1
“I guess I’m stuck with you.” Tori’s breath was short and shallow, as she watched the goth gather items into two packs. One, her own backpack that used to carry her books and music notes, and Jade’s own that used to be filled with scissors and tarot cards. These items sprawled and scattered among the raven haired girl’s bedroom floor now. She placed canned foods she brought downstairs, and other items like water bottles, first aid items, and so forth all into the bags.
“You’re acting a little too calm about all this, Jade.” Tori couldn’t move from the corner she currently slumped in. She spoke in a small, quiet voice, not wanting to be too loud.
She was afraid those things would hear her.
“If I’m not calm then who will be?” She said, a tone of urgency in her voice. Tori swallowed hard. Jade’s eyes locked onto Tori’s momentarily, pausing her packing. She watched as Jade adjusted her jaw before going back to her task.
“I have clothes that you can use,” Tori watched the other girl throw comfortable clothes into both packs.
“They’re mostly black,” Jade looked back at her again, giving her a quick once over.
“You’ll live.” The casual banter made Tori feel a bit better — but there was nothing hiding the feeling of fear, no matter how hard you try to ignore it. She could see fear even in the fearless goth girl’s hands, as they shook lightly with every movement. ‘You’ll live’, she repeated in her head. How ironic.
“Jade, I —“
“I know, Vega. I know.” Tori didn’t hear the usual bite in her voice. As she continued to watch Jade pack their bags, she couldn’t help but be grateful she ended up being with her when this all happened, at school nonetheless.
She didn’t know if her family had been panicked, if her friends had made it out alive, she didn’t know if the world began to crumble already or not. All she knew was that having chemistry class with Jade West at 2:34pm was the best place she could have been for something like this to happen.
Jade was strong, and concise with what she did. She wasn’t being mean, or a gank to put it in better words. But she was quick to react, grabbing Tori’s wrist and hurrying to the student parking lot, before booking it to her house.
Tori was in shock, for sure. Jade knew that, she thinks. The goth girl took the lead, making sure they weren’t hurt while getting to Jade’s place.
After changing into more comfortable clothes, the girls stayed in the house for a little while. Filling up the tubs and the sinks with water, Jade began to ration out the food supplies she didn’t pack. Tori had her eyes glued to the TV screen, for once in their life, choosing to watch the news.
The TV hummed in a low buzz, illuminating the living room while all the other lights were dim, or off, as to not attract any unwanted guests.
‘ – government officials roll out a nation-wide lock in. Stay in your homes, lock your doors and windows. Keep noise to a minimum. Please make sure –’
“You shouldn’t be watching that.” Tori turned to the other girl, seeing her rustling a bit in the kitchen. She adjusted herself on the couch, clutching one of the pillows to her chest.
“But they may have more information for us –”
“Or they might lie to you.” Jade made her way over with two plates, each containing a sandwich and some carrots.
“Why would the government lie to –” She paused, seeing Jade smirk before sitting beside her and handing her a plate.
“Nevermind.”
They ate quietly together before Jade double checked every potential way into the home, and closed all of the curtains. When she finished her check, Tori followed her downstairs to her bedroom.
“You sure you don’t mind if I sleep with you?” The brunette asked quietly, just a bit unsure. She really didn’t want to sleep on the couch or in the spare bedroom. She wouldn’t be able to get any sleep if she was honest.
“I’d actually prefer it,” Tori raised her brows.
“I don’t want you to be alone.” Jade opened the door for them, shutting it after they were both through. Tori was still a bit shocked by the answer, but she knew things were different now.
They settled silently in the queen-sized bed, she stared at the ceiling. Her teeth worried on her lip, making sure she didn’t touch or bother the goth girl beside her.
“Vega, you know I hate you,”
“You’re so sweet.” Tori replied sarcastically. Jade uttered a quiet ‘whatever’ before continuing.
“But I’m cold, and a bit scared,” She felt the other girl turn over, facing her now. But she kept her eyes on the ceiling. She had never said anything like that before, she sounded so vulnerable.
“Could you turn over?” Lulling her head to the side to look at her, Tori skimmed the raven haired girl’s face. Furrowing her brows, she pointed towards the wall.
“Like, that way?” She asked. Jade blinked before giving a small nod.
“Why?”
“Vega, just fucking do it.”
“Fine.” Sticking her tongue out at the other girl, and Jade giving her a very polite middle finger — Tori flipped over, exhaling as she got comfortable this way. Once she did, she closed her eyes to try and block out her mind that wouldn’t stop racing.
After a few moments, she felt a soft arm snake around her waist, and then to her stomach where a pale fist bunched up her borrowed shirt. She stiffened as her eyes shot open.
“Chill, Jesus,”
“What are you—“ She felt as Jade scooted closer, her front flush against her back. She swallowed nervously.
“I don’t bite, Vega. It’s called spooning—“
“I know what it’s called!” The brunette could feel how red her face was, trying to settle into the surprising embrace.
“Fantastic,” Jade said with a breath, very close to her ear. Tori shuddered.
“Now shut up and go to sleep.”
“Fine.”
“Fine.”
“Fine!”
She had gotten more sleep than she thought she would that night.
Five Months Later
Jade swiped her leg under Tori quickly, the brunette falling to the ground in a huff. The raven haired girl narrowed in, swiftly flying to Tori and placing her arm against her chest to hold her down.
The goth girl quirked a studded brow.
“Had enough?” Her breath tickled Tori’s face as she breathed out the taunt. After a few quick beats, she inhaled deeply before reversing their positions, flipping them over, she grabbed Jade’s arms and pinned them above her head. She watched as Jade struggled against her grip. It wasn’t often that Tori had the upper hand when they sparred. She stared at the single droplet of sweat that made a strand of the other girl’s hair stick to her face.
There was a moment where Jade laid there limp, kind of just accepting that Tori took over, and stared into her eyes. They panted together, resting as they caught their breaths.
“Alright Vega, let me up.” Jade said, nodding her head up once.
As she let go of the pale girl’s arms, she was quickly pushed to the side, reversed once more. Her legs were locked awkwardly, her tanned arms stuck to her sides from the other girl’s thighs. Jade got close to her face then, their noses almost touching. Tori’s mind went to goo, their breaths mixing. She tried hard to focus her gaze on Jade’s eyes and not her assets that were right there.
She’s maybe developed some feelings for her friend over the past few months.
“A zombie wouldn’t stop,” Jade stood after that, placing her hand out to help Tori up. She grabbed it, and got to her feet. She wiped her forehead with her arm, noticing how badly she worked up a sweat.
“You’re not a zombie, though.”
“That’s subjective,” Jade quipped.
“Don’t keep letting your guard down like that, Vega. You know I’m not a hero.” Tori snorted at that.
“You’ve saved my life like a hundred times.”
“That's because I’m good at it.” Her heart fluttered as Jade gave her one of her trademark smirks. Her knees felt weak.
God, she needed to get laid.
They walked toward the canteen across the field.
A repurposed elementary school is where they lived, it was full of about a hundred survivors. They were lucky to find this place just a bit out of town, per Jade’s idea – and everyone else’s apparently.
Jade and Tori found themselves staying here for a while, both receiving roles and jobs, making new friends and having some familiar faces. It wasn’t a bad place to be.
They made their way to the old cafeteria, waving at some people as they passed before taking their place in line. Tori loved Janice, she was the head chef at the fort. She was an older woman with many lines by the corners of her eyes, a warm heart, and a kind smile. Many grays lined her head, foggy glasses sitting upon her nose. She reminded her of her abuela, but southern.
“Good mornin’ sweethearts,” They both uttered their good mornings — Tori’s being chipper and bright, whilst Jade’s was a more monotone, but Janice knew how she was.
“Make sure you eat up today, I don’t need my favorite Runners gettin’ all lazy on me, kay?” The two girls shook their heads, and let Janice fill their bowls gratefully. With quick thank yous, the pair found their usual bench. They sat next to each other rather than across from each other, their sides touching snugly.
No matter where they were, they were always close. Tori wouldn’t want it any other way. She was her rock in all of this, and she felt her best when the other girl was around.
They became best friends, fast. It made her head whirl when she thought about it. They’d been through so much since this all went down. It made Tori’s insides go all crazy, like Jade was choosing her first for dodgeball every single time.
Starting to pick at her food, she saw a hand place two cups in front of them, dark liquid swaying lightly against the sides, like small waves against the shore.
“Morning chicas.”
“Hey Andre!” Tori, again, said brightly. Jade grumbled into her cup in reply, not even giving him a glance. He let out a short laugh before sitting down across from them. Tori noticed he didn’t grab his own plate, though.
“Skipping breakfast?” She asked curiously, beginning to spoon some oatmeal into her mouth. He patted his stomach.
“Already ate, I’ve got to do some gate duty all afternoon.” Jade grumbled again.
“Yeah, she’s right,” She pointed towards the goth girl.
“That sounds like complete chiz.” Gate duty always sucked. Standing all day in the California sun, doing nothing basically.
“It’s the apocalypse Vega, you can say shit.” The brunette lightly shoved the other girl, watching as she chuckled into her cup.
“Whatever, old habit.” Jade hummed in reply, continuing to drink her coffee and poke at her food.
“So,” Andre swung his legs into the side of the cafeteria bench, leaning his arm onto the table.
“What are you ladies up to today?”
“You know,” Tori took a quick sip of her own coffee. Black, with as much sugar as possible. Powdered cream was hard to come by these days. If she had a choice, it would be as milky as possible, over ice. Whipped cream on top – she was getting carried away.
“The usual. We were scheduled off today but if we’re honest, they could use some extra help.” Staring at her oatmeal, there was only a dash of honey on top of it, and a singular squishy strawberry.
“We need more supplies for sure.” She said after a moment. Not to toot her own horn, but Janice was right. They were basically the top runners within the entire compound. They worked well together, and could get things back quickly without any casualties. Jade was strong and smart in action, Tori had determination and will. She wouldn’t go out running without her duo in tow.
Andre exhaled, nodding a few times in agreement. “Yeah, them other runners just ain’t like you two.” Tori smiled, chewing and then swallowing.
“They’re letting us captain the next run.” Andre’s eyes went wide, clapping his hands together.
“That’s awesome, Tor! You guys are gonna crush it.” Tori scrunched her nose up, letting a wider smile escape into her oatmeal.
“Don’t blow her head up even more.” She nudged the pale girl again with a roll of her eyes.
“It’s targeted towards the both of us, Jade.”
“I know, I’m great. You’re,” The raven haired girl gave her a quick glance, shrugging her shoulders.
“Okay.”
“Just okay?”
“Yeah.” Tori gave her a disbelieving look, scooping up the rest of her meal, and finishing quickly. She always ate her food much quicker than the other girl. Andre tapped on the table a few times before checking his watch.
“Looks like I’ve gotta get goin’. I’ll be at the gates for the next few days. Wish me luck.” He said as he began to get up. They didn’t envy him.
“Good luck, see you at dinner?” She asked. He gave her a smile.
“Of course you will. I’ve got a surprise for you two when you come back,” He patted himself down before giving them a salute.
“Later gators.” Tori gave him a small wave, watching as he exited the cafeteria doors. Despite everything, he still stayed the same. It was so refreshing, and made her feel normal. The world was falling apart before her eyes, but at least she had a familiar face like Andre.
She gently pushed her bowl away from her a bit, moving her elbow to the table and leaning her chin on her palm. She let her eyes scan around the building.
Only a few people sat and ate, most of the survivors who were awake were most likely watching the gates, or sleeping in. God, she wished she could sleep in.
“You sure got a lot of cogs turning in that little brain of yours.” She flicked her eyes to her companion, seeing that she continued to eat and drink her coffee.
“My brain is regular sized, thank you very much.”
“Again with the subjective statements.”
“It’s not —“ She tried to argue, but paused seeing the pale girl’s gaze look at her over her coffee cup. Jade looked amused. Tori inhaled deeply.
“Sometimes,” Tori started.
“I genuinely think you get off on tormenting me.” Jade’s eyebrows rose as she placed her now empty cup down. Tori watched as the other girl’s stare never faltered or hesitated. She was always so confident.
“I get off on a lot of things.” With a wave of a pale hand, Tori just swallowed thickly. Blinking a few times, she looked away.
“I was just thinking about how we never sleep in anymore.” Jade sighed, finally finishing her breakfast.
“You know why,”
“No, I know. It’s not why, it’s just something I noticed is all.” The other girl gave her a leveled stare before pursing her lips. Tori tried not to look at them.
“I don’t mind training,” Tori stretched her neck out, beginning to swish her coffee cup around with what liquid was left in it. It had gone cold by now and she didn’t really want to finish it.
“I was just reminiscing, I guess.” Jade hummed, staring for a second longer, before grasping her bowl as well as the brunette’s.
“Well stop it. You look constipated.” She watched as the other girl got up and took their bowls and cups over to a nearby bin that held all of the dirty dishes.
“Well!” Tori said in an offended whisper.
After breakfast, the two made their way to one of the main buildings, it used to be the school’s library.
Old books were scattered about everywhere, shelves repurposed to hold weapons and ammunition and other supplies. Survivors hung around the area, creating spreadsheets and maps, researching with the books they had. One thing that the compound was still in the middle of getting started was agriculture. There were a few plots on top of the buildings, and more being built up as they were just coming into spring. Eventually they planned to make a greenhouse for the colder months, but that was just an idea right now.
The library served as a sort of headquarters for the large group of survivors. You needed work? You come to HQ. You needed supplies? HQ.
The two split off a bit, Tori heading towards the front desk and Jade wandering over to the sharp weapons off to the side. Shaking her head, the Latina tapped her fingers against the desk.
“Hey.” She said, giving a small smile. She watched as the boy pushed his hair back, looking up from his paperwork.
“What’s up Tori, how’s your morning going?” Beck smiled softly before going back to his paperwork. Tori leaned against the desk, watching her partner in crime across the way pick up a machete to swing it a bit as if testing out its weight.
“Can’t complain.” Glancing back to Beck, she saw him scribble a bit on one paper, moving it over and then scribbling some more on the next.
“So,” She started, beginning to play with a few knick knacks on the desk. A little frog ceramic caught her eye, her finger tracing the chipped green paint.
“Have you gotten to our Runner assignments yet?”
“Oh yeah, I heard you guys would be captains on your next run.” He lifted his head to smile once more. “That's a big deal.”
“It is, we’re excited.”
“As you should be,” The tanned boy stood from his stool a bit, reaching for a few papers off to Tori’s right. He rifled through papers within the stack before finding two specific ones, placing them in front of the girl now.
“Yours, and Jade’s.”
“Thank you Beck, you’re the best.”
“Ah, don’t even mention it.” He gave her a look, lowering his voice.
“Literally, don’t mention it. You know how Tank gets when I pull papers from the sorted stacks. Gets all wonky.” Tori nodded once, acknowledging she understood. Tank did get all wonky over things like that. She wrung her fingers for a moment.
“Think Tank would mind if you accidentally put our names on todays’ roster?” She asked sheepishly.
“Oh one hundred percent.” He said matter of factly. Tori raised a brow.
“So you’ll do it?”
“Yeah of course.” She gave him a bright smile before saying her thanks, and grasping their papers. The brunette walked over to the goth girl now, seeing her still analyzing the weapons along the shelves.
“Don't get any bright ideas there.”
“If I wanted to stab you, I would have done it by now, Vega.”
“That’s what you want me to think.” The other girl snorted before placing the machete back in its place.
“Besides,” The goth girl said, skimming some more shelves.
“You know I can’t splurge. I’m saving up for that beauty.” A nod towards a distant shelf, Tori knew what she was referencing without looking at it. Jade had her eye on a katana of some sort, she didn’t know much about them except that the goth girl wanted that one really badly. When you did your assignments, you earned a sort of currency. Usually in the form of tradable goods such as cigarettes, or ammunition.
Jade stored all of her luxury items within one of the closets in their room. Sometimes, Tori would throw in her own currency she acquired to try and help her get to her goal. Tori chewed on the inside of her cheek.
“You’re almost there you know? Maybe just,” She looked up in thought, tapping her thumb against her finger tips.
“Two more runs or so.”
“Couldn’t come any sooner.” The pale girl replied, beginning to walk towards the exit. The brunette followed, catching up to her side.
“It can come a little sooner.” As Jade held the door open for them to exit, the tanned girl showed her the assignment papers. Jade let the corner of her mouth twitch into a small smile.
“Tank’s gonna flip.” She popped the p when saying flip, starting over in the direction of their shared living space. Tori huffed.
“Tank should be happy that we’re helping willingly. You know how many runners call out and stay home?”
“I’d hate to admit you have a point because, well,” She nudged Tori’s shoulder with her own.
“I hate you,”
“So many insults in one day is a bit much, Jade.”
“But you have a point. I think my oatmeal was made with puddle water.” The brunette scrunched her face up in disgust before shaking her head.
“I think my strawberry had a little mold on it.” Tori added.
“Mold’s good for you.”
“I’m not sure that’s true.”
“Whatever.”