"What? Are you out of your mind?" Alex exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"I don't know what you're talking about until you tell the truth," Danny pressed, his tone unwavering.
Alex let out a strained laugh, but it sounded more like a crack in his armor than amusement. "The thing is, I want to get you out of this so nothing bad happens to you."
"You're doing it again," Danny said, his voice softening with concern. "You're always trying to protect others, but who's going to protect you?"
"I'd rather die alone than lose any of you," Alex said, his voice trembling as he looked at Danny, on the verge of tears. His entire façade, the pretense that everything would be okay, was shattering. The haunting thought of facing death and the memories of loved ones lost weighed heavily on him.
Danny, seeing Alex like this—vulnerable and breaking—felt a surge of worry. He had never seen his friend this way before. All this time, Alex had kept his fears locked away behind a cold, indifferent mask. Danny didn't know what to say, but he knew he had to do something. Without a word, he reached out, pulling Alex into a hug.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence between them wasn't awkward—it was necessary. It was the kind of silence where words weren't needed, where the closeness of another person and the sound of their heartbeat provided all the comfort in the world. Their hearts beat in sync, the warmth between them filling the space, easing the chill of everything around them.
"You know you're not alone in this," Danny finally whispered, breaking the quiet. "I won't let you think that. We're going to get through this. All four of us."
Alex pulled back slightly, wiping his eyes. "Thanks, Dan. I just... I just want you to be okay."
Alex made a motion to step back, but Danny didn't let go just yet. "Just a little longer," Danny added with a small grin. "You're warm. I'm freezing."
They both chuckled softly, the tension melting away as they remained in the embrace for a few more moments.
A few minutes later, their hug came to a natural end. There was no awkwardness between them—only a silent understanding. It was time to go back to the others. They walked down the stairs toward the hall, hearing Owen's loud voice coming from one of the rooms. They followed the sound into a small kitchen and dining area. Inside, there was a table with six chairs, kitchen cabinets attached to the walls, a working refrigerator (which was a luxury compared to what they had in Kursou), and a real stove and oven. After surviving on canned food, this felt like a military feast.
"I'm telling you, ma'am, I've had a lot of older ladies want to take me out," Owen was bragging to Mayana, clearly enjoying. Vanessa was waiting for the perfect moment to ruin his show.
"Yeah, and when they take him out, he gets to look at the children's menu in the restaurant," Vanessa quipped, stirring her soup with a spoon. Mayana burst into laughter at Vanessa's quick wit, just as Alex and Danny entered the room.
"I was wondering where you two were. Everything okay?" Mayana asked as she poured soup into their bowls.
"Yeah, everything's fine," Alex answered, taking a seat next to Vanessa. Danny sat across from him next to Owen, who was still basking in the attention. Vanessa, however, wasn't buying Alex's response. She subtly kicked him under the table to get his attention. When Alex glanced her way, she raised her eyebrows, tilted her head, and mouthed "really?" with an exaggerated expression. Alex gave her a thumbs-up under the table before turning back to his soup.
The group was served hot soup as an appetizer, followed by baked bacon, boiled beans, and potatoes. To them, this was a feast, considering what their food supply would likely look like tomorrow. Just as they were settling in, Philip and William entered the room. Philip was carrying a bag filled with bottles of barley beer.
"Well, since you're all actually 25 years old, I thought this would make a fine dessert," Philip said with a grin, eyeing Owen. "You, with the blue eyes—you look like someone who enjoys alcohol."
"Yeah, uh... no thanks. We were drinking yesterday," Owen quickly rejected the offer, trying his best to avoid trouble.
"Come on, don't be a faggot. Just one beer—" Philip started, but Owen's patience snapped.
Before things could escalate, Danny spoke up, his voice sharp and clear. "I don't know if you're deaf or just stupid, he said no. Back off."
Philip, taken aback by Danny's bluntness, stared at him in surprise. "Oh, I see. You feel called of by my offense right, huh?" He started to move closer, but before he could do anything, William stepped in.
"You're really acting dumb, leave the kids, they've got a lot ahead of them. And screw that rotten beer." William said, blocking Philip's path.
Philip's attitude shifted instantly. "Just kidding, just kidding. I was being generous, but I guess there's no room for fun here," he said with a forced smile, picking up his beer bottles and leaving the room.
"I swear, I almost smashed that bottle over his head," Mayana muttered under her breath, shaking her head as she adjusted her hair.
"You get used to it when dealing with a drunken fool," William said with a sigh, turning toward the group. "Sorry about that. He gets drunk every day and acts like an idiot. But I've got good news for you."
Everyone perked up at the mention of good news.
"I managed to contact military headquarters near the F4 border. They can transport you to their shelter, and another military unit will pick you up from there," William explained.
"So, we have transport and protection all the way to Mosin? And they're okay with us carrying out our plan?" Alex asked, his natural skepticism creeping in. He rarely trusted offers of help easily.
"Yes, they've received their orders. As long as you're risking your lives, the army is only your transportation. They have no other orders from the government, so they'll just get you there," William clarified.
"Like a hearse for us, huh? Very nice," Owen remarked dryly.
"Call it whatever you want. I've made a map to guide you to the pickup point. You'll meet them near the river after you cross the bridge. Just be careful—it's best to avoid the water. I've heard there's bacteria in it that eats through your skin. Fun stuff," William added, handing Vanessa the map.
"So, we cross the river, maybe push Owen in for good measure, hitch a ride with the army, head to the lab, and then die. Easy," Vanessa said sarcastically as she passed the map to Alex.
"Such optimism," William chuckled. "But yes, that's the gist of it. That's all for now. I've got to check on the power grid. See you in the morning."
As William left, Mayana followed him, leaving the group to their thoughts. Owen and Danny stayed at the table, while Alex and Vanessa went up to the roof for a smoke. With nothing better to do, they played a game of Uno.
"These cards must be ancient. They've survived water, school, and now the apocalypse," Danny commented as he threw down a pair of 8s.
"That's called quality," Owen replied, playing a card in return. "They outlasted everything."
"You're making me want to be rude," Danny said with a grin, placing two +4 cards in front of Owen.
"For real... Hey, Dan, can I ask you something?" Owen said, glancing up from his cards.
"I'm used to your strange questions by now. Go ahead." Danny replied.
"Do you ever get offended when someone calls you gay?" Danny paused, not throwing his next card as he looked at Owen. "Why are you asking?" he asked softly .
"I mean, because of what happened earlier with Philip," Owen clarified.
"Today wasn't about me; it was about you. And no, comments like that don't affect me. I don't need to be called a fag to know who I love," Danny said, his voice calm.
"So, you admit you still love Alex?" Owen asked, slipping back into his usual teasing mode.
Danny responded with a red block card and put down his last card. "The only thing I admit is that I just won this game, and you lost."
"Harding, you're really ... Okay, I'll have to find a better insult than 'fag,' because clearly, it's not working," They both laughed, their tension easing.
"You know, thanks for stepping in earlier. I almost lost my patience," Owen admitted.
"I know. That's why I took control. I couldn't believe that it was possible for you to be the right person for such an offer." Danny said with a grin.
"After we met the iconic twink and princess duo, you still don't believe in the impossible? Its still funny, to think about such a thing. A 25-year-old who doesn't drink, must be a responsible man," Owen joked. "But they don't know I have stopped drinking long before most people even started." He exhaled softly, but despite the topic, he kept a smile on his face.
FLASHBACK
November 28th, 2022/ Sarbvurg City
Monday, 08:34 AM
"I can't believe it. Does he have to be such a dick?!" Alex yelled as he sprinted down the road with Danny.
"I studied for two nights for this stupid test, just to have to run away from school!"
Danny wasn't as furious as he sounded, but exhaustion was catching up with him from all the chaos lately. The reason for their mad dash away from school during the second class? Their friend, Owen.
"Are you sure he didn't just stay at someone's after-party?" Alex asked, still running.
"I know Owen. He's a stubborn idiot," Danny replied. "Did you send Vanessa the location?"
"Yeah, she's probably already there. Stealing her mom's car is her specialty," Alex said, slightly out of breath.
"And what if the police stop her?" Danny asked, genuinely concerned. Vanessa didn't have a driver's license, so her driving through the city was a risky move.
"It wouldn't be the first time she flirted with a 30-year-old cop," Alex said with a shrug. The situation was that Owen hadn't shown up to school. Normally, that wouldn't be strange—he had a habit of oversleeping. But after going to a house party alone the previous night, and receiving a text from Owen's mom that morning saying, "Hey hon, can you tell Owen I left him lunch in the fridge? I can't reach him on his phone," Danny knew something was wrong.
By Owen's track record, Danny suspected he had gotten too drunk to make it home. His phone was off, and no one who attended the party had seen him after 3 AM. One person mentioned seeing him leave around 3:15 AM, walking down the street, which was all Danny needed to know—Owen has probably passed out somewhere along the road.
As they approached the club where the party had taken place, they spotted a gray car and a girl in a white coat crouched near a dead-end between two buildings. Vanessa. She was already there, squatting next to an unconscious Owen, who was asleep in his jacket, covered in his own vomit. Vanessa poked his cheek with a stick to check if he was alive.
"Unfortunately, he's alive," Vanessa said dryly, standing up to greet the boys. "And what the hell happened to you two? You look like you've been through a hurricane," she giggled.
"Ever heard of running, princess?" Alex shot back, fixing his hair.
"Yeah, no," Vanessa replied. She turned to Danny, who was now staring at his best friend, lying in his own vomit for the 56th time this year. "Hey, giraffe, get this zombie into the car. But if even a drop of his vomit gets on the seat, I'll kill you."
"Why me?! He vomited on himself," Danny protested, though he knew there was no way around it. He bent down to grab Owen's hand.
"What about the trunk?" Alex suggested, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Danny and Vanessa both shot him a blank stare. "You want me to put him in the trunk?" Danny asked.
"Do you want him to sit on your lap, puking all over you? AGAIN?" Alex's logic was sound.
"...Open the trunk," Danny sighed. Alex opened the car trunk, and they hoisted Owen inside, making sure no one saw them. The mission to save drunk Owen was halfway complete.
Once they dropped him off at home—Danny had spare keys from previous emergencies—they returned to school, concocting a story about needing to check a stove and locking a back door. Thanks to Danny and Alex's status as teacher's pets, especially with the math teacher, they managed to get away with it. Owen and Vanessa were lucky to have nerds to cover for them.
Later that day, Danny received a message from Owen asking him to come over after school. He was frustrated but obliged. When he arrived, Owen opened the door, looking like hell.
"You're so slow, Harding," Owen smirked, letting him in. But Danny wasn't smiling.
"This has to stop here," Danny said, turning to face his friend.
"What's with you? Why—" Owen started, but Danny cut him off.
"This is the last time I'm searching for your drunk ass in the street."
"I asked you to come with me, and like always, you didn't want to," Owen retorted.
"I don't belong at those parties. But even if I had gone, you'd still get drunk. What's the point?" Danny asked, crossing his arms.
"Then you wouldn't have to search for me," Owen said. He didn't take things as seriously as Danny did, which made the tall boy frustrated for the first time.
"Do you even hear yourself? Is getting drunk the only thing you can do?" Danny exclaimed.
"Stop it," Owen said, now getting angry.
"When will this stop, Owen? You are killing yourself with it. You are killing me and—" Danny's voice trembled with emotion.
"Did I ask you to care? Did I ever ask you to come over to help me?" Owen shot back defiantly."
"Yes, yes you did multiple times, but you were so drunk that you forgot. Every fucking time!" Danny yelled back.
"If I am slowing you down, just ditch me for once! Stop fucking coming to me. I might even forget about you." The tension, anger, and aggression were now filling the room.
"Don't you understand? I want to save you, Owen, to save you from yourself. What has alcohol ever brought you?" Danny pleaded.
"Listen, Harding," Owen said, slowly approaching him. "You have a way better life than me. Your parents own a restaurant; you got money, the best grades; nobody talks about you, and if someone does, it's probably the teacher. And I..." Now he was half a meter away from Danny, looking him directly in the eyes despite their height difference.
"I have a shit hole of my life. My dad is in prison because of drugs; my mom has to work the whole day because of her stupid boss; she takes pills and sleeps. I have no one and nothing, and here's the worst part: my last name will never be clean again." He was yelling at this moment, but Danny wasn't sure if he was angry or if tears might start falling.
"Or I might just end myself—"Not even being able to finish his sentence, Danny grabbed him by the t-shirt and pulled him even closer. At this point, Owen was even in the air; just a tiny bit of his shoes were reaching the floor.
"Listen to me. If you mention that idea ever again, I will be the one who will kill you. And I'm being more serious."
He put him down gently. "And just so you know," he continued with intensity, "you will never be alone. You don't realize how many people care about you—how I care. Owen, you are like a brother to me; I can't let you do this anymore." The calm Danny was now back; he realized that in this situation, threatening and tension wouldn't do anything. He needed to help his friend.
"Danny, I can't—" Owen said, his voice tinged with frustration.
"Yes, you can. You are not alone in this. And I won't stop until I get that idea of alcohol out of your head," Danny replied firmly. At the end, the atmosphere returned to normal. Danny kicked Owen's head jokingly, and Owen smiled at his friend's action. He knew he had to stop this addiction and that alcohol wouldn't change anything for the better.
"Come on, bring me some soda. My throat has gone dry from all this talking," Danny said as he made his way to the sofa and lay down as best as a 6-foot man could fit barely.
"You soda bitch! Do you want me to read you how much sugar it has in it?" Owen joked.
"Do you want to know how we got you here?" Danny asked, his tone slightly amused.Owen stopped; his expression shifted to surprise.
"What do you mean we—oh. Nessie and Shrimp were with you," he realized.
"Not only that," Danny added with a smirk, "but Vanessa stole her mum's car and drove us here. You were sleeping in the trunk." His voice carried a note of exasperation that made Owen's gaze freeze.
"Are you...you fuckers?" Owen said incredulously, his voice laced with disbelief.
"I think it was more comfortable than the cold road," Danny said with a smirk.
"Why wasn't I in the back seat?" Owen asked while handing Danny the soda and lying back down on the couch.
"Because Vanessa would kill me if your stinky vomit got on her mum's car seat! And genius, tell me where I would sit then?" Danny retorted playfully.
"Front seat," Owen replied confidently.
"And Alex would be on the roof, right?" Danny said with a teasing edge.
"Sharing is caring, you know! He would still have a seat," Owen said while chuckling. But he was cut off by a pillow hitting his face.
"BITCH!" Owen yelled while throwing back a pillow and making Danny spill his drink on his face.
"You baked bean fucker!" Danny shouted back, his voice filled with mock outrage and disbelief.
END OF FLASHBACK
"And that's a success, you stopped your addiction. You had one drink last night, and that's it. Just remember how many times you were drunk for the morning shift at school. Success is not always on paper," Danny said, trying to comfort him.
"Yeah, I know. But I still feel guilty that I don't remember half the things because I was drunk," Owen replied, a hint of regret in his voice.
"Well, look on the bright side. We can still make new memories, you won't forget this apocalypse for sure," Danny added with a grin.
"Just like you won't forget Alex," Owen teased, bringing up the familiar subject.
"I should have left you in front of that market to sober up on your own," Danny shot back, shaking his head.
"Come on, you know I'm just telling the truth. But fine, let's pretend it's not like that," Owen said with a smirk.
"Like how you pretended to be taller on those hookup sites," Danny teased, crossing the line that always set Owen off.
"YOU DORK, THAT HAPPENED ONCE!" Owen jumped up from his chair, ready to fight. Their mock fight, like all their friendly scuffles, escalated until Vanessa's voice broke through.
"You two monkey jackasses better stop making noise before I throw you to the zombies outside!" Vanessa yelled, her voice filled with enough authority to freeze them both.
"Can't you see? I'm the leader here," Owen said, still pretending to lead, even though Danny held him firmly in place.
"Harding," Alex called out in warning, keeping the peace.
"I have a name, you know. You don't have to talk to me like a geography professor," Danny grumbled, letting go of Owen and stepping back.
"You guys are impossible today," Vanessa muttered, taking a seat.
"What if we survive here and die tomorrow outside?" Alex asked, looking at them. The most out of blue question.
"We know you've always been an emo Alex, but save your letters to Santa for winter," Owen mocked.
"Too bad I know from reliable sources that Santa won't deliver... just like you won't grow you," Alex retorted, smirking.
"HEY, SCREW YOU! You're shorter than me!" Owen shouted, flipping Alex off.
"You're the one whos called short, not me," Alex shot back calmly.
"Because they called you a twink," Owen teased, never missing a chance to provoke.
"Oh, God, I can't be with men anymore!" Vanessa fake-cried, throwing her hands in the air.
"I can't stay awake any longer either," Alex sighed, rising to leave. "I'm going to bed, and I'd recommend the same to all of you."
"Shall we all obey your command, oh great one?" Owen mocked, but Alex was in no mood to get angry.
"You and your snoring definitely shouldn't," Alex added, before heading out toward the room.
"And what are you waiting for?" Vanessa asked Danny, though it sounded more like an order.
"Am I being kicked out again?" Danny grumbled, already accustomed to being shooed away whenever Alex left.
"Serious things need to be discussed. You nerds don't understand the normal world, so you'd better sleep," Owen teased, waving Danny off. Resigned, Danny got up to leave, but Owen stopped him.
"Hey, Dan, wait! Leave me your jacket—I'm freezing again," Owen called out. Without a word, Danny tossed his jacket onto the chair and left. Owen always ran warm, but on rare occasions, he'd suddenly feel cold.
After Danny left, Owen turned to Vanessa, holding Danny's jacket. "You wanted proof? Here's your proof. If he were really over it, why would he still carry this with him after all this time?" Owen opened the inside pocket of the jacket, pulling out something that left Vanessa in shock.
"I know we said we wouldn't interfere, and that it's up to them to figure things out. But I just wanted to prove to you that it's not his fault." Owen added softly.
"The date is still there, untouched, as long as he's kept it," Vanessa said, staring at the object. "Does Danny know?"
"That I know he keeps it, and looks at it whenever he's feeling down or alone? No, he doesn't. And he'll never know, as long as you keep your mouth closed," Owen explained, his voice low and serious. "I just wanted to convince you a little more."
"You've shocked me... but now I'm seriously curious about what those words meant back then," Vanessa said softly.
"The agreement still stands. We don't interfere. It's up to them to talk," Owen replied, putting the polaroid back.
They stayed up for a few more hours, reminiscing about both distant and recent memories. Then, like the others, they headed to bed.