Summer Peaches
He was leaned over, turning the dial to find the frequency he'd selected for their base.
The others were watching, waiting patiently. Yet, excitedly. They'd finally have communications. Once he'd found his frequency, Jisung took up one of their handheld radios. Quickly catching the same frequency. Once he found it, he nodded. Looking to Jeongin, "Give it a test, Innie."
Jeongin nodded. He pulled the black handheld up, and proceeded to try to talk over the radio, "Radio check."
Jisung nodded, pleased, "We've got handhelds. Making the times we're all separated during a run, smoother." He then picked up the main speaker of the radio in the car, and turned it on, "Stray Base, copy?"
After a moment of static, Chan's voice answered through, "Stray base copies. Good work, Jisung."
Hyunjin raised an eyebrow at him, "Stray Base?"
Jisung shrugged, looking at him, "Got a better suggestion?"
To avoid the two going at it once more, Minho stepped forth and replied soft and gentle with him, "Better than nothing, really."
Jisung watched him. Taking him in carefully. Before he tore his gaze away, speaking. Though, he sounded as if he'd forgotten what he'd been talking about, "Um, so yeah. Just, just keep it on frequency SKZ143." He gestured to the pack house, "The main radio in the house is for trying to contact any other survivor bases. Best if I were there to fiddle with it."
Minho nodded slowly, drawing steadily closer, "Sounds like a plan to me."
Jisung watched him, staring once more. Despite having been there for a few months, the two still seemed to be dancing about one another. Hyunjin rolled his eyes, arms crossed over his chest. Showing true annoyance. Jeongin however, was only hopeful. After breaking their staring contest a moment, Jisung tore his gaze away. Eagerly taking up a cigarette, and lighting it. At this point, he was confused why he kept smoking. Surely it was for his temper. But, he's noticed he took it up around Minho as well. No one mentioned it. But, it was a clear sign of nervousness around the omega. After taking a draw from his cigarette and letting it out, he turned and turned the radio off, "Now all that remains, is surviving."
Minho nodded, drawing even closer. Until they were just a breath away from one another. Minho's eyes were on Jisung's knee. The urge to reach out and place his hand on it, strong. He spoke softly, "Made easier with working radios. I'm sure Chan is happy about that. Since we're going on a run in a few days."
Jisung nodded, looking to Junyoung who hadn't been feeling well lately. Though Seungmin reassured them, it was just a common cold. He'd be okay. He'd even thoroughly checked him over for bites. Stripping the poor beta-alpha down just to check. Having taken Jisung's habit to heart. Junyoung caught his eye, and nodded. Agreeing. With his own nod, Jisung turned back to them, "Junyoung's staying at the base. Seungmin's orders as well. He'll fall to the zombies with his cold. Best he recuperated so he can be fighting fit. And besides, I'm feeling caged. So, I'll go with you."
Jeongin perked at that, "Really?!" Minho had also perked up. Equally excited. Eager to spend more time with Jisung. Jeongin rushed forth, and embraced his torso, "It's going to go so well."
Jisung smirked, rolling his eyes affectionately, "I'm sure it will go fine." His gaze drifted to Minho, heart pounding in his rib cage, "I got to protect my pack."
Jeongin nodded, even as he gently pulled back, "Yeah." Jisung finally got out of the vehicle, closing the door behind him. Jeongin was grinning, excited, "And it's summer, now."
Jisung nodded in agreement, "Sounds fun."
He ruffled Jeongin's head, even as he pinned Minho in place with his gaze. After another moment of pure tension, Jisung turned and made his way to go and check the main radio. Hyunjin huffed, "When you two going to finally kiss? It's so pathetic."
Minho huffed, rounding on him, "Considering the lovely fantasy dream you told me yesterday, I would implore you to watch it. I will tell Changbin you want his tongue on your clit. And considering you two haven't started either, you're preaching to the choir."
Jeongin blinked at the two, before he smirked triumphantly, "At least Minnie and I already confessed. He's actually going to room with me soon." He turned and skipped off. Hyunjin rolled his eyes, even as Minho smirked as he watched him go, "Smart pup." He turned to Hyunjin and spoke, "Every match has to go their own pace."
Hyunjin hummed, even as Minho rolled his eyes. He walked off, done with their conversation for the time being.
And eagerly looking forward to their run together.
//
A throat being cleared saw the two practically jump apart.
Both blushed. One more red, than the other. Seungmin's head of fur looked a little askew. His clothing as well. Lips kiss swollen, and shiny with spit. Eyes blown, pupils all but gone. His breathing labored. Jeongin looked a little more frazzled. Hair in disarray from Seungmin's fingers combing through it on repeat. His own lips plump and red. Swollen from their heated kiss. His own breathing ragged. Eyes wide, pupils nearly invisible. Hyunjin rolled his eyes once again, "Well, at least someone is getting some."
Jeongin blushed, "Sorry, hyung."
Minho turned with a small growl, and smacked Hyunjin upside the head, "Enough out of you. When you and Changbin finally kiss, let us know. Until then, leave them alone. Of course it would be the younger ones easily getting together."
Jisung finally approached. A cigarette already lit, and in his mouth. But he came to stand beside Minho. And Minho felt his heart jump and start to race. Chest warm, and felt his heart crawl into his throat. As an arm gently wrapped around his waist. And finally, a deep blush colored his cheeks. This was, new. But, not unwelcome. Jisung smirked, winking at Jeongin, "At least you lucked out. No need for condoms for the two of you. He can't get pupped."
Jeongin at this, blushed and groaned, "Jisung~."
Jisung chuckled warmly, "While I wouldn't mind having pups one day, not now." He shook his head, "I don't think it's time for the populace to try and reproduce again." He huffed, "Especially with the first signs zombies have reached their second variant. They've retained their ability to run."
Jeongin blinked, even as Minho turned to look at him. His breath caught. Jisung was so close to him. He could reach over, and kiss him. His heart thundering harder now. With his mouth dry, he inquired softly, "How do you know?"
Jisung shrugged, pulling the cigarette from his lips and flicking the dying ash from it, "I have found a few other radio frequencies. A bit staticky, but doable. No trade of information, or trying to really get in contact with anyone else. But, alerting that the zombies have evolved. No longer shambling about. They're starting to run. Though they are still slow at night. Their wolf night vision must not have returned." He shrugged, "In a sense. Not sure what it would be, for them. They're not wolves anymore."
Minho nodded, even as Hyunjin finally headed for the car, "Got it. Run like hell is after your ass."
Jisung smirked, before he gently guided Minho towards the car, "I'll bring your alpha back, Seungmin."
Seungmin huffed, fixing himself a little, "You fucking better. Promised me a good fuck tonight if he got back."
Jisung raised an eyebrow at Jeongin, "Feeling that confident and alpha enough, are you?"
Jeongin shrugged, "Just because the rest of you can't get your acts together, doesn't mean I have to wait to have sex. I've gone an entire year plus, since my presentation. I'm old enough to mate. And so it's my first time tonight. Give me a break, hyung."
Jisung smirked, holding his hands up. Letting Minho go in the process, "Hey, I'm happy for you. I'm proud of you, as well. You've grown. It shows. I am still sorry you had to present on day zero. But, you're stronger for it. And you have a pack now. And clearly, a mate. You've made it. Be proud of that. Now, let's get going."
Jeongin nodded. With a final look to Seungmin, Jeongin got in as well. And while he wanted to ask Jisung why he was suddenly so cozy with Minho, he didn't. Something told him, Jisung wasn't entirely aware of what he'd been doing. Without a further word, they made to leave the base for their run. Once the tail lights of the truck disappeared into the towering tree line that had emerged since last year, Seungmin turned and made for his medical facility. Lips still tingling. Heart beating. And a soft smile on his face. Aside from being sweet, cute, and curious, Jeongin was also one hell of a kisser. And Seungmin was starting to feel the urge to mate. Just because having pups was a bit questionable at this point, he wasn't so sure they should continue to abstain from sex. Though, Jisung was correct. Seungmin wasn't able to bear pups. So he and Jeongin together, was perfect for them both.
Now, came the wait for them to return.
This meant Chan and Changbin were monitoring their radio. Mostly for their team and pack.
Especially with the knowledge the zombies, have evolved.
//
He remained curled up on himself.
Hands on his ears, keeping them pinned down. Eyes squeezed shut. Heart racing out of fear. He remained tucked in as best he could. Trying to hide and remain still. Silent, and motionless. Hearing their sniffing about. While he wanted to whimper in fear, he didn't. Bottom lip between his fangs. Begging for a way out. He heard them shuffling about. Seeking him out. Sensing he was nearby. He wasn't ready to die today. Hasn't he struggled enough? With trying to have something to eat, surviving winter, and the zombies? Things had been so wrong since he first got here. And while he considered to just accept his fate, he didn't. The fear of the pain of being bitten kept him running. But, where was he running to? He had no destination in mind. Hell, he didn't even know where he was anymore.
He was lost, cold, and confused.
And so very, very scared. After a moment, the sniffing grew in volume. His heart leapt up into his throat. It sounded right behind him. Carefully, he opened his eyes. And dared to look back. The tarp barely concealing the zombie just on the other side. A low wet growling came. And with a new rush of adrenaline, he bolted. Racing away as the zombie crashed through the trap. And the chase began anew. And the trouble was, these zombies were fast. They'd evolved into being sprinter zombies. And he was having trouble keeping ahead of them. He often tried not to look back, it would not do him any good. But, temptation was a bitch to ignore. He briefed a glance back as he exited the alleyway he'd been running through. Seeing the massive horde rushing at him. With a gasp, he tripped and fell to the broken asphalt. Landing hard on his hands and knees. Letting blood rise to the surface. The skin broken. He turned, gasping as they approached. Fear in his galaxy blue eyes. His ankle throbbing. This was it. This was how he was dying.
He closed his eyes, waiting for the inevitable pain.
But, it never came.
//
After arriving, Hyunjin spoke with narrowed eyes, "We're here for food, and medical supplies. Anything else is a bonus. Be wary, zombies are around the region. Most of the smaller cities have emptied."
They nodded, each getting their guns ready. Except for Jisung. While he could shoot and wore the same old military uniform as them, he kept to his trusty crowbar. For now. In time, he may leave it behind entirely for his gun. But, not today. They slowly made their way into the small town. As they moved about, they noticed many empty food vendors. And this, sort of saddened them. The memories of after school foods from vendors, now fresh in their minds. They missed it. Once deeper inside, Hyunjin spoke in a hissing whisper, "We best get going."
With a nod, they turned and entered each building. Cautious, and checking the entire store for possible zombies. Grabbing all they could that was still viable. And unsurprisingly enough, Minho stuck close to Jisung. Even grabbing him more cigarettes and lighters. Jisung smirked at him. As the other two moved off through this small convenience store, Jisung gently turned to Minho. Arm coming to rest on the shelving beside him, "What are we, Minho?"
Minho blinked, looking at him. He huffed, arms crossed. Trying to protect himself, "That depends on you."
Jisung took him in. After a moment, he sighed. His confidence finally bleeding from him, "Why could you possibly want me? I have Pheromonal Imbalanced Explosive Disorder I was classified as dangerous before I was prescribed my medication. Before all this went down." He waved his pack of cigarettes he'd yet to pull a blunt from, "I smoke. I'm rough around the edges. You could do better than me."
Minho watched him a moment. Gently, he stepped closer. He brought a hand to rest on Jisung's chest, and answered him as he looked him in the eyes, "And I'm a stubborn omega that doesn't bend easily to anyone. But that doesn't change how our wolves feel. Nor us. We can go at the pace the gods set for us."
Jisung watched him a moment. Looking deep into his eyes. After a moment, he leaned in. And Minho's heart skipped a beat. Were they going to have their first kiss? Before they could, Jisung pulled back. Eyes looking to the individual at the end of the aisle. Jeongin did not see them yet. With a smirk, Jisung spoke, "We'll talk more, later."
Minho hummed, watching as Jisung made to head for Jeongin. With a sigh, Minho followed. He really wasn't sure what they were doing together. After rejoining their group and pack, they left to do more scavenging. Being careful of any other potential traps, and or survivors. Thus far, nothing. Just as they made to finally head home, the shadows starting to grow long. A banging crashing sound came. They turned back to the direction it had come from. The other three raised their guns. Uncertain if they'd shoot, or not, Jisung's grip on his crowbar grew more intense. Watching as out of an alleyway, ran a young wolf. A yelp came, before they were toppling over. Having tripped. They looked back, fear clear in their eyes. After only a second, Jisung handed Minho his smoking cigarette. Minho blinked, but didn't toss it. With a growl, Jisung bolted. Rushing forth. Crowbar in his grip.
As he came upon this new wolf, the zombies did as well. With a final growl, he turned and swung his crowbar as hard as he could. Sending the first stumbling away. He came to stand over the other wolf. A protective stance. And with only one more growl, turned and swung his crowbar again. Letting out his inner angry wolf. Letting his imbalanced pheromones come out to play a little. Despite having smoked beforehand. And he seemed to single handedly take the zombie horde down on his own. Only helped near the end by the other three.
Once the last had been dealt with, Jisung turned to check in with Minho. Minho was watching him. Mesmerized, and rooted to his spot. After only a moment, he approached. Handing Jisung his cigarette back. With an appreciative nod, Jisung accepted it. And wrapped his arm around Minho's waist. They then turned and pointed their guns down on the new wolf. Pausing only a moment. For this, was a male omega. And, a very rare sight. Especially these days. Light fur. He looked up to them with sad and sunken, yet pleading galaxy blue eyes. He spoke. And while they heard his raspy voice, the words foreign to them. Minho softly huffed and spoke, "Well, that's a problem. I do kind of pity all the foreigners who got stuck here on day zero. How are we supposed to communicate with him?"
Jisung looked to him. After checking on him a moment, he leaned in and even gently and sweetly nuzzled his ear. Earning a small purr from Minho. While a surprise to them, Minho wasn't complaining. He's always thought it was sweet and affectionate for mates to do that, "I'll handle it." He cleared his throat, and changed his dialect to one similar to this young omega's dialect, "Hello, mate. I'm Han Jisung. This is my pack." He pointed to each, "Lee Minho, Hwang Hyunjin, and Yang Jeongin. May I inquire who you are?"
The other blinked, relief flooding his face. Glad for some familiar verbiage he could understand, "Oh, you speak English. Thank the gods. I've been so alone since I got here." He relaxed a little, having some familiarity at last, "I'm Lee Felix."
Jisung hummed, nodding, "Nice to meet you, Felix. Your accent is familiar." He hummed a moment, then probed, "Australia?"
Felix grinned, nodding enthusiastically, "Yes. Yes, I'm from Sydney. I came here to spend time with my grandmother, before she passed. Was hoping to relearn my Korean roots, and learn the language."
Jisung replied, "I am truly sorry. I hope she is at peace, whatever her fate was." He gently let Minho go, and knelt to be eye level with him, "You took quite a nasty trip." He reached out, gently setting his hand on Felix's swollen ankle. Felix winced and hissed. Jisung hummed, "Warm, and swollen. I doubt you broke it. Though considering how gaunt you are-." He looked to Felix with worry, "You think you can walk? Just, long enough to get back to our car?" He turned, gesturing to it not far. Felix followed his gaze, before he spoke, "I-I don't think so. At least, not on my own."
Jisung nodded, "Fair enough. We've got a doctor at our base. I warn you, he's self-taught. But in this new world, better than none." At this, Felix nodded in heavy agreement. Jisung gently reached out, and helped him to his feet, "We'll get you taken care of. Boy, our head alpha's going to be in for a treat."
Felix nodded. Arm around Jisung's shoulders, and leaning on him. Hobbling as they drew over to his pack. Jisung changed his dialect once more, "His name is Lee Felix. He came here to try and get in touch with his Korean roots, before everything went down. Never had the chance to learn Korean properly. But, with time and patience he can learn. He's a male omega. He's valuable. Besides, no sense leaving him behind. I see a distinct lack of weapons. Don't you? We need to get him to Seungmin." He smirked, "And Chan. He just may like what we caught."
Hyunjin hummed, but nodded as they turned to head back. Even if Minho was only slightly jealous. Felix was leaning on Jisung for support. His arm around Felix's admittedly very thin waist. And he knew Felix just needed help getting to their car. But, he was jealous. He and Jisung were in their weird dance, and he wanted it to come to a proper conclusion. But, he tried not to get in the way. Shove the younger omega off Jisung. After all, he could see how very pretty Felix was. Young, freckles, a rarity. Light fur coat. And he and Jisung could communicate better. Still, he wasn't able to fully control himself, "Never knew you learned other languages."
Jisung blinked, and looked to him. Taking him in a moment. After a pause, he answered with some confusion, "I was raised for a short time in England. Though, not exactly in London. I wasn't that posh. And every now and then, my family and I would go back. Visit my grandfather. Who I will admit, I am actually glad to never have to speak to again. He loved to boil my blood faster." He shook his head, "Story for another time, I'm afraid." He took Minho in again. Saw his tense jaw, and even more tense fists around his gun. At this, Jisung smirked, "Now, now. Don't be jealous."
Minho huffed and denied, "I'm not jealous."
Jisung hummed, unconvinced, "Sure you aren't."
Minho huffed and rolled his eyes, before finally getting in. With a smirk as he watched, Jisung did as well. Though he had to wonder, maybe Minho was acting this way. And wasn't really jealous after all. Maybe Jisung was fooling himself in false hopes. He pushed it from his mind. He had to focus on getting Felix back to their base, and Seungmin.
So with a new wolf, they headed for home.