Chapter 10: Same Page.
They both stood before the gate. The creepers behind it had spread out, making their next job much easier. Ally's thigh was throbbing in pain, but she ignored it, they needed to get into the cellblock and begin to build their new home. Austin walked over to the rope and undid the knot. He pushed open the gate and glanced at her, nodding his head.
They both stepped inside the new part of the prison. They began to take out the creepers and they both stuck together, watching each other's back. Ally stabbed a stray creeper in the head and lowered its body to the ground. There was a small cage attached to the side of the cellblock, about five metal steps led up to the door. Leading between the two big grey buildings by them was a metal cage, which resembled a hallway, it was the perfect place to keep watch in, a set of stairs led up there. They walked underneath it and to their right was another gate, behind it were some table and chairs, and a single creeper.
They both walked back over to the cellblock and Ally observed the stands and basketball hoop which was there, it would be a perfect place to relax and have fun. Austin walked up to the door which led into the cellblock, Ally followed behind him and he pushed the door open, she expected it to be packed full of creepers, but surprisingly it wasn't. They'd walked into the area where the prisoners, would've been able to relax in. There was about five round tables and chairs. A watch tower was against the far wall, where the guards would've watched over them. They walked down the steps and looked around.
"Where are the prisoners?" Ally asked and he shrugged.
"There must be a breach in the prison somewhere, I think most of them are outside," He explained and she nodded. Ally made her way over to the metal door, which resembled a cell door. She looked through the bars to see it was the cells. There was a metal staircase which led up to the second floor of cells. She could see two creepers stumbling around and she pulled on the gate, but it was locked. She glanced up at the watch tower to see Austin up there, he was throwing things around and then he smiled to himself and ran down the stairs and over to her.
"Got the keys," He mumbled and he put them in the locked and pushed it open. He raised his crossbow and took out the first creeper, Ally hobbled over to the other one and took it out. She peeped into the empty cells, they all had bunk beds in. They all had pillows and sheets. Ally turned to Austin and smiled.
"This is perfect," She chirped and he looked away from her, trying to hide the faint blush on his cheeks. "I'm gonna' check the second floor," Ally walked up the stairs and began to patrol the metal balcony. She checked each cell and they came up clean. She leaned on the railings and saw Austin making his way over to the metal gate on the other side of the room. It led into darkness and she gulped, she knew that darkness and creepers wasn't the best combination. He pulled out a torch and shined it through the bars, trying to get a better look, but it was just a dark hallway which led to unknown parts of the prison.
"Do you want to try to find the cafeteria?" He asked and she made her way down the stairs and over to him.
"S-Sure," She stammered and she glanced into the darkness.
"There's nothing to be scared of," He retorted.
"I'm not scared!" She snapped.
"Sure," He muttered. "We might be able to find the generators, get this place lit up."
"That sounds great," Ally replied and Austin grabbed the keys from his belt and slid the door open. He attached his torch to his crossbow and he began to lead her down the dark hallway.
Ally kept her eyes glued to the ground, just to make sure nothing would grab at their ankles. Her thigh was throbbing and she winced with every step she took. Austin glanced over his shoulder and saw she was in pain, all because of him.
"We can go back if you want," He said and she shook her head.
"I'm fine. Lets try to find the cafeteria," She murmured and Austin continued to lead them down the corridors. The walls around them, seemed to go on forever, Ally wasn't sure they'd be able to find their way back, but she was putting all of her faith in Austin. She stared at the back of his head, wondering what thoughts were going through his mind. She wished she could read minds, because she wanted to know how he was feeling, specifically towards her. At least he knew I thought he was family.
Austin stopped and she collided with his back. His pushed her back a little and he grabbed the front of her shirt, pushing her back around the corner, pinning her up against the wall. He placed a finger on his lips, signaling for her to be quiet. Voices, why was there voices? Ally glanced around the corner, up ahead was a pair of double doors and raised voices were arguing behind it, she looked up at Austin, her eyes wide.
"What do we do?" She asked.
"Stay here," He whispered and she shook her head.
"I'm not letting you go in there alone," She hissed.
"Stay here," He hissed back through gritted teeth. "I'll be back," He let go of her top and walked around the corner. Ally heard him open the door and then the voices stopped. Ally's breathing hitched in her throat, silence was good, right? Ally felt a hand grab hers and she whipped her head around and she froze.
"Paul," She gasped and he let go of her hand and clamped his hands around her neck and slammed her head against the wall. She began to pull at his fingers, but everything she did seemed useless.
"I see the fire didn't kill you," He growled.
"S-Stop," She spat out and he let go of her neck. Ally began gasping for air and she opened her mouth ready to shout for Austin, but he grabbed a chunk of her hair and placed his hand against her mouth. Paul began to pull her back down the dark corridor and she tried to wiggle out of his grasp, but he let go of her hair and snaked his arm around her waist and she couldn't pry him off her.
Ally bit down hard on the skin of his palm, he hissed out in pain as she drew blood. She stumbled out of his hold and she ran back down the corridor, she could hear his hammering footsteps behind her and she raced around the corner and saw the double doors up ahead. She flung them open, just as Paul tackled her to the ground, her head collided with the solid ground and her vision blurred, his first collided with her face, but his weight was flung off her and Austin was on top of him within seconds. Austin began to throw punch after punch at his face and Ally managed to get to her feet. She looked at the three other people in the room. There was a dark-skinned man, he had huge muscles and he had a shotgun in his hand. Next to him was a younger woman, she looked around her age, she also had dark skin. Her dark brown hair, cascaded down her back and stopped just above her ass. Next to her was a pale man, his cheeks were red and he looked flustered. He had shaggy brown hair and he was very skinny, they were all covered in blood and guts.
Ally focused her attention on Austin, before she could open her mouth to say something, Austin had pulled out his crossbow and fired an arrow into his skull. The other three gasped and the muscular man pushed Austin away from him.
"Don't touch me!" Austin yelled and he glared daggers at the man.
"You just killed an innocent man!" He fumed back.
"Innocent man! This son of a bitch destroyed our home!" Austin spat back and Ally stepped in between the two men, she placed a hand on the mans chest and flashed him a friendly smile.
"It may look bad, but if you were in our shoes you'd want him dead. I'm Ally," She held out her hand and he shook it.
"I'm Ronny," His voice was gruff, but his soft eyes gave his kindness away. Ally glanced at Paul's dead body and sighed. She turned around to face the angry face of Austin.
"I thought I told you to stay out there," He growled.
"He tried to take me. So, I ran in here. I'm sorry next time shall I let him kidnap me," Her tone was dripping with sarcasm and he glared at her.
"Listen to me next time," He said flatly and she decided that now wasn't the time to argue with him and she turned to greet the other two people.
"I'm Roxana," The woman smiled at her and Ally returned it. "This is Cal."
"Hi," Cal said sheepishly.
"How did you lot get in?" Ally asked.
"We made a gap in the fence," Ronny explained. "We've been holding up in here for a few days," Ally looked around and realized they were in the cafeteria. She could see the kitchen through the window. She walked through the open door and glanced around. In the far corner there was shelves stacked full of cans. "There's enough in here to last a few months."
"Wow," Ally gaped at the food. She saw sleeping bags on the floor and she walked back through the door. "We've found the cellblock. You're welcome to stay."
"No way!" Austin shouted and he charged over to her. "We don't know these people!"
"We don't mean any harm," Roxana pushed. "We're just normal survivors, just like you guys."
"We don't know you well enough," Austin retorted.
"How about we give them a trial period, see how things go," Ally suggested and he sighed. "Austin, they deserve a chance."
"Whatever," He mumbled.
"I'll lead the way," Ally walked out of the door and they all followed her down the dark corridors.
...
They'd settled the new people in and Austin was sat opposite her at one of the tables. He kept stabbing his knife into the table, letting all of his frustration out. She could tell he was pissed off about Paul turning up, but he was also angry at her. The stabbing sounding was growing irritating and she scowled at him.
"Would you stop," She hissed and he spat out a laugh. "What's so funny?"
"I can't believe you've been so stupid, letting these strangers in. I thought this was meant to be a safe place for our family to return to," His tone was mocking her and she bit down on her bottom lip to stop harsh words escaping them.
"This can also be a safe place for other survivors as well. Everyone deserves a chance. I thought you'd at least be happy. Paul's dead and he's no longer a problem," Ally rambled on and he lent forward in his chair.
"He gave you a black eye, why would I be happy about that. I'm meant to protect you," He grunted and she sighed.
"Austin, I don't need you to protect me," She replied and he tutted.
"Yes you do. If I hadn't of pulled Paul off you, he would've given you more than a black eye," He retorted and Ally rolled her eyes.
"Will you just stop being so immature. We've given these people a place to stay. We need to start turning this place into a home. We can try to find the generators tomorrow," Ally lent back in her chair and she tried to avoid his burning gaze, but her eyes kept roaming back to his.
"When are you going to start listening to me?" He asked.
"When you start having a little bit more faith in this world," She replied.
"I thought is was just meant to be you and me, until we find our family," He retorted and she smiled.
"Austin it still is. These people aren't my family, though they may grow to be at some stage, but Austin you're my family and you come first before any of them, don't you ever forget that," She reached across the table and grabbed his hand, she squeezed it tight and flashed him a smile. He gazed down at their hands and then he looked back into her eyes. Ally got up and moved around the table and sat down next to him.
"I'm sorry," He muttered.
"It's okay. You're just being cautious about meeting new people, I understand," She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and he released a staggering breath.
"You know we can't trust them," He replied.
"Trust is earned. They'll earn theirs soon," She whispered and she dropped her hand from his shoulder.
"I'm really sorry," He mumbled and Ally looked into his eyes and knew that he wasn't on about what had just happened. "I'm sorry that I got so angry with you back at the farm. You know that month was one of the worst I've ever had."
"Same here. I think we need to learn to talk things out, before we both get blinded by angriness," Ally suggested and he nodded his head.
"That sounds like a great idea," He reached out and grabbed her hand. She glanced at him and smiled. "We'll find them all."
"I know we will."
...
Ally had chosen a cell to sleep in and Austin had picked the one next door to hers. She thought it felt safer that way, she knew that if anything happened, he would be there in a flash. The feeling that Austin once made her feel back on the farm was returning to her, she wanted him. She wanted him so bad and she just needed to know if they were on the same page. She didn't want to ruin what they already had.
The moonlight was shining through the narrow windows and the prison was in a pit of darkness and silence. A torch rested next to her bed and she reached out and turned it on. She wandered out onto the metal balcony and leaned against the railing. She shined the torch down on the bottom floor. Maybe, I should go and take watch in the guard tower outside. Ally glanced into Austin's cell to see it was empty. Maybe he had the same idea as me?
Ally made her way down the metal stairs and she walked into the main room and up the small stairs. She pushed open the metal door and stepped out into the cooling night air. She pushed open the gate and walked past the stands. She observed the courtyard, before sliding the gate open, she shut it behind her and made her way down the dirt path. She could see a small light glistening through the windows of the guard tower and she knew he was up there. She opened up the gate and made her way over to the guard tower. She trekked up the stairs and smiled when she saw him sat down against the wall, a small torch lighting up the room. He was glancing out at the moonlight and he turned around when he sensed her presence. She turned off her torch and sat down next to him.
"Shouldn't you be getting some sleep?" He asked.
"I'm not tired," She replied.
"Well, shouldn't you be keeping an eye on the newbies," He retorted and she giggled.
"I'd say you're trying to get rid of me Austin Moon," She smirked at him and he returned it. "You seen anything?"
"No, just a few creepers walking around, nothing to worry about," He explained.
"Good," Ally whispered. "Austin, since we've let these new people in. I was thinking, if we're looking for our family, would you help me look for Derek and Billy?"
"Who?"
"The father and son that took me in. I wanna' find them, they were good people," She explained and he sighed.
"Sure, I guess, but they come last. We're focusing on finding our family first, because they matter the most," He elaborated and she nodded.
"Of course," Ally replied. "Do you ever wonder who got out with who?"
"All the time. I also wonder where they all are now, whether they've found a safe place to stay, some place safer than here," He explained and she laughed.
"I doubt anywhere's safer than a prison," She mused and he smiled.
"I suppose, but I hope they're all safe," Ally reached out and grabbed his hand.
"I hope so too," She whispered and she intertwined her fingers in his. Austin glanced down at their joined hands and he sighed.
"I can't do this," He mumbled and he let go of her hand and got to his feet. Ally quickly stumbled to hers and embarrassment flooded her face.
"W-What do you mean?" She stammered.
"Nothing's going to happen between us Ally. It can't," He grunted and Ally felt her heart rate slow down.
"Why?" She whispered and she rested her hand on her heart.
"Bad things happen, Ally. We formed a family with random strangers and now look where they're. When you start to care, things go wrong!" He yelled and Ally rolled her eyes.
"Is that what the issue is? Do you not think that maybe some good can come from this world?" She pushed.
"Yes that's my issue!" He snapped and Ally stepped closer to him, her gaze burning up into his eyes.
"Well, bad things can happen to anyone Austin, it doesn't matter if you care for them or not, people are going to get torn out of this world! But, tell me how would you feel if I died tomorrow? You say you don't want this to happen, but I know if I died tomorrow, a little piece of you would die as well. I'm not stupid, I know that when you start to care it can faze your judgment, but it also makes you stronger and the need to survive grows stronger too! My mom is the reason why I'm still here right now, she is the reason why I'm still living, but I know that she doesn't want me on this world, just surviving for her, she'd want me to live for other people. People like you Austin!" She poked his chest with her finger and he grabbed her wrist.
"Don't say things like that," He growled.
"Why? Are you scared, because I'm right," She taunted and he pinned her up against the wall.
"You're not going to die!" He spat and he rested his hands next to her head.
"I might. You're not always going to be there to save me," She retorted.
"Yes I will!" He slammed his hands hard against the glass and a wave of fear consumed her.
"Then how do you expect me not to care about you, if you want to be in my life 24/7? I can't forget everything that's happened between us, especially what happened at the pharmacy. I'm not the type of person who can just forget about these things. If you want me, I'm right here and waiting for you, but if you don't then leave, I don't want you around me all the time if I know that nothing's ever going to happen between us!" Ally's chest heaved for air and she knew she'd managed to get her point across. She'd managed to break through that thick skull of his.
Ally began to search his eyes for an answer, but he wasn't giving anything away. She just wanted to know if he liked her the way she liked him. She didn't want to carry on the way things were, they had way to much tension between one another and it needed to be settled right now. He couldn't even looked her in the eyes, maybe that means he doesn't want me? She didn't know if she could handle him not wanting her, she knew she wouldn't be able to face him everyday.
Silence had fallen for to long and Ally pushed his arms away and she stepped away from him. She crossed her arms and stared at the ground. She could feel the tears stinging at her eyes and she bit her lips. She sniffled and then looked over at him.
"I guess that settles that then. See you around I guess," She let a single tear fall down her face. Ally spun around on her heel and headed towards the stairs. Austin's strong hand grabbed her arm and he pulled her back to him, crashing his lips against hers. Ally froze for a second from shock, before settling into his kiss. This one was more passionate than the one they'd shared at the pharmacy. She could feel his need for her, rather than her need for him. He nibbled at her bottom lip and she granted him access to her mouth. He walked her to the wall and firmly pressed himself up against her. Ally laced her arms around his neck and pulled herself closer to him. Austin moved his hands away from her face and stroked her back, he reached down and grabbed her ass. Ally jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist, pushing herself up against him. She buried her fingers in his hair and she deepened the kiss.
Austin's hands slid underneath her shirt and he eased it up and off her body. He crashed their lips together once more and Ally moaned against his lips, bringing a smirk to Austin's lips. He reached around and undid the clasp of her bra. Ally tossed it to the ground and she hesitated against his lips, causing her to pull away. She suddenly felt very embarrassed about Austin seeing her like this, no one had ever seen her so exposed before. Austin stared at her bare chest and he glanced up at her. He saw the look in her eyes and he froze.
"Ally we can stop," His voice was husky and rough. Ally immediately relaxed and she smiled at him.
"I don't want too," She crashed her lips against his once more and Austin supported her legs which were firmly locked around his waist. He began to kiss a trail along her jawline and down her neck. He kissed his way down to her breasts and he sucked and nibbled on her hardened nipple. A gasp escaped her lips and her fingertips dug into his skin, as pleasure began to burst throughout her body.
"Hello?" A voice call from the bottom of the guard tower. They both jumped and Ally untangled herself from Austin and she grabbed her bra and quickly put it back on. Austin grabbed her top and passed it to her, she slipped it on and Roxana walked up the stairs and she smiled over at them. "I was wondering if you wanted me to take over watch?"
"Er, yeah sure," Ally stammered and she glanced at Austin to see he was blushing. Ally made her way past Roxana and down the stairs, she could hear Austin's footsteps behind her and when they made it out of the door at the bottom, she turned around to face him.
"Ally, I'm sorry-"
"Stop apologizing for everything Austin. You don't have anything to be sorry about, especially about what happened up there," Ally reached out and placed a hand on his arm. "But, what does this mean Austin?"
"I don't know?" He shrugged his shoulders and Ally sighed.
"I know what I want this to be, but if you don't know what you want this to be, then we need to stop, because I'm not putting my heart out on the line just to have it thrown back in my face," Ally explained and Austin reached up and cupped her face.
"I'm not good at explaining how I feel Ally, you gotta' understand how hard this is for me. Ally this is whatever you want it to be, and I'm just as scared as you to put my heart out on the line," He placed a soft kiss to her lips and she smiled up at him.
"Okay. I guess we're on the same page," She giggled and he grabbed a hold of her hand and guided her back towards the cellblock.
...
Ally didn't now if it was the heat making her hallucinate or if she was actual seeing what she was. She was at the very front gate and in the distance she could see a young boy, his back was facing her and she wanted to call out for him, but she didn't want to scare him. She licked her dry lips and walked over to the guard tower and grabbed the keys, she undid the lock and pushed the gate open. She pulled out her knife, just in case a creeper came over.
"What are you doing?" Austin called down from the guard tower. Ally glanced up at him and then she looked back at the distant boy. She squinted her eyes and the boy eventually turned around and her eyes widened.
"BILLY!" She yelled and then around ten men stumbled out of the trees and Billy took off into the woods. "BILLY!" She screeched and she took off down the dirt path and into the trees after the stampede of men. She could hear them yelling fowl words at him and she pushed herself as fast as she could, her thigh was crying out for her to stop, but she couldn't stop, she couldn't lose another child.
Strong arms tackled her to the ground and she felt the air escape her lungs. A heavy man landed on top of her, she glanced up at his scar covered face and she quivered in fear. He brought up a rag and clamped it against her mouth and nose. She began to inhale the fowl stench and she tried to pry the cloth off her, but soon her vision began to blur and everything fell dark.
AN: Thank you to all my lovely reviewers. Please let me know your thoughts on this chapter, I'd love to know what you think as always. I've also finally worked out who escaped with who and I can't wait to get to the part where they finally meet someone from their group, but that won't be for a while, unfortunately.
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