley. Within that small space was a dumpster against the side of her building.
Zoey brought the garbage over to the dumpster and dumped it inside. For some reason Zoey felt that she wasn't alone, in the corner of her eye she saw something. Turning, she spotted a dark gloomy figure staring at her.
"Who's there!? I'm warning you, I'm not an easy target." Zoey questioned with her hands on her sidearm.
"…." The dark shadow didn't respond. Zoey could feel the goosebumps forming on her body.
"If you don't come out on the count of three I WILL shoot you." Zoey made clear. She had killed many infected in her time but she wasn't ready to kill a human.
"Don't. I'll come out." He said surprised at the very fact that he could speak. It was almost as if speaking was instinctively known to him. Zoey stood there staring him down.
"Good." Zoey replied. She hoped to god that he wouldn't try anything stupid. She didn't feel like becoming a murderer today.
"Just promise me you won't shoot me when I come out." The Hunter pled. Zoey dropped her sight on the gun.
"I promise." Zoey said. The dark figure slowly stepped out of the shadows and revealed itself. Zoey immediately went into denial of the facts.
"That's a pretty – odd sense of fashion, can't say I've seen any people dress like a Hunter before." Zoey chatted.
"…" The Hunter had nothing to say.
"I really hate Hunters though, I can't think of anything more than I hate than freaking Hunters." Zoey said laughing. It was there that she heard the all too familiar sound, the sound cut into Zoey like a sharp knife. That growl wasn't any ordinary growl, it was one that belonged to a Hunter. In an attempt to back away Zoey tripped and stared in horror at the monstrosity in front of her. He walked closer to her causing her to scurry slowly away on the ground.
"You- You talked." Zoey said in shock more than fear.
"Yeah, and now I'm helping you up." The Hunter said picking up Zoey as if she were a small child and then standing her up straight.
"You! –" Zoey's mouth was covered by his hand.
"Quiet someone could hear us." The Hunter stated.
"I can't believe this, how are you able to talk, or even exist after the cure?" Zoey had no clue as to what this thing before her was.
"I'm as ignorant as you are to my dilemma." The Hunter responded. After some talk Zoey invited the Hunter with her to her apartment.
"You don't mind me staring do you?" Zoey asked politely. She had never gotten this close to a Hunter before without screaming for her life or shooting it dead and immediately running past the body.
"kind of ironic that you ask when you said you hated Hunters." The Hunter responded.
"I don't hate you, I just hate the Hunters that stalk and prey upon the weak. The ones that killed people during the outbreak." Zoey explained herself. "So is it ok to get a good look at you?" Zoey requested.
"Go for it."
Zoey started by ogling at his hands. His hands were coldly pale and the nails he had were sharp. His hands were kind of big, the type of hands to have a firm grasp on things. She then looked over to face, his hoody covered his eyes, but his jawline was visible and it was sleek and chiseled, to top it off he had some facial hair, a trimmed stubble was on his face. Zoey hadn't really had time to divulge herself in boys in college. She could feel herself wanting to see more of his face.
"Could you take off your hood?" Zoey asked curiously.
"Uhhh, I guess I can take off my hood. But don't get used to it though." The Hunter revealed his face and Zoey stared blankly at him. His eyes were the highlight too, they were glowing white like a cat's eyes.
"You're – really attractive." Zoey said flustered as to how a Hunter can be so handsome.
"You're really beautiful yourself, I wanted to say it before; how cute you are but I didn't want to be make things awkward." The Hunter responded, Zoey felt her face flush at the fact that he thought so highly of her.
"You know something, you're not so bad for a Hunter." Zoey complimented.
"You're not so bad for someone who said they were gonna shoot me." The Hunter joked.
"I wasn't gonna shoot you, I was hoping you'd listen if you knew I had a gun." Zoey explained. She felt really lucky to have come across this 'Hunter' with how she's been lately. She was very lonely as of lately, and she barely had any one to call a friend.
"Listen you can stay the night if you want." Zoey welcomed.
"Really? You're a really generous person. Thank you" The Hunter thanked.
"Don't even sweat it… And you should have a shower, you've been out in dark alleys surrounding by germs. It'd be best that you wash up while I clean your clothes." Zoey suggested. Both of them got up and the Hunter followed her lead.
"Alright get undressed in there and hand me your clothes." Zoey instructed. After a short amount of time she noticed the bathroom door open and a veiny/muscular arm extend out holding a black tank top, a pair of brown cargo pants, a blue hoodie, and finally some socks. Zoey admired his arm while she took his clothes.
Heading over to the washing machine Zoey noticed something fall out of his pants. It was a wallet. Zoey poured the clothes into the washing machine and then went to retrieve the wallet. Opening it up she found an ID.
"Enzo Giacomo?" Zoey read out loud in a whisper. She figured he was Italian based off his name. 'Enzo.' Zoey thought the name was just as appealing as he himself was.
Showering vigorously the Hunter thinks about his past. He has no idea who he is. Yet somehow, he just instinctively knew how to talk. Maybe his past was hidden away from him for a reason.
Zoey didn't know if it was a good idea to have a crush on a Hunter that survived the cure, even though she was immune she never faced any Hunter like this. Could he possibly infect her? Zoey pondered for a while until she heard the bathroom door open.
Enzo the Hunter walked out with a towel covering his waist and below. Zoey stared wide eyed at Enzo. His body looked like he worked out every hour of the day. Zoey couldn't believe how sculpted Enzo was.
"Why is your face red? Are you having trouble breathing?" Enzo asked concerned.
"-Huh" Zoey uttered still captivated by his lean physique.
"Oh!" Enzo said noticing what was going on.
"S- Sorry for staring." Zoey said trying to sober her herself from the drunkenness she had for his body.
"It's alright. I'm used to having women blindly lust after me." Enzo stated. Zoey gasped at his cockiness.
"You take that back I was just surprised that you had a nice body that's all." Zoey countered.
"Alright I take it back, so how long until my clothes are done?" Enzo questioned.
"About an hour." Zoey answered. Enzo sighed. "Let's watch some old fashion television in the mean time." Zoey added, she picked up the remote and turned it on. Enzo sat down next to Zoey.
"My brother has extremely agitated balls. He's my room mate and basically every day he asks me to help scratch an itch for him… Here is some of the footage showcasing this." Said some guy speaking to a microphone held by an extended-out hand.
"NO!" Zoey said changing the channel.
"Cinnamon Toast Crunch. A good meal. A wholesome meal. A fulfilling meal. A practical meal. A delicious meal. A crunchy meal. A cinnamon meal. Welcome to the Cinammon Toast Crunch channel. All the Cinnamon Toast Crunch news and information that you all love and adore." Said a narrator over footage of just a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
"I hate it when there's only garbage on Tv." Zoey said changing the channel.
"How about we have just a talk." Enzo said grabbing the remote gently and turning off the Television.
"Oh man, I almost forgot to tell you. Your name is Enzo Giacomo." Zoey revealed. Enzo seemed to be in deep thought after hearing the news.
"That name rings a large bell, but are you really sure?" Enzo asked to know. "Here." Zoey said handing Enzo the ID.
"It fell out of your pants pocket when I was bringing it to the wash." Zoey informed.
"Thank you –" Enzo trailed off not knowing her name.
"It's Zoey." Zoey confessed.
"Thank you, Zoey. Tell me Zoey, do you have a boyfriend currently? Because I can be the best boyfriend you've ever had." Enzo questioned casually. Zoey's cheeks began to turn bright red, she could feel her face flushing but she was more caught up with the answer. She felt really giddy at the fact that he asked such a question but she didn't know why. Was this what it felt like to have a lover in your life?
Zoey had never gotten a chance to have any real lovers in her life. Was this a sign for her to finally have one? Everything about Enzo was perfect. Well maybe not his cocky attitude but that was even charming in its own way.
Before she could answer the sound of knocking alerted both Zoey and Enzo.
Opening the door slightly Zoey saw Louis.
"HEY ZOEY! Finally came to visit like you've always been asking." Louis greeted. Zoey didn't know what to do she didn't want Enzo thinking that she had a boyfriend by telling Louis to go but at the same time she didn't want Louis feeling hurt that she had a new guy in her life in case Louis had feelings for her.
"Can I come in?" Louis asked. "Uhhh. Sure…" Zoey said letting Louis in. Louis took one look at Enzo and then pulled aside Zoey outside.
"You have a male stripper in your house! What the hell Zoey!" Louis said with his hands holding onto Zoey's arms outside her apartment.
"First off, he's no male stripper, he sure looks like one but he's not one. And two, next time text me before you come." Zoey firmly stated. Louis let go of her and they both entered the apartment. Sitting down Louis stared at Enzo.
"So what's your name?" Louis asked. "Mine's Louis. Nice contact lenses by the way."
"Enzo Giacomo's the name." Enzo gave out.
"Hey let's all watch some tv." Louis said turning on the television. 'Uh oh' Zoey thought.
"First I buy the vodka. Second I drink the Vodka. Then I smack whore wife and I – " Louis turned off the tv.
"Zoey? I thought you said you were gonna upgrade your cable so that you wouldn't get any nonsense anymore." Louis said fazed by the nonsense he saw on the teli.
"I was gonna upgrade but my landlord started charging more. He threatened to kick me out and got physical." Zoey said, a small guttural growl came from Enzo. Enzo didn't like the sound of this landlord.
"Did – did he just growl?!" Louis said practically quaking in his shoes.
"What you mean to tell me that growling isn't an acceptable thing to do when you hear upsetting news?" Enzo returned. Louis got a better look at Enzo.
"Pale skin, sharp claws, I don't even think those are contact lenses. Zoey you better explain yourself before I get the hell out of here!" Louis said shocked at that fact that Zoey was consulting with a Hunter.
"Hey man don't raise your voice at her." Enzo said trying to calm down the situation.
"I've known her longer than you have. And why are you only wearing a towel, were you two about to do it something. That's crazy!" Louis affirmed.
"Wait stop the clock, stop the clock! We were not 'about to do something' I just met him today. He's only in a towel because he just took a shower. Just because he's different doesn't mean we should treat him different. And even if we were going to do something that would be my decision." Zoey firmly corrected.
"Stop fighting amongst yourselves. What we should be talking about is that landlord. How did he get physical with you?" Enzo demanded to know.
"…" Zoey didn't say anything.
"Zoey he's right tell us what he did." Louis reinstated. Zoey didn't want them to complicate things but keeping secrets from friends isn't a fair idea.
Zoey's story
Weeks ago, was when this happened.
I was sitting on the couch relaxing from a grueling day of work and my doorbell suddenly rang. Opening the door my land lord pointed his finger at me.
"You better have your rent money." The land lord firmly said. I never missed a pay out in the past except for this one instance.
"I'll have it for you tomorrow." I said. It was then that he grabbed at my face cupping my cheeks firmly.
"I want it now!" The landlord said. It was at this point that I started to realize that the post apocalypse world had a lot of assholes in it. I mean I saw the news about looters and other acts of immoral nature. The ones who survived usually were either tough, or tough and scummy.
I could have shot him dead, but I didn't want to end up having my citizens badge revoked. Or to be evicted from my apartment.
"I promise you I'll get it by tomorrow." Zoey said trying to resist his touch.
"I'll stop by tomorrow then." He said letting go of her. "But don't think this won't have any consequence. I'm raising your rent, we'll discuss more tomorrow." He said to me with a stern voice.
Present day.
"So that's what happened. Please don't do anything stupid you guys." Zoey begged.
"Louis would you step out with me for a second." Enzo asked walking out while holding onto the towel wrapped around him. Louis followed him.
"This landlord needs to be taught a lesson of respect. We should press him." Enzo said. Reentering Zoey's apartment the two of them sat back down.
"Zoey would you be a sweety and tell us where this landlord likes to hang out?" Enzo requested.
"No." Zoey said.
"Zoey you need to tell us. That man shouldn't have touched you like that." Louis said.
"Fine but don't kill him." Zoey said.
"I promise not to. Are my clothes about done yet?" Enzo asked.
Thirty minutes later. Land Lord Seff Monobeurg sat in the lobby counting his fat stacks. He was sitting on a foldable chair, and was counting his money on the table in front of him not fearing that someone would take it.
"Va fungu!" A voice said the landlord looked behind him but before he could see the before he could see the person he was stricken by a foldable chair on the side of his head. Falling to the ground he groaned.
"You seem to have a problem keeping your hands to yourself you piece of slime." Enzo said. The Seff on the ground was too hurt to look up.
"Who are you?" Seff managed to ground out.
"If you ever touch one of your clients ever again expect to receive another visit from us." Enzo threatened kicking Seff in the gut. "Let him have it." Enzo said to Louis.
"I think he's already had it." Louis said in an easy going tone. Louis left and then Enzo was about to leave too. That is until he turned back to confirm what he saw, taking the money off the table Enzo left with Louis.
Back in Zoey's apartment.
"So did you talk with him?" Zoey asked seeing the two of them. She was quite worried as to what they had to say.
"We did more than talk. Um Giacomo at one point slammed a chair into the back of his head. But yeah, we definitely talked." Louis answered. Zoey's face turned pale white at the idea of it all.
"Are you two out of your mind!" Zoey screeched. Enzo knew what would calm her down.
"Princess, calm yourself." Enzo started. "I'M NOT YOUR PRINCESS. YOU TW – " Zoey was shut up the minute she saw it.
"This should be enough for ya to move out and get a new apartment." Enzo said handing it over to Zoey. Zoey stared at the money. Bringing her hand to her mouth she began to cry.
"Thank you." Zoey said through tears.
"Shhh it's alright. You crying is gonna make me cry, and then me and you crying is gonna make Louis cry. And then if we all start crying we won't be able to stay on alert in case the cops show up." Enzo stated rubbing Zoey gently on her thigh to cheer her up. Zoey like the touch and welcomed it. She then decided to hand out a hug to Enzo. Her face firmly planted on his hoodie she cried onto him.
Enzo at the moment gave Louis a smile, Louis gave Enzo a thumbs up in return.
"You can stay with me however long you like Enzo just don't hurt any one else." Zoey said. "Oh and one more thing, don't have your hood on indoors it makes you look like a complete tool." Zoey joked.
"Whoa stop the clock, stop the clock. Just because I'm a Hunter doesn't mean I don't have feelings." Enzo jested.
"Welp Zoey it's been nice visiting you, but I have to get the hell out of here before the cops come!" Louis said.
"Bye Louis, thanks for coming." Zoey said watching Louis depart. Zoey leaned up against Enzo.
"Zoey I'm gonna cut the bullcrap. I like you and I know you like me." Enzo front out admitted.
"Go on."
"So let's become lovers." Enzo proposed. Zoey knew exactly what she was going to say 'yes'.
"Alright, sure. But, if you are going to be my lover you have to let me see your muscles again." Zoey demanded.
"Your wishes are my command, Zoey." Enzo said taking off his hood and shirt.
Zoey looked on lustfully as he revealed his impressive physique. Zoey observed his well-defined pecs. They seemed hard enough to deflect bullets off of. His abs looked tone enough to grate cheese on, it was hard for her to take her eyes off them. Veins ran down his arms which Zoey caught notice of fairly quickly. His V line was quite apparent too, coupled with the amazing obliques it made Zoey shiver with desire. He was wearing a brown pair of cargo pants, with a black belt. The bottom complimented the top Zoey thought.
"Can I – feel your muscles?" Zoey asked shyly.
"Go ahead, feel free to touch cutie." Enzo complimented. Zoey was beginning to sense a pattern with her blushing. She had never encountered anyone who complimented her in this type of way before. Nor had she seen a guy shirtless in person before either.
"Wow your bicep's hard as steel." Zoey said in awe. Enzo appreciated the love coming towards his way. Zoey looked into his bright glowing eyes, and then looked back down to feel his pecs. 'I can't believe this is happening.' Zoey said to herself. Running her hands over his abs she didn't notice herself smiling a toothy grin.
"I've never met a girl so fascinated by my physique, you're really infatuated by it." Enzo pointed out. Zoey's cheeks turned bright red yet again. So many things she felt shy about, she had never once got a chance to have a boyfriend and this moment just felt surreal.
"…I've never had a boyfriend before, that's why I'm so – " Zoey couldn't finish because Enzo had reached to pick her up with his hands holding the back of her thighs, lifting her up he kissed her, not only did he kiss but he used his tongue. Zoey had always wondered what French kissing would feel like and now she was being enthralled by the act. To her it felt amazing, she had given into it rather quickly. Enzo ended the kiss and Zoey felt kind of pained to have the kiss end.
"I don't believe that you've never had a boyfriend before. You are more beautiful than water reflecting moon light coming from a full moon. I would endure fire and brimstone just to see your face if I had to." Giacomo poetically stated.
Zoey was speechless. 'What do I say? No, Zoey think. There's no need for words, all you have to do is this…' Zoey went over to Enzo and laid one hand on the back of his neck. Pulling him gently down, she awaited for his lips to meet hers.
Zoey couldn't describe what they did that night. Well she couldn't describe it with a sentence. All she had to categorize this moment in her life was one word. And that word was 'magical.'