Author's note: Just so you know, I spiced up the ending that preceded this story, so you should reread it. Also this will probably be the last chapter for some time, as I am unsure what to do next in this story. Any suggestions and thoughts are more that welcome.
Andrew tightened his grip on his M-60 machine gun. Standing outside the door to the basement, he strained his ears for any possible sound of enemies nearby. Pfc. Ivan Crany, one of many former Marines who had defected to the Fireflies, bounded up the steps carrying two large cans of gasoline. "There's not enough gas in these containers to last a week," he grumbled. "Well at least we found these Ivan," said Andrew. The young man raised his eyebrows. "And when these run out?" "Can't worry about that now," he replied. "Let's get back to base." Together they left the building and headed home.
The truth was, although he didn't really care about the fuel, he did worry. He worried about the grand plan and wondered if it were really possible. He worried about the government and being found by them again. But most of all he worried about his beloved wife Ellie and their unborn.
Like Ellie, Andrew had grown up in this post-apocalyptic era, only reading about what had once been. He'd had a hard life and lost people dear to him, although he hadn't had it quite as bad as Ellie. He'd joined the Fireflies for safety, a sense of purpose, and out of disgust and hatred of the oppressive government. He'd been instantly attracted to Ellie when they first met, and she to him, and the two of them had quickly become fast friends. Within weeks they had fallen in love, and within a few months they were one. The secret underground base had been under construction for a decade and a half, but it was still not finished. The temporary building they were in now was adequate, but it was nothing compared to what the secret base would be when it was done. Andrew for one, was looking forward to living in it.
Arriving home, Andrew and Ivan delivered the fuel. Ivan headed for the showers while Andrew hauled ass to his personal quarters. It was empty, but that was little surprise or cause for pain as he knew Ellie loved to spend time with her parents, and their quarters was right next to his. Sure enough, Ellie was there putting baby Henry to bed while Joel and Marlene were making out on the couch. They barely managed to stumble to the bedroom and lock the door behind them as he walked by. Ellie made sure the baby was asleep, then instantly she was in his arms. They made out for a few seconds before Andrew said "I love you so much." "How was work today?" Andrew shrugged. "Oh, we scrounged around and got a few gas containers, but other than that nothing much." "Run across any infected?" Ellie asked. "No, we've preetty much killed or cured all the infected for miles around." "Thank god," said Ellie. "I see your parents are having some fun over there," Andrew said grinning. "Yeah they certainly are," Ellie replied. "Daddy said he feels 30 years younger, and Mom can't stop giving graphic details on exactly how good he makes her feel." They both laughed. "Speaking of which," Andrew said, "Why don't we have some fun of our own?" "Oh yes," Ellie said, and they hurried back to their room. And for a few hours that night, they were able to bask in each other, pushing away thoughts of the plague and the government and war and death, their world narrow and tender and comprised of only the two of them.
