In The Glory [AU] || Alex

[Zephyr Israel Wallace]

|words;; 1003 || au universe;; zombies || Song used;; N/A || notes;; ;v; the museeeeeee |

That stung. Like a whole lot. Inwardly, he couldn't help but flinch at the words- but it was expected? The guy was being blunt in very honest way. Even then he couldn't deny it hurt a little bit. He can woe and whine, go on for the fact that for the life of him, Ze might not understand the coldness Alex so generously bestowed on him. And for the time being, looked like he'll have to deal. Eyes lowered to an interesting, invisible spec on the ground when the glare directed his way and Ze didn't trust himself with a reply, other than a quiet of murmur of "Sorry."

Where did his cockiness go? The sense of pride he thought he had? They seemed to wither away, the moment he stepped into this cafe. Maybe the moment he left the home- no more security of his friends, social status didn't mean shit inside here and his mind wasn't in the right place. Tired coupled with him not wanting to piss the slight teen made him a complete pushover. He did, however, mustered enough to wander back up and silently glare at Alex; a sigh, a hand run itself through his unruly curls, and the decision that it was best to just... give up. No point to mope. Maybe she was right about this guy being a bitch. A bit bitter the thought, a small scoff escaping his chapped lips and his shoulder's sagged. He played with the bottle, tossing it back and forth, back and forth- like a lonely little game of catch as a small silence settle between the two. And not the good kind of silence either- awkward, and everynow again, Ze's eyes returned to the back of Alex's head with a small glare. Though each time his eyes return, less and less the anger came. More of it was replaced with something else.

Worry.

In his mind, he never did stop with the worrying. Because deep down, his mind already resigned to what happen to Mike- he must of done something heroic, something noble, something where he died in the end. After all, Mike was Mike. The hero- main guy, always there, and always saving the day. Was he bitter? Of course, he was. Because, he knew, deep down- the blond best friend probably was gone before he even gotten the proper goodbye. A part of him didn't want to believe- but that part was only human nature. That sliver of hope, a reason that was far-fetched and unbelieveable as the likelyhood of sorcerers and faeries, Mike could be alive. That it was his phone that was the problem, not the person picking up.

Eventually he'll call back. For his sake, he had to call back.

"Thanks... At this point, anything is good." He tried to retain at least a little chipper attitude but failed; he stood, walking over to the goods behind the glass. "...Recommendation for anything? Usually use to have Fiona... um, I mean. N-nevermind." He voice faded at the end, keeping his eyes low and glancing at the choices- doughnuts, mini-cakes, cinnamon buns, the stereotypical goodies and treats you find in cafe. While some instant ramen wouldn't kill, he decided a couple of cinnamon buns would of hold him over until then. He grabbed a few napkins, licking his lips in anticipation as he pulled one and---

"BRRRRRINNGGGG The cinnamon bun was forgotten, and in a blink, he was struggling not to drop his phone out of excitement and slight disbelief. Mike? Was it Mike? It had to-- his face fell, seeing the caller id. Wasn't Mike but...

"Hello? Arthur?" He smile was hesitant, and his voice didn't hide the disappointment.

"'eah. Disappointed I ain't your boytoy, Ze?" There was a snicker, and a hint of a scowl on his end, with an eyeroll, "But seriously. I'm calling to see you're 'right. I swear, you and that fucker, Mike, are two lucky arses for not showing up to the uni today. This shit like hell. But got out alive, with my boys of course." There was some sound in the background, chattering and chuckles. His scowl maybe deepen a bit. "So, you guys at the apartment flat? Want me to swing by? Got enough room for ya both. Maybe Tina, if she's with ya. Is Mike there? Shit, can I talk to him? Huh? Ze, you alive."

There was a pause, Ze's eyes darting over to Alex for a second, before giving a small sigh. "I'm alive, don't go bawling, y'hear. Anyways- no, Mikey isn't with me and I'm not at the flat. I'm holed up at the cafe, y'know the one that--"

"Hot Bitch Fi? Yeah, I know the one. Want me to swing by? But is... wait, is Mike alright?"

Okay- defintely scowling and he started to pace himself, "...I don't know. He's not answering but I know he's with Tina, so... uh, yeah. And yeah, sure. Swing by to pick me up- if you can. I'm still holding out for Mikey. Might... end up going on foot to search him, since he said he would be at that parking lot around the corner."

"Ah, man. I hope he's fine then. And... hm. I don't think going on foot is a smart choice. Why don't you wait for me to come? I'm gonna pick up Ka--"

"Nah, its fine."

A pause. "I'm coming for you Ze. Just... um. Don't do anything fucking stupid, okay? I'm gonna go. I'll call ya tomorrow morning- if I can. Bye." Ze didn't manage a bye before the phone line died and he left listening to the irritating beep sound. He walked back to the glass case, pulling out the cinnamon bun he left and taking a bite from it; he hopped onto the wooden counter, glancing over to Alex as he pull his leg onto it. Taking a thoughtful swallow, he decided maybe taking a second crack this conversation with the snippy brunette. Now that he thought of it though... Alex looked a bit exhausted. "Hey... you alright? You look a bit... tired, Torres.".

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[alexander jay garcía torres]

Any recommendations? Alex snorted in reply and waved his hand dismissively. He wasn't on shift, he didn't even have his work apron on, so there would be no suggestions from him. Normally, he'd flash a winsome smile with his pearly white teeth and start rattling off names of cakes and treats that were freshly baked and what infusion was popular with other customers. But not today. Zephyr could just... deal and pick a stupid bite to eat and be grateful that Alex was letting him eat instead of being a picky bastard. It wasn't like he didn't already know what they usually had in the displays; the more Alex saw his face, the more he remembered seeing him lingering about as he waited for Fiona to end her shift. That was another thing that really irked Alex: how Fiona always managed to sneak off shift early and leave Alex to close up the bakery. Lazy bitch. Those dishes never washed themselves.

And back to silence and trying his best to ignore Zephyr's presence instead of accepting it. It'd been a while since he'd been this blunt with anyone; usually he just gave little snips of attitude here and there and just walked off. But, of course, now he couldn't exactly do that. He was forced to share space with this pretty-faced and popular college kid unless he wanted to take his chances outside (something stupid) or storm upstairs, leaving Zephyr standing guard by himself (something even more stupid). So, yeah, Alex was just gonna sit there, try to relax some while staying awake, and...

The sudden ringing of the other guy's phone made Alex sit up so fast that it jarred his spine and made his knee thunk loudly against the underside of the table in surprise. He could hear his pulse surging in his ears at a quickened rhythm as he cautiously sank back into his chair. Damn, he was on edge and jumpy and thank god Patrick's rifle wasn't actually loaded; he might've just shot his toes off by accident with that startle he just got. Alex huffed out his audible annoyance at being disturbed so rudely and got settled again in his chair, his pale fingers wrapping around the barrel and stock of the firearm protectively, his caramel eyes fixed on the door.

Again, Alex was eavesdropping on Zephyr. And just as well he was because what he heard he did not like. Who the fuck did he think he was telling this... whoever this was where they were?! And then to come swing by for him!

If it were someone Alex knew and trusted, maybe he wouldn't mind this grossly rude gesture of inviting strangers over. But, no. Alex didn't know any 'Arthurs' and, if he had to guess, he was placing a handful of old pesetas that it was one of Zephyr's douchebag friends. It was bad enough having one on the premises, not more! Alex closed his heavy eyes that were bleary from sleepiness and took paused breathes through his nose. It was okay. Nothing to get too worked up about. Zephyr just wanted to be with his friends. It was something understandable. Rather go with friends than venture out alone onto the streets with how they were littered with flesh-eating monsters. At least Zephyr would be gone soonish and maybe he'd go far from here and whatever jerk was coming to pick him up wouldn't cause trouble. Then he could go back to his lonely, tiring wait of Patrick's return.

The willowy teen calmly rolled his blood-speckled sleeves up to his elbows and let the other kid hang up, deciding to not pounce on him immediately for his blabby mouth. He'd totally forgotten by now about the energy drink or coffee that he'd politely asked Zephyr to pass over. That was probably for the best. He was still pissed despite trying to convince himself that it wasn't such a big deal. In his eyes, it was a huge deal. Or maybe his rattiness from lack of sleep was magnifying it and he was making a mountain out of a molehill.

"What. Was that?" Alex asked with a light hiss, his upper lip curling in a sneer and blatantly ignoring the question concerning his wellbeing. "Did I hear wrong or did y'just tell some fuckin' stranger where we was?" The young boy slid up to his gently shaking legs with a scrape of his chair. Perhaps his depleted energy levels were making him slightly paranoid but he couldn't stress enough how he didn't want just anyone knowing where they were hidden away. Soundlessly, his small suede shoes tiptoed over to the boarded windows and he peered through the uncovered cracks where sunlight barely could filter through. The gap was just under a centimetre in width, no way near wide enough for anyone to shove their fingers through but wide enough to get a decent look at the street outside.

"How would you like it if I went to your house and went ahead and invited, say, Carlos, eh?" Alex continued from his position at the window. "Y'don't know who he is, do you? Well? Would y'like it? This is my fuckin' home, man. Or don't you fuckin' care?" And shit. The street outside that was normally bustling with students, shoppers and suits was... eerily empty. No cars trundled down the road and no people wandered the pavement. Not even that street musician with the capturing olive eyes and endearing and cheeky grin that had a chipped tooth. What was his name even? It'd been a foreign name, somewhere from eastern Europe or somewhere around there. Fuck, he'd been hot. Street smart, too. Alex wondered how he was faring just as a hellish creature of those stirred in the distance, making him steal a hasty step back and almost trip on his own feet. Scowling and turning pink, Alex caught himself on the table behind him and stared at the window with bared teeth. "I don't want you bringin' fuckin' trouble here. Y'shouldn't even be here as it is."

words: 1043

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[Zephyr Israel Wallace]

|words;; 1009 || au universe;; zombies || Song used;; N/A || notes;; ;v; the museeeeeee |

A few things were going through his mind, when he set the phone down. Relief, was a first. Of fucking course it was a relieving to hear someone was alright- the good news he needed. Even if it was Arthur of all people to call. A mutual friend, if anything- he knew Mike, and Ze knew Mike, thus them being friends... but the two, eh, had next to nothing in common. Arthur was you're stereotypical, slippery lawman- green eyes were just as shady as his grin, and dark hair smoothed back with an impossible amount of gel. A guy with connections, he called himself- but if anything, the guy was a bigger sleazebag than anyone else, even the midget king Justin... another guy, he'll get to later. Surprising that the guy was alive anyways; it wasn't harshness when Ze honestly thought the guy would probably be the first to fall. Just... seem the type. Like in those movies you watch- that one character that somehow there, but you know from the get-go he was going to die, and no more than a half-hour in, the guy was gone. But... well, looked like life didn't cast him in that role just yet. Who would've thought?

With a sigh, he made use of his new found spot on top of the counter; a leg dangled off the side, and he bite into his cinnamon bun- a much, much needed cinnamon bun. Ah, why did he stop going here anyways? Sure, the Cafe was owned by his ex and obviously, this wasn't the only cafe in the area... but something about it- gave him a cozy feeling. And the sweet treats, while nothing too amazing because c'mon, this was just a small-time cafe on some random street and nothing was over the top. Just a casual place to have an afternoon tea, goodies and idle chatter with your fellow gossipmongers. And sure, he use to give the excuse of visiting Fiona at work to come in more often than not; half the time, he didn't both himself with telling Fiona he was there... or some afternoons, he brought along his laptop and with some tea, he spent the afternoon relaxing in the calm atmosphere. He never could put his finger on why he loved this place- until now.

The place reminded him of a home, weirdly enough.

Or his mother. Something nice, warm fuzzy. Mr. Patrick gave off the feeling quite nicely, and Ze would applaud him for that. Would. But the random realization only made him think more. About his family- his mother and father, who were out in a small town a few hours away. Were they alright? Dead? Why haven't they called yet? And that killed him, when the warm feeling turned into something against him, an onslaught of new things to think about- things he didn't want to think about. God must be a sadistic right now. He whined, For giving us all this and expecting us to survive. Or cope. Ze never been a religious man. His father wasn't one either; and the group of people weren't the holiest of the bunch either. But at this moment.... maybe getting on his knees and begging forgiveness wouldn't be a horrible choice? It was a safe one. And anything to take his mind of the hell on Earth outside these boarded windows. He just hope he remember how to pray.

Ze blinked, slowly turning his head away from his cinnamon bun and to Alex, "I... um, excuse me?" Lowering the bun from his mouth, a small frown tugged on his lips. "I didn't... uh... well, yes? But... they're not a stranger and I don't see a... problem?" His back might of straighten a bit, flinching slightly at the scrape against the floor; there was a uncertainty in his voice, whether or not he should be fearing the gun or the person holding it. Blue eyes with a raised eyebrow, he pressed the urge of a small chuckle at the stumble. It wasn't a moment to laugh but... the stumble Alex did was kind of funny in a cute way. The poor lad was tired, he could tell that much. He should of grabbed him a coffee, like he asked but... what Alex looked like he needed was some sleep instead.

"Hey, Alex, are ya--" He was cut off, and it seemed like the snippy brunette wasn't finished. Well, the guy got a point, now thinking in hindsight- but even then. There was a bit annoyance coming from this. He took another bite, a finishing one on his cinnabun, and wiped his mouth with a napkin- buying himself sometime, to think of a decent answer. Well, not one to anger the other more. But...

His mind was coming up blank.

"But... um, Alex. Its not that- I just need a ride out of here, out of your hair since apparently I know when I'm not fucking wanted." He started slow, giving a small shrug and running his hand through his hair, "Do you want me apologize? Because its just... its nothing Alex. I'm not here to cause trouble and so are they, so... uh... chill?" He tried off at the end, his eyes darting to somewhere else to stop any accidental, awkward eye contact. One look into those of brown eyes, Ze sure the other would just burn a hole through his own. But.... maybe Alex's anger was understandable? Then again, the anger could be coming from something else- guessing by those bags under his eyes, maybe from a lack of something. "Maybe... um, I dunno. I think you should maybe take a seat, dude?" Ze offered hesitantly, a small quirk of a smile, turning his body propped on the wooden counter towards the other- just incase if he need to jump off if the other brunette thought about pulling a gun on him.

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[alexander jay garcía torres]

Fucking hell. This idiot had to be pulling his leg. What did he mean by that he didn't see the problem? There was a problem and it was huge! Alex recovered quickly after his clumsy stumble and tugged his shirt down, smoothing the crimson-peppered baby blue, his obvious anger flashing in his eyes. Although it wasn't much, the teen pulled himself up to his full height and stared at Zephyr with tense shoulders and a straight back. "Y'don't see the problem? I'll tell y'what the fuckin' problem is!" He growled, taking quite a bit of effort to keep his tone down to an acceptable level that wouldn't attract the attention of nearby wanderers. He wanted to snap and shout, throw his arms about and yell at the pampered brat that didn't seem to grasp the point.

"I know y'just wanna hop on the first ride outta here - I want you too - but just... look..." Shit, he was losing his trail of thought as fast as it was coming. He knew what he wanted to say but the words seemed to be getting lost in his throat. It added to his frustration. Alex didn't fare too well arguing in English, it was too fast for him; he needed a moment to choose his words with a somewhat cool head. He pinched the bridge of his nose and growled out a sigh through his clenched teeth. "I saved your sorry ass. I've fed and watered you. And, fair enough, y'wanna go. S'understandable. But the only thing I don't fuckin' want is more people comin' t'my house! Geddit?" Probably not. Douchebags rarely had two neurons to rub together for a spark of intelligence. They were all a bunch of handsome sprinkled with social status but not much more; they were all imbeciles and Alex had perhaps not done the world a favour by rescuing one of them. Even if it'd been the correct and humane thing to do.

"So what if this stranger is your supposed friend?" Alex continued, advancing towards Zephyr with a finger out and pointing at him. "I bet he's a jerk like the rest of you. I know your kind." The kind that'd made his month and a half of college feel more like a tiresome chore rather than an adventure. They'd poked fun at his foreign accent, talked to him with a horribly done Mexican one, asked him for tacos and kicked his chair in class or pushed his books off the table 'accidentally'. That hadn't been too bad and, although it got boring pretty fast, it wasn't anything Alex couldn't deal with. But then some smartass thought it'd be a hilarious idea to go through his locker and they ended up figuring out that way that Alex was far from straight after flicking through some photos of him and an ex. They'd left him alone for a week or so and Alex'd just supposed that they'd gotten bored and backed off. Wrong. He'd been so wrong. They'd just came back with a tormenting vengeance and Alex dropped out just after a week later. That was when his hatred for fucking douchebags started and his college course ended. Best thing he ever did. College was for chumps anyway.

The boy was stood around two feet or so away from the other sat on the counter now, his feet squared and the rifle still slung haplessly across his back. "And don't you tell me to sit down or chill!" Alex was almost pink in the face now, not from his previous fleeting embarrassment at tripping up on his own ankles, but from just containing himself. Where this anger had flared up from, he wasn't sure, but it perhaps had something to do with his own unresolved issues with school yard bullies. They were jerks. Zephyr was a jerk. And he'd invited another jerk to his house. There didn't have to be any more explanation to it. Plus his darkening mood was fueled by his tiredness without a single doubt. "The reason why m'like this is 'cause of you! Fuck. Y'could've offered t'meet him on the street corner or sumfin' but nooooo!" He did a little sarcastic waving of his hands and rolled his eyes. "Don't bother askin' me or anythin'. I love havin' unwanted, jerkish company over. 'Cause, who knows? Maybe'll they'll be all jerkish and take m'things like they did in class!"


Aaaaand quiet. Alex glared up at the kid that didn't have the decency to even look at him with the same tense stance. His hands were balled up at his sides, shaking. All his growls and hisses were a reflection of an underlying distrust, worry and fear he felt. He didn't know whoever Zephyr had told where he was. What if they took all his things while coming to pick their friend up? Stole Patrick's rifle? Led even more creatures his way? Alex just didn't want that. He couldn't deal with any trouble that could be thrown his way for this. He'd seen movies and read books, he knew how some characters had their switches flipped when catastrophes happened and the nicest guy walking easily turned into the worst son of a bitch alive. Actually, how did he know that Zephyr hadn't told his friend by purpose? In the end, he was only a little guy with a gun he didn't even know how to use; he could easily be overpowered by two guys and have his home and café raided. Crap. Bad thoughts, bad thoughts. Alex narrowed his honey brown eyes to wary slits and eyed Zephyr from head to toe. "Fuck you." He added for, y'know, good measure. He was the guy with the gun and, thus, the guy in charge for now. No one had to know any different.

words: 1011

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[Zephyr Israel Wallace]

|words;; 1020 || au universe;; zombies || Song used;; N/A || notes;; ;v; the museeeeeee |

He didn't know what to say at first, what to say that wouldn't make the situation worse- which was far and few that could manage a feat; if anything, the situation wasn't all too pretty to begin with. There was the obvious signs, that in the mindset, the state the brunette was in and the fact he wield the only gun in vicinity- he was treading on fragile line, and at any given moment, it could snap for the worse. Ze's eyes wavered, never holding eye contact with those angry, brown eyes; he itched to duck behind the counter, to have something of a barrier between the two as the other approached but...

He stood his ground. "But nobody said about coming in- they're swinging by, that's all. Next time they call, I'll just tell 'em to meet me outside, if that makes you feel any better?" The anger, he was pegging on the lack of sleep, Alex's dislike and... apparently the fact he given away the location where the two was, could be well placed- hell, he understand it if he took a moment to think. But he wasn't taking a moment. He couldn't. Icy blues kept darting to the rifle that almost seem to taunt him, the only thing that gave Alex most of the power- the only thing keeping him in check. Beside, he... didn't want to cement Alex's hate for trying. "Alex... Alex..." A few worried glances toss towards the door, straining his ears for anything sounding similar to door-humping and groans of the dead.

Someone explain to me... what's the problem? Ze, after all, never one to get into arguments- if he enjoyed them, he would've picked law like Mike instead of Psychology to begin with. But he's not a lawyer and picking his words carefully, he couldn't come back with witty retorts to save his ass. Maybe that's the reason why it needed the saving? It would of been so much easier if Alex had a calmer sort of anger- something he's use to. But he could see the other holding back, something firey and... that wasn't good. Well, what was the best choice right now? Stay silent, let Alex deal out his cards and then brush away the mess or shoot his own, and hold that'll silence him. God, he wasn't a pro at this. Hell, he only took one clinical Psychology class, and anything counselling wasn't his forte- ask the almost failing grade he had in the class. Arthur been his wingman in it, with both the girls in class and the studies itself. Neither helped at all, and when seeing the holy just-at-average grade, he could've kissed Arthur for it and scoring him a date with a decent-looking girl.

Sigh.

But none of that matter now. Did anything matter? After all those years of social climbing, of charming his way through and into higher class of people- it was worth nothing. Nope. Nada. Knowledge was always valuable but Ze saw anything that he learned up to his point as a complete and utter waste. Because what could he say to that? To Alex's hissing words, snapping at him for an answer but he knew that all was a trap. A trap to set off a bigger few.

"M-My kind? You mean... me and my friends? What the fuck is the problem with me or my friends?" He stared at the other, narrowing his eyes and thin-lipped frown as mouth made a tight seal. Ze did... note some things though, taking another once over. The stained shirt to slightly ruffled hair to his nice shoes, expressive eyes that almost too frightening to stare into and pink lips that hid a sharp tongue, and to slightness of his body and... well, this was the guy that was intimidating him. His large hand brushed away any crumbs on the counter top that was left, wiping his hand on his pants while he said softly yet clearly, "I think you're overreacting, Alex. And being bias, on the account you next to nothing about me or my friends." A stubborn lift of the chin, eyes deadset on Alex and he steeled himself not to look away. "I'm sorry I upset you but I do think you need to take a moment, calm down before anyone does something they regret. Please."

Just for a few seconds- just hold. Just don't fucking try to wimp out. Don't look away. He urged himself but it was easier said than done. Alex was getting close and... thoughts started to play in his minds. The funny kinds, like back when he use to be with Fiona and whenever he was alone to own devices in the cafe- his eyes always found themselves wandering over to Alex. He was a good looking guy, more than that. Pretty attractive in Ze's eyes, and just so close. He was curious about those lips, turn down in an angry sort of pout, pink and soft looking- he wondered if they were as soft as they looked. He lifted a hand, slowly at first, almost hesitant- but before the chance to bat away it, he grabbed Alex by the collar. Ze's eyes made a brief contact with his.

And He leaned forward.

Slightly awkward, as he had to bend his neck slightly to accommodate Alex's shortness but it didn't deter the niceness of it. They were soft, they were warm, they were different. Sent a tingle of excitement up his spine and into his stomach. Kissing him was different than he thought it would. He gave a quiet moan, one that manage to fight itself off.... and it startled him. As soon and abrupt the kiss was, he stopped it. Ze's cheeks flushed in closer, mouth left a bit agape in surprise... shock, before shutting close. His eyes widen, and....

Okay. So honestly. He was lost at what just happen. Because... the funny thing was, that felt almost ".....woah."

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[alexander jay garcía torres]

On being grabbed like Zephyr had just done by his collar, a handful of possibilities rushed through Alex's head in a panicky current. His first thought was "oh god, he's gonna hit me" because, really, it could be expected; he'd just been a gobby, accusing, little bastard to him and very judgemental towards his friends without much reason other than his own personal paranoias. Alex was tugged forward with a sudden intake of air, something that was perhaps better described as a small, surprised gasp. He didn't like physical encounters of the violent kind, he actually hated them and avoided them at all cost - a reason as to why he was so eager to pull out of his college when the teasing got physical.

Alex's panic was very brief and short-lived though. Well. More or less. Because he wasn't sure what to make out of Zephyr closing the small distance and meeting him on the lips. The teenager kind of just stood there, half lifted up onto his tiptoes, and stared with wide fishlike eyes at the lad's face. This was, uh, expected? Alex breathed in short puffs through his nose and kept his toffee eyes fixed on Zephyr's closed ones, feeling his stubble rub and scratch his hairless chin and upper lip and trying to ignore it. And, oh god, please tell him that wasn't an actual moan coming from the guy? The lusty-sounding noise woke Alex from the stunned trance he'd been in and he finally blinked.

Alex had been quick to pull away as soon as Zephyr made a move to do so and his hands came up to hastily push himself out of his personal space by his chest. His hand then travelled to where he'd been grabbed and bunched his collar in his own fingers. For a moment his face stayed blank and expressionless and not a muscle of his twitch. Then, out of the blue and as if reality had caught back up to him, Alex scowled openly and vigorously wiped his mouth with the back of his other hand while stealing more steps backwards.

Like, what the fuck? Anger still boiled inside him but less furiously now and he still wanted to snap at the brat - and with a whole new reason now - but nothing came out. He stayed somewhat silent, shocked and a bit confused, as he walked back over to his table with a bit of a moody stomp in his step and a grumble under his breath. Why the fuck had Zephyr even done that? He was far from gay if he'd dated queen bee Fiona and hung out with a bunch of macho blockheads. It had to have been for a joke, just some way to torment and tease him later, laugh at him, accuse him of enjoying it. It wouldn't surprise him if Zephyr actually knew what team he batted for; Fiona had a bit of a loose tongue - as well as loose knickers - for gossip and more so after one time she'd literally tried seducing Alex in his own bed, just for him to panic and push her away as soon as those moisturized and manicured hands of hers tried to wander to places a girl wasn't allowed. For the next couple of weeks after that embarrassing sharade there'd been a spiteful rumour hanging about that Alex couldn't, y'know, get it up. Fiona must've thought he was an idiot if she didn't think he'd know why and where from such a damaging rumour had sprouted from. So, yeah, it wouldn't surprise him if Fiona had let a few of her boyfriends in on some of Alex's personal life. That stupid jerk probably did it because of that.

Alex sat down heavily in his chair and risked one last glance at Zephyr. The rosy tone in his cheeks was a trick of the light and his palms were clammy from how stuffy it was getting in here. He didn't glare at the boy but he sure as hell gave him an unreadable look, result of a thousand and one things going through his head right now. He still wanted to ask what his problem was, if he was drunk, if he was an idiot or some weird pervert that got off on that. There was also the wittier and less snide remark of how Zephyr shouldn't jump the gun since they weren't the last two men alive yet. But all those words and responses stayed quietly tucked away in his sealed mouth.

Alex shifted back around in his chair, giving his back to Zephyr and casting his eyes back to the door and the ever looming danger behind it. Y'know what? Let Zephyr's fucking friend come and take him away, at least then he wouldn't have to deal with this high school-esque "ooh, so-and-so kissed me, giggle, giggle" shit. Alex set his jaw firmly and brought the rifle round to lay it across his lap, starting to actually get used to the weight in his hands and its merely decorative purpose. It made Alex feel slightly safer for now. He'd read whatever booklet came with it once Zephyr was gone and hopefully that way arm himself properly against any future danger.

After a long moment of silence and stewing what'd just happened, Alex finally spoke with his fingers curled around the barrel and stock of the gun. "Try that on again an' I'll pop a cap in your ass." As if he actually would. But perhaps Zephyr would believe that. "I told you no funny shit, din't I?" His voice wasn'ylt as snippy as it was before though, at least, and it appeared as though the shorter teen had in fact calmed down some after flaring up so angrily before. Chewing the inside of his cheek, Alex slumped down in his chair and rested the back of his head on the backrest of the seat. It was unlikely any of those things from before would be able to break through the door without being provoked but... he wasn't about to abandon his post. Or be stupid enough as to ask Zephyr to stand guard at least until his chum arrived.

But, god, his eyes felt as though they had dead weights hanging from them, pulling them closed and making it a bit of a battle to keep them open. He was feeling a sleepiness that a strong coffee wouldn't shake off or even one of those tiny cans of pure caffiene and sugar could fix. Y'know, those ones which are like a concentrate of energy drink and you have to be so old to have them. Alex couldn't remember the last time the idea of sleep had been so inviting if there'd ever been one. The thought of delving deep down into his cushy nordic blanket and lemony fresh sheets made him sigh with an innocent want. Maybe... closing his eyes for a minute or so wouldn't hurt - they were even stinging around the corners - and he was a light sleeper anyway.

No sooner had Alex closed his eyes though, he was asleep, and if Zephyr had actually bothered to reply to him, he'd miss it. Too asleep already to stir, his eyes closed and cheek touching his shoulder lightly, wearing a faint, worried frown even as he slept.

words: 1237

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[Zephyr Israel Wallace]

|words;; 903 || au universe;; zombies || Song used;; N/A || notes;; ;v; the museeeeeee |

In hindsight, what he did was incredibly stupid.

No, worse than stupid. What he pulled, at that moment, could of been something of a death sentence. Alex didn't look like he was in the mood to be messed with, and even though that kiss... wasn't anything but some cruel prank, how could the other know that? Hell, how does he know if the other swung that way; sure, Fiona always seemed to speculate about her brown-hair tenant's sexuality- something that, yes, he did joke along with and there wasn't any denying that Alex looked.... pretty damn far from your stereotypical straight man. But if they were judging by looks... then the opposite could be said about him. Yet he was... the guy that just kissed the 'gay' employee of the cafe his ex-girlfriend's father owned. To stir the pot even more... there wasn't an ounce of disgust, regret or mix of the two; no, if anything, it made his feelings all muddled and confused even. He liked it. He wanted to try again. Tempted to see if he bit Alex's lips, did he get mad or blush, bite him back? And why the Hell were they soft? God... he felt like a creep for thinking these thoughts. But he just... Ze could say a part of him had no regrets for what been done.

But the thing was, for a second, he felt a hint of guiltiness. Betraying himself, almost. This wasn't normal, this wasn't... right? It sure felt right though; maybe it was the heat of the moment, desperateness, maybe the fact he hadn't gotten a decent kiss for almost a week- and that last person being someone he now hated. Or at least, doesn't want to see. Usually, this shouldn't be a problem but the fact of the matter was... Alex's a dude and he's a dude . If those past years in Church during his childhood, coupled his father upbringing and of course the wonderful thing called peer pressure taught him anything, what they did... well, what he just did to the other, should be something he shouldn't like.

The tip of his tongue darted out, swiping his lips but even then, he felt tingles from the kiss. Icey blue lifted up, and he noticed... wait, was the guy okay? Did... Did Ze break him? But then he finally moved, his first gesture being a pride-kicking, wipe of the mouth with his hand. Way to kill an ego... But he didn't hold a resentment for that- since you can say that was sort of fair? Doing something like a kiss without someone permission... eh, well, sometimes romantic but in situation, there was anything but romance in the air. Words was caught at the tip of his tongue, he looked away with red face, almost in shame but also in guilt. There was a quiet whisper of a "Sorry", but he wasn't sure if Alex heard since there was a pause.

The kind of pause that full of awkwards and he could almost feel the other staring at him. God, he felt like a child, being a position like this. His shoulders sagged, and gave a small, almost pathetic nod of the head. "I... yeah, you did." He nibbled on his bottom lip, pausing before he looked up with a frown, "....Sorry. I... I'm sorry." But deep down, he knew he wasn't.

Well, if he wasn't on Alex's friendly side before, he was definitely not in now. He rubbed his hands together, trying to distracting himself- he wished that Mikey or maybe someone, at least, could save him from this silence; but after a few moments, he too got bored of waiting. Sigh. He hopped off the counter and did a small stretch of the arms, before looking in Alex's direction. Ze cleared his throat, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "I'm... going to use the bathroom, okay? I'll be right back."

No response.

He tilted his head. "Alex...?" He took another step towards him, raising his voice a bit higher this time. Alex's head was drifted to the side, and there almost no movement or even acknowledgement he heard what he said.

Did the guy seriously went to sleep? Ze didn't know whether that should be funny... or expected. Well, it was both- the guy looked almost dead when he first let him in, and he guessed that Alex miss more than the needed number of sleep. There also a sense of pity... this guy was seriously must been up the whole 24 hours Patrick was away. And with that worry look on his face, he could guess that any sleep wouldn't be fulfilling. His eyes soften, and he moved forward, now in front of the slight teen. Should he wake him up? Nah. But sleeping in that position didn't comfortable at all. Hm.

Ze's hands moved for the gun, at least moving that out of the way- he might as well take the guy to bed or at least somewhere more comfortable. Anyone watching from above could see the guy needed it. He grabbed the end of the gun, slowly pulling it out of the grasp, while he muttered, "Of all places to fall asleep." At least he can do one good thing today.

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[alexander jay garcía torres]

It was easy to tell that he hadn't drifted off for long given the huge reluctance his body had to be being woken. When he felt movement under his fingertips and palms, Alex's eyebrows knitted together gently in his sleep but he didn't rouse just quite yet. The feel of the cool metal being slid out of his hand's loose grip was steadily waking him though.

And then, even in his sleepy trance, the napping teenager realized that something was up, that something wasn't right. Alex's caramel coloured eyes flew open, wide and alert, and his breath froze in his lungs. There was an uncomfortable, almost fearful, rush that circled around his stomach and chest at being woken so abruptly and so rudely. The first thing that went through Alex's head was that the monsters had somehow forced their way past the shoddy yet strong barricade, causing him to wake in a quiet panic.

But, when Alex's startled gaze found Zephyr's hand by his own and not a mangled, deadened one, what he felt was still far from relief. The dude had his hand on the rifle! And he was taking it! Like, what the fuck?

Was this what Zephyr had been waiting for? For him to lower his guard, nod off and then take his gun? To be truthful, Alex wouldn't have put it past him from the very start. The teen's hands flew for the barrel and stock, his fingers wrapping themselves tight enough for his skin to pale. His eyes narrowed to dangerous slits and he tugged on the gun to snatch it back.

"What d'ya think y'doin'?" His voice was low and smooth, like a soft growl in his throat. Zephyr might've irked him before but now he was beyond pissed. From Alex's point of view it appeared like the other teen had just attempted to doublecross him while he slept because, like, why else would the fucker try to pry the rifle from his sleeping hands? What Zephyr had just tried on was so sly that Alex had no words for it. A very douchebag move without a doubt.

Alex was seriously debating to just throw the slimy bastard's ass right out of the cafeteria. What good had it honestly done saving Zephyr? He'd brought those creatures unnervingly close to his door, gotten his shirt all dirty with blood specks, given away his safe refuge to some stranger on the phone, kissed him without invitation and now - now - he was trying to pinch the only thing that kept Alex in charge of the café.

"Let go." He ordered, his voice still the same silky growl and punctuating his words with tugs on the hunting rifle. "Now." He really couldn't afford Zephyr getting his clumsy, fat mitts on the only firearm in the closed vicinity; Alex didn't have all that much strength to boast about and protect himself with. In short, if he didn't successfully snatch the rifle off that douchebag he was well and truly fucked, right?

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[Zephyr Israel Wallace]

|words;; 768 || au universe;; zombies || Song used;; N/A || notes;; ;v; the museeeeeee |

His feelings didn't clear as seconds, turned into moments passed- silence filled the space, but that was perfectly fine. And in muddle of emotions, there was a small surprise... wiped away his apologetic look, replaced with something more of a smile. Sure, hesitant and barely noticeable, tad bit creepy given the situation- yet there was the smile. This whole situation was bizarre. What was happening outside was crazy. Nothing made sense. Almost in a whisper, a thought supplied Maybe I'm losing my head already with this all. An excuse? Honestly, who knew. it would've explain the oddly placed smile on his face, given the things he seen in that hour outside, and confusion getting to him- now that his body was finally could rest, and everything was just... Ze was trying to make sense of the situation.

Up until that moment his lips touched Alex's, thoughts were racing, worry aching his heart and... well, could he say he needed that kiss, something straightforward and certain. A fact- because with mayhem taken home out of this small piece of haven, everything was up in the air, theories like Mike being gone or whatever those things outside meant the end of the world, all of it wasn't concrete. But in that second, it... happen. And push aside the crap, how he tried to rationalize, what happen, happen. Whether Alex hated him at the moment or not, he couldn't care less at the moment. Because his frazzled mind, there was something he could latch on to that meant a little sanity for him.

He felt something settled within as Ze's steps neared the sleeping form.

Maybe I'm just overthinking this all.

He squared his shoulders a little bit, nothing but a look of self-satisfaction, as a calm finally came over him. Ze didn't accept the notion that he enjoyed what he did, but his eyes, for a brief moment, soften and there was a familiar flutter from within. Wrapping his hands around the rifle- damn, he didn't realized the grip Alex had onto it. He worried himself with the possibility of waking up the slender teen but he brushed that off; as long as he's careful, gentle, taking the gun would've been a piece of cake...

Keywords: would've been.

Blue met brown. Any and all hope of this going right, the attempt of getting on Alex's good side, they were gone in the instant. Because the position he was in, and the anger that played in those toffee colored eyes... he had to pick his words carefully, or else the thin line he was treading on would snap. At first, he was rendered speechless, the surprise and the fact everything was just taking the wrong turn in the worst way possible, and... and... he needed to think. And fast- or else he'll be meeting that end of the barrel really soon.

Ze's lips parted,but his mind drew a blank of what to say first. Should he state what he was trying to do first? Or cry pansy and try to calm the guy down. "I-I, wait. Just w-wait a minute, don't... Fuck." Sputtering out his nonsense, his body decided to have a mind of its own. While his brain screamed for him to let go of the gun, his gripped tighter and tugged it slightly, though brushing a little to close to trigger unknowingly, "I was.. was just trying to help- I saw you asleep, a-and just... thought I could take you upstairs where its more comfortable?"

....He bit his own tongue, for his stupidity on his choice of words. Because that should of cement the thought of him being... dunno, a creeper almost? Ze had the best intentions at heart but his words didn't fall into a way that could... well, prove it. "I mean, you were sleeping in the chair and Ididn'tmeanitthatway. Oh god." All he need was of a way to clear this misunderstanding. Ze shook his head, opt'ing to just struggle the gun off of the other- it was by far the safest choice for his wellbeing. No taking chances. During the small fight for the gun though, there was moment his heart almost stopped when his hands shifted to have a better grip. But instead...

He pressed the trigger. But nothing, no crack of a gunshot, or ringing of his ears that usually comes because of how close they were.

"....." He gaped, his stare directed at Alex because... What the fuck?

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