The Star Hunter

Chapter 14: And Then There Was Jealousy

We just stared at each other for a long moment. Nick. My Nick. He's back in this hell after I gave my human life to get him and the others out of it. I ought to smack him for that. As my paling hazel eyes scanned him underneath my hood, I've noticed something…different about him. He seemed paler and a bit scruffier. Also, he didn't smell the same as before. Sure, he's wearing his Axe, but he didn't smell…human.

It hit me like Sir Rambo charging into my chest: he's been infected.

Apparently, he also got the shock I did because we were in sync with each other in the following conversation:

"What the hell did you do to yourself? What happened? Who infected you! Stop copying me! Oh, shut the fuck up and hug me, you fool!"

We launched ourselves into each other's arms, embracing the other tightly. I've never thought I'd see Nick again. Well, maybe when I died and went to Hell, I would. However, now he's back in my arms, while I'm back in his. I just can't believe that he is infected. On that note, he did have the scent of a Common. Oh all types of zombies to bite him; Nick had to be Common bait.

"A Common, Nick? Seriously?" I whimpered into his shoulder.

He muttered, "Don't ruin this moment."

I chuckled as I snuggled into his shoulder. Lazerlemon looked up and stood, allowing Alex to slide away. The young Hunter beamed, "Nick!"

Nick was a bit startled when such a young, but masculine voice called his name. When I gently pulled away, Lazerlemon took my place, embracing the con man. Nick stiffened. "Umm…hey…"

"It's me, Lazerlemon!" he chirped.

Nick blinked and then did a double take, "No way. You can't be the obnoxious little puffball we found in Witchville."

"You better believe it, Nick!" the blonde Hunter beamed, showing off his sharp teeth.

"But how?"

"Oh come on! You think I'll be a puffball forever? Typical jackass Nick."

Nick turned to me and muttered, "You make a great mother figure…"

"Oh piss off."

Alex stood up and asked Nick, "What did it say?"

Lazerlemon frowned and turned to me, "He can't hear me?"

"No, they can't. Only those who have been infected can do so. Or in my case, when I was a human, the scratch Scar gave me enabled me to hear only half of their conversations."

"So…Alex and the rest can't hear us?"

Coach pulled out a small vial from his belt and watched over to me. Pulling my hood down, Coach stated quickly, "I hope this won't kill you."

"Wait, wh-" As soon as Coach injected the needle into my jugular vein, I yelped and dropped to the ground.

Lazerlemon yelped and yelled in panic, "Chris!"

Everyone else looked up and surrounded the survivors. The humans got a bit edgy, causing Coach to whimper, "Hey, hey, hey. She's not dead, fellas. At least…I hope not."

"Coach! For fucks sake! That hurt!" I grumbled into the gravel.

The zombie slayers lit up; they could understand me now. Sheila burst into tears, "Chris!"

I looked up and beamed. "Oh Sheila."

She tackled me into the ground and sobbed into my filthy shoulder. I gently embraced her, but she flinched at my touch. I frowned, "Are you ok?"

"Some Jockey got me; I tripped and fell onto a rusty nail."

I gasped and then snarled, "DETOUR!"

All of my teammates looked over at the Jockey in question, who only frowned and whimpered, "What? I didn't mean to do it! That bitch can't even step over a board."

I snarled as I stood up, "Detour, I said disarm! I didn't want anyone to get hurt!"

"Well, sorry!" the Jockey barked back, "A little late for that, Chris! After all, you killed Sir Rambo!"

I sneered at him as I turned back to Sheila's injury. Gently removing her jacket, Ellis took his place beside her. "Let me help, Chris…if you truly are Chris…"

I rolled my eyes, "It's good to see you too, Ellis. Yes, it is me."

"Can ya prove it?"

I smirked as I stood up, walked over to Nick and kissed him firmly on the lips. Nick's paling green eyes widened as large as frag grenades in response to the kiss. The humans went "Awwwwww~~~~~~"

The rest of the zombies (excluding Lazerlemon) were a bit shocked and slightly disgusted by Scar's right hand's actions. Salt Lick shivered, "Chris? Really?"

I pulled away, making Nick whimper to himself for more. "What?" I replied back to the Smoker.

"Why did you do that?"

"Because Ellis needed proof."

Ellis had the biggest smile on his face, giving Nick the thumbs up. "Thanks, Chris. I got it!"

I smiled and turned back to Salt Lick, "You see?"

"Yeah, but you could've done something else!"

"Like what?"

Ro quipped, "In all honesty, that kiss was spot-on for Chris."

"It's about time too!" Alex laughed.

I blushed as I scratched my neck, "Did you guys know that we kissed before?"

Sheila squee'd, "You did? When!"

"When…when we were on the chopper pad," my happy, cheery mood grew a little sorrowful. However, I quickly cleared my throat and perked up, "Hey, it was a small kiss just between me and him. It is just a small, quick one before the chopper took off."

"Aww damn! Why didn't you tell us, Nick/!" Ellis smirked.

Nick barked, "Was I even in the right mood to even mention it, Ellis?"

The redneck blinked and slouched, "Yeah…good point…"

I turned back to Sheila, but I suddenly felt Salt Lick's tongue wrap around my body. The slayers tensened, but I quickly reassured them, "Relax. I've got this."

"We, Special Infected, must talk alone with you, Chris," the Smoker growled as he dragged me away.

I rolled my eyes as the group walked away from the slayers. Once we were away behind the shooting gallery, the smoking zombie finally loosened his tongue around my body and sighed, "We must talk about this, Chris."

"About what?" I asked.

Booms burped, "About your torn loyalty."

My muscles tightened. "Is that so?"

Abby nodded, "Sadly, yes. We all think this 'disarm the survivors' thing was not what we're created for!"

"That's right. We don't disarm; we kill!" Detour cackled.

I sighed heavily and crossed my arms. "So…this is mutiny then."

"Not against Scar. Against you," Salt Lick stated.

Nathan gasped and frowned, "Why?"

"Don't tell us that you side with that traitor?" Booms finally exploded (not literally). "Don't you remember what Scar has done for you, Nate? Save your life? Taught you everything you knew about being a Hunter? Even saved your life against the survivors that killed your sister?"

Nathan was stricken by grief, just remembering his older sister's death. I snarled as I stood in front of the younger Hunter, "Booms, that's enough! I'll go, but for fuck's sake, leave Nathan alone!"

"W-What? Why?" Nathan frowned.

I looked at him and stated softly, "I don't want you to be caught in a crossfire, Nathan. You're a sweet kid, and I don't want you to feel conflicted. Stay with them."

Thanks to his lack of eyes, he sobbed, "But, Chris…"

"Don't. You belong with Scar and the rest of this band. After all, you are going to be Scar's right hand."

Salt Lick, despite the Scar follower that he is, saw that at least I was willing to walk away without a problem. With a sigh, he asked, "If you and your group leave without a fight, we won't attack you, only on the grounds. Once you leave, you're a target again. Deal?"

I nodded as I rose my claw to Salt Lick, "Deal."

He shook my claw and sighed, "You will be missed."

"Come on, guys."

Everyone was confused. Ellis asked, "Hey, what happened with the zombies?"

"I'm no longer part of that group, Ellis. The reason you guys are still alive is because of my strategy. If they had their own way, I'd be talking to myself right now."

Ro shook her head and stated, "You take on way too much to keep us safe, don't ya?"

Sheila nodded as Coach patched up her nail wound by disinfecting it first and then dressing it neatly, "Rochelle, I can tell you from experience that she's always been like that."

"What now, Chris? You have matured into a great leader, so you should make the next move," Coach noted as he tied the linen into a firm knot.

I sighed and scratched my hooded head. I really don't know. "Guys, rule one: on this ground, you will refrain from killing the Special Infected."

Everyone spoke up in protest. Alex freaked, "Are you fuckin' nuts!"

"Let me explain!" I snarled, scaring the humans, including Sheila. Realizing that I snarled, I sighed and rubbed my transparent eyes, "Sorry for scaring you all, but you must understand something. For the past month, that group of zombies has been my salvation, my family. I'm not happy about being voted out, but we are agreeing to this on a new level. You guys think zombies are just mindless killing machines. To a point, yes, you're right. But not all the time. Salt Lick made me a deal that-"

"Who's Salt Lick?" Ellis interrupted.

Lazerlemon answered for me, "He's the Smoker."

"That will set us on neutral and respectful ground. If we leave without a fight, they won't attack us. However," I spun on my heel to face the entire group, "If we come back, they will attack."

"So…if we leave right now, we'll be safe from them?" Ro asked with a raise of her hand.

"Yes, unless we step foot into this ground again."

Alex noted, "You keep mention 'grounds'. What's a safe zone and what's not?"

Coach clarified, "You mean, where the boundaries are?"

"Yeah, exactly!"

I walked over to a Whisperin' Oaks map vendor and grabbed one. Opening it up, it showed the whole amusement and the small packs of land surrounding it, including the Motel Six that made everything come flooding back. Clearing my throat, I ushered everyone to huddle around the map as I explained territories. Nick was dangerously close to me, but I decided to ignore it…for now.

"Ok, guys. Whisperin' Oaks here is the center 'base' if you would. The Motel Six is still in the boundary. The main highway is also part of it. However, Rayford is under…oh shit!" My mind suddenly flashed to Spectre.

"'Oh shit' what?" Sheila asked. Of course, she of everyone in this group to speak up when I'm thinking about her own father!

"Nothing."

She scoffed, "Bullshit."

"I'll explain later. Rayford is safe right now. It's out of Scar's control."

Nick stated, "Christophe did mention Scar. Who is he?"

"He's the Alpha Hunter that has total control over this amusement park, the swamps, Witchville or Ducatel, and the ruins of New Orleans. Rayford and past that is not."

"Wait…you know Rayford?" Nick cocked an eyebrow.

I nodded to him, "Yeah. I had to burn Bill's body."

Everyone blinked and stared at me. "Ok, moving on from this odd topic, should we go there?"

"I don't know. It'll definitely be safer than here, that's for sure," I stated. "But first, I…"

"You what, Chris?" Nick asked with concern.

Lazerlemon beamed, "Yeah! Let's go to Rayford! I've never been to it!"

Alex beamed at Lazerlemon's enthusiasm, "He's still the cute fireball we rescued!"

"With a comprehensive grasp of every swear word in the English language," I quipped.

"Five bucks says that's your fault, Chris," Sheila deadpanned.

I shrugged, "Guilty as charged, I'm afraid. That only shows what a great mother I am."

"You don't say?~" Ro giggled.

Nick blushed a bit at the chain of thoughts that ran through his head. Ellis caught this and smirked, "What'cha thinking, Nick?"

"Nothing!" he yelped in surprise.

Lazerlemon giggled, "Yeah, right Nick~"

"Piss off, you fuzz ball."

"Ha! I'm not a fuzz ball anymore!"

I sighed, "Enough you two. Let's go to Rayford and decide our next move."

Coach asked, "Why the hell did that Spitter destroy our weapons?"

"Oh, yeah. Well, thankfully, we can find random weapons and ammo all over the place. Having no weapon hasn't stopped us before," Alex quipped.

"Thanks for breaking the fourth wall, Alex," Ro stated bluntly.

As we stopped at the closest safe room to gain some weaponry, Nick couldn't stop stealing quick glances at me. I couldn't help but blush a little. The kiss I gave him still lingered on my lips. My heart skipped softly for the con man. But…then something else came up that had my blood stop cold. Spectre.

I sighed loudly and growled to myself, "Where the fuck did he go?"

Sadly, thanks to Nick's enhanced hearing, he heard me. With a quick snap of his head, he repeated, "'He'?"

I gulped, "My partner."

Everyone stopped and looked at Nick, who had a very hurt look on his face. "Y-Your partner?"

"I meant it in a police partnership sort of way!" I quickly corrected.

"You mean Spectre?" Lazerlemon asked.

I gulped and nodded, "Yeah, him."

The Hunter youth smiled and then hummed in thought, "I haven't seen him in the fight. I hope nothing bad happened to him."

"Yeah, me neither," I sighed with concern.

Nick's hurt frown only got bigger. "Why do I have a feeling you really like this guy?"

"Oh relax, Nick! He's too old for me anyway."

"How old?" Sheila asked as she grabbed a sniper rifle.

"Old enough to retire, but not old enough to cough up a lung with every cough." I kinda chuckled at my explanation. It was true. Spectre was 52 years old; old enough to relax on a beach if he wanted to, but knowing him, he'd want me to be resting on that beach with him! However, he's not so old that he must go a nursing home. Hell no. He still kicks some serious ass and doesn't break a sweat.

"I hope he's a friendly," Sheila muttered.

Ellis quipped, "Judging on how Chris is attached to him, he is!"

"Shut up, Ellis!" Nick and I barked in unison.

The older redneck jumped a bit. "Ok, ok, damn. Sorry I mentioned it."

"You better," I growled. Lazerlemon frowned a bit.

As everyone obtained a weapon (I only was armed with my Magnum. I refused to carry anything else.), we trekked into the woods. Oddly enough, the smell of blood was fresh in the air, as if a kill was made minutes ago. Remembering gunshot just moments before the ambush, my eyes widened. "Guys?"

Alex went, "Yeah?"

"Did you shoot anything on the way here?"

Everyone looked at each other and Ellis raised his hand, "Yeah, I did."

My fear and tone only grew, "What did you kill?"

"A witch."

I froze dead in my tracks. "A-A witch?"

Nick and Coach gulped, suddenly realizing the situation on why I'm suddenly so upset. "A friend?" Nick softly stated.

I nodded gently.

Lazerlemon gasped, "Oh, no. Are you taking about…?" He suddenly took off running into the woods. I instantly followed him with equal or even greater speed. I can only pray that it wasn't Chloe that got shot and it was just a random witch. Lazerlemon stopped suddenly and gasped with horror. He just stared at the carnage before him. I walked over to his side and a very painful frown spread across my face. The young Hunter began to cry nonexistent tears from his sockets, "Chloe's…she's dead…"

"I know, Lazerlemon," I sighed as I gently hugged him. He grabbed my hoodie and gently sobbed into it. "It's ok. She's out of this hell hole."

"Yeah," he sniffled, "You're right." He wiped his eye sockets with his dirty sleeve and exhaled sharply, "I wish she didn't have to die."

"Me too. She was a great friend and the only witch that wouldn't kill me." I bent my head and Lazerlemon and I had a moment of silence for her.

A sudden wisk of smoke and a yelp made Lazerlemon and I jump. Hearing a magazine get snapped into place, I gasped as I spun around to see Spectre standing behind me, but Alex had his M16 at the ready, pointing the barrel directly at Spectre. "Alex! Don't!"

He obviously didn't listen. BANG!

Followed by a yelp.

I looked at my shoulder. Pain. Blood. Lead.

"Chris, you know I can take a fuckin' bullet!" Spectre growled, "You didn't have to take it!"

Nick gasped as he bashed Alex over the head with the butt of his rifle, "You asshole!"

"Not my fault," Alex cried.

"It's just a flesh wound, Nick. No need to bash his skull open for it," I stated, trying to defend Alex. He's right; it wasn't his fault that he shot me. It was mine. "Besides, I've been shot before."

Nick heard this and freaked, "You mean, you've been a target?"

"Yeah. Oh, come on, Nick! I'm a fuckin' Hunter now! Of course guns are pointed at me!"

He frowned deeply and looked down.

I sighed and rubbed my temples with my thumb and forefinger. "I'm sorry for snapping, but you must understand that I've been through Hell, killing humans. Even when I was human and a con artist, I never killed anyone. Maim, yes, but never kill." Using my claws, I wedged them into my wound and hissed a bit in pain, plucking the bullet out. "Ouch. It'll heal in a few seconds."

Sheila blinked, "Heal?"

I nodded, "Come on. Of all the times I've been shot, if it wasn't for Scar's Alpha blood, I'd be dead by now. That's why he was so hard to kill." As if on cue, my bullet wound slowly sealed up as if it never happened. This ability startled the survivors, but also amazed them. "There," I smiled.

Alex flipped out happily, "That's awesome!"

"Hell, it's kept me alive," I stated as I flexed my shoulder.

Sheila asked, "What else can you do?"

My lips curled into an evil toothy grin as I turned invisible. Everyone gasped and began looking around. They began to get edgy, especially when I spoke in very close or awkward times, "I'm everywhere…and nowhere…at the same time." A rustling tree branch made everyone jump. Spectre only sighed.

I turned visible again, hanging upside down on the branch, my hair hanging out of my hood. "These two abilities are the only ones inherited by Scar and I."

Spectre muttered, "Yeah. Can you come down now?"

"No."

He rolled his eyes, grabbed my shoulders and with a gentle yank, he pulled me down off the branch and into his arms. I gave him a cheeky grin, while he frowned, "I saw what you did."

My grin quickly faded, "See what?"

"What you did to prove yourself."

I gulped, "Oh shit."

"Did you even think before you did that? What about what I-"

I quickly scrambled out of his arms, "Now's not the time for such words, Spectre."

Nick growled, "Indeed."

"Spectre, this is Nick. Nick, this is Lt. Vincent 'Spectre' Overbeck," I introduced them.

Spectre smiled politely and rose his claw to the Common. "Hey. I've heard a lot about you, Nick."

"Good things, I hope," he stated, just looking at his Witch like claws.

Spectre pulled his claw away awkwardly and cleared his throat. "Ok then."

"Have you hurt Chris?" Nick stated very bluntly.

Spectre was actually taken back from it. "I would never. She's my only friend. Why would I want to hurt her?"

The con artist looked at the chimera's body structure and muttered, "I'm not sure if she'll take that."

"Nick!" I yelled at him, my pale cheeks lit up.

Coach shouted, "That was uncalled for, Nick! Don't be a cock blocker!"

He growled, "I'll be one if I want to!"

"Well, this is off to a charming start," Spectre sighed.

After giving Chloe a proper burial, I introduced Spectre to the rest of the team (and injecting him with the same serum I was injected with, to enable speech) and we decided to head back towards Rayford. Why? Because it was the only town nearby that had plenty of supplies left to spare. My only issue was that we were heading back to Bill's final resting place.

With a lot of thought, Spectre and I decided not to move Bill's ashes, but put a tarp over them with a couple of weights to protect them from the wind. I still have his cap and name patch, while Spectre still carried his M16 on his back. This may be a touchy moment for me and Spectre…and subtly for Sheila as well. She'll be looking down at her grandfather's ashes.

I sighed as I stopped at the cremation site we created three weeks ago for him. I looked in and actually smiled that the tarp was doing its job and protecting him. Spectre frowned as he took my side, looking in at his cremated father. I sighed and spoke a little too loud (by accident), "Three generations of Overbecks here together."

Spectre froze up a bit when I said it. "Must you be so loud?"

"Chris was never a quiet one," Sheila admitted as she looked in as well, taking my other side. "I've known her forever. Despite our age difference, she's always been there to help me out, no matter what. She even saved my life…before this zombie apocalypse."

Spectre looked at her and asked, "How?"

"It was my spring break about three years ago. I was in Miami, Florida. I went to this sports bar and had a grand time. However, some drunk was hitting on me and nearly forced me into leaving the bar with him. However, Chris came out of nowhere, poked the guy on the shoulder and growled, 'Back off from my little sister' and punched the guy in the nose. The guy flew over the bar and broke a ton of liquor bottles, which he had to pay for. Chris and I got out of there and she warned me of the crime hotspots in Miami…which was pretty much everywhere."

I chuckled, "Yep. Coke central, I'm afraid. You didn't know that I knew that guy. He was a poker buddy of mine."

Ellis quipped, "You certainly know how to attract the right people, Chris!"

"I'll say," Spectre stated softly. "Thank you for protecting her."

"My pleasure," I smiled at him, which made Sheila confused and Nick mad.

He smiled back, while Sheila asked Ellis, "Am I missing something here?"

"I have no idea, darlin'," he shrugged as he gently wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.

Spectre's eye twitched a bit. I sighed and looked up at the sky, yawning. "I think it's best to find a saferoom so we can camp there."

Nick grimaced, "There's no way, we're going back on the Under the River tour again."

"Amen, Nick," Coach agreed.

"Oh, hell no," Ro added with a disgusted tone.

Even Ellis shivered, making Sheila look back and rub his right forearm, thinking he was chilly.

"Judging by your reactions…you guys have been here before?" Alex stated.

"Lil' brother, don't go there," Ellis warned.

Spectre smiled and chuckled, looking away from Bill's cremation site, "I have. I've been here for a long time now, so I have seen this Under the River tour before." He turned to me and stated, "Sewers and construction."

I retched, "Oh great. Construction…meh, I've had worse. But sewers…hell no."

Everyone chuckled, everyone agreeing that the Under the River tour was a no go. I turned to Spectre and asked, "Well, you got any ideas?"

Nick, in a fit of slight jealousy, scoffed, "Why are you asking him?"

"Because if you weren't listening, Nicolas," Nick literally flinched when addressed by his full first name, "Spectre has been here for a long time and he knows the area."

Nick frowned and looked down with an attitude that yelled 'Yeah…so? That's not special or anything.'

"It's fine. And we can always stay at the Shears retail store."

Alex asked, confused, "Wait…isn't it pronounced 'Sears'?"

"No, Alex. It's Shears," Spectre gave him a deadpan look.

I tapped my chin and snapped my clawed fingers, "Oh yeah! I do remember that store! And thank God there's a Save 4 Left nearby as well."

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Alex beamed.

Shears had only one zombie: a Hunter named Gage. He was sleeping on a display bed. Lazerlemon smiled and poked his head. The Hunter grunted softly and began to wake up. He had his eyes clawed out, so his vision wasn't the best. He did smell humans, so he snarled and got ready to attack. Coach was too quick to aim his SPAS, but I quickly stopped him, "Hold up, big guy. Hey, Hunter."

"Gage."

"Ok, Gage. Do you want to die?" I asked such a blunt question that everyone looked at me with small shock.

Gage frowned and nodded, "Yes. You have no idea what has happened to me. I was just a mere survivor out of a group of four. A sole Hunter wiped out my teammates and bit me, leaving me for dead and enduring this Hell alone. Please, put me out of my misery. Kill me. Send me on my way to meet my family."

"Nathan…" I frowned, remembering that it was Nathan that infected him and killed the other three. He told me that happened when he sot after his vengeance for his sister's death. I sighed and took my Magnum from the holster. "That Hunter that infected you is called Nathan. He's Scar's successor."

He looked up and nodded, "Thank you for telling me. One request?"

"Go ahead."

"Aim for my heart," he sat up and pointed to his blood pumping organ. "I know it'll be painful, but I want it to happen. Please."

I frowned, but nodded regardless. "Well, Gage, time to meet your Grim Reaper." I aimed directly at his heart and pulled the trigger without a second thought.

He screeched in pain and flew back onto the bed, his blood staining the white sheets. His body writhed in the worst agony possible, blood shooting out of the bullet wound like a water fountain. Struggling to breathe, he gripped the sheets with his claws, choking on some of his blood, thanks to the heart being so close to the lungs. The bullet must've hit a lung as well.

Everyone watched in horror at Gage's death. Sheila finally had enough and sobbed quietly into Ellis' chest, who held her tight, shielding her from the sight. Coach and Ro both looked away, not wanting to see the zombie in so much pain. Alex and Lazerlemon covered each other's ears, more concerned about their hearing, rather than worried about the gore. Nick just watched, oddly his heart weeping for the creature. He only sighed softly and watched him. Spectre and I stood emotionlessly.

Gage's famous last words: "Here I come, God. I hope you have room for me…with my family…"

That was the straw that broke the camel's back on several of us. Coach began to cry softly, not even sure if his own family was safe or dead. Ro sniffled a bit and gave me a very icy look. "Why did you have to kill him?"

"That's what he wanted," I stared blankly at his dead body. "It was his wish to be put down. He wanted it; I'd never kill without a reason. Like every survivor that opened fire at me…I killed them to stay alive." Sheathing my Magnum, I looked down at my claws and clenched them. "My hands are stained with so much blood…I don't even know if I'm capable of mercy anymore."

Ellis spoke up, "Yes, you are, Chris. What you just did…you showed that Hunter mercy by killing him. I didn't hear anything he said, but from you said to him, you were showing him mercy and ended his torture."

"That's deep, even for you, Ellis," Nick commented.

He looked up and beamed his traditional smile, "Jee, thanks, Nick!"

"Alright, people. Show's over. Let's get to work," Spectre stated.

Ellis, Sheila, Ro, and I went to the Save 4 Less store, while the rest salvaged what they could inside Shears. As I led the way, I chuckled and quipped, "How long do you think it'll take before Nick and Spectre start fighting?"

Sheila giggled, "I have no idea, but at least Spectre is trying to control himself."

"That's because he's a gentleman," I grinned, putting a little swag in my walk, making Sheila, Ro and Ellis chuckle.

"Man, we sure missed you," he smiled.

"Hell, I missed you guys too."

"Nick was heartbroken for the past month because of what you did," Ro frowned.

I sighed softly, "I can imagine."

"And I think that's why he was so happy that you kissed him at Whisperin' Oaks," Ellis smirked.

I blushed, "Well…I…he…umm…it was just proof it was me, remember!"

"Sure, keep telling yourself that~" Ellis teased.

"Sheila, put your man on a leash before I kill him," I warned.

It was her turn to blush, "No way, Chris."

Ro snickered, while Ellis pouted, "I'm not?"

Sheila quickly stated, "Oh, I'm sorry, Ellis!" Giving him a brief kiss on the cheek, she purred, "You are my man, but I'm not putting you on a leash."

I turned around and smirked evilly, "You'll be amazed what fetishes people have~"

Her face lit up, "Christina!"

I laughed as we walked inside. Despite the outbreak, this Save 4 Less store was plentiful. It was rummaged through, but it wasn't wiped out either. Lots of useful supplies were still on the shelves, making our job twice as easy.

"Alright. Guys, grab things that we'll need," Ro stated. "And if you see a zombie, shoot to kill."

I nodded, "Agreed. Just don't shoot me."

We all split up in the store and went to work.

Ellis went to the cosmetics aisle first, finding deodorant, shaving cream, mouth wash (since that may be our only way of cleaning our teeth), and hair brushes. Hell, we all need them. However, on the way down the aisle, the redneck tripped and his arm swept across a shelf, sweeping all of the content onto the floor. "Aww hell," he cursed.

He began to pick everything up in a hurried manner, when Sheila came by to see if he was ok. "Ellis?"

"Huh?" he was startled by her approach, "Yeah?"

"Are you ok?" she asked.

He stood up and played it cool, 'Yeah, yeah. Don't worry 'bout me, darlin'. I was just getting the goods."

She took the box that he had in his hands and looked at it for a very long moment. She looked back at him and flipped the fornt of the box to him. His eyes widened and his face turned bright red. It was a box of Trojan condoms.

"A box…of condoms?" Sheila asked slowly.

Ro and I were walking by and looked at the two. Quickly looking back at each other, we smirked at each other and quipped, "Walking Dead moment." And we quickly went on our merry way, thinking about what happened next.

"Sheila, it's not what you think, I swear it," he pleaded, not wanting her to get the wrong idea about it.

She sighed, "Then what is it?"

He sighed and admitted, "I tripped and cleared everything off the shelf. I tried to pick in all up, but that's when you came in. I didn't want to look like a dork."

She sighed with relief and smiled, "Is that all? Ellis, everyone has those moments. Besides," she walked up to him and gently kissed him on the lips. His blue eyes widened as his lips were being caressed by hers, his arms gently wrapping around her waist, pulling her closer to him. She moaned gently and pulled away, resting her forehead against his, "You're my dork."

Ellis smiled and gently gave her an eskimo kiss. "Yay. I'm glad I'm somebody's dork."

Sheila blushed, "Yeah."

Ellis' eyes looked down at her softly and lovingly. "Hey, Sheila?"

"Yeah, Ellis?"

He blushed as he leaned down and kissed her again. "I…I love you."

Her ears went into shock as her knees got weak. "You love me?"

"Yeah. I do. So, so much."

She beamed and squee'd, embracing him tightly. "Ellis, I love you too!"

His small smile blossomed into an ear-to-ear smile. Wrapping his arms around her tightly as well, he purred, "I love you more.~"

"No, I do~" she giggled.

The redneck chuckled, "Nah, I do~"

On the other side of the store, I yelled, "Ok, we get it! You're madly in love with each other! Get back to work!"

The couple instantly blushed and gently separated. "Damn, since when did she get that good hearing?"

Ellis chuckled, "She's a Hunter. That's when."

"Correction, babe: she's an Alpha Hunter."

Ellis blushed, "You called me 'babe'~"

Ro sighed and turned to me in passing, "We need to separate them."

"Agreed," I chuckled.

Sheila smirked and took the box of condoms, slipping it into her bag. With a wink, she purred, "Just in case, right?"

"Yeah," he nodded with a sheepish blush.

Heading back to Shears with full bags of food, water, and other supplies, I smirked. Ro was confused, "Why are you smirking like that, Chris?"

Suddenly, Spectre appeared in front of us, startling Ellis, Sheila, and Rochelle. "I'm why."

"Holy shit!" Ellis nearly jumped to the ceiling.

The chimera laughed, "Relax, Ellis."

"What the hell is that ability of yours?"

Spectre stated, "It's a long story, I'm afraid. We don't have time."

Lazerlemon hopped over to me side and embraced, "Hey, Chris!"

"I was only gone for an hour," I chuckled, gently ruffled his scruffy blonde hair.

"I know, but you're the only one I know that can handle such stubborn men!"

Sheila burst out laughing, "That's her in one sentence!"

"Fuck off, Sheila," I chuckled lightly.

Ro asked, "Have Nick and Spectre been fighting?"

"More like trying to challenge each other," he stated.

Spectre grumbled, "We have not…"

Lazerlemon snapped, "My ass!"

"Oh, calm down, Lazerlemon. They'll be separated…just like Ellis and Sheila," I muttered.

Sheila pouted, "Aww, but why?"

I smirked, "I have my reasons."

Spectre cocked an eyebrow and looked at his daughter and then at the redneck who had her by the hand tenderly. He hummed and his pale blue eyes flared with protectiveness. If I knew Spectre, then I knew he'd die to keep Sheila safe…even if she doesn't know who he is.

Gathering everyone together into a group, I concluded that since Shears isn't a saferoom, we have to take turns with patrols to keep everyone safe. Ro and Ellis will go first. Alex and Coach will go next. And since I was so powerful, I can patrol alone. My shift started at after Alex and Coach's, just before dawn.

When it was my turn, Coach was so pooped that he could hardly speak when he shook my shoulder. I grumbled as I rolled off the display bed I was sleeping on. Cracking my back and neck, I sighed heavily as I began to walk around the department store, keeping an eye out on everything and anything.

I walked outside and climbed up onto the roof. The air was very cold and brisk; making me glad I was wearing a hoodie. I looked up and saw all of the beautiful stars in the dark sky. I smiled and sighed softly, "They're so beautiful."

"So are you," someone purred behind me. I looked over my shoulder and saw Nick.

I blushed a little, "Oh, Nick. Since when were you a flatterer?"

He walked over to me and stated, "I always have. You just don't seem to notice."

"Well, pardon me for focusing more on my survival than your smooth tongue."

Nick smiled and walked over to my back, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulled my back into his chest. "Why don't you focus on it now?"

I blushed and my body suddenly grew very hot. "Nick…"

"Shh…" he purred, spinning me around so I was facing him. Looking up at him, he was still the handsome conartist I knew and loved, but a bit paler, thanks to the infection. "Don't speak." Gently removing my hood from my head, I had to blink out some of the light. He softly touched the scar that still resided on my forehead, frowning, "You still have it."

"I will until the day I die," I frowned.

He gently cupped my cheek and whispered, "Which won't happen for a very, very long time, Christina. I promise you that."

He very gently leaned down and his lips softly captured mine in a very warm and comforting union. This was the first time kiss of ours that wasn't rushed or looked upon. It felt so…heavenly once we stopped and shared a real kiss with each other.

Gently wrapping my arms around his neck, the kiss was deepened, making Nick groan very softly. I groaned as well, my lower body going numb from the blissful sensation that was activated by our lips together in harmony. Nick decided to take it one step further. Taking his arm, he placed it on the small of my back, forcing me to slightly dip backwards. His sexy move aroused me.

And apparently, it aroused him too.

Thank God, I'm a woman, on that note.

Nick very gently pulled away and took a small step back, so his hardening meat wasn't attached to my inner thigh. "Sorry."

"Nick, if you didn't get a boner, I'd be worried," I quipped lightly.

He chuckled and stated, "That's true. Well, I better take care of it before my pants get tighter and get too painful to walk." With a very quick kiss on the lips again, he smiled sweetly at me as he left the roof, leaving me alone to deal with my own arousal.

Ellis: Oh wow! Sweet! Finally some real romance in this story!

Sheila: Yeah, but man…that was a bit sexual, even for a teen rated story.

Ellis: Oh yeah…this story's not teen anymore.

Sheila: You're kidding.

Ellis: Nope! It's mature now!

Sheila: Oh boy. What will happen in the future chapters? …don't answer that, Ellis.

Ellis: Aww.

Sheila: I guess that's it for this-

Spectre: Wait!

Ellis: Spectre, what are you doing in our author's note?

Spectre: Today is my owner Awkward Headshot's birthday!

Sheila: No way!

Spectre: Yes way! April 24th! And your owner, Sheila, is kind enough to write an alternate end, just for him…and me~

Ellis: Non-canon, right?

Spectre: Sadly, yes. Enjoy!

I smiled and sighed, "They're so beautiful."

"So are you," a familiar voice purred behind me. I looked over my shoulder to see Spectre emerging from the shadows.

I blushed and chuckled at his sweet comment, "Thanks, but you shouldn't flatter me. It gives me a big head."

The chimera nodded and asked, "Do you still love him?"

"Nick?"

"Yes."

I frowned and turned towards him, "I…I'm not so sure. But that doesn't mean you can step in on the rebound and catch me."

"Why not, Chris?" he whimpered, getting closer. "You have no idea how much that kiss you have him hurt me."

I cocked an eyebrow, acting confused, but I knew deep inside why it did so. "Hurt?"

"Yes. It ripped my heart in half. Do you know why?"

I gulped, "Is it because you love me?" That was the only logical explanation I could think of.

In a flash, his forward advance evaporated into a puff of smoke. The sneaky chimera reappeared behind me, scooping me up into the bridal-style position and kissed me feverishly.

I was shocked by his sudden actions, but oddly, I didn't retreat from them. Closing my eyes gently, I let my sense of touch be my dominating sense. His lips were so hot from unspoken passion he had for me. His strong arms held me up to him as my hands very gently rested on his shoulders. I don't know why I liked the kiss so much, but something in my heart told me this is right.

Getting swept by his burning bliss, I began to kiss back. A soothing moan escaped the bottom of Spectre's throat as he very gently nibbled my lower lip, wanting to get access to uncharted territory. At first, I denied it, not wanting to go so far in one night. He pulled away for a moment, whimpering, "Please?~" To keep his mouth busy, he parked them onto my hooded earlobe, making my very core shiver with pleasure I haven't felt in years.

"I must…resist…" I gasped softly; my hands that were on his shoulders now began to claw them.

He hummed gently into my ear, "You know you can't. Your body won't let you."

"Fuck you…" I whimpered, "Fuck you hard."

His lips curled into a lustful smile against my skin as he quickly recaptured my lips with his own. Giving in to temptation, I opened my mouth with a groan and his tongue was more than welcome to come in. My tongue greeted his, ready to be tangled together.

Our steamy actions really began to make it hard to concentration at the task at hand. Plus, our kisses also aroused each other. I was the first to pull away, softly panting as I looked at the war-hardened chimera holding me. He smiled very gently and lovingly as he finally answered my question: "Yes, I do."

Me: I hope you enjoyed it! Happy Birthday, pally!

In Memory of: Gage (full name TBA)

Chloe (full name TBA)