Infatuated Infected B2

1 week after initial infection

Nathan stretched and yawned before going limp again with his arm resting on the body curled up against him. He looked down at a head of golden blonde hair that was nestled against his chest, a thin arm thrown over his stomach and a perfect body pressed against his side. He lightly shook a pale shoulder, “Babe? C’mon it’s like eleven we have to get up.”

“Mmmm!” Tyler whined loudly, curling in tighter. Nathan pushed at his shoulder, “Come on, we need to get up.”

“Nnnn.” Tyler whined again, unmoving.

“Tyler.”

“Whyyyyy do we have to get up? We’re not going anywhere.” Tyler muttered. Nathan sighed and starting sitting up, forcing the blonde to roll off and curl up in blankets instead.

“Fine. You can sleep in, but I’m hungry so I’m going to make us some breakfast.”

“Your cooking sucks.” Tyler proclaimed from under the blanket.

“I know. It’s absolutely terrible.” Nathan confirmed. Tyler let out an over-exaggerated sigh and threw the covers off, sitting up moments later, “You’re lucky I’m a nice person.” Tyler muttered as he climbed out of bed and began gathering the clothes that had been haphazardly thrown across the room the night before. Nathan smiled, “I love you.”

Tyler muttered something along the lines of ‘yeah, yeah, I love you too’ as he slipped on a pair of briefs followed by pajama bottoms and a blank shirt.

“That’s my shirt.” Nathan said.

“I know.” Tyler replied as he stumbled out of the bedroom.

Nathan rolled his eyes, a grin on his face, as he got out of bed and put on a pair of boxers, leaving the room moments later.

In the kitchen Tyler tossed a pan on the stove and went to the fridge, pulling out eggs and bacon. Nathan walked in behind him, watching the blonde with interest. He breached the entryway and entered the small kitchen, easily coming up behind Tyler in a few steps and wrapping his arms around a lithe waist.

Tyler chuckled and sat the items in his arms down on the table, “Hey you.”

“Hey.”

The shorter man turned and wrapped his arms around Nathan’s neck. The two met for a messy kiss.

When they parted, Tyler made a playfully grossed-out face, “Yuck, morning breath.”

“You’re no better.”

“Whatever. I’m perfect.” Tyler joked with a smile, playfully pushing Nathan’s face away from his own.

Nathan left the kitchen and walked into the living room, grabbing the remote as he plopped down on the couch. He turned the TV on, a commercial for DirecTV filling the screen. He flipped through the channels, settling on Comedy Central where a rerun of Scrubs was on.

“Oh I love Scrubs!” Tyler said as he walked into the living room and leaned over the back of the couch, wrapping his arms loosely around Nathan’s neck.

“Shouldn’t you be making me breakfast?” Nathan said playfully, receiving a light smack on the head.

“You’ll be making your own damn breakfast if you keep that attitude, mister.” Tyler replied just as playfully. Nathan looked up at him, feigning hurt, “I’m sorry.”

Tyler grinned and leaned down, “That’s much better. I love you.”

“Love you too.” Their lips connected in a quick kiss before Tyler wandered back into the kitchen.

Around fifteen minutes later the couple sat on the couch together, each with a plate of bacon, eggs and toast.

Tyler leaned over and snatched the remote from the coffee table.

“Oi! We like Scrubs!”

“I wanna check the news.” Tyler said as he changed the channel.

They watched quietly, slowly devouring their breakfast, as a news anchor filled them in on recent happenings. The biggest news still seemed to be the virus that was running rampant across the country.

“It’s getting worse…”

“It’s always darkest before dawn.”

“Since when were you the optimistic one?”

Nathan shrugged, “Just trying to help.”

Tyler gave him an odd look when the phone rang.

“I got it.” The blonde said as he reached over to the end table, grabbing the noisy white device, reading the caller ID in the process. He smiled, “It’s mom and dad. …Hello?”

“T-Tyler?” Came a shaky voice.

“Dad? What’s up? Are you okay?”

“Tyler, I love you.”

“I love you too, Dad. Is everything okay?”

“And your mother loves you.”

“I love her too. Dad, what’s-?”

The phone clicked and the line fell silent.

“…He hung up…” Tyler said, voice full of worry.

“What’d he say?”

“Just that he and mom love me.”

The two shared a look, eyes connecting for about two seconds before Nathan suddenly handed Tyler his plate and bolted for the bedroom. Tyler quickly headed for the kitchen, intent on just throwing the food away, but a weird instinct said ‘save it for later’ so he just put both plates in the fridge instead.

Nathan came stumbling out of the bedroom moments later, pants on and pulling a shirt over his head. He handed his lover a pair of jeans as they both ran out the door.

Tyler put his jeans on while they waited for the elevator, neither of which took long, and soon enough they were both out of the apartment building and heading for Nathan’s truck.

The streets were fairly empty as they drove toward a residential area on the other side of town where Tyler’s parents lived.

“Look, when we get there, I want you to wait in the car, okay?”

“But-!”

“Just do it, okay? Please.”

The blonde looked like he would argue, but just sighed and leaned back into the seat, “Fine…”

“I’m sorry. But, if something’s going on, then I don’t want you in the middle of it, and I’m sure they wouldn’t either, and, if something’s already happened… Then I don’t want you to see it.”

Tyler took a deep breath through his nose and exhaled slowly, nerves eating away at his insides. He closed his eyes and silently prayed that everything would be okay.

In less than twenty minutes they were parked outside a simple white house with a rose garden in front and a very old swing-set in back. Tyler’s chest hurt looking at it.

“Wait here, okay?” Nathan said as he reached across the seat and opened the glove-compartment, pulling out a pistol and handing it to Tyler, “And if anyone messes with you, shoot them.”

Any other time, the younger man would have argued, but he simply didn’t feel like it at the moment, “Shouldn’t you take a weapon?”

Nathan pulled a large machete out from underneath his seat and climbed out of the truck.

The house looked normal on the outside and the door was locked when he tried it. He walked across the porch to the swinging bench, lifting one leg and feeling around inside the hollow area, pulling a metal key from the magnet a few centimeters inside.

He got the door open in a matter of seconds, pocketing the key as he stepped inside.

He was met with darkness, the only light filtering in from incredibly clean windows.

“Mom? Dad?” He called. They’d always insisted he call them that, rather than by their names.

The house was silent. Not a simple quiet silence, but a deafening silence. There was nothing making noise. An annoying roar filled Nathan’s ears, caused by the crushing silence and coming from his own inner ear, making it difficult to hear anything else.

He moved quietly through the house, checking rooms as he went. The living room, kitchen and dining room were empty, along with the downstairs bathroom. He went upstairs next.

The guest room was empty, along with the small bathroom. He took a moment to step into Tyler’s old room and look around. He’d been in here dozens of times, but it always made him smile.

The light blue walls were lined with images of boy bands and a few vintage posters. Knick-knacks were all over the desk and wardrobe, mostly little animal statues. The room itself was very clean and mess-free. Both Tyler and his mother had a habit of keeping things so clean it would make a germophobe uncomfortable.

Nathan finally moved on toward the last room in the house; the master bedroom. A few steps from the slightly open door a terrible stench met his nose. He felt himself gag a little, but did not vomit. A nasty feeling brewed in the pit of his stomach as he inched ever closer, gripping the machete tightly. He was right outside the door, reaching to open it, when a little voice in the back of his mind spoke up.

‘They’re dead.’ It said, ‘You know they are. Don’t look, it will just make it that much more real. Just leave.’

‘What will I tell Tyler? What if he wants to come see for himself?’

‘Don’t let him see, just leave.’

‘I can’t.’ Nathan swallowed roughly, gathering as much courage as possible and finally pushing the door open.

“Oh God.” He moaned as he quickly turned away and leaned on the door for support, putting a hand over his mouth and swallowing several time to keep from spilling what-little he’d had for breakfast that morning all over the floor. He took several deep breaths, the stench making it a little difficult, before finally standing and turning back around to face the carnage.

He didn’t look long, just enough to take in the scene before bolting.

As he ran down the stairs and toward the safety of anywhere but inside the house, the images of what he’d seen flashed through his mind.

Tyler’s mother, laying in a pool of blood, half her face blown away and a chunk of skin in her mouth.

Tyler’s father, leaning against the wall, most of his head all over the wall thanks to the gun in his lap and an area of flesh missing in his arm.

Nathan practically threw the door open as he stumbled outside, stopping on the porch to breath in fresh air and compose himself before having to deal with Tyler.

Eventually, he found himself opening the door and climbing back into the driver’s seat.

“Where are my parents? Are they okay?”

Nathan had been an Atheist most of his life. Tyler’s parents, however, were a decently religious couple who often attended Sunday church. Tyler wasn’t quite so religious, rarely praying or mentioning God and very rarely attending church, but he still believed.

This was why Nathan found himself replying with, “They’re in a better place now.”

Tyler paused, taking in this information, before taking a deep breath and reaching for the door handle, “I need to see.”

“No!” Nathan yelled a little too loudly, “No. You don’t need to see.” He said as he grabbed Tyler’s hand, “Please, stay.”

“But-”

“Love, your parents aren’t in there anymore. They’re gone. Please just stay in here.”

Tyler gave a small whimper, but nodded and scooted across the seat to lean against Nathan as the dark haired male pulled his cell phone from his pocket and dialed 911.

It went straight to voice mail. He tried again. Same thing. Twice more. Nothing changed.

He sighed and put the phone away. In the distance he heard sirens moving closer, but he knew they were not for them.

The image of Tyler’s mother, flesh in her teeth, came rushing back to his mind.

The world was going to hell because of some virus that caused people to become violent and incoherent.

Suddenly, everything clicked.

Zombies.

Nathan shut his eyes, trying to tell himself how stupid and unbelievable that was.

But it fit.

“Fuck.” He muttered.

“What’s wrong?”

“911 isn’t answering.”

“What’re we gonna do?” Tyler asked. He sounded scared, heart-broken and lost, something Nathan was not used to.

“We’re going to go back to the apartment first off. After that, we may try to leave. I’m not sure yet.”

“Why would we need to leave?”

“If I told you, you’d call me crazy.”

Tyler gave him a half-hearted glare, “You know me better than that.”

Nathan thought it over a few seconds before relenting, “This virus is going to kill us all. There’s no way anyone’s going to be able to stop it in time.”

“How do you know that?”

“I don’t, but that doesn’t change my mind.”

Tyler slowly nodded, “Okay. I trust you. Should we try to go to the store first? To stock up?”

Nathan started his truck, “We’ll check the highway to see about traffic, then go by the store. If things aren’t crowded, we may try to leave the city.” He put it in drive and pressed his foot to the gas pedal, the older vehicle moving forward just a moment later.

“Shouldn’t we just stay inside and wait it out?”

“I’d like to try to get out of the city, if possible, and hold up somewhere less populated.”

Tyler slowly nodded, “Okay. That sounds fine. What about weapons?”

“We have some.”

Tyler gave him an odd look, “Where?”

‘Shit.’ Nathan though as he realized what he’d just admitted to. “… Um, there’s two under the bed, one behind the TV, a couple in the kitchen and bathroom…”

“Since when?!”

Nathan shrugged.

They topped a hill and the highway came into view. Cars were lined up for miles along the two lines heading out of the city. “Looks like we’re staying.” Tyler mumbled.

“Best head to the store then.”

He turned west down a side road.

Within minutes they passed by the main store. The parking lot was crowded, many people circling looking for a spot, while others were running in and out of the front doors, many with armloads of sacks.

Nathan stopped the vehicle and put it in park.

“We’re in the middle of the road! And there’s no way we’re getting in and out of there in less than a few minutes.”

“We’re not. I am. You’re going to circle the block until I come back.” Nathan said as he climbed out of the running vehicle.

“What? Why don’t I just go in?”

“Because you’re too nice.” He slammed the door and walked around the back and toward the store front. He could practically feel Tyler’s eyes roll as the vehicle shifted gears and pulled away.

Nathan jogged up and ducked past people and through the doors. Inside, he noticed that many of the shelves were bare. The store was in total chaos. Some were attempting to pay; others were simply running out the door, arms full of food items.

He knew very quickly that he and Tyler would need to find another place to get any more food.

He headed for the back isle where bread was located. Empty.

He checked soups next and managed to grab a couple of cans of Chicken Noodle. Next he found some small bags of chips and took them; Doritos and Baked Lays.

He glanced at a couple more isles, grabbing peanut butter, but finding nothing else.

He walked right past the cashier and out the door, uncaring.

The world was ending dammit, he didn’t have time to stop and fucking pay.

He waited by the curb for only a few minutes when Tyler pulled up. He jumped into the truck quickly and sat the items down in the middle seat.

“Is that all you got?”

“Wasn’t anything else.”

“It didn’t take you long to pay.”

“You know I didn’t pay.”

“Yeah, but I thought I’d make sure.” Tyler said with a sigh as he sped away. “Back to the apartment?”

“No. We’re going to stop by that little out of the way place that I’m sure most of the city doesn’t even know about.”

“Howard’s Gas and Grill?”

“Yup.”

“Ugh. I hate that place.”

“It might be our best bet.”

Tyler mumbled something irritably as he slowed to a stop.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“The light is red.”

Nathan gave him an annoyed look, “The world is going crazy, people are dying, I just robbed a store, and you want to stop at a red light?”

Tyler looked at him blankly a few seconds before bursting into tears, shocking Nathan.

“Oh my god, Tyler, I’m so sorry!” He said putting a hand on his lover’s shoulder. Tyler glared at him, “My parents are dead and my whole world has been turned upside down in less than an hour. This fucking red light is the only shred of normalcy I have left at the moment. Let me fucking have it.”

“O-okay. I’m sorry.” Nathan stuttered. Tyler sniffled a couple of times before looking ahead, “Thank you.”

The light turned and Tyler slowly pulled forward before hitting the gas and speeding through the intersection. They made a right at the next light, then a left after that. Soon they were in the older and more run down area of town, the small convenience store coming into view within moments.

The streets, the houses, the store; all silent.

“I really hate this part of town.”

“I know, but we need food if we’re going to last.”

“But does it have to be from here?”

“Pull over. I’ll get out.” Nathan said, choosing to simply ignore the question. Tyler pulled into the parking lot and halted the vehicle.

“Stay put. I’ll be out soon enough.”

Tyler nodded as Nathan opened his door and began getting out. As soon as his feet hit pavement, he had a thought and jumped back into the truck, pulling Tyler in for a kiss.

“I love you.” Nathan said when they parted. Tyler gave a small smile, “I love you too.”

“I’ll be quick.” He jumped out of the vehicle a second time, grabbing his machete on the way.

The doors were unlocked. He stepped through them and into the dimply lit store. The shelves were full of items and nothing looked out of place.

The people in this area either got the hell outta dodge, or were wiped out quickly.

He stayed quiet as he grabbed a basket near the door, heading to a back shelf were some bread was located. He put three loaves into the basket, then went to the freezers and got milk. He took the basket to the front and set it on the counter to grab later, picking up another basket and going to a different aisle.

He was looking at cans of soup when a noise grabbed his attention. To his left was movement just on the other side of the isle. He set the basket down and held his machete out in front.

A man stumbled across the aisle, clothing and face covered in blood and a dead look in his eyes. Nathan tightened his grip, “I’m giving you one warning.” He spoke steadily, “If you come near me, I will kill you.”

The man growled and snarled and ran at him. Nathan quickly lowered himself and plunged the small sword forward, piercing the man’s chest. He quickly yanked it back out and shoved the man away with more force than necessary. The man fell to the floor, rolling around and hacking up blood before going limp and unmoving.

Nathan watched, waiting for him to get up again.

You couldn’t kill a zombie unless you hit its brain.

He waited. And waited. And waited.

Nothing.

Slowly, eyes still on the “dead” man, he tossed a few cans of soup into the basket and picked it up, exiting the aisle from the other side and grabbing some microwave meals from the freezer.

He went back to the counter, leaving the basket and grabbing another. A glance back down the aisle revealed that the man hadn’t moved.

Cautiously, he walked up and kicked the head.

Nothing.

This man was clearly dead.

Had he just killed a living man?

Yes, he realized. These were not zombies. They were just… infected.

They weren’t undead, just sick with some sort of super rabies.

He tossed this new information around in his head. Did it bother him that he’d just killed a living human being, and that he would more than likely have to kill more?

… No. It didn’t bother him at all.

Nathan headed back out to the truck after tossing a few more items into a basket. He put them in the backseat and sat down in his own seat, looking over at Tyler, who was just staring forward with a dazed look.

“…Do you want me to drive?”

Tyler gave a slow nod and climbed out of the truck, Nathan doing the same as they switched sides.

Minutes later they were on the road again, heading for the apartment.

“You’ve got blood on you.” Tyler spoke up from the passenger seat, sounding a little out of it.

“It’s not my blood.”

“Okay.”

Nathan cast him a worried look, “Are you okay, love?”

“… No. I’m really not.” Tyler replied, voice wavering. He gave a small whimper as Nathan reached over and twined their fingers.

--

“You need a shower.” Tyler commented as Nathan walked back into the apartment, the last of the food in his hands. Nathan glanced down at himself as he entered the kitchen, setting the bag down on the counter. The blood from the dead man covered much of his grey shirt and upper arms.

“Yeah, I suppose I do.”

He left the kitchen and headed to the bathroom, quickly ridding himself of clothing once he was inside. He started the water and looked over his appearance in the mirror.

A tired, worn out and blood covered man stared back. He sighed, running a hand through his hair, finding more dried blood.

“Awesome.” He muttered. He turned away from his reflection and stepped into the warm spray of water. He rinsed the blood from his arms, then ducked his head under to wash away what had gotten into his hair.

Nathan was only slightly startled when the shower door slid open, Tyler stepping in with him. He immediately pulled the lovely blonde into his arms, kissing him passionately.

He held his lover for several minutes, neither saying anything. Nathan finally relented. “Babe?”

“Mm?”

“Listen. I know you got picked on in high school for… being gay, and I know that’s why you think you can’t cry in front of anyone. But, I love you and I don’t think you’re weak or girly or anything like that, so if you need to cry, it’s okay. I won’t pick on you for it.”

A whimper came from Tyler, followed by a few shallow gasps, a small sob, then another, escalating until he was sobbing into Nathan’s neck.

Nathan held him close, running his hand through wet, long, golden blonde hair.

--

Tyler took the plates from the refrigerator and stuck them in the microwave, pressing the appropriate amount of time in on the key pad and pressing “Start.”

He could here Nathan working on the door in the living room. He walked out of the kitchen and leaned against the wall, watching his lover hammer a nail into a board pressed against the door.

“Shouldn’t we be able to leave?”

“We will. This board will lift and I’ll have a slot it will fit into next to the door.” Nathan clarified, almost proudly.

“That’s neat. Is there anything I can help with?”

“Not right now. I’ll need you to step outside with me in a moment though and watch my back while I rig up something that will let us in from the outside.”

“Okay. Lunch is almost ready. Why don’t you take a break and come eat with me?”

Nathan nodded and put the hammer down, standing up and walked toward Tyler, who entered the kitchen.

Minutes later, they were sitting on the couch together, watching Scrubs reruns and eating reheated breakfast.

“We won’t have TV much longer, will we?”

“No. Probably not electricity or running water either.”

“Wonderful.”

“We’ll get some buckets when we finish the door and fill them with water for later.”

--

Later that night, Nathan crawled into bed, exhausted, next to an already sleeping blonde. He smiled as he laid down and pulled the lithe body against his own, rousing the other slightly. Tyler made a soft noise and snuggled deeper into the embrace, muttering an ‘I love you’ before falling back into dream world.

Nathan gently kissed his forehead, replying with a love declaration of his own before closing his eyes and waiting for sleep to consume him as well.