A Cautious Pack
It was silent between them, save for the slight creaking and groaning of the metal of the vehicle.
The soft low hum of the vehicle in motion, and slight shifting of their gear and supplies. He sat in the back, arms and legs crossed. He wasn't sure how he felt being caged in the backseat, but he did sort of understand why. They had been together before he'd joined them, so clearly they had already claimed their respective seats. He still wasn't entirely too sure how he felt of them. Both were alphas. Muscular alphas. But they didn't ring "dangerous" in his mind. At least they were smart about the whole "trust" thing.
Atter a moment, the alpha in the passenger seat turned to better see him. His face neutral, showing that they were on an even playing field in terms of trusting one another. He was-Changbin, right? That's what that alpha driving said his name was. He raised a single colorful eyebrow, waiting for him to speak. After a moment of taking him in, the alpha spoke, "So, what were you doing when everything started?"
Hyunjin blinked a moment, before he shrugged, "So long as you can answer me in the same vein of inquiries."
Changbin smirked at that, but nodded, "Only fair."
Hyunjin sighed, sitting back a little and relaxing as he did, "I was in high school. Junior/senior. In that weird halfway between phase." He gave a soft sigh, mostly from exhaustion of thinking about it all, "I was in the art classroom. I was given permission by my art teacher to go there when I had the chance between classes. Art was my escape and passion. I also went there to avoid this one alpha. I think he'd just entered the senior phase entirely, and was set to graduate the year after. He was a bit of a creep. He didn't see me as who I am, but rather as a one night stand. Either it was the omega half of me, or he just likes beta-omegas. I don't know. I don't really care. In a twisted way, I hope he got bit. So, what about you? And Mr. Silent there?"
Changbin smirked, "He's driving, let him focus. Especially since I can't. Though given the circumstances, I don't think it will matter too much. As long as I get the basics down, I'll be fine. Although-." He shrugged, "Won't have much of a chance, if we can't figure out how to get this thing to run without gas."
Hyunjin smirked, "I'm sure you both will figure it out after you get Mokpo established."
Changbin watched him, his dark ear flickering, "Who said it would just be Chan and I? Yeah, we're going to establish it. Maybe run it as alphas. But we want it to be a place for survivors. And with you joining us and we can trust one another-." He shrugged a single brawny shoulder, "And besides, you're a beta. You're clearly bringing a level-headed, and clearer brain to the table. Maybe you have ideas we cannot think of."
Hyunjin smirked at that, "We'll see. So, what were you two doing when this all started?"
Changbin nodded a moment, before he answered, "Well, we were sophomores in university. We were also working on music. Chan was very eager to become a producer, and we both liked to rap. We mostly made projects. Though sometimes, we got the big leagues coming to us for a musical composition now and again for their artists. Never managed to get to Seoul, though. Probably a good thing. If you said Busan was bad, guarantee Seoul is even worse. I digress. We've been on the move since. Only stopping at a military outpost that fell to zombies. Picked up the truck and our supplies, then decided to head for Mokpo. Got sidetracked somehow to where we got you. Probably meant to, then. So, you know what happened to that camp?"
He gestured behind them, to where they had met Hyunjin.
Hyunjin sighed, arms dropping from across his chest. His hands came to the edge of the seat he was on, and gripped it, "It was temporary. Was meant to be. Some survivors of Naju knew that staying out in the open wasn't going to be a good thing. They just wanted a day or two to collect themselves, and determine a route to head in. A place to try for a chance at survival. The alphas and beta-alphas that were there all agreed to take rotation watch."
He frowned, eyes narrowed, "I was there, but I stayed on the periphery. So to speak. I mean, I was in the camp. Safety in numbers, higher chances of survival. But I didn't feel, safe there. Not entirely. Two of the alphas that were our supposed protectors gave me bad vibes. One became very bossy and pushy. And seemed to target the weaker for whatever reason. When the zombies came, the two alphas herded them all away. Well, almost all. A few fell to the herd. But I didn't go. I could just tell, it would end badly if I went."
Changbin nodded, "Probably for the best. This zombie thing's gonna bring out the best, and the worst in all of us. Unleash who our wolves really are deep inside. Ones no longer bound by laws and morals that most of society puts on a pedestal."
Hyunjin nodded, at least they understood, "I'm not sure where they went, or how many will survive. I stayed back because I knew my chances of surviving on my own were higher, than being at their mercy. Then you two came rumbling up in your vehicle." He then shrugged, "You gave me a choice. Those two alphas didn't. And I guess, I trusted my inner wolf enough to know you were the better and safer choice. But I'm not going to let you two boss me around because you're alphas."
Changbin smirked. Nodding, even as Chan finally spoke, "Respect works both ways. It needs to be given, in order to be earned. I only hope that is the case for us. But I am glad you decided to join us."
Hyunjin nodded as well, "Likewise."
Changbin smiled at him, "Plus, you can keep me and Chan from going at one another when we butt heads."
Hyunjin smirked in agreement. He yelped and brought his hands up to shield his face. In reflex. Chan cursed in the front, as Changbin turned around. The vehicle turned and entered a ditch front first. Chan having hit a zombie. After taking a few to collect themselves, Chan quickly locked the doors. He huffed a sigh. After a few, he growled, "Fucking hell. The hell that thing come from?"
Changbin huffed, "It's too soon in the apocalypse for them to be evolving, right?"
Chan nodded, "Much too soon."
Hyunjin could have rolled his eyes.
//
After taking stock of both themselves and their vehicle and gear, they managed out of the small ditch they were in.
Hyunjin spoke, now that they were calm once again, "We're getting closer to Mokpo. Maybe the zombies at the outer rim scattered, and you just happened to hit a straggler."
Chan hummed, "Might be right."
"So, why Mokpo?"
Chan replied, now focused on their surroundings, "It's close to the coast. So if we can, we'll try for fishing. Hopefully, no zombies come from the depths. Saw that in a premise once for a show. Fucking hell, that one actually got to me."
Changbin smirked, "He literally ducked behind the couch."
Chan growled, and took his hand from the wheel a moment to smack him, "This coming from the alpha that cuddled me for weeks after the fact in bed complaining of nightmares. Don't get it twisted. It's just, something about the fact they would survive the waters they come from. Or, go through because they're dead is just-."
Hyunjin smirked, "I assure you, that is one thought I don't want to indulge in either. But it would be a good idea to fish. So, we clear out the airport. Then what?"
Changbin spoke, "We'll have plenty of planes we can scrape for parts for all kinds of things. Besides, we're not going for the actual airport itself. Except for supply runs, and parts and materials. We'll be just outside. Once we have an idea, we're going to try and set up roots. Some buildings, and gates. Anything to keep those things out, and our wolves inside safe. For as long as possible. We both know it will fall. They often do in those shows and movies."
Hyunjin sighed, and looked out the window, "Is there, any hope for us then? Why do we fight so hard and struggle to survive, when it feels like the apocalypse does so much to tear us down? All the movies and shows had always felt hopeless to me. And so, tired. It's obvious they won't die out that easily. They'll evolve. Most things in nature do. We did. From wolves, to hybrids. And the airstrikes that may come, target only big cities and nests. And yes, it's global. It doesn't end them entirely. And then there's so few survivors left, it makes one wonder. Why bother?"
Changbin hummed, "Don't know. Maybe it's the fighting instinct in all of us. That we are the authors of our own stories. We will let it end when we want it to. That we're not done, until we say we are. To leave our mark, and try and be remembered. And I get this feeling in the back of my head, it's going to be an interesting future. Zombies will still be around, but there will be megacities to safe zone from zombies. They make new trade, and progress into an even more dystopian future. Ragtag safe zones. Rough and brutal. Whether there will be a cure, I don't know. But, I kind of do want to see how the future comes to be. I'm sure as hell not going down without a fight. Nor is Chan."
Hyunjin hummed, nodding, "I guess, being pessimistic just comes with the territory. The fear of the uncertain future. The hopelessness of it all."
Changbin watched him. Before he gently reached back, and took hold of his chin. Maintaining eye contact, and spoke softly, "If you cannot have hope at this time, it's fine. It's reasonable, and understandable. I have hope. So let me have this hope for the both of us. When you feel some growing inside you, I will help keep it alive."
Hyunjin blinked, and finally offered a soft smile, "You said you two were rappers, right? How rather poetic of you. Alright, thank you."
Changbin winked, before he gently let him go. He finally turned around to face front, and spoke to Chan, "That does bring up a good point. Where will we escape to when our Mokpo safe zone crumbles?"
Chan hummed, "I'm not sure. Maybe by the time that happens, there will be other outposts. We'll have to determine which one we're willing to risk joining. If at all. And maybe we'll move inland. Maybe go for the Sobaek Mountains. There should be more of nature reclaiming the area. And plenty of game for us to hunt. As alphas, we can easily provide for a pack."
Hyunjin listened, before he interjected, "So, how are you going to judge who you let in to the safe zone?"
Chan looked to him in the rearview mirror a moment, nodding at his inquiry, "Well, we have you for that. You're a beta. So with your more strategic level head, you can give Bin and I all the reasons to not accept them. And to accept them. How we'll keep them from doing anything until we've made a judgement, I don't know." He smirked, "Though, we do have plenty of weapons."
Hyunjin perked, "Speaking of, you said you had spare military clothing and boots. I wouldn't mind. As a beta-omega, I would have had the choice. And as an artistic wolf, I tend to like it when things are cohesive. If we ever get the chance, we should get them dyed. I was thinking black, and something else."
Chan smirked, "We can consider looking like a cohesive pack fighting for our place in this new world, later. I don't think an aesthetic matters at this time. But when you have it established and we have a way to dye them, then let us know. They're currently in the back with all the other supplies. We'll get them for you when we reach our place."
Hyunjin nodded, "Sounds fair to me."
It was silent the rest of the drive.
//
It was dusk when they reached the place Chan chose for their little safe zone.
Hyunjin had to admit, he'd forgotten some wolves lived near the airports. Either by choice, or for convenience. He hummed, eyes narrowed, "You know it will be fraught with zombies, right?"
Changbin chuckled, "Of course. We're going to sleep in the truck tonight. Safer that way. Should they stumble upon it, and try and get in. Tomorrow, the three of us are going to clear out as many as possible. Make as large a safe zone as we can. Then, we're going to gather all the supplies we can. And safe guard them. After that, we plan to start putting up a perimeter. With three of us doing it together, it should go pretty fast. Chan and I will do the bulk of the work. Mostly the heavy lifting. But I know you'll be amazing help."
Hyunjin nodded, "Sounds fair. Except the sleeping in the truck part. Mighty uncomfortable for two big alphas like yourselves."
Changbin smirked, "Well, you can cuddle us. You get some alpha warmth, we get comfort. And this way nothing happens, regardless. If you sleep between us and we need to get into a fight, we can defend you. Giving you a chance to run for it. Yes, you can fight. But considering how valuable you are as omega type, it best you run if you can. Save yourself for being a potential hope for future generations. You'll be able to have pups. You need to survive."
Hyunjin hummed at this, unsure how to feel about his words, "Yet without alphas, we cannot get pups as easily."
Changbin nodded, "I agree." He hummed a moment, "Please, don't think of me saying this as you being weak. Or that I only see you for your body, and the fact you can bear and birth pups. I'm just being logical about the fact you can have pups. And that if there is any hope for our species to survive, it has to be through you. And other omega types like you. You have to survive. More than we do." He reached back and took his hands, and squeezed them, "Promise me that if we have to go down fighting like hellwolves, you will run as fast as you can. Never look back. Never carry the guilt. Carry on, for our sakes."
Hyunjin's ear flickered at that, even as Chan finally turned to face him. Eyes imploring he make them this promise. And it actually, upset him a little. He maintained his composure before them, but he didn't like what they were saying. He wasn't attached to them. Not yet, anyway. Not fully. But they really were risking themselves for his sake? His benefit? That they saw their hope in him and what he could provide, if he survived? After thinking a moment, he nodded slowly, "I'll, do my best. Though if I get too attached to you, know that it will devastate me."
Changbin winked, "I assure you, I and Chan are no easy wolves to bring down. Not even zombies will stop us from fighting to the bitter end. And by that time, I would hope that we have other wolves in our pack that can run with you."
Hyunjin swallowed thickly, but nodded, "I promise."
Chan nodded, "Good. Now, I can stay up front. Maybe tinker about. Even before all this, I had a bad habit of not sleeping much. I have some rather terrible insomnia. Nothing I ever took really helped. Maybe I did need to cuddle someone. Though I had hoped for an omega. They were more to my wolf's taste. I'll try to keep quiet. Maybe I'll see what I can do for radio signal. They will be valuable in the future. Or, I may make some ideas for how we go about making this a safe zone for as long as possible. You and Bin can cuddle if you want. I would recommend you just let him. When Changbin starts whining your ear off, you will get fucking sick of it damned fast. Save yourself the annoyance and frustration, and just give. And he'll pout, too."
Hyunjin smirked, "Fair enough. Alright."
Changbin grinned and made to crawl into the back with him, "I promise, I don't snore."
"Oh, he snores. When he hasn't slept for a while. Since he slept damned fine at the bunker we got our vehicle from, he may not tonight."
Hyunjin smirked, as they eventually got comfortable. Hyunjin had to admit, Changbin made for a nice bed and blanket. He was very warm. He doubted it would blossom into anything. It was for safety and health. And because it was dark out, and they weren't risking zombie fighting until morning. He did drift off to Changbin's even breathing. He had been quick to fall asleep. And the soft sounds of Chan trying to tinker, with whatever it was he was tinkering with. Like ASMR.
He knew deep inside, he'd made the right choice for his pack.