Chapter 996 Getting Closer
I didn't think I'd say the same thing in my head over and over again in regards to everyone else back home and my bed—and even though I have several beds I own in other places, they couldn't even come close to the one I'm very familiar with. It's like the off feeling when you poop in someone else's toilet or I could be just a crazy fellow living in my world.
With that said, as we continued to drive onto the same path we took, comparing it to the days we were here last time, it seemed like a portion of the dead respawned in a sense.
'This rest stop's still having customers, eh?'
It wasn't like we didn't make a lot of noise when we were here last time but it was bad news for their new customers because they were served lead projectiles, cold steel, or straight-up blunt-force trauma.
The only way to fully clear or stop the dead from appearing again in a building or a block was to completely close it off or the dead would just find their way to occupy it like squatters, rats, or squirrels trying to find a way to hide their precious acorns. We were doing just that in our Main HQ by house or building and then by block but it was an arduous process that would take a lot of time.
But yeah, we can't just wall off the whole country because one, even if it's possible technically, it's too fucking dumb— and secondly, I'd rather have them as daily quests for us or newer people compared to facing them in unfamiliar territory if safety was our greatest concern.
I wasn't against exploring new places I've never been on because it offered a lot of opportunities but now's the time to trace our steps back, have a little bit of a reset, and then decide from there.
In our case, we haven't even completely traced our steps back yet because we did venture a lot farther than I thought we would and I haven't had the chance to visit my other uncle who was on the other side of the map.
I guess that would be a trip for another day and we'll probably sail by Mr. Cuervo's area if that time ever comes because that place was also near the waters though a proper pier that we could use to dock the ship we had was non-existent.
'We'll cross the bridge when we get there or just use our available options depending on the situation—'
Then I heard Kaley's voice:
"What are you thinking about now? You've been awfully quiet…er."
"Ah— Yeah… Just thinking about stuff."
"Pfft… Care to talk about it with us?"
"Eh~ It's just thing that I'll do to you once we're alone in our bed—"
"You're lying! I know! Stop joking around!"
Kaley cut me off while her face was a little red but a little intrigued, but the three at the back were still a little embarrassed about our current arrangement with each other so they just pretended that they didn't exist while Kaley and I bantered for a moment.
It did make them a little relieved we weren't just cold-blooded killers like what they saw we did a few times outside but it was another conversation for another day—and with time, they'll get used to seeing stuff like this because they really should…
'It's been a fucking year… They're lucky and unlucky at the same time…'
But yeah, Kaley didn't mind talking about stuff like that with the people who were in our inner circle but she'd definitely shrink down when other people could hear us if they weren't involved.
On another note, our back and forth could've gone longer if Tatiana and Quinn were with us but they were busy doing their own thing from the truckbed, and from a glance, they seemed to be in a deep conversation while surveying the areas we were driving on.
'We're getting closer though…'
In any case, we had to stop a few times to clear more stragglers or small herds, loot a few buildings, and offer help to a few roaming survivors and connected encampments but it didn't take long before we arrived at our destination.
Quinn shouted at the top of her lungs, "FINALLY! GOD! JUNIE! THE FUCKING GATE! LET US IN!"
"WHA— YOU— ON IT! ON IT! GUYS! THEY'RE HERE!"
Obviously enough, Logan and his crew still weren't allowed inside Quinn's personal garage, so we just gave each other an upward nod before they split off with Jesus' crew—including Major Perez and RIchard Jr.—to head to Mauro's Industrial Park. I didn't mind Major Perez shooting shit with them because I'm pretty sure he'll get along with them just fine while Richard Jr. should probably fit in with them as long as he shared a few stories or a beer with everyone.
Looking at my watch, it was actually close to 7:00 PM when we touched down but it was just the right time to have some dinner.
Chef Ng among others welcomed us warmly though Quinn introduced Alexa to her crew like she would be their new prospect instead of Richard Jr.
It's just that Alexa actually thought I'd ship her off to Quinn's side while Quinn actually thought she could take her from me just like that. A few people might forget that Alexa has a very discerning eye when it comes to colors and I just won't let go of her just because Quinn said so.
Seb wanted to voice out his opinion as well but he sure as hell knows that he has no power over here.
So I shut that shit down Quickly when they were thinking of the combination of numbers to tattoo her:
"She's with me, Quinn. Don't just take her like—"
"HAAH?! I thought you already handed her over to me?!"
"I-I don't want to be a-away from my friends…" Alexa whimpered as she looked at me with teary eyes.
Quinn tried to use the friend card, "But I'm your friend too! Imagine the work you'll be doing here—" then she turned to me, "And also! We gave you the fucking Impreza! That's Jackie's! At least give us something!"
"A person for a car?! Are you guys nuts?! I know all of you are a little insane but I remember that car being given to me without any strings attached! If that's the case, I'll give it back!"
"ARGH! You're impossible! She'll be perfect here! I'm already thinking of making her do a custom detailing job on Mr. Alvarez's car before shipping it off!"
I rolled my eyes, "That's cool and all but will she be happy though? Did you think about that?"
Quinn was definitely taken aback, "YOU— I can't take in all of her friends! Probably Megan but—"
Megan instantly cut in, "Umm~ I like you, Quinn. You're cool but *glances at me briefly* I'm staying with him— I mean, them… S-Sorry..."
"SHIT! Why do you sound like you're breaking up with me?!"
"J-Just because! Our group almost got separated! Don't do this, alright?! Why don't you come join us instead?"
"HAAAH?! Are you nuts?! I'll come with you, of course, but I'm not staying long! I have responsibilities and shit! WAIT— FUCK IT! WE'RE GONNA HAVE A DEAL, RIGHT HERE! RIGHT NOW!"
"What is it now? And stop yelling! We're the only ones here!" I said as I rolled my eyes and ate another spoonful of the grilled chicken on my plate.
"I'M NOT YELL— FUCK! It's a part of me, alright?! But before we leave tomorrow morning, let's have an all-nighter!"
"All-nighter?"
"YOU— We're fucking after we're done, sure! But Alexa needs to hand-paint a custom design for MY car, YOUR car, and Ongkiko's car! I don't care what she do in yours but I wanna have mine turn heads if they ever saw it cruising!"
I rolled my eyes, "I can easily plop one of your dildos on top and it'll still turn heads—"
"NOT WHAT I MEANT!"
"I thought you like to keep things stock?"
"NOT THE PAINT! AND I DO CHANGE MY MIND AT TIMES, ALRIGHT?!"
"Again, stop yelling! We're the only ones here! Your whole crew could probably hear you outside!"
"UGH—"
Then I chuckled, "But yeah, that does sound nice. I an probably do mine while Alexa could do her own thing—" then I turned to Alexa, "What do you think? Up for an all-nighter?"
Alexa was a little scared at first but she nodded with a little bit of excitement, "D-Do I really have free reign on the d-designs?"
Quinn and I nodded at the same time, "YEP!/ Of course!"
In any case, the three of us decided on an activity that could go till morning but little did we know that everyone who wanted to have an amorous night with us was staring daggers at our backs but still ultimately decided to do their own thing or decided to offer any help we or the other residents needed.
'Right! Dr. Nichols is a heart doctor—'
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