~Zombie Land~

Chapter 21- Michael​

"She could be anywhere," Columbus said as they reached the edge of the city.

"How do we find her?" Wichita asked.

"I have an idea," Tallahassee replied. He rolled down his window and fired into the air three times. "Marco," he murmured. Everyone listened and at last they heard a shot in reply. "Polo," he smiled heading in the direction of the gunshot.

It was depressingly slow work to get through the cluttered streets of Chicago and Tallahassee started to get turned around so he fired out the window again. It took much longer for a shot to reply but luckily it was much closer this time.

"There," Little Rock said as they rounded a corner and saw a mob of zombies trying to squeeze into an alleyway.

"Hey little one, I think it's time to try out the boom boom," Tallahassee said as he loaded his gun.

"Yeah," she agreed pulling out the pipe bombs they had made together back in Utah. Wichita seemed disapproving but knew it wasn't the time or place for a lecture. Little Rock lit one and tossed it into the crowd. Zombies were sent flying and the homemade explosive proved highly effective.

Tallahassee jumped out of the car and the bloodbath ensued. When all of the zombies in the immediate area were taken care of he looked for Chicago, but couldn't find her. "I'm glad to see you," she said as she appeared half climbing half falling down the ladder. She got to her feet and limped over to him.

"Did you find him?" Tallahassee asked. Chicago's eyes went wide as she looked over Tallahassee's shoulder.

"I just did," she stammered. Tallahassee turned around to see a zombie walking towards them. "Michael?" she asked. The zombie moaned in response. "Michael it's me," she said limping a step forward before Tallahassee caught her shoulder. The zombie didn't move, but it didn't look friendly.

Things happened way too fast for Chicago to comprehend. Wichita moved like lightning tossing a rope over Michael's head and dashing out of reach again. The rope was attached to the bumper of a nearby car creating a leash for the zombie.

The kids joined Tallahassee and Chicago in the alleyway. "Oh god," Chicago muttered looking at her fiancé. Columbus put a hand on her shoulder and offered his double barrel. She took it and limped forward until she was just out of reach of Michael. "Baby?" she asked. The zombie snapped at her reaching out and clawing at her. "Please Mike. It's me. It's Tara, don't you know your Tara?" she whispered. The zombie growled at her and she started to cry. "Please… please Michael… don't…" she wept. The zombie lunged being held back by the rope.

Chicago took a deep shuddering breath and held up the gun pointing it right at Michael. She cried a little harder and she saw their entire lives flash before her eyes. She thought about when he asked her out for the first time and when he came to her house for dinner. She lowered the gun as she thought about the first time they made love. "I can't," she said shaking her head and crying.

Wichita started to move forward but Tallahassee made her stay put knowing this was something Chicago had to do on her own. He watched silently.

Chicago looked into Michael's eyes, the last truly recognizable part of him. "Michael?" she tried one last time. He growled at her again and bit her lip. "I'm so sorry," she whispered raising the gun again. "I love you, goodbye," she said. He lunged again and the rope snapped. She squeezed the trigger and Michael landed in a heap.

Chicago took a deep shaky breath looking at what she had just done. She lowered the gun and put a hand over her mouth as she lost control and started to cry uncontrollably. She dropped the gun and looked away from him and the others. She leaned against a wall trying to compose herself again before she returned to Michael's body.

She opened his button down shirt and took a necklace from him. Gently she touched what was left of his bloody face and stood back up. She continued to cry as she limped towards the other.

Tallahassee saw her start to wobble and when she fell he grabbed her cradling her in his arms. "Chicago?" he asked alarmed. Columbus leaned down to examine her leg.

She continued to cry and gasp for breath as the others crowded around her. "I did my job," she rasped as her world spun. Slowly her vision went black as Tallahassee frantically called her name.

 

Chapter 22- Maria​

Tallahassee lay awake in bed staring up at the ceiling. It was the first time he had tried to sleep since Chicago had fainted. He kept replaying everything in his mind. Carrying her back to the truck and fleeing Chicago. Columbus and Wichita had to work and work to get Chicago's leg to stop bleeding. Their words rattled around in his head over and over.

"She's lost a lot of blood," Wichita had said.

"If it nicked the femoral artery…" Columbus had shuddered at the grave meaning.

Tallahassee rolled over. Chicago hadn't woken up yet. They had escaped to Indiana where they crashed in a small farmhouse. He had spent the first twenty-four hours glued to her side, but eventually the kids convinced him to get some sleep.

He tossed over again. "I love you," Chicago had said to her zombiefied fiancé. Of course she loved him. Tallahassee sighed annoyed with himself for being jealous of the zombie. Chicago had to love him. She wanted to marry him, and she made it very clear that she almost couldn't bear to kill him.

He rolled onto his stomach and laid face down for a while. She was drunk when they kissed. She was drunk when they slept together in that bed. What in gods name would she want with him? After looking at the well-dressed zombie remains of her fiancé Tallahassee could tell he was a completely different breed, and probably not the better.

Tallahassee tried throwing the pillow across the room and sleeping without it. They weren't made for each other. He was made to survive and she… she had to be made for a higher purpose. She was so much better than him at everything. He could swing a banjo while she could do a back flip and knife three zombies at a time. He could barely stand the older kids while she was able to be almost maternal. He could deal with Little Rock, but he also knew that Chicago was still much more suited to do so.

Tallahassee tossed the blankets off and sat up on the edge of the bed. No problem then. Nip it in the bud and everything will be better. Be partners, be friends if you have to, but no more trying to get close. If need be he still had to be able to pull the trigger on her and the others… but Chicago looked so damn much like Maria.

He stood up and walked stiffly into the living room. Columbus and Wichita were curled up on the couch whispering to each other while Little Rock slept on the floor near the fireplace. He turned and moseyed down the hall to the second bedroom where Chicago was.

She was completely still and for a moment he couldn't see her breath but as he got closer he spotted the gentle rise and fall of her chest and sat down. Everything but her eyes reminded him of Maria. It had from day one and in the start he'd used the similarity to keep his distance from Chicago, but as she worked his way closer he couldn't look at her without remembering the good times he and Maria had shared.

Tallahassee looked at her remembering the day Maria had left. Buck was in the cradle and he was warming a bottle when he heard the car door close. Wondering who it was Tallahassee looked out, but instead of a visitor he saw her. The woman he had asked to marry him just a few hours before, getting in the car. Without a word she left and for days he waited hoping maybe she would change her mind and come home, but Maria never did.

Tallahassee scrubbed his palms over his face trying to get away from the memories. He didn't have that life anymore. No matter how much he wanted those people back he couldn't have them. He sighed feeling like he was a million years old. Tallahassee wanted to be back in the days when it was just him. When he wouldn't have anything to lose again. Now he was back in that trap. Losing any of these people would destroy him.

Slowly he took one of Chicago's hands and held it between his own. He shuddered thinking of having to dig her grave. He'd be responsible for the kids again, but it wouldn't even be like it was before. Chicago had changed things in the group so much it would never go back. Tallahassee wasn't sure what he wanted anymore.

He replaced her hand and leaned back in the chair. She had to wake up. She had to give him more time to sort out the muddled mess his life had become because of her.

 

Chapter 23- Can't Do It​

Tallahassee felt himself go, but not soon enough to keep from toppling backwards. As he untangled himself from the chair and got back to his feet trying not to offend the huge crick he had in his neck from sleeping sitting upright.

"Good morning grace," she murmured. Tallahassee's head snapped around and he saw Chicago was awake.

"Hey," he said softly. She didn't look good. Her face was pale and she breathed through her mouth.

"Where are we?" she asked.

"Indiana," he replied obediently. She put a hand to her head a sighed.

"It wasn't just a bad dream was it?" she asked. He frowned and shook his head. As the pain washed over her face he rubbed the back of his neck wishing he could help her.

"You did the right thing, what you had to do," he offered. She didn't cry, but instead she laughed softly.

"Sure… are the kids okay?" she asked. He nodded.

"I held onto this for you," he said handing over the necklace. Little Rock had cleaned away the layer of blood that coated it so it sparkled like new.

"Thanks," she said bringing the golden chain to her chest.

"You almost bled to death in us," he said.

"You should have let me," she replied. He set his jaw.

"You should try to get some sleep," he said gently touching her hand for an instant. Chicago wouldn't reply. She rolled over as Tallahassee left the room and clutched the necklace.

"She's awake," he said to the kids as he went back to the other bedroom. Flopping down on the bed he closed his eyes.

Columbus entered Chicago's room later with a bowel of soup. "I brought you some food," he said gently.

"Just leave it on the table," she replied refusing to look at him.

"Keep drinking lots of fluids okay?" he said setting the soup down. She gave a dismissive wave of her hand and he left. "This is bad," he said to Wichita as he sat down beside her.

"She did just have to kill her fiancé you know?" Wichita said sympathetically.

"I know, but," he shook his head.

"I'll talk to her," Wichita sighed knowing he wasn't going to let it go. She got up letting her hand trail across his face as she went.

Chicago heard the door close and sighed. "We need to talk," Wichita said sitting down on the edge of the bed.

"There's nothing to say," Chicago replied.

"You need to know that we're here for you," Wichita said placing a hand on Chicago's back.

"Don't you get it! That's the problem! This is just going to happen all over again. I'm the kind of person that god seems content to fuck over at every opportunity, so I'm gonna have to pull the trigger on you and all the rest," she snapped batting away the younger girl. Chicago quivered and looked Wichita in the eye. "I had to kill the one person that made me so happy I never wanted to leave him," she said.

"What was he like?" Wichita asked gently. Chicago looked away drawing in a long shuddering gasp.

"He was perfect," she whispered. "A writer just like me… sensible… cute… funny, he could make me laugh at a funeral. I left him to go out west… I should have been there," Chicago said becoming more incoherent. "It was just for a year though… and I didn't even say how much I loved him."

"It's okay," Wichita said rubbing her on the back gently.

"If I'd just stayed instead of running off to get famous… I might have been able to… I could've saved him. This is my fault," she cried. Wichita hugged her weeping friend and continued patting her on the back.

"It's okay. It's not your fault," she whispered. Chicago continued to cry feeling like her heart had been ripped from her chest.

"I do love you guys," Chicago admitted holding onto the younger girl.

"It's okay, it's okay," Wichita chanted trying to console the grieving woman.

"I just can't do it anymore," Chicago said. Wichita drew back and looked at her friend's misty eyes.

"Yes you can," she said firmly. "You are so strong… I wish I could be like that. You are so amazing and if there's anyone who can make this work. It's you," she said simply. Chicago wiped her eyes and Wichita stayed in the room with her until she fell back asleep.

Wondering back out to the living room Wichita snuggled up to Columbus again. "You know I love you right?" she whispered. He looked at her and gently brushed her hair behind her ear.

"I love you too," he whispered.

 

Chapter 24- I Need You​

Tallahassee had never been so absolutely panicked in his life as when he got out of bed stumbled into the kitchen for a drink and spotted Chicago out the window. He squinted trying to figure out what in the name of god she was doing outside at that hour of the night. Then he spotted the gun in her hand.

Chicago sat beneath the large oak tree and looked up at the moon and the stars, thinking about all the nights she had spent doing the same with Michael as they vacationed down south away from the city lights. Tears ran down her face as she put the gun up to her temple.

Tallahassee sprinted, after nearly tearing the door off its hinges, up to Chicago and as she raised the gun her tore it from her hand flinging it away. "What the hell is the matter with you!" he exclaimed. She got to her feet clumsily. After two days of bed rest she had managed to regain the ability to limp around. "What the hell are you doing?" he shouted at her genuinely angry that she would consider blowing herself away.

"I can't do this!" she shouted hitting him in the chest weakly.

"So you're gonna kill yourself? You're just going to throw it all away?" he shouted back.

"Throw what away? What did those fuckers leave me with?" she screamed trying feebly to get past him and reach the gun. He caught her arm easily over powering her.

"Hey! No!" he said making her face him roughly. "You can not do that!" he said sternly. She looked at him before struggling to get away. His iron grip wouldn't let her move and he looked at her for a moment. "You still have the kids," he said.

"I looked him right in the fucking eyes! I looked him right in the fucking eyes and I blew him away!" she screamed trying to break free. "The one person I thought I'd always have! The one person who would always need me! I fucking blew him away!" she screamed and sobbed all at the same time.

"Hey! Hey! Hey!" he said as she almost slipped from his grasp. "Chicago you can't do this! You can't," he said desperately.

"Why not? You can't come up with one fucking reason why I shouldn't!" she sobbed. Tallahassee felt a pang of grief. He couldn't lose her. He couldn't lose Chicago. He pulled her close wrapping his arms around her and held the back of her head forcing her to be still.

"You can't because I need you around," he whispered into her ear. Chicago froze. "I don't know what I would do if I lost you," he said sounding genuinely heart broken. She cried even harder as she wrapped her arms around his neck and he stroked her hair gently.

She pulled back to be able to look him in the eyes and when she did he started to say something else, but she pushed her lips against his. As she broke the kiss he looked at her. "I need you here," he said pulling her back for another. She didn't want it to stop and she kept kissing him. His hand ran through her hair trying to keep her close for as long as possible.

Her head spun and at first she thought it was from the kiss, but as it got worse she pushed away from him realizing something was wrong. "What?" he asked. Chicago couldn't answer before she blacked out.

Tallahassee picked her up bringing her back inside the house. "Guys!" he shouted waking the kids up. "She's bleeding again!" he said as he placed her on the kitchen table.

The rest of the night passed slowly and painfully as Columbus and Wichita worked to save Chicago. Tallahassee watched uselessly from against the wall, as the inexperienced kids did what he couldn't do.

 

Chapter 25- You Look Like Hell​

Chicago woke up two days later and as she sat up in bed Tallahassee entered the room. He seemed surprised to see her sitting up, but masked it quickly and offered her the mug in his hand.

"You look like hell," she observed taking it.

"Yeah so do you," he replied easily. Downing the liquid she started to get out of bed, but his hands forced her back down. "Not so fast. Doctor Spit Fuck recommended you stay in bed this time," he said. She sighed and gave the mug back to him.

"What's the plan?" she asked.

"As soon as you can move again, we're heading to Columbus. The kid said he has something he needs to get," Tallahassee replied. She nodded.

"Okay," she said. He bent over and kissed her cheek lightly. She took hold of his collar and tried to kiss back, but a gunshot outside made them both jump.

"Stay here," he sighed walking away quickly and shitting the door behind himself. She looked for something she could use as a weapon if need be. Nothing was in immediate reach so she waited patiently. Things were quiet until Tallahassee reappeared throwing open the door. "Okay, yeah time to go," he said.

"What's happening?" she asked as he picked her up in his arms.

"We have guests," he replied. Chicago didn't particularly like being carried. She never liked being man handled, but she also knew it was futile to fight Tallahassee. He put her in the truck that was parked feet from the front door. The kids piled in the back carrying what few possessions they had while Tallahassee got in the drivers seat.

They sped away from the house on the country road through the cornfields. Things were quiet for a long time until Chicago cleared her throat. "Thanks for coming to get me," she said.

"What are families for?" Columbus asked patting her on the shoulder. The comment made Tallahassee and Chicago squirm. Despite all the mushy feelings that were being thrown around of late, neither of them were completely comfortable with admitting how chained they were to the 'family."

She smiled politely trying to shake off the feeling. Tallahassee readjusted his hat before offering a new bottle of whiskey he had acquired. Chicago was the first into it, hoping that she could stop the throb in her leg by drinking, but all the liquid did was warm her up slightly.

As they continued to drive she felt worse and worse but refused to admit it. Passing through a one-horse town she made Tallahassee stop the car and threw open her door. Falling out onto the ground she crawled on her stomach to the side of the road where she threw up what little she actually had on her stomach.

Columbus was immediately at her side holding back her hair. She dry heaved a few more times before she wiped her mouth and sort of set up. Tallahassee was beside her, but he wasn't bending down like Columbus, instead he had his shotgun out and was watching around like a prairie dog.

"It has been a while since you ate," Columbus said helping her up. He wasn't strong enough to carry her like Tallahassee, so instead he put her arm around his shoulder and helped her back to the car. "It might help if you do," he said strapping her in. She nodded agreeing.

She looked out to see if Tallahassee was coming but only saw him disappearing into the back of an over turned semi. "Oh, what now?" Columbus murmured. Tallahassee reemerged with an unmarked cardboard box. He placed it in the back of the truck, got in the drivers side and floored it after casually gunning down a zombie.

"What was that?" she asked.

"Nothing," he replied.

"So we're really going to Columbus?" she asked.

"Yes, I thought familiar is as close to safe as we can get. We can crash at my place," Columbus replied.

"Or is it something else?" Tallahassee asked.

"Well yes, but safe was my main thought," the younger man replied. It was quiet after that as everyone mulled over everyone else's motives. The normal traveling games were played. However, after two hours of eye spy driven by Columbus both Chicago and Tallahassee demanded silence.

The next town among the cornfields they found they stopped and raided a wal-greens. Tallahassee took the liberty of grabbing some crutches out of the quick clinic. He went back to the truck where Chicago was waiting and handed them to her. The kids started to return and he fired up the engine, but she stopped him.

Quickly adjusting to the crutches she hobbled across the street to a games and hobby shop. Kicking in the door she lured the zombies out. Tallahassee shot them as he ran up beside her. She didn't pause and went inside. He followed and as she dug around behind the counter took a moment to thumb through some comics. "Bingo," she said triumphantly.

He turned around to see her holding a katana. She caressed the weapon affectionately and he was strangely drawn to her. "You have no idea how hot you look holding that," he said. She gave him a stare that could cut stone and hobbled back to the car with her prize.

Columbus and Wichita looked at the blade then at each other. Wichita leaned over to her man and whispered into his ear. "They are made for each other." Columbus only nodded as Tallahassee got in the truck.

"Next stop Columbus," he said popping a handful of dry Lucky Charms in his mouth. Little Rock took the bag and started picking out the marshmallows causing an immature fight between Tallahassee and herself. Chicago rolled her eyes as they battled over the cereal and just hoped that he didn't land the whole truck in a ditch.

 

Chapter 26- Scrawny Ain't he? ​

Columbus was just as Wichita had said. Burned to the ground. Not a soul to be seen. The young man who had once lived in the barren city looked out his window sadly before looking away.

Tallahassee gripped the steering wheel tightly and took a deep breath. "You sure about this spit fuck?" he asked.

"Yeah, yeah, I got a nice little place in the 'burbs," Columbus muttered from the backseat.

"You wanna give me a little more than that so I can find it?" Tallahassee asked trying to be sensitive, but failing.

"Just let me drive," Columbus replied sounding more and more miserable. He and Tallahassee quickly switched places. Chicago watched as the boy drove. She could see so much pain pent up behind her eyes that she just wanted to hug him, but instead she settled for touching him on the shoulder reassuringly. He looked over and smiled weakly.

When they pulled up in front of a cast-iron black gate about fifteen minutes past the city everyone watched as Columbus got out of the truck. He went to the intercom box and pressed the button. "Mom? Dad?" he asked less than hopefully. When he wasn't answered he punched in a code on the pad. The power was off and the gated refused to open. "Fuck," he sighed and moved around grabbing the gates to push them open.

Tallahassee sighed and got out joining his young counterpart. Together they opened the gates. Tallahassee drove the truck inside and then they closed the gates again. Chicago looked down the winding driveway that disappeared into a small wooded area. "You live here?" she asked.

"I used to," Columbus replied. They followed the driveway into the woods and up to a fair sized house.

"Holy fuck, were you loaded?" Tallahassee asked looking at the house.

"We got by… Look I'll wait out here with Chicago while you clear the house. The key is under the mat," he said unbuckling. Tallahassee ran his tongue along the inside of his cheek realizing what the kid thought was inside.

"Okay," he agreed. Wichita and Little Rock went with him as they entered the house. Chicago watched as Columbus started to chew on the drawstring of his hoodie.

"Maybe they split," she said looking at the house. "You know… Came looking for you," she offered.

"No… they didn't… me and my folks were never that close. They were a couple of paranoid shut-ins like me. Doesn't matter that I was their only kid… I mean, my dad wouldn't even come get me when I got stuck in that old oak over there," he said pointing to a large tree. "I spent three hours dangling from the branches before I finally slipped fell and landed in a pile of pillows that mom had put out," he smiled a little.

"Wow… that's so sad," Chicago replied.

"I know right," he smirked a little.

"No… I mean that… that is so sad," she said with true pity ringing through her voice.

"Yep," he said biting his lip. "Then I got chiggers and had to ask the school nurse why I was so itchy down there, when my mom wouldn't answer me," he said. Chicago couldn't even respond to how awful that was. "Please don't tell the others," he said sounding ashamed.

"No problem," she shook her head already mentally locking the information away never to be thought about again.

"No one's home," Tallahassee said appearing in the doorway.

"Shall we?" Chicago asked. He took a deep breath closing his eyes.

"Yeah, yeah, lets do it," he said after working up his courage. They entered the house.

"Nice digs baby," Wichita said appearing.

"Thanks," Columbus murmured. "Did you check downstairs?" he asked looking at Tallahassee.

"Yeah, and other than one big ass television I didn't find anything," the older man replied. Columbus sighed.

"Great… well, make yourselves at home," he sighed heading for the staircase.

"You going to be okay spit fuck?" Tallahassee asked. Columbus paused.

"Yeah, I guess I was just still holding onto the hope that… you know," he shrugged before dragging himself the rest of the way up the stairs. The other's all looked around at each other for a while until finally Tallahassee sighed and pointed at Wichita.

"I think that was the cue for the girlfriend to come in," he said.

"Yeah," she said softly. Chicago watched as the younger woman went up the stairs.

"You know the drill little one," Tallahassee said to Little Rock who promptly ran off to do the customary Twinkie search.

"You think he's going to be okay?" Chicago asked moving past Tallahassee into the living room.

"You're living proof that he could find worse," Tallahassee replied. She chuckled a little.

"Not really… I don't know if you've been wherever you call home since this whole thing started, but I have to say seeing that the mess has gotten to your home is bad enough in itself," she replied sitting down on the floral couch. Tallahassee leaned against the doorframe.

"Yeah?" he asked. She nodded.

"Seeing it makes you realize how real it all is. Until you do, somehow you just hold onto hope that maybe you can go home and be safe… not have the world be so fucking psychotic," she replied picking up a picture frame from the coffee table.

"I'm positive already that my whole fucking world is gone," Tallahassee said. She looked at him briefly.

"You know… it's not our fault that we couldn't protect those closest to us," she sighed. He flopped down on the couch beside her.

"Whatever you say darlin'," he replied lightening the mood. She returned her attention to the picture.

"Awww, Columbus was cute as a kid," she said looking at the shot of him at what looked like a public pool. He had the same curly mop top and was missing his front teeth. Tallahassee looked at the photo.

"Scrawny little fuck ain't he," he observed.

"You know, not everyone can be all muscular and tough as you," she said. He looked at her.

"Is that how you would describe me?" he asked.

"Well, you ain't a scrawny little fuck," she smiled.

 

Chapter 27- Too Soon? ​

Out of respect for Columbus the evening was quiet and without much fun. He did his best to make everyone comfortable. The younger man allowed Little Rock to pick a movie from his extensive collection, and after a dinner of canned goods he showed everyone to their rooms.

"You can sleep in the guest bedroom," he said to the little girl. She went in and Chicago closed the door bidding her good night. Columbus gave his old room to Wichita and then led the way to his parents bedroom. "You guys can sleep in here, I'll take the couch in the basement," he said. Tallahassee didn't argue the point and disappeared into the room immediately. Chicago lingered watching the younger man run his hand along the wall no doubt remembering what the walls held.

"Columbus," she said stopping him. He turned around and she could see the tears in his eyes. Without anything else to do she went up and hugged him knowing that the others couldn't understand what it was like to see what was once home be so empty. "I'm sorry," she whispered as he hugged her back grateful for the comfort.

"Thanks," he replied on the brink of breaking down. She patted him on the back willing to hug until he was ready to let go. Eventually he did and wiped away a tear.

"Try to get some sleep yeah?" she asked petting him on the head a little. He nodded and wondered off down the hall as she folded her arms. After a moment she went into the bedroom and shut the door behind herself. "Tallahassee, we shouldn't stay here long. It's not good for him," she said sadly.

Tallahassee was bent over rifling through the closet. Chicago rolled her eyes. "Will you stop that?" she asked.

"Hey, will this fit you?" he asked standing up holding a black lacy bra. Her jaw hit the floor.

"Will you get out of there!" she hissed.

"What about this?" he asked holding up a matching thong. She gave him a glare that could have cut diamonds. He smiled smugly. She moved across the room took the lingerie from him and threw it back in the closet.

"Will you stop it? This isn't just some house that we can ransack, this is Columbus's home! Have at least some measure of decency will you?" she snapped. He looked like a puppy that had been beaten. "That's only the first problem with how you're behaving," she added shutting the door. "Those were his mother's," she sighed sitting down on the bed.

"Cougar," Tallahassee mumbled. Chicago just sighed in disgust.

"Don't get cute with me, or I'll cut off your balls and toss them to the zombies," she smiled sweetly seeing Tallahassee cringe.

"You are the most fickle person I've ever met. I shit you not, one minute you're on fire, the next you're freezing," he said as he stood near the dresser poking through the cosmetics on top.

"Seriously will you stop it," she sighed getting back up.

"What do you want from me?" he asked.

"I want exactly what I ask for," she replied.

"What are you asking for?" he said smelling a bottle of lotion.

"I want you to stop rummaging around!" she insisted. He put the lotion down and looked at her cocking his head to the side a little.

"Don't touch this, don't touch that, don't touch me," he said mimicking her. She looked at him sternly. "What can I do?" he asked.

"Figure it out," she sighed pulling the covers back. He sighed then jumped on the bed making her yelp. "Hey, no! Stop it! Right now!" she laughed. Tallahassee ignored her, but was careful to not hurt her injured leg as he pinned her down. When she stopped struggling and submitted his face was just inches from hers. "You are aware that I just lost my fiancé aren't you?" she asked softly.

Tallahassee paused for a second deciding if he was going to be judged helpful or insensitive by his next act. "I know, and I'm really sorry," he whispered kissing her neck. He released her hands and she hugged him.

"You need to tell him that," she said. Tallahassee looked her in the eyes as the moment he was trying to build was shattered.

"What?" he asked.

"You need to say that to Columbus," she clarified. He sighed and rolled over off the top of her.

"Jesus Christ. The last thing the spit fuck needs is coddling," he said annoyed with the conversations turn.

"Oh shit, you need to grow up. If you want pillow talk go find another girl," Chicago chuckled. "We have more pressing matters to discuss."

"Sure," he sighed getting out of the bed again. He moved to the door and Chicago decided to not even ask where he was going.

"And like I said, I just lost my fiancé," she added as he started out the door. He looked back and nodded.

"I meant it when I said I was sorry," he replied. She bit her lip. "Sleep tight," he said shutting the door.

 

Chapter 28- Three Words​

Chicago woke up the next morning to Little Rock with a tray standing beside the bed. "Breakfast in bed," the little girl said cheerily sitting it down.

"That's nice thank you," Chicago replied. Little Rock stood back.

"Tallahassee said to tell you that he would be back by tomorrow," she said. Chicago froze.

"Where did he go?" she exclaimed.

"He wouldn't say, but he took Columbus with him," Little Rock replied. Chicago rolled her eyes.

"Of course," she sighed sitting back in bed again.

"Please tell me where we're going and why you insisted on stealing the girl's clothes" Columbus sighed for the hundredth time. Tallahassee had woken him up at the break of dawn and made the younger man come along.

"Are you that dumb spit fuck?" Tallahassee replied.

"Being around you is just so good for my self esteem," Columbus sighed.

"You want to keep a lady like Wichita?" Tallahassee asked. Columbus nodded. "Well then, I'll give you a tip, you have to treat her right," he winked. Columbus made a face. That 'tip' was something he already knew.

"Yeah?" he asked not wanting to upset Tallahassee.

"Yeah, you know, keep 'em in nice clothes. Feed 'em fancy food. Fine jewelry. Perfume. The whole package kid. Just because we're in the middle of a zombie shit storm does not mean that what the ladies want has changed," the older man said smiling at his own wisdom. Columbus tried to decide if he really wanted to listen to advice from Tallahassee.

"Is that what we're after then?" Columbus asked fidgeting in his seat.

"That and a Twinkie," Tallahassee laughed.

"So, uh… you're buying for Chicago?" Columbus asked after an awful silence.

"Yeah, so?" Tallahassee asked sounding immediately defensive.

"Nothing, I was just, it's nothing," Columbus replied hastily. Tallahassee gripped the wheel tightly.

"She just lost her fiancé, I'm just trying to look after her until she's back on her feet," he said. Columbus rolled his eyes a little wondering if the older man really thought he was fooling anyone with the lame excuse. He ran a hand through his hair debating how safe it would be to continue the conversation.

"I guess I was just asking because… well the other night when she was gonna, you know… I heard you two yelling so I looked out and…" Columbus could finish.

"You caught that show huh?" Tallahassee asked sounding surprisingly calm. Columbus nodded prompting the older man to sigh. "I had to do something to calm her down," he said lamely.

"Fuck that," Columbus smirked. Tallahassee flushed. "Do you love her?" Columbus asked feeling brave. Tallahassee bit his lip.

"Love is an awful big word spit fuck," he replied. Columbus furrowed his brow. "You're young, so you don't really understand how easy it is to throw around that word and not mean it."

"Wow," Columbus replied amazed at how poetic Tallahassee was being.

"So no, I don't love Chicago. She's good to have around, same as the rest of you, but I've learned to be very careful with actual love. In fact spit fuck, I'm not really sure but what it's a one time thing and I've already had my turn," Tallahassee said pulling into a Plato's Closet.

"But isn't saying I love you how you get… you know?" Columbus asked.

"There are plenty of ways to get laid without saying I love you. I'm not knocking pillow talk, but saying those three words without meaning them," he sighed and got out of the truck. "Makes a man cheap kid," he finished opening the hatch.

Columbus sat in the truck for a minute mulling over what he had just been told. Tallahassee was not the sort of man he would have pictured being concerned about being cheap. The younger man thought that his friend was the sort who would do anything with anyone just for the sake of it. Only thing Columbus knew for sure was that Tallahassee was confusing and full of surprises.

"Coming?" he asked from the back of the truck.

"Yeah, just a sec," Columbus replied un-strapping and hopping out. Adhering to his list the younger man limbered up quickly before following Tallahassee into the store. Per normal the older man took the lead and drew the zombies out by rattling some bells that were on the floor, probably ones that were once tied to the door except now they were bloody and made an eerie clinking sound.

"Here we go," Tallahassee mumbled as the first zombie emerged from behind a rack of clothes. Columbus just stood back and watched art happen as his partner beat the zombie teenager into submission with a skillet. Next a couple of twins assaulted him and as they snapped and growled he wiped out the tried but true baseball bat.

"Going," Columbus laughed as Tallahassee beat the first one. "Going," he said as the twin went down. Tallahassee completed the dance by throwing the bat and striking the cashier down. "Gone," Columbus mumbled as Tallahassee finished the job with a manikin's help.

"So what about you man?" Tallahassee asked as he crossed the isle and started looking through the jeans.

"What about me?" Columbus asked checking the changing rooms.

"Do you love Wichita?" he replied. Columbus returned and started thumbing through the t-shirts.

"Well, based on what you said I guess I don't know what love is," the younger man replied.

"I never said that. I said you can get fooled into thinking you're in love easy," Tallahassee said tossing a couple pairs of washed jeans onto the floor. "Love is real simple and we're the ones who complicate it. Anyway, if you had to chose between yourself and her, who would you pick?" Tallahassee asked.

"Like, what? To die?" Columbus replied adding to the keeper pile.

"Yeah. You had to choose who to save, but if you chose her, there is absolutely zero chance of you walking away. You are dead for sure if you save her," he clarified.

"I'd still save her," Columbus answered without pause.

"Okay, now let's examine that shall we? You didn't even take a moment to think about that question, so it means one of two things, you love her for real, or you're just picking the answer that wins approval. Sad thing is, until we get down to it, until you actually get put in the shit like that, you won't know," Tallahassee said leaning on the rack.

"We went after the girls before thought," Columbus replied.

"Sure, but we also had options going in there. We walked away didn't we?" Tallahassee shrugged before disappearing down into the racks again. Columbus nodded in agreement, but paused as he continued to consider all that had been said.

"I think I love her… I really do," he said slowly. Tallahassee popped back up.

"More power to you then spit fuck, just don't get her pregnant," he replied tossing a pair of jeans into the pile for Little Rock. Columbus just gave an annoyed grunt.

 

Chapter 29- Green Light?​

Chicago couldn't sleep that night. The day had passed so quietly without the boys. No yelling, no fighting, just civil behavior. She couldn't contain her boredom.

She sighed looking out the front window like a worried mother. Little Rock had long since gone to bed and Wichita was content to watch more adult movies downstairs. Chicago rested her head against the cool glass wondering if they were okay. Even more pressing in her mind was what they were talking about. Columbus was in such a bad spot; Tallahassee was probably beating him to a bloody pulp with his own problems.

The headlights were a welcome relief and as soon as she saw two people get out of the truck she crutched over to the couch and pretended to be asleep. Tallahassee and Columbus entered silently with just a few rustles of bags. She heard them say goodnight and then heard Columbus disappear down the stairs.

Tallahassee sat down in the recliner next to the couch and watched her for a moment before laughing. "You can stop pretending now."

"How'd you know?" she asked keeping her eyes shut.

"Because I knew you would worry about us," he replied.

"So why did you do it then?" she smiled.

"I did what you told me to," he replied easily. She opened her eyes. "I talked to him," Tallahassee said digging something out of his pocket.

"Did you? What did you say?" she asked humoring him.

"Man talk, can't tell you," he smirked.

"Really?" she asked cocking her head.

"Yes, but rest easy the little spit fuck is going to be fine," Tallahassee replied. She sighed and rested her head on the pillows as he got up and knelt beside the couch. "How's the leg?" he whispered.

"Much better," she replied taking his hat off.

"You know, I wanted to apologize for pushing the other night," he said softly.

"It's okay," she sighed turning the hat over and over in her hands. He handed her a ring box and as Chicago started to open it Tallahassee's hands closed around hers.

"Wait, this comes with some instructions. It took me hours to find the right one, but I knew it was the one the moment I saw it. I don't want to hurt you and I am so," he smiled looking away, "so bad this sort of thing."

"Tallahassee," she sighed.

"No. Let me finish," he said quickly. "When, I mean, if you wear it… I think it should mean… I don't know," he laughed getting up. She smiled sweetly when she saw that his hands were shaking.

"You want it to mean that I'm ready?" she asked. He looked at her seeming panicked.

"No! I didn't- I mean um… shit you really can read people like books can't you?" he asked. She nodded. He sat down next to the couch again and took a deep breath. "Not very romantic when you put it that way," he sighed.

"Not really, but it's sweet anyway," she sighed smiling at him again. "I know you don't want to hurt me, and I'm glad you're trying not to rush me. I wish the whole world was as honest as you actually." He looked at her.

"Why is that?" he asked.

"Because, if we did things this way… you know instead of guessing… well who knows? Could be a lot better," she shrugged looking at the velvet box in her hand.

"I still feel like an ass because this totally kills that romantic element of me… just knowing what to do to wow you," he sighed. She laughed out loud.

"I already know you can't read me," she said when she could speak again. He sighed.

"Unfair," he grumbled. She bit her lip and rubbed the back of his neck.

"But that doesn't mean you can't wow me…" she said slowly. He looked at her over his shoulder with a skeptical smile. "I just need a little while…"

"Yeah, of course…" he replied nodding. She leaned over and pecked him on the cheek.

"I think I've decided you're one of the good guys," she whispered.

 

Chapter 30- Why? ​

Chicago woke up as Tallahassee sprang out of bed. She couldn't even utter a disjointed question before he flew from the room. She found the gun under the sheets and followed clumsily. Fearing something was wrong she poked her head out into the hallway but all she saw was him beating on the bathroom door.

"Taken!" Columbus's choked voice came from behind the door. Acting on pure instinct Chicago reached inside of the bedroom and grabbed the wastebasket. She tossed it at Tallahassee who promptly doubled over it and threw up. She breathed a sigh of relief and put the gun in the back of her pants.

"Columbus? You okay in there?" she asked knocking on the door.

"Fi-" he couldn't finish before he retched again.

"Is he okay?" Tallahassee panted in disbelief sitting down. She frowned.

"Are you okay?" she asked trying to humor him.

"Peach-" he started to reply but was forced back to his wastebasket. Chicago rolled her eyes.

"What is going on?" Wichita asked coming out of her room. The sound of simultaneous retching from both the boys made Chicago sigh.

"If I had to guess, food poisoning," she replied. "What did you two eat?" she asked over her shoulder.

"He made me stop at a fucking orchard!" Tallahassee snapped kicking the bathroom door. Columbus opened up.

"They were just apples! I ate there as a kid all the time!" he exclaimed. Tallahassee crawled past him into the bathroom and shut the door.

"Did you wash off all the pesticides?" Chicago asked already knowing the answer.

"The what?" Columbus asked.

"Pesticides," she repeated. He turned a new shade of white and Chicago handed him the wastebasket. "Is there another bathroom in this house?" she asked. He shook his head in-between spasms. Chicago sighed tiredly before looking at Wichita. "Long night ahead of us," she smiled weakly.

Indeed the night was long. Chicago stayed up with the guys as they changed between sitting in the hallway with the wastebasket and worshipping the porcelain bowl. Sometime around four they calmed down. Columbus went to sleep in the hallway and she assumed that Tallahassee was sleeping it off in the bathroom since she hadn't heard him flush for a long while.

Limping down the stairs she sat in the living room for a while hoping to get to sleep, but for some reason Michael wouldn't leave her alone long enough for that to happen. Every time she closed her eyes his face assaulted her and she had to open them again.

Forfeiting any hope of sleep she got up and moved again. On the back patio there was some comfy furniture. As she sat down on the couch she spotted the faint glow of sunlight through the trees. Tallahassee sighed as he joined her in the crisp morning air.

"Better?" she asked and he collapsed on the couch beside her.

"I feel like shit," he replied. She smiled faintly and reached out patting his shoulder.

"Sorry," she whispered. He groaned and didn't hesitate as he stretched out putting his head in her lap while his legs hung lazily over the arm of the couch. She smirked a little and ran the tip of her finger over his nose on impulse. His eyes flicked open and he caught her hand in is.

"Quit it," he murmured.

"Why?" she asked trailing her other hand across his face. He stopped her free hand with his own.

"Because," he replied closing his eyes again.

"Because isn't an answer," she smiled. He sighed.

"Because I said so," he said firmly.

"That makes much more sense," she rolled her eyes.

"Damn straight," he replied.

"Michael used to like it when I'd tickle his face," she said slowly.

"Well I'm sure Michael hadn't been awake for over twenty four hours," Tallahassee replied.

"If he wanted to sleep he wouldn't have chosen to lay on top of me," she chuckled freeing her hands and running them up the sides of his face. Tallahassee sighed as he shivered from her touch. "Cold?" she asked.

"Not really," he shook his head. She was quiet for a long time. Content to drag the tip of her finger around his face, memorizing every detail.

"You know what the worst part is?" she asked slowly. Tallahassee didn't open his eyes. "I didn't tell him how much I loved him. I think that if I could have done that, I'd be okay," she sighed. Tallahassee's eyes opened and focused on hers.

"No… you couldn't have told him," he said. She sighed and looked away.

"Don't give me that shit about that not being Mike. Those were his eyes. That was his face. Somewhere deep inside that was him," she said quickly.

"No, I'm not disputing that was him. I just don't think anyone can truly say how much they love someone," he said shaking his head and closing his eyes again. "There aren't words to describe love. Not any that do the feelings justice at least. For a long time I thought that was why Marie left. I just could never get across how much I loved her," he said slowly. Chicago stopped moving her hands around his face and was still.

"Was she pretty?" she asked.

"She was beautiful. She had blond hair, fair skin, and her eyes were green," he replied simply.

"Were you going to marry her?" Chicago couldn't help but ask. He nodded slowly.

"I asked her the night before she left. Contrary to what I'm sure she thought I asked because I really wanted it, not just because of Buck," he sighed. Chicago felt sad. She could see from his expression that Tallahassee had actually been hurt. It amazed her in a way to realize he was so vulnerable. "Done is done though," he added signaling that it was time to change the subject.

"Her loss," Chicago smiled. He laughed slightly sounding less than convinced. She stopped pestering him and let Tallahassee fall asleep. She hadn't realized how cold it was outside until she noticed the little puffs of fog that came from between his lips. She watched them come at a steady pace. One of her hands was resting on his chest and she could feel the rhythm of rising and falling in tandem with the little puffs of fog.

She let her head rest against the couch back as she contemplated what was happening in her life. Chicago frowned slightly as the image of a crossroad came into mind. Down one path she could be happy with her new family. She could give in and just live through whatever life saw fit to give her. Down the other road she could run and live in solitary. In the long run it would probably be easier. She sighed as she realized that she would lose her friends for sure if she took the second path.

Chicago looked back down at Tallahassee. The idea of being without him seemed almost unbearable. The notion alarmed her. He was annoying and bullheaded and a complete ass sometimes, but he was a teddy bear on the inside. Leaving him and the kids was no longer an option. To some degree she loved them. They were survivors like her. They had been good to her. They even came after her when she made a stupid mistake that could have gotten everyone killed.

Chicago tried to imagine a life without the company. A living without them just didn't seem like it would be much of a life. A tear rolled down her cheek. A life without her family wouldn't be worth living.

The sun was painting the sky an orangey yellow by the time she finished thinking about what she was going to do. In truth Chicago suspected she didn't have much choice in the matter. Ever since she saved Tallahassee that first night she was bound to stay with them. She didn't have the heart to walk away now.

Michael's face burned in her mind for a long while. She went over every millisecond of her confrontation with him. Tallahassee's voice echoed inside her head again and again. 'Done is done' he said. She mulled over the idea. She had blown Michael away. He was dead already at the time, but still it had been Michael.

He had loved her since high school. They had been everything to each other for so long. How could she just move on and let him go? Was it wrong that so soon after his death she was not a wreck?

Tallahassee shifted on Chicago's lap making her tense up. Could she really let go of Michael for Tallahassee? Forgetting if it was right or not she started to think about her feelings for the man on her lap. He had a lot of good qualities no question, but she couldn't help but feel like this was happening because they were the only ones left. If it wasn't because of love she didn't want any part of it. Her tongue ran along the inside of her cheek as she realized he did seem the type who would use women.

Chicago wasn't sure what time it was until she heard Little Rock turn the TV on inside the house. She sighed starting to think about breakfast, but her mind couldn't focus on something so mundane for very long, not when her very fate was being tossed about in front of her.

She sighed again shivering a little from the cold. If Tallahassee was just using her he was doing a damn fine job. Chicago hadn't even considered an ulterior motive until now. He was sweet for the most part, but the deal with the ring freaked her out a little. He wanted a green light for when he could start getting serious with her? Somehow that crossed a line that they had been dancing around.

Chicago was aware of the kissing and wasn't really sure what to make of it. Most times one or both of them had been drunk, but the last time when he had stopped her from blowing her head off. It was different that night. She thought about the bleary emotion stained memory. It felt too sincere to believe he had created it as a display just to win her over. All the times he had wrapped his arms around her in bed felt too genuine as well. Tallahassee couldn't just be using her.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked. Chicago jumped looking down and seeing his eyes open.

"Everything," she answered truthfully. He sat up swinging his legs off of the couch. "Feeling better?" she asked.

"Not really," he shook his head.

"Tallahassee do you think I'm attractive?" she asked taking a leap that she would only make in her sleep deprived state. He seemed to choke on air.

"What?" he asked scrambling to come back.

"I was just thinking… is this happening because we really care about each other or is it because we are the last ones left?" she asked rubbing her hands together trying to get her blood working again.

"What's happened?" he asked jokingly trying to catch up.

"Don't play with me Tallahassee," she sighed.

"Fine," he said seriously. "Do you really have to ask though?" he asked. She looked at him surprised.

"I just wanted to be sure," she replied. He watched her wringing her hands and shed his jacket. Wrapping it around her shoulders he sighed.

"If you know one thing about me, you'll realize that I never do anything just because I have to. I do what I want to do all the time and every time," he said letting his hand trail down her face. She smiled a little.

"Okay," she whispered.

"And I think you're very attractive," he added. She gave him a smart smile before he pulled her in for a kiss. "I think we think too much," he chuckled.

 

Chapter 31- It's Not Even Nine Yet​

The crash in the living room made both of them jump. "Never a moment of fucking peace!" Chicago hissed as she stood up ignoring her leg.

"Stay here!" Tallahassee ordered running inside the house. Chicago laughed a little. Every time he said that sort of thing he acted like she was going to listen. Her leg aches as she jogged after him.

When she arrived in the lobby however things went still. Tallahassee had his gun on the intruders. Little Rock had upset the couch for cover. Chicago turned her attention to the people in the doorway.

The door was still on its hinges. They hadn't forced entry. "Who are you?" she growled taking her pistol from her pants. They were an older couple. Both had graying hair and were a bit dumpy. When she saw their eyes however she knew who they were.

"Mom? Dad?" Columbus asked from the top of the stairs. Tallahassee looked over his shoulder. The younger man was in tears before he even got halfway down the stairs. Chicago had to look away as he careened into the arms of his parents. Hugs and kisses and unrecognizable wails that were probably words flew about. After Columbus managed to free himself from his mothers embrace he quickly explain that they couldn't call him by name.

"This is Tallahassee, Chicago, Little Rock, and this," Columbus turned around gesturing to Wichita as she came down the stairs. "This is my girlfriend Wichita," he said like the proud man he was. Chicago gritted her teeth as she shook hands with his parents. She spared a glance at Tallahassee who looked equally uncomfortable. She looked back at the newly reunited family and sighed. Looking back at the other man she softened her gaze and shrugged. 'It can wait,' she managed to say without opening her lips. Tallahassee understood perfectly, but still wanted to run.

Columbus's parents were exactly the sort of people Chicago expected. It was the end of the whole freaking world and they still managed to be boring and mundane. In an effort to get away Chicago offered to make breakfast. Tallahassee remained trapped talking to Columbus's father about how the apocalypse was because of the bad economy some how.

After a very long-winded speech that went to a new level of boring Tallahassee couldn't sit quietly anymore. "You wanna feel how hard I can punch?" he asked. Columbus's father's jaw dropped.

"Breakfast," Chicago said coming in to save the day. Everyone sat at the table, but Tallahassee refused to eat. Chicago watched from the corner of her eye trying to decide if it was because he still felt sick or if he was brooding on the new company.

"Can I see you in the Kitchen Chicago?" he asked after having a very short staring contest with the other men at the table. She rolled her eyes and followed him into the kitchen.

"Problem?" she asked.

"Two very big ones," he said closing the door.

"Oh for god sakes! He just got his family back! Be happy for the kid!" she exclaimed keeping her voice low.

"No! Chicago! At least try to follow me on this," he said sounding exasperated. He took her shoulders. "The key to surviving zombieland is rule seventeen," he said. She grinned. Tallahassee was learning Columbus's rules. "One person can do fine, two is optimal for survival that way you never would stop moving. Three isn't a bad thing, but isn't the best. Four is a challenge. Five is pushing it," he said. She gave him a knowing look. "Seven? Seven people? How the hell will we manage that?" he asked.

"I know," she admitted.

"You know? How can you know? It's not even nine in the fucking morning yet and we are already in the middle of a fucking shit storm! I mean shit fuck!" he exclaimed not really understanding how she could be so calm.

"I thought the same thing when I saw them…. I know. I know this is bad. I know that trying to keep seven people alive is…. Insane, but how do you propose we fix this?" she asked shrugging her shoulders. He shook his head. "You want me to kill them?" she asked chuckling to keep from crying.

"No… I just… we can't take care of all this," he said. She could tell by the look in his eyes that he was afraid. The idea of being chained down was bothering him just as much as it was haunting her.

"So what? Are you going to run off?" she asked. He shook his head as he paced the floor.

"No, but this is exactly what I didn't want," he hissed running his hands over his head.

"Jesus could you be anymore dramatic?" she sighed rolling her eyes. He looked at her sharply.

"It never fails to astound me how fast you can go from 'hot I want to bang you' mode to 'icy witch of the waste' mode. Really, it only takes about two seconds," he said blatantly. She gave him an annoyed expression.

"Sorry about your luck," she said shortly. He sighed and she realized how worried he really was. "We'll find a way. Get another car, set up meeting points. Have plans for if we get separated… we just have to be extra careful. We can do this," she said reassuringly returning to her soft side.

"You're lying. There is no way to keep seven people mobile in Zombieland. Especially when only three of us are any good at fighting," he sighed and started to walk away.

"Tallahassee," she said stopping him. He turned around and she moved closer. "Listen very carefully because you'll only hear it once. You can walk out right now guilt free. Take your truck and never look back. Leave the kids with me. You know I'll take care of them. You can go and get back to being a one-man show. I don't blame you," she said putting a hand on his face.

"I won't walk out on you," he said defiantly.

"Okay then… just believe we can do this huh? I hate extended family too, but we're gonna have to deal," she said quietly. He nodded.

"But still his dad is even more annoying than the little spit fuck," he sighed acting like that was the most concerning point. She smiled a little.

"Look, just put up with them for a little while? Until we get this figured out?" she asked.

"Yeah, yeah," he grumbled slipping his arms around her waist. "Did you really think I would walk out on you?" he asked.

"I don't know," she shrugged playing with the hem of his t-shirt. "I just knew you needed to be free," she said after truly thinking through her own motives.

"Yeah?" he asked. She nodded prompting him to give a winning smile. She gave him another kiss deciding that he deserved it. Chicago started to pull back, but he took her by the hair clearly stating he would be the one to decide when they were done. Tallahassee had just started to explore the back of her teeth when the door opened and Columbus's mother entered.

The older woman gave a sort of surprised squeak as Tallahassee and Chicago hurried to separate. "Mrs. Columbus!" Chicago exclaimed less than smoothly.

"Oh none of that, just call me mom," she replied cheerily. Tallahassee made a face behind her back. Chicago felt he stomach churn. 'Yay for new top annoyance in my life,' she thought.

 

Chapter 32- Devil In Disguise​

Chicago sat down on the pull out bed in the basement. It had been the longest day of her life and she felt lucky to have survived. Zombies were easy compared to the peppy annoying, and sharply critical people Columbus called parents. She hadn't slept in over twenty-four hours making everything seem increasingly sluggish as well.

Leaning back on the bed she sighed and lazily kicked the covers over top of herself. "Room for one more?" Tallahassee asked coming down the stairs.

"Sure," she replied through the pillow. The idea that it should be a bigger deal that they slept together in the same bed crossed Chicago's mind only briefly. He settled in next to her and she couldn't keep her eyes open any longer.

The sight of her zombiefied family made Chicago jolt awake. "God damn it!" she hissed rubbing her eyes. Tallahassee rolled over.

"What?" he asked sleepily.

"Fucking nothing!" she snapped seeing the clock. It hadn't been two hours since she had went to sleep. He sighed and reached out to her, but she pushed away. "I just need a drink," she sighed.

"Good luck. This house is bone dry. I checked," he murmured. He rolled back over as she left. Chicago felt like she was on fire as she climbed the stairs.

Limping out the back door and towards the wood she had to consciously work not to scream. Picking up a stick she swung it with shattering force at the nearest tree. She didn't know how long it was before the raw energy she had went away. Everything was just a dark blur and all she knew was that she was upset. Chicago couldn't figure out why or at who, but she was completely lost to rage.

Beating the sticks against the trees until they broke she started to cry. Her hands hurt from the impacts, but she didn't care. "Why did this fucking have to happen!" she hissed leaning against the tree. She looked up trying to find the moon and somehow she ended up on her face. She closed her fist around some leaves feeling them crunch in-between her fingers.

Sunlight was the first thing to register. Blinding and unforgiving it raped Chicago's eyes as she opened them. She wasn't sure what had happened, but she had spent the night out in the yard.

Wondering into the house through the open back door she stopped only when she noticed the blood all over her body. "You look like a zombie," Little Rock said from the kitchen table. Chicago jumped. "What happened?"

"I-I don't really know," Chicao replied suddenly feeling weak.

"No one else is up yet," the child replied. Chicago looked at her bloody hands and nearly heaved. Bugs and dirt and leaves covered them. Little Rock took her arm steadying her. "Come on. I'll help you get cleaned up," she said gently leading Chicago towards the stairs.

They made it to the bathroom with some work. Little Rock put the toilet seat down and seated Chicago who was so out of it she could have probably passed for a zombie. The twelve year old locked the door so no one could see Chicago before she was cleaned up.

"So were you drunk?" the kid asked as she started to clean Chicago's hands in the sink.

"No," Chicago replied watching the majority of the muck slip down the drain. Little Rock got a washcloth and gently wiped the cuts clean.

"High?" she asked seeming intensely focused on her work.

"No, I wasn't high," Chicago laughed a little feeling embarrassed. "I don't know why I went out," she said slowly before wincing at the pain Little Rock caused. The twelve year old seemed to know what she was doing as she proceeded to pour peroxide on Chicago's hands. The liquid foamed and burned away all the bacteria.

"Better," the child smiled. She turned the bathtub faucet on and started filling the tub.

"That's not necessary," Chicago said.

"Have you seen yourself?" Little Rock asked holding up a nearby mirror. Chicago blushed as she saw herself. Her hair was wild and full of leaves, her face was streaked and stained.

"Yeah okay," she sighed rinsing the peroxide off. Little Rock wrapped her hands up before turning the water off.

"Undress," she instructed. Chicago drew the line.

"Are you going to leave?" she asked.

"Can you fix your hair without my help?" the little girl asked smugly. Chicago opened her mouth to answer then realized she couldn't if she wanted to look like anything other than a wet dog.

"Fine," she sighed and stared to pull off her filthy clothes.

"Not like we don't have the same parts anyway," Little Rock muttered as she collected the discarded clothes off the floor. Chicago sat down in the tub keeping her hands clear of the water.

Little Rock attacked with a brush, a comb and a shit-load of conditioner. It took nearly twenty minutes for her to get Chicago's hair in order. "Geeze! You're such a tender head!" she exclaimed as Chicago said 'ow' for the millionth time.

"Well you're ripping my hair out of my head!" Chicago argued. "But thanks for doing this," she added. Little Rock smiled, the warm water had finally started to bring the real Chicago back.

"No problem," she sighed brushing her long hair.

"You're so mature for a twelve year old," Chicago said relaxing.

"I've had to be," the kid replied.

"How long was it just you and Wichita?" Chicago asked.

"Every since I can remember," she shrugged. Quickly Little Rock cleaned Chicago's face, scrubbing off all the dirt and the first layer of skin according to the victim. She held up a towel and Chicago stood up wrapping herself in the fuzzy linen.

"Thanks," she sighed.

"Now we get to the fun part," Little Rock said opening the cabinet under the sink. Chicago froze as the little girl pulled out instruments of torture. "Make over!" Little Rock said evilly.

"Please don't," Chicago said eyeing the make-up bag.

"This is the deal, I won't say a word about what happened, but I get to do your face, hair, nails, and outfit and you have to wear it all day," the girl said sweetly. Chicago looked for an out.

"Devil in disguise," she sighed sitting down on the toilet. Little Rock laughed.

 

Chapter 33- This Ain't Over​

Tallahassee climbed the stairs and wondered into the kitchen following the smell of breakfast. After getting a cold once over from Mom before she shooed him from the kitchen he staggered to his seat at the table where Dad was reading a book as thick as a phone book.

He sighed and sat down glad that he wouldn't have to make any conversation just yet. Scrubbing his hand over his jaw Tallahassee realized it was probably time for a shave. Deciding it could wait however he lazily took a knife from the table and started twirling it through his fingers. Dad gave another cold glance and Tallahassee met it with a stony glare.

Chicago made her appearance with Little Rock in tow and Tallahassee stood up instinctively. "Holy shit!" he exclaimed without thinking. Dad's jaw dropped and Chicago wasn't sure if it was because of her or Tallahassee's language.

"Morning," she said trying to play it off.

Tallahassee's jaw hit the floor as she walked in. She was wearing nice hip hugger jeans and a black halter-top he remembered grabbing as a joke. Her hair was parted on the side and brushed behind her ears. Chicago looked like angels had carved her with her seductive make-up.

"You can close your mouth now," she said sitting down. Little Rock jumped into her own chair looking pleased. Tallahassee sat down wishing his own jeans were a little less tight.

"You look- um… a-amazing," he stammered. Chicago rolled her eyes noting that his gaze was firmly fixed on her chest.

"My eyes are up here stud," she said raising his chin so he was looking at her face. He turned a new shade of red and she smiled then he noted her bandaged hands.

"What happened here?" he asked catching her wrists.

"I fell down," she lied without missing a beat. He gave her a suspicious look, but seemed to buy the idea. Mom entered and put down the fresh bagels she had made.

"Where are Columbus and Wichita?" she asked.

"I'll get them," Chicago said eager to get out from under everyone's stares. She practically fled from the room. Up the stairs and down the hall she was ready to flee again. She opened the door to Columbus's room and saw a flash of skin for only an instant, but knew exactly what was happening. Shutting the door as fast as possible she settled for talking through the wood while she scrubbed her memory of the event. "Breakfast," she said loudly enough so they could hear.

"We'll be right out," they replied in unison. Chicago chose to ignore the screaming voice in her head saying what she had just seen was wrong and should be stopped only because she could remember being their age and doing the exact same thing.

She started laughing as she came back in the dining room. "You are not going to belie-" she stopped mid sentence remember not only was there a twelve year old present, but parents as well.

"Believe what?" Little Rock asked.

"Believe the spider I just saw," Chicago shook her head. She took her seat quietly. The kids came down a few moments later. They had grins plastered on their faces and were practically glued to each other. 'Cute' was the only word Chicago could think.

She kicked Tallahassee's chair and got his attention. Beneath the table she made a crude gesture to illustrate what was happening. His eyes went wide and he asked with his eyes just to be sure if he was reading it right. She smiled and nodded. He rolled his eyes shaking his head.

Breakfast passed quietly and both Chicago and Tallahassee were preoccupied snickering about Columbus and Wichita. Little Rock carried the main brunt of conversation talking about a rainbow of things before finally landing on the topic of Chicago's new look.

"Hey! Don't talk about me like I'm not here," she said nervously as Little Rock boasted.

"I think you did a fantastic job," Tallahassee smiled. Chicago punched him in the arm lightly. "Does that lip gloss taste like something?" he asked playfully. She looked at him with a stern face.

"I wish I still had my engagement ring. I'd use it to peg you right in the forehead," she laughed. He bit his lip.

"Okay," he smiled. "Hand me my hat Columbo," the older man smiled keeping his eyes locked with Chicago's. Columbus tossed Tallahassee his hat. "Nothing up my sleeve," he smiled flicking his wrist. "And," he pulled Chicago's ring from the band of his hat, "Presto!"

"Oh my god!" she exclaimed as he handed it to her. "You kept my ring! Oh my god! Thank you!" she squealed putting her arms around him and kissing him right on the lips. She let go and slid the ring on her finger admiring it as Tallahassee sat dazed.

"Cherry," he said tasting her lips on his own.

"You two are engaged?" Mom asked. Chicago looked at her and couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh no! I'm not engaged to him, we're just friends. My fiancé lived in Chicago," she chuckled. Tallahassee made a face. 'Just friends' wasn't exactly what he was hoping for.

"Really?" Dad asked sounding interested. Chicago nodded. "What was the lad like? Is the wedding still on?" Everyone who knew anything froze waiting to see is Chicago would break down again. She stopped smiling and took a deep breath.

"No," she said calmly. "He's dead now… I don't know if you are aware but most of the world is dead," she said evenly.

"We are aware dear, yet here we all are," Mom chimed. Chicago shrugged.

"I suppose that's true… but no Michael wasn't so lucky. He was a good guy. It would have been our seven year anniversary this spring," she said before taking a bite. Everyone was quiet.

"Buck would have been five this spring," Tallahassee said solemnly.

"Buck?" Mom asked.

"That was his son," Chicago said.

"What happened?" the older woman said seemingly oblivious to the fact that Tallahassee was hurt. Chicago put her hand on his leg under the table as he floundered for an answer.

"Doesn't matter what happened. Done is done," she said stepping in. His hand closed around hers in silent thanks. Columbus jumped in starting a long discussion about his survival rules giving Tallahassee and Chicago a little cover. She only started to worry when Tallahassee refused to let go of her hand.

He finally let go when Mom officially adjourned the meal. Promptly they retreated to the hallway for a moment of relative privacy. "Thanks for the save," he said.

"No problem," she replied. He looked at her for a moment and she smiled. "Tell me what your favorite part of my look is?" she asked. He looked her up and down.

"Don't make me pick," he smiled.

"I looking for a specific answer," she said raising her eyebrows. He took another pass and looked at her shaking his head. She held up her hand revealing a ring on her left ring finger.

"Yeah, I know it's really nice," he said looking away.

"You have excellent taste," she smiled. He looked again realizing that it wasn't the ring from Michael. It was the diamond ring her had given her sparkling against her skin. He smiled and she pulled him close for a kiss. His hands snaked over her bare back as they became more passionate. She pressed him back against the wall as their tongues grazed each other.

"Tallahassee!" Dad called threatening to come around the corner. Tallahassee and Chicago separated instantly and he gave an annoyed sigh.

"What?" he snapped. Chicago smiled as the older man came into the hall.

"I was wondering if you would help me clean the pool?" he asked. Tallahassee's hostile expression changed.

"Pool?" he asked. Dad nodded.

"There he goes," Chicago sighed. "So much for romance," she said sarcastically.

"Just hold that thought. This kissing thing, it ain't over," Tallahassee said before he left her standing in the hall.

 

Chapter 34- I Didn't Mean That​

The rest of the day was spent in the water. Chicago sat on the side as Tallahassee and Little Rock played marco polo in the chilly water for hours. She smiled as she watched him revert into a kid and suddenly act as if the world was innocent again and if they stayed in the water long enough it would really be true.

She flinched a little as a splash from Columbus almost reached her. "Hey, Mom do you have a blank notebook?" Chicago asked suddenly feeling compelled to write. Mom nodded and went inside. Chicago followed her waiting eagerly as Mom got the spiral notebook and a pencil.

"Here you go," Mom said handing them to Chicago. Who nodded a silent thank you and waited holding her new prize. The last time she had written was two weeks before the shit storm, the day she had lost her job, and what felt like her future.

Opening the spiral bound notebook felt amazing. She took it outside and sat by the pool completely engrossed with her work. Tallahassee heckled her continually and as she filled up the notebook she began to think of titles, ignoring him. She left nothing out of the book. It was her personal account of Zombieland. Columbus's rules took up the first chapter. Creative tools to kill a zombie filled the next two chapters. The rest of the book was her story.

Her makeup ran a little as she wrote the chapter about the ordeal in Chicago. "What are you writing?" Tallahassee finally asked as he got out of the water and started to towel off.

"I'm writing my adventure in Zombieland," she smiled.

"Little young to have an autobiography aren't you?" he joked.

"Not in the least. Lots of great books have a similar format to what I'm using," she said looking up at him.

"Am I in there?" he asked.

"Maybe," she replied dryly. He lunged for the book and she ducked around him pushing him back into the water. Chicago laughed as he bobbed back up looking angry.

"You kids shouldn't rough house here," Dad scolded barely lifting his nose out of his book. Chicago smirked. He was still upset that no one had lifted a finger to help him clean the pool. She looked at the bathroom window that was fogged up. Columbus and Wichita had gone in to take a shower twenty minutes back. Little Rock was in the kitchen with Mom. The two of them had forbidden anyone to enter because they were making a surprise supper.

Tallahassee seemed resigned to stay in the water since Chicago had pushed him. He floated on his back moving his arms lazily. "Aren't you freezing?" Chicago asked not wanting any hypothermia to deal with.

"Nah, the water is plenty warm," he replied. She rolled her eyes knowing it was a lie. He swam to the edge and folded his arms. "Why don't you join me?" he asked resting his chin on his forearm.

"Because I promised I would wear my makeup all day," Chicago replied.

"How did you fuck your hands up? I know you didn't fall," he said switching subjects seamlessly. She glanced up at him.

"I was hitting trees last night," she shrugged wondering on a scale of one to ten how crazy it made her sound.

"Hitting trees?" he repeated. She nodded. "You know I was right there in bed with you. If you need a sparing partner," he said wiggling his eyebrows. She rolled her eyes and threw an empty cup at him.

"Please don't waste like that," Dad scolded getting up and retrieving the cup.

"It's a plastic cup," Tallahassee said looking for a fight.

"Well we can't just buy more when they run out can we?" Dad replied as if he was talking to a child.

"That's right we won't have to pay. We can just take whatever we need," Tallahassee nodded taking the same tone.

"Out of the question. Looting is too dangerous. Soon we'll need more supplies, but I'm doing my best to hold that day off," Dad replied carrying the cup towards the house.

"Sir, no offense, but whatever you need, Tallahassee and I are more than capable of getting," she said trying to jump in before Tallahassee said something horribly offensive. Dad grumbled something, but retreated into the house still holding the plastic cup.

Tallahassee huffed and disappeared under the water. Chicago waited a long time to come back up, but he didn't. Curious to see what he was doing she put her book down and peeked over the edge. He launched himself out of the water and pulled her in. She shrieked as her head broke the surface. "Are you crazy? It's freezing!" she exclaimed. He laughed his ass off as she wiped her makeup off.

Chicago splashed him as she swam to the edge and he returned fire. "Bastard!" she laughed. He grabbed her and dunked her. She struggled back up and spit a mouth full of water at him. He laughed again as she fumed. Without another weapon she jumped and dunked him. Quickly she swam for the side as he floundered around.

"You know. I think we should take him and go shopping," Tallahassee said casually as Chicago muttered angrily.

"What?" she snapped stealing his towel.

"Columbo and I found a red cross that looks untouched in the city. I bet we'd have two or three to kill, tops. You and I go in, fill the truck, and zip back home. It should stop their bitching," he said wiping the water out of his eyes. She shivered wrapping the towel around her shoulders.

"Yeah?" she said through chattering teeth.

"Well you saw how he thought we couldn't," he shrugged. Chicago cracked a smile.

"So this is because he challenged you?" she smirked.

"We cannot be questioned by some old guy," he shook his head.

"I'll think about it," she sighed collecting her book.

"You'll think about it?" he asked narrowing his eyes.

"Yeah, what?" she asked glancing back at him.

"Well I wasn't really suggesting it. I was insisting on it," he said. She narrowed her eyes at him.

"Are you telling me what we're going to do?" she asked calculatedly.

"Yes I am," he replied. She gave him a hard glare prompting him to get out of the water. "It's like a waltz after all," he said smartly. She cocked her head. "We can't both lead," he said as he stole his towel back.

"Right," she nodded shuddering in the cold. "So that means that sooner or later one of us is going to have to learn to follow? Sooner or later one of us will have to give up the part of us that is a leader?"

He looked at her for a moment, but she couldn't hold his gaze because it confirmed what she had said. Walking inside she shut the door. He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, great! Good work genius. I sound like the little spit fuck" he sighed.

After finishing toweling off he followed her inside. Without much thought he headed downstairs for a change of clothes. As always Chicago was two steps ahead of him.

"Whoa!" she exclaimed grabbing up anything she could to cover herself. He rolled his eyes and continued down the stairs.

"We sleep in the same bed, my tongue knows the inside of your mouth, and we have saved each others skins more than once, I can handle seeing you naked," he sighed.

"And I'm not comfortable with that," she said. "Turn around." He sighed and crossed the room opening one of the cabinets in the mini kitchen.

"It's not like you have anything I haven't seen before," he sighed. She bit her lip in frustration as he tossed his towel onto the counter.

"You know that is the second time someone has said something to that effect to me today," she sighed.

"Oh really?" he asked less than interested.

"Close your fucking eyes before I gouge them out!" she warned. He sighed looking at her for a moment before closing his eyes. Chicago quickly threw on her clothes.

"So you don't like it when I trust that you'll back me up on stuff?" he asked opening his eyes again. Her whole body sagged.

"That's not what I meant," she said.

"That's how it came out though," he replied. She approached him taking a deep breath.

"Maybe I jumped the gun… but I wasn't thinking that you would be trusting me like that… so soon," she said choosing her words carefully. He smirked a little.

"Are you going to stab me in the back?" he asked.

"No," she replied smiling a little.

"Then we don't have a problem," he said sincerely. She grinned as he leaned in to kiss and stuffed the towel in his face. He pulled it away looking at her confused.

"You're dripping all over the floor," she whispered leaving him alone to change.

"You wanna help me change?" he called after her.

"No!" she laughed as she climbed the stairs.

 

Chapter 35- He Makes Us Follow The Rules​

Chicago and the others were kept waiting in the living room until at last Little Rock came out and eagerly announced that dinner was ready. Everyone filed into the dining room and were greeted by a fair size feast. Columbus, Wichita, Chicago and Tallahassee were all ecstatic while Dad had a meltdown.

"What were you thinking? We can't afford to eat this much in one sitting! Do you realize we'll have nothing left!" he shouted. Mom seemed to shrink in her seat. Chicago looked to Columbus to stop it but he too shrank.

"Hey! Tallahassee and I are leaving tomorrow to do a little shopping! Relax!" she snapped. The room went still. "Let's just sit and have a civil meal shall we?" she asked regaining a calm tone.

"That is a very good idea, so pass me some chicken," Tallahassee said sitting down. Chicago took her seat beside him. Things were quiet for a long time and they ate in silence until Little Rock with her winning innocence broke the ice.

"This is great," she said.

"What?" Mom asked.

"We have a family," the child replied. Chicago choked on the water she was drinking. "Funny that it took the end of the world to get us here too," she laughed.

"Well lets not jump the gun there sweetheart," Tallahassee said.

"No doubt that we're a team though," Chicago said saving the girl her disappointment. "And all of us are in this together now right?"

"Yay to the new generation of humanity," Columbus laughed raising his glass.

"A generation led by fools," Dad grumbled.

"You think our leader a fool?" Chicago asked becoming irritated by the older mans wet blanket attitude.

"I do," Dad replied looking at Tallahassee.

"Well considering he is your son and the apple never falls far from the tree," she said cutting her meat. Both Tallahassee and Columbus stared at her harshly.

"You're in charge Columbus?" Dad asked attempting to not sound surprised.

"Well, I- uh," Columbus stumbled.

"He keeps a level head when the rest of us don't," Chicago said defensively.

"How is it that I don't believe this?" Dad smiled.

"Because it's not true. We have no leader, we all do our part," Columbus said wanting nothing more than to end the conversation.

"And what do you do?" Dad asked.

"I make sure we follow the rules," Columbus replied. Tallahassee chuckled a little.

"And the rest of you?" Dad asked.

"Would you like to see what we do?" Chicago asked standing up and asserting herself over him. Tallahassee continued to eat.

"I would. It seems only fair you replace the food you eat," he said attempting to hold his ground.

"Fine, tomorrow after breakfast we'll take you and show you what we do," she smiled seating herself again. Tallahassee only smiled as he ate rice while Columbus and Wichita exchanged a glance.

"Real civil," Wichita said with a sarcastic tone. Chicago shrugged it off. Dad was quiet for the rest of the meal seeming shy of Chicago. She repressed a smile knowing she had scared him.

Later in the evening as they crawled into bed Tallahassee smiled adjusting his pillow. "So I guess we're going?" he said wryly.

"He did challenge us. You could break him over your knee and I could take him down before he knew I was even coming. It's important he realizes that if we're going to be around him at all. I've always hated bitter old bastards like him," she said pulling the covers back.

"Yeah?" he sighed.

"My granddad was like that. I could never do enough. Could never do anything right and he always knew exactly what was wrong. I hated it when he would say 'I knew you would mess up' because it was like 'gee thanks for the support.' I don't intend to let him dump on Columbus like that. The kid deserves a little respect," she said sounding agitated as she flopped down on the hard mattress. He smiled staring at her. "What?" she asked.

"You're just funny," he sighed rolling over and turning off the lamp on the bedside table. She smirked when he began snoring shortly after. The night's hours passed like always and Chicago started to wonder exactly how long it had been since she had slept more than a couple hours at a time.

She tossed and turned trying to get comfortable until Tallahassee rolled over with an exasperated sigh and wrapped his arm around her forcing her to stay still. "Seriously, you toss around any more and you'll throw me out of the bed," he said sleepily.

"How can you sleep like a log?" she asked lacing her fingers through his.

"Well I can't with you in bed," he replied groggily. She chuckled.

"Sorry… I'm going to get a drink," she sighed starting to get up. He tightened his grip and held her down.

"Nope, no to night darlin'," he sighed. She stopped fighting. "You need to get some sleep," he added.

"No shit," she laughed slightly.

"If I promise to stay up and keep watch will you sleep?" he asked.

"Probably not," she sighed. He buried his face in her hair and she shivered. Somehow it felt right to let him touch her like that.

"We have a big day tomorrow," he observed.

"Yeah," she said starting to contemplate all the things that could go wrong.

"Gonna be fun," he said cheerily.

"Such an optimist at this hour," she smiled. He let out a long hot breath on the back of her neck sending more chills through her body.

"Are you doubting my skill?" he asked.

"I bet I can kill more than you," she challenged playfully.

"In your dreams, if you would sleep and have dreams," he replied sounding like he was still on the brink of sleep.

"What do you dream about?" she asked.

"I don't feel right telling you about my dreams," he smiled.

"I dream about hordes catching us," she said seriously.

"Yeah?" he sighed. She held onto his hand tight. "I won't let it happen. I refuse to allow any of those undead fuckers to touch any of you," he whispered. Chicago didn't have a response to what he had said. "Goodnight," he said eventually.

"Goodnight Tallahassee," she replied. It was as if he had flicked a switch and Chicago slipped into sleep, dreaming about playing marco polo instead of flesh eating undead.

 

Chapter 36- Buy Me Some Time!​

The gravel crunched under Chicago's feet as she got out of the truck. Her leg was feeling pretty good and she trusted it to carry her through anything that came at her. Tallahassee joined her. Things were quiet as they looked at the small house that had been turned into the Red Cross station. Dad was the last out of the truck looking very tense.

"Try to keep out of our way," Tallahassee said over his shoulder. Chicago and him strode confidently to the door giving a fast glance at each other before kicking it in together. She went in drawing her sword that now hung from her belt. The first zombie was a very fat woman. Chicago timed her swing and took the ladies head off in a nice clean strike.

Tallahassee entered and with his trusted baseball bat took a scrawny zombie that came around the corner out. Chicago watched the blood splatter and noted how amazingly picturesque Tallahassee looked. The brim of his hat hid his face as he stood over his kill still holding the bat. She made a note to write it down later.

Several more zombies made their appearance and were dispatched quickly and quietly without much trouble. Dad entered after the initial bloodshed was over. He looked at the mess that had been created by Tallahassee and Chicago's perfectly choreographed fight. He seemed a little pale.

"You all right?" she asked wiping the blood off of her sword.

"I expected this to go a little more quietly," he stammered looking at the zombies. Tallahassee dropped the bat that was so dented it was near useless and pulled out his gun.

"When we bring these in it stops being quiet," he said moving past both of them. He looked up the stairs. "Two floors and maybe a basement? I'll go high," he said like a kid playing soldier. Chicago didn't argue and started to search the house. It didn't take long for her to find the payload though. Water, canned food, other non-perishables and supplies completely filled the kitchen and den.

"What now?" Dad whispered. Chicago slipped her katana into its sheath. Picking up a box of goods and pressing it into his arms she got another for herself. They moved back through the house to the front door where she backed the trucks end right up to the door.

"Cram as much as you can," she said smiling as he heaved the box into the back. They both spun on their heels when Tallahassee shouted as he flipped backwards over he banister in the foyer. He landed hard on his back on the floor below. Chicago ran in drawing her pistol. A zombie screeched as it charged down the stairs. She didn't hesitate to shoot and put a bullet right through it's head.

Turning her attention to Tallahassee she knelt beside him as he groaned starting to move around. "You bit?" she asked trying not to sound frantic.

"Nah, he just surprised me," he grunted sitting up. Chicago could tell he was hurt pretty bad. "That hurt like hell though," he sighed rotating his shoulders.

"You're lucky you didn't land on your head," she said picking his hat up and putting it back where it belonged. He adjusted it before getting to his feet. She turned her attention back to Dad. He was rooted where he stood. "We need to hurry. That shot is going to attract attention," she said feeling the urgency of the situation.

"Right," Tallahassee agreed walking gingerly towards the kitchen. He rotated his shoulders and stretched a little before he attempted to lift anything. Chicago promised she would take time to be concerned after they were out of danger.

As the truck started to fill up and the kitchen became more and more bare Chicago started to relax. No zombies had made an appearance and it had been nearly a quarter of an hour. "Go start the truck," she said handing the keys to Dad. He went of to do as she said leaving her and Tallahassee in the kitchen alone. He was leaning against the counter discreetly stretching his back again. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"Fine," he replied a little too quickly. She gave him a knowing look. "Give me a break that was a good ten or twelve foot drop," he sighed. She nodded lazily poking through the last of the boxes. Not much was left in the room and in truth there wasn't much room in the truck. "I saw a bathroom upstairs. I'm gonna take a leak," he sighed. She nodded again as she contemplated stealing the computer in the next room.

Heading for the truck she stepped around the bodies and closed the hatch securing their haul. She had just opened the passenger side door when the sound of breaking glass caught her attention. "Oh no," she sighed. Hopping out she poked her head in the house. Tallahassee was no where to be seen, but the nasty arm of a zombie was clearly visible though a window in the den. "Tal! Lets go!" she shouted up the stairs.

Pulling her sword out she approached the window and stabbed blindly through the curtain. It came back bloody and the moaning stopped. She glanced up at the stairs again, no Tallahassee.

The zombie shit storm had officially kicked up again. It was all at once that windows started breaking and zombies started appearing from out of nowhere. Chicago managed to get back to the front door where Dad had locked himself in the truck as the undead started to assault the truck.

"Go! Go!" she shouted waving her arms and shooting the zombies she could. Dad caught the hint and floored it officially leaving Chicago and Tallahassee to fend for themselves.

"God damn!" Tallahassee shouted as he staggered to the stairs still buckling his belt.

"Christ what were you doing in there!" She shouted stabbing a woman in the neck. He shot another.

"Let's go," he said descending the stairs and making for the front door. "Where is the truck?" he asked shooting another.

"Gone," she said.

"Great," he sighed.

"Come on!" she said as more zombies came. She ran for a privacy fence flinging herself over the top. She landed on the other side hard and continued to crumple to the ground when her legs refused to support her. Tallahassee followed landing on his feet ready to run, but stopped when he saw her struggling.

"You okay?" he said sounding 100% concerned.

"Yeah," she said taking his hand and getting back to her feet. A zombie tore down one of the fence boards. Tallahassee looked over his shoulder and shot in one flowing motion. Chicago forced herself back into a run knowing that stopping wasn't an option.

They opened the gate on the opposite side of the yard and ran through several more gardens before they found a main road. Together they ran ducking and dodging through all the trashed cars and rubble that littered the road.

The fence had slowed down the horde, but slowly they were catching up and their ranks were growing. "Here, here, here!" Tallahassee said grabbing Chicago and pulling her towards a Rural King. As fast as they could they pried open the automatic doors. Tallahassee muscled them shut again just as the zombies reached them. Chicago watched as the undead beat against the glass.

"Great we have thirty or forty seconds," she sighed pulling out her katana again.

"Thank god we're in the heartland!" Tallahassee exclaimed as he looked in towards the store putting his back to the monsters at the door. Chicago spared a glance over her shoulder.

"You thought a farm store would be a good fortress?" she asked.

"Yeah," he smiled taking off.

"Where are you going?" she called.

"Buy me some time!" he said as he disappeared into the warehouse like isles. She rolled her eyes. Putting her back into a corner so no zombies could get behind her she drew both of her pistols from the holsters on her thighs. If she could pile up some bodies it might slow down the attack.

Cracking her neck she took a deep breath as the glass cracked and shattered in a beautiful spray. She opened fire making each shot count as best she could, but there were so many to keep from mauling her she had to settle for simply stopping their forward movement, killing them had become a secondary concern.

When she ran out of ammo she drew her sword just in time to stab an oncoming zombie through the neck. Chicago had a fraction of a second to think about the issue of what had just happened being a lucky occurrence instead of a skill based one before she kicked the offender backwards into the mob.

The bodies were piling up but the attack wasn't slowing so she retreated back into the store. Diving into a checkout booth she used the counter to keep some distance between the zombies and herself. Underneath it she found a pump shotgun and prayed it was loaded as she raised it and fired. The recoil nearly took her shoulder out and she dropped five zombies. Cocking it again she fired at a new crowd of zombies that crawled over the bodies of their fallen comrades.

When she tried it a third time a disappointing click was all that met her and she jumped backwards to avoid the clawing hands of the undead. Chopping a hand off at the wrist she realized there were too many and retreat was her only option.

She fled back into the store with no idea of where she was going or how she would get out. "Tallahassee!" she shouted hoping he hadn't been eaten yet. Her leg was on fire and Chicago was growing more and more sure that collapse was immanent. Making a full circle around the rather large store she headed for the front hoping the doors would be clear enough to let her back out onto the street.

As she ran down an isle something flew over the shelf and landed on the floor in front of her. It was a container of fluid and there was a flaming rag sticking out of the top. Chicago jumped it like a hurdle and sprinted as hard as she could. It was a fair explosion causing the zombies to slow slightly as the flaming ones staggered around in the way of the still functioning. She toppled to the ground coving her head before immediately scrambling back to her feet.

She spun around getting her bearings and spotted the front door. It was less than clear and as she started to let out an endless string of profanities another bomb landed near the doors. Chicago watched as it exploded then realized that a revving sound was coming from inside the store. She jumped out of the way as Tallahassee flew past on an ATV. He drove it out of the store right through what was left of the doors and over the zombies giving the thing a new coat of red paint. He stopped looking over his shoulder at her.

It took way too long for the cue to sink in and Chicago felt like an idiot when she realized he was waiting on her. The zombies were just starting to charge again when she sprinted for him. She jumped on wrapping her arms around his waist as he revved it up and sped off.

The flesh hungry zombies were still too close for comfort though. "One more," he shouted over the noise as they swerved around the debris in their way. Tallahassee handed Chicago the last bomb.

"Lighter?" she asked.

"Back pocket" he replied trying to focus on driving. She reached down and wiggled the lighter free from next to his duct tape wallet. Lighting the rag she looked backwards and threw it. One of the zombies kicked it as they ran past and the bomb skidded under a nearby car.

"Shit!" she hissed.

"What?" he asked. She didn't have time to answer before it exploded and turned the car into a great big fireball.

"Never mind," she said holding onto him. She rested her head against his back catching her breath, but after a particularly bad turn she looked up again. "You do know how to drive one of these don't you?" she asked.

"Well I've never actually done it, but I was going to buy one. Then Buck came along and I had to, you know, divert my funds," he shrugged. She gripped him a little tighter.

"I didn't just survive that to die on this fucking thing you know," she said.

"Relax babe," he replied. She wasn't comforted.

 

Chapter 37- Have A Little Faith​

Eventually Tallahassee stopped the ATV and Chicago got off. "We can hoof it back so the zombies don't follow the noise as much," she sighed. He moved his arms in big circled stretching out.

"Yeah good idea," he sighed. She took a moment to watch him finish stretching out.

"That was pretty cool by the way," she added. He cracked a smile.

"Oh my god! A compliment," he joked. She chuckled.

"Don't get a big head, your hat won't fit," she replied as she started walking. He followed matching her pace.

"You think they're freaking out yet?" he asked.

"Probably," she sighed.

"Nice to finally be on our own though," he said.

"We aren't on our own. We have each other," she said not wanting the conversation to go where he was heading.

"You know what I mean," he said knowingly.

"We have to go back," she sighed.

"We don't have to do anything anymore. You just feel like you need to go back," he said.

"So I'm not made of stone," she shrugged. He smirked.

"How's the leg?" he asked.

"I'm fine," she replied. "I think I got zombie kill of the week by the way. I stabbed one right through the throat and then I kicked it backwards and it knocked all of it's buddies over. Wish you could have seen it. A thing of beauty."

"Where did you learn to fight?" he asked offhandedly.

"Same place as you I imagine. The movies," she joked. "I took six years of gymnastics as a kid. Senior year I got hurt and quit, but I went to the gym four times a week religiously ever since," she said.

"Oh! You were one of those girls!" he laughed.

"One of which?" she asked confused.

"You know the girls that cook and work out and just you know always busy busy," he said kicking a rock along the ground.

"No," she insisted.

"Yes," he argued.

"No. I was sloth like a lot of the time. Instead of writing I would take naps and wake up at six only to write my bit twenty minutes before show time," she laughed.

"Oh a shirker huh?" he smiled.

"Well what were you?" she asked turning the tables on him.

"Construction worker," he said.

"What did you build?" she asked.

"You name it I built it," he said shoving his hands down in his pockets. "Lots of hotels and condos though. I have the blueprints for those things seared into my brain," he said.

"What did she do?" Chicago asked.

"Who? Maria?" he asked. She nodded. He sighed. "Not much of anything in hindsight," he smiled. "What about your boy?"

"He was a writer like me… well, not exactly like me," she smiled, "he didn't need fame. He was happy with what we had, while I had to go looking for more."

"How did he propose to you?" he asked. Chicago smiled fondly.

"We were at a concert. My favorite band. He waited until my favorite song, pulled out the ring and screamed over the music," she said getting bleary eyed. Tallahassee smiled softly.

"He seemed like a good guy. The way you talk he deserved his name," he said letting the rock he'd been kicking fall behind.

"Yeah, he was my angel… Do you feel like you'll always love Maria?" she asked crossing her arms.

"I do. When you love someone like that I don't think it's possible to get them out of your system. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about her and Buck," he said honestly.

"How many years has it been?" she asked gently.

"About four I guess. He was about eight months old when she took off," he sighed.

"I bet you made a good dad," Chicago said reaching her hand out.

"Not good enough," he sighed taking it in his own.

"Whatever happened wasn't your fault," she said hoping to end it. He walked for a while without talking until at last he took a deep breath.

"I'd been leaving him with this teenager during the day while I worked. She was just out of high school trying to make money for collage," he said. Chicago listened intently. "All the crazy sickness things in the paper, I just didn't take seriously. She came at seven like always. I kissed him goodbye and left for work. I couldn't afford to miss because so many of the other guys were sick," he said looking older as he told the story. Chicago gave him a reassuring squeeze. "I punched in and started doing my thing. She called me at ten and said people were trying to get in the house. She'd already called the police, but they were so busy it was no good. I ran as fast as I could and drove like hell. I ran every stoplight in my way and I bet I did ninety," he sighed.

"You don't have to tell me," she said making sure he didn't feel obligated.

"Nah… put it in your book," he shrugged. "I got there, jumped out. She was still screaming when I ran in. There were four of them chewing on her and there was such a mess. She was trying to protect Buck but it was just no good. I grabbed a flashlight and beat them off… couldn't save either of 'em," he took a deep shuddering breath looking up at the sky. "I buried them in the backyard, packed up and left. I'm never going back," he said regaining a little composure. Chicago nodded.

"I'm sorry," she said and her voice truly let him know how much she meant it. He let go of her hand.

"You got more than me that's for sure. You faced your shit while I took off and ran," he said taking another deep breath. She gave a small laugh.

"Right… You deal with it every day just like I do," she sighed. He looked at her. "If you want to get over it, you're a fool. I will never let go of him. I will do everything I can to hold onto Michael. Forgetting them? Ignoring them? I don't know if we could do anything worse," Chicago said.

"You want to feel like you're dieing everyday?" he asked stopping. She stopped and turned back looking at him. No one could know just by looking at Tallahassee how much pain he must be in all the time. Still waters run deep.

"No. I want to think of all the good times we had. I want to think about what an amazing person he was and how much I love him. I refuse to let those fuckers win and that means I have to live for the both of us," she said smiling.

"Buck was four years old. I was supposed to protect him," Tallahassee said coldly. Chicago frowned because of how broken the man before her sounded.

"Blame yourself if you want, but I think you should avenge him. We survive and we kick ass. We make the ones who took them from us pay. Each and everyone… and most importantly we don't let the same thing happen again. That's why I feel like I need to go back. I refuse to let those kids die as long as I'm still standing," she said looking fierce. Tallahassee saw a fire in her eyes.

"Not so long ago you were ready to blow your head off," he took a step forward studying her, "when did you change?"

"When you said you needed me. It hit me like a ton of bricks that they took Michael away and god gave me you. He gave me the kids and you and you're my purpose now," she said looking him dead in the eye. He furrowed his brow.

"You're religious?" he asked. She smiled and turned around. He'd meant it as a serious question but she couldn't help throwing in her sick humor.

"When they would have free noodle suppers at the chapel I was very religious," she replied. He followed her keeping a straight face fishing for a real answer. "Since it all went down it's been nice to believe someone's watching out for me," she said answering more seriously. "Everyone needs a crutch now and again."

"Amen," he murmured. They walked along in silence for a long while until he took her sleeve and made her stop again. "How can you not be afraid that they'll take away your purpose?" he asked. She didn't fight how close he had pulled her.

"Have a little faith," she smiled gently pulling away so she could keep moving. If he followed her he was accepting what she said. If he stayed rooted he was still fighting the idea. She kept walking waiting to see what he would do.

Tallahassee followed after her slowly.

 

Chapter 38- Who Is Family? ​

"Oh my god!" Tallahassee exclaimed as he took off running. Chicago was looking for danger when she spotted his target. "Twinkie, Twinkie, Twinkie," he chanted throwing open the doors of the Hostess van. He dove in head first to the spongy yellow deliciousness.

Chicago watched as he ate one in a single bite. "Seriously baby, chew," she said picking one up.

"Oh so good!" he said falling back and making a Twinkie angel. She smiled and started filling a cardboard box with the snacks glancing over her shoulder often. "I'm in heaven," he said unwrapping another. He looked like a little kid in a McDonalds ball pit except he was swimming in Twinkies. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her down into the sea of yellow treats with him. Kissing her hard she could taste the cream on his lips. When he let her go she leaned back.

"Four years ago this is definitely not what I expected to be doing. Making out while sitting in a pile of Twinkies," she sighed laughing a little brushing her hair back with one of her bandaged hands.

"Oh we weren't making out, that was just a little peck," Tallahassee said as he filled his arms with his prize. She rolled her eyes and got to her feet. They filled another box and closed the van. "This had been a pretty good day huh?" he said as they walked down the road.

"We almost got eaten," she argued.

"Yeah, but we didn't and then we got a little bonus," he laughed holding the box.

"Whatever, I just can't wait to get home. I'm going to take a shower and get all the dead off of me, then I'm going to eat and then I am going to sleep," she said. "Well, assuming that the others haven't done anything stupid," she added.

"I am going to bust open a beer and eat Twinkies while I float in the pool," he said. Chicago looked at him. Half an hour ago he was ready to sob because of all the tragedy and now Twinkies had fixed his world.

"Yeah, what woman wouldn't find that insanely attractive," she joked.

"Fine I'll light candles, lose the trunks, and make it two beers," he said raising an eyebrow.

"I don't think so," she replied knowingly. He laughed. "Whoa whoa whoa, look at this," Chicago said stopping him.

"Oh no not a Prius please," he protested as she walked towards the white car.

"The landscape is quiet," she said testing the door. It was unlocked and she checked the backseat. Finding it empty she put her box of Twinkies in the back and headed for the passenger seat. "Get in," she said. He shifted in his feet. "Get in unless you want to carry me the rest of the way," she added. He still looked reluctant. "Get in or the Twinkies get it," she threatened. He got in the drivers side.

The keys were still in the ignition and the car started right up. "Can't even feel the engine," he muttered putting it in drive.

***

"That's it we have to go!" Columbus snapped as he paced the floor. When Dad had returned without Chicago and Tallahassee Wichita, Columbus, and Little Rock were all ready to run a rescue.

"No we are not going anywhere!" Dad objected as he had been for the last couple hours. "If they are still alive there is nothing we can do to help them," he said. Little Rock was sitting next to Mom trying to be strong, but every time Columbus looked at her tears were glistening on her cheeks. The young man looked between his father and the other company in the room.

"How could you just drive off and leave them?" he asked trying to keep a civil tone.

"She told me to," Dad replied sounding less than remorseful. Columbus swallowed hard feeling more and more angry. "Besides they were reckless," he grumbled. Wichita held her tongue despite her urge to rip Dad a new one.

"They're family too you know," Columbus growled.

"You think they are your family? They are murders! I watched both of them kill people today! Look at what they've turned you into!" Dad snapped. Columbus shrunk as his fathers voice got louder. "I've seen the guns you all carry! For god sakes you've given a twelve year old a gun! You're disrespectful and I'm sure that she's pregnant already!" Dad said pointing at Wichita. She stood as her jaw hit the floor from the accusation.

"Hey!" Columbus snapped feeling his blood boil. Mom took Little Rock's hand and led the girl out of the room shutting the door. "I don't give a fuck what you think okay?" Columbus shouted as his anger exploded. "I came all the way across the fucking zombie infested USA to get back to you! Show a little respect to me huh? These people are my family! They are good people and deserve to still be in one piece! You on the other hand hardly do!" he shouted.

"Maybe I'm just trying to be practical!" Dad shouted. Wichita backed away as the men squared off.

"Well you can do that without being a dick! Look Dad, I love you and mom, but how is it that these people can be my family after no time and I still feel like a stranger in my own house?" Columbus asked lowering his voice. Dad didn't soften. "I love Wichita and so help me if you disrespect that you won't see me ever again. I've put up with your bullshit long enough. You've had your time to feel superior and make me feel like I'm worthless, but now it's time for you to sit back and listen to me," Columbus growled.

"Is that how you've felt?" Dad asked gruffly.

"I can't remember the last time that I woke up and thought I could make you happy," Columbus said. Dad shook his head.

"Before you got mixed up with these people you would have never said such things," he sighed. Columbus shouted in frustration.

"I see where this is going and I don't want any part of it! I'm going to go find them and I'd like to see you try to stop me!" Columbus shouted heading for the door. Wichita stood rooted where she was. Seeing the normally gentle boy get so violent and assertive was too strange to handle. She did realize however this was his breakthrough. After years of getting kicked around he was finally ready to stand up for himself.

Columbus jerked the front door open with his shotgun in hand but froze as he looked out. A white Prius was in the drive and both Chicago and Tallahassee were getting out. "Chicago!" he exclaimed running out to meet them. Wichita, Little Rock and Mom all joined them in the drive while Dad was content to glare out of a window. Tallahassee showed Little Rock the boxes of Twinkies and let her help carry them in as Chicago revealed the details of their ordeal.

During the evening Chicago could feel a tremendous tension in the house, but she didn't dare ask what had happened while they were away. Tallahassee was too busy celebrating a good day to notice the eerie feeling hanging around. She decided to let it go and get on with her night.

When Tallahassee still hadn't come to bed by three though Chicago got up and climbed the stairs. She made her way through the dark house carefully and opened the patio door. "Oh. My. God," she said staring at him.

"Hey babe," he sighed.

"A hot tub?" she asked looking at the bubbling tub.

"Yeah I was gonna go for a swim but I found this and now I can't get out," he said. Chicago smiled at all the beer bottles and Twinkie wrappers that littered the ground around the tub.

"Where did you get the booze? I thought the place was dry," she said picking up a Rolling Rock bottle.

"Remember that crate I put in the back of the truck?" he asked.

"Oh so you were picking up booze while I was sick," she said.

"Well," he shrugged. "You gonna join me?" he asked. Chicago smiled she'd never seen him so mellow.

"I guess I could," she chuckled taking her pants off and starting for the tub.

"Uh uh, we're going au naturale to night," he said smiling. She looked at him feeling almost repulsed for a moment.

"No!" she said firmly. He closed his eyes resting his head on the edge.

"Then no beer and hot tub for you," he said.

"I will not be naked in a pool of water with you," she said.

"Who's gonna know?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

"You will and more importantly I will," she said crossing her arms.

"I knew you would be too chicken. That's why I asked. More beer for me," he chuckled. She took a moment to realize he was goading her on and she looked over her shoulder. The alluring blue pulsing lights that were in the pool drew her like a moth. She sighed as she let all rational thought go.

"If we get caught I'm blaming you," she hissed pulling her shirt off. Resisting an insane urge to look Tallahassee kept his eyes shut as she got in the tub with him. It was a pretty big tub so she had plenty of room between her skin and his. "You know I think you're bi-polar," Chicago said as he handed her a beer.

"Yeah," he asked cracking one open for himself.

"You go from horrible depression to piggy-ness in no time," she said.

"I didn't make you undress," He smiled resting his head against the edge again. She took a drink then did the same. "I think we're making progress anyway. The day before yesterday you wouldn't let me see you naked," he sighed taking a deep breath.

"Look but don't touch cowboy," she smiled. He chuckled taking another drink. Steam was rising off of the hot water into the cold night air and Chicago shivered as the jets massaged her back.

"They look pretty bright don't they?" he asked. She took a moment to figure out what he was talking about. "The stars?" he said reading her mind.

"Oh, yeah," she replied looking up at the dots in the black sky above.

"I had you worried today didn't I?" he asked sounding amused.

"What?" she asked losing him again.

"When I fell over the railing? You were freaked," he laughed.

"I was not," she lied to save face.

"You were too. I could tell," he insisted downing the last of his beer.

"You are so smashed," she chuckled.

"I am not," he said while his speech slurred slightly.

"If you get face down in here I am not pulling you back up," she laughed.

"What like this?" he asked submerging and kicking off the side to float towards her.

"No no no!" she squealed pushing his shoulders to keep his face out of her lap. He came back up laughing like a fool.

"I'm not so wasted I don't know where to aim for you know," he laughed.

"Shhh shut up we're gonna wake the whole house!" she half hissed half laughed.

"Whatever you know you liked it," he sighed sitting down next to her. She sighed moving her hands through the water.

"I'm glad I met you," she smirked. He lazily looked at her. "Despite the end of the world I'm still having fun now and again," she smiled sweetly.

"I'm glad you're glad," he replied brushing her hair behind her ear. He leaned over and gave her a light peck on the cheek. He didn't push it any further and let out a long sigh as he sank below the water again. Tallahassee resurfaced wiping the water from his eyes. "This is great on my back," he said keeping his mouth just above the water. She smiled a little and dunked herself wiping her hair back.

"I could get used to this," she sighed.

"This ain't home," he said more seriously.

"I know, but it's a nice vacation spot," she sighed.

"Indeed," he smiled.

"You know when I was a teenager me and my friends snuck into this guys back yard and went skinny dipping in his pool. It was on a dare, but man we had so much fun until he woke up and came out. The joke turned into us streaking through the neighborhood. We woke up the next morning in Mrs. Galahan's shed wearing tarps," Chicago chuckled recalling the incident. Tallahassee chuckled.

"I remember watching this dumb ass turn one of these into a mud bath so a couple chicks could wrestle in it. Everyone was drunk at the time of course," he snickered. Chicago took another drink of beer.

"Makes me feel old to think back on the dumb shit I've done," she sighed. Tallahassee looked at her.

"I am not even close to being done doing all that dumb stuff!" he objected sarcastically. She finished her beer.

"Yeah? You still have some youthful stupidity to let out?" she asked mocking surprise.

"I do. I do. Like how stupid it would be for me to kiss you right now, because we could get caught," he said rationally.

"Oh that would be stupid," she laughed. He leaned over and kissed her putting a hand behind her head to get her closer. Chicago leaned nearer and put an arm around his shoulder as they became more frenzied.

"Oh shit!" he hissed abruptly stopping.

"What?" she asked putting distance between herself and him again. Then she realized that the patio was brighter than before. Looking over her shoulder she saw the kitchen light on. "Shit!" she said feeling panicked.

"How long can you hold your breath?" he asked.

"Why?" she asked not following him.

"I'll tap you when you can come back up," he said. She caught on and before she had time to marvel at his genius despite being intoxicated he pushed her under as she drew a big breath.

Columbus opened the patio door and came outside. "There you are," he said finding Tallahassee.

"Hey spit fuck, you're up awful late," Tallahassee replied.

"Can't sleep, what about you?" the younger man asked.

"Yeah just trying to get my back fixed," Tallahassee said desperately trying to think of a way to get Columbus out of the way.

"Oh, well I just wanted to talk to you about our plans," Columbus said. Chicago pinched Tallahassee's leg.

"We don't make plans kid we just go with the flow, now go get some sleep," Tallahassee said. Columbus shifted on his feet and looked down. He was just about to walk away when he noticed Chicago's clothes. He turned around smiling slyly.

"You out here alone?" he asked. Tallahassee jumped.

"Huh? Yeah of course," Tallahassee said. Chicago pinched his leg again beginning to feel her lungs burn.

"You can let her up now," Columbus said knowingly. Tallahassee sighed and tapped Chicago who immediately surfaced and drew in a breath. She wiped her hair back and spotted Columbus smiling like a tomcat at them.

"Hi Columbus," she said turning an all-new shade of red.

"Hi Chicago. Enjoying yourselves?" he tried to keep from laughing.

"Well it is a hot tub," she shrugged smiling sheepishly.

"Good night," he smirked going back in the house.

"Night," Tallahassee called. Chicago turned around and punched him in the chest. "What?" he laughed.

"Bastard!" she couldn't help but laugh.

"Would a Twinkie fix this?" he asked playfully as he grabbed another beer.