Thomas and Alexander returned to the camp about 5 minutes after Thomas stopped crying, and though he hated to admit it, he was still crying on the inside. Alexander had given his all to comfort the sobbing floof ball (I'm gonna get kinda silly this chapter to lighten the mood) because he know what it felt like to lose everything you had, but on the inside he was a bit frustrated with Thomas, seeing as he didn't have it as bad as he did.

When they arrived, Lafayette, John, and Mulligan were all waiting for them. Immediately they tended to Alex and tried to figure out what was wrong with Thomas, seeing as he wouldn't talk to anyone. When everyone was settled inside the big wooden structure ("the supply storage" John had corrected "or the T.S.S for short") they were immediately bombarded with questions.

"Where were you?" John asked.

"Near the woods" Alex replied.

"Why did you take so long?" Lafayette said.

"We had some...technical difficulties.." Thomas muttered.

"Well where's Madison?" Hercules asked.

Thomas flinched but replied " gone."

Silence.

"Like....dead?"  John asked.

Thomas shivered at the thought of James lying lifeless on the ground, and tears flooded his vision.

"No. Like, he left." Alex answered for him, inching towards him as close as he dared.

"W-what? WHERE!?" Hercules yelled.

"He went towards the city." Alex said inching a bit closer to Thomas.

"IS HE INSANE! WHY!?" John practically screamed. 

Thomas and Alexander were now touching shoulders (Which Lafayette took note of.) Alexander wrapped his arms around Thomas and pulled him close, not caring about the fact that the others were right there. (Not that it mattered anyways, they already knew what was going on without being told) He began to tell the others about the fight between him and James (although he received most of the hits) and how james had fled, the only detail he left out being the part were Thomas and him had kissed.

*sigh* you know those girls who are like, intent on gathering drama? Like, they have to know everything, everyone's crush, who cheated on who, insults, arguments, etc?

Well, that was Lafayette in that moment.

"Wait, but why did he leave?" Laf asked. Alexander felt Thomas heat up, and he felt a bit of the pink dust creep us his cheeks as well. He lightly nudged Thomas (who was grumbling to himself) and whispered for his consent. After some short consideration, he grudgingly nodded his head and then walked away...

Only to turn around, sit, and lean against Alexander's back.

Oh boy. (The fan girls be like : SQUEEEEEEEEE....or maybe not, idk.)

Trying very hard not to blush (FYI, he failed miserably.) he filled them in on the rest of the story. At first they just sat there in silence, until Lafayette said "pay up." and motioned towards John. "But-" he protested "ah ah ah, you pinky promised"  Lafayette said. "But Laf, I don't have anything to pay with." ".....give me A.J." "WHAT! NO!" "YES!" and with that Laurens ran out the T.S.S screaming "noooooooooo!" And Laf soon followed behind screaming "YESSSSSSSSSSS" 

Then Hercules turned towards the pair and said, "yeah, we figured as much." They looked astonished (well, Alex looked astonished, Thomas was probably looking the same but he couldn't tell)  "So you guys made a bet on it?" Alex asked. "Yes." Lafayette said, walking back in looking mad. John trailed behind holding A.J 2.0 looking satisfied with the savior of his turtle.

It was silent for a while more, everyone seemed to be processing what they'd just learned.

Until Lafayette broke the silence.

"So~ who's top?"

"LAF!"

~Time skip brought to you by the Polar Express~

It had been 5 days since Madison left. Thomas was back in his normal spirits, but if anyone mentioned James's name, he left the room immediately, so they tried to avoid it. The couple had their fair share of couple moments and everyone decided that Thomas was in a good enough mood that they could have a meeting about what to do about the whole "Madison Leaving" situation.

So one night, they gathered by the camp fire and talked about what to do. The meeting consisted of the whole squad....

Except Thomas.

FIRST PERSON! T.J!

I lay awake in my tent. I just couldn't stop thinking about everything, there was way too much on my mind lately. Like James.

I feel like such an idiot for giving up something as great as his friendship. James was probably an idiot for having a crush on me in the first place. He didn't have to go all yandere on Alexander back there, it wasn't necessary. I still can't believe Jemmy had an emotional outburst. James of all people! Most people look at him and automatically think he's sick, and by his expression, formal and dead inside. Of course, I know James better than that. I know on the inside he's a big bear, who protects those he's close with and has as many emotions as you and me. He's a little softie, that's all. But I just can't help but think this was my fault. It probably is.

Mama always told me I was a handsome young man.

I didn't think I was that  handsome.

Gosh, I feel like the only people who aren't gay for me is Alexander's squad. Why do I have to be so damn attractive? Maybe I should've let him down slowly. Just tried to talk it out. It's not like he'd listen though....but I should have tried. All because I'd had this crush on Alexander.

Alexander.

What are we?

We never declared we were boyfriends, but it sure feels like it. I wish we could've  just stayed in that kiss forever. Everything felt so blissful. And now it's hard to imagine life without him. Seriously, what would I do without him? He's cute and feisty and...just overall...perfect.

For me.

He's perfect for me and nobody else.

I'm so gay.

I realized that there were voices outside. I thought the others were asleep? Well if they're all talking together...they must be having a meeting.

Without me?

Weird.

Stretching, I got out of my sleeping bag and crawled out the tent. The bonfire was lit, and the closer I walked the louder the voices got. I stopped when I was about 2 feet away, so I could hear.

(I'm doing monologue for this part, soooo 

Bold= Hercules

Normal= Alexander

Italics = John 

Underlined= Lafayette 

(Monologue starts now)

When I see him he's walking away with a bruise...or 3.

I really don't think we should resort to violence...but we can all agree we are NEVER letting him near Alexander or the camp.

I agree. But herc, feel free to hurt him.

*cracks knuckles and grins*

*sigh* Alex, what about you.

I don't know, depends what he wants..*gestures towards the camp*

You two are adorable.

Shut up.. but seriously, Madison is his friend, we should let him decide what to do if we ever encounter him. All I know is I'm keeping my distance.

*the other three chuckle*

...what if...what if he's...well...

Thomas flinched at the thought. He knew what he meant.

A zombie.

Dead.

I highly doubt it, James would be killing zombies left and right...no offense Alex.

None taken.

But how, he didn't take any weapons?...or anything for that matter.

*shrugs and takes the ham off the stick above the fire* he's Madison *throws a piece to Alex who looks very grateful* he'll figure it out.

A fire seemed to roar in my chest. My best friend had just left for the city without anything and the first thing they were going to do if they saw him was offer him nothing? I stepped out the shadows with fury burning as bright as the bonfire.

"Oh! Thomas! What's up?" Lafayette asked.

"Oh, I'm fine, just watching you guys not give a single flying fuck about Mads. No biggie." I said sarcastically, plastering a fake smile on my face. The others looked at each other with worry on their faces. Alexander just kept his head down.

"Well...he hurt Alexander, we didn't think-" John said

"Didn't think what? That I wouldn't care?" I said

"N-no! I mean, seeing as you're with Alexander now, we just thought-" John replied

"WELL I DO! Why did we save Alexander from that hellhole, if we aren't going to save another human!?" I growled. (Yes, growled.) I wasn't thinking how much that hurt to Alexander. All I saw was that he flinched.

"Thomas, calm down-" Hercules said, getting up. He tried to pat me on the shoulder but I jerked away.

"NO! NO, I WONT CALM DOWN! JAMES WAS LIKE A BROTHER TO ME! YOU CANT JUST LET THAT GO LIKE THAT! I KNOW I SEEM FINE, BUT IM NOT! IM NOT OKAY!" I screamed, stamping my foot in frustration. Why didn't they get it? He didn't have to die for me to be in a state of half-grieving! It's not a hard concept to understand! 

...is it?

Then Alexander got up and yelled in my face, his eyes watery and practically void of emotion. "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR GODAMN MIND!? I'VE LOST SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A FRIEND, I LOST MY EVERYTHING! MY BROTHER, MY MOM, MY DAD, MY COUSIN, MY HOME, AND YOU'RE IN A STATE OF GRIEVING OVER ONE PERSON! EVEN BETTER, YOU CHOSE FOR THAT TO HAPPEN, YOU COULD'VE PICKED MADISON, NO ONE WAS STOPPING YOU, YOU BROUGHT THIS UPON YOURSELF! I DID NOT CHOOSE TO HAVE A HURRICANE COME RAMPAGING THROUGH MY TOWN, I DIDNT CHOOSE TO SURVIVE!" he screamed at my face, stepping closer with every sentence. By now he was crying and his voice was a little raspy, but you could see the flame burning in his eyes. He would've carried on, no doubt, had John not come and hugged him from behind. The flame immediately died, and was replaced by a hurricane (hehe, see what I did there?) of emotions as he broke down and hugged John back, crying into his shoulder.

But you can't fight fire with fire.

"YOU...YOU CAN'T EVEN BE TALKING! YOU'RE THE WHOLE REASON HE'S GONE! I BET YOU PISSED HIM OFF OR SOMETHING! YOU'RE THE ONE THAT KISSED ME! AND I DIDNT DECIDE FOR JAMES TO LEAVE, HE JUST WALKED AWAY! SO JUST SHUT YOUR MOUTH FOR ONCE, YOU STUPID KID FROM THE ISLANDS!" I blurted out. Then realizing what I said, I immediately clapped a hand over my mouth. John and Hercules looked at me with pure hatred. Laf in disbelief.

Alexander's eyes looked void of all emotions. (Mood though.)

Lafayette (per usual) broke the silence.

"Go back to the tent."

"I-"

"Go."

And so, I walked back to my tent, regretting everything that had happened in the past 4 minutes.

THIRD PERSON! ALEXANDER!

Alex was heartbroken. He'd always known he was a monster. He'd always known he was a poor orphan from some random spot in the Caribbean.

But never had he ever thought he'd be told that by someone who loved him.

They all gathered around him and Hercules pulled them into a group hug. Then he marched off towards the tent, but Laf pulled him back saying "Leave him be mon amour." John raised his eyebrows and said, "Last time I checked 'mon amour' means my love.". Lafayette flushed a bright red and responded with "Precisely." John's jaw dropped and he yelled "OOOOOOHHHH!" Alexander just sniggered and made a heart with his hands. Hercules was a dark shade of red. 

Alexander lifted his head from John's shoulder (which was now damp with tears) and lowly sang, "Lafayette and Hercules, sitting in a tree~" and wiped some tears from his eyes. John grinned at the sight of his happy friend and linked arms with Lafayette and Hercules and finished "K I S S I N G". They (as in John and Alex) finished the rest of the song and they all laughed at mulligan's facial expression. They decided to leave the situation alone and just talk like old time friends, hoping to get Alex's spirits back up.

Although he looked happy, Thomas's words still lingered with him.

So when Lafayette and Hercules went to sleep, John came up to Alexander and said, "I think you should go talk to him." and handed him a sausage to give Thomas. Alexander grinned at his bestie, and turned towards the tents. With a pat on the back and a "go get em lion." he headed towards Thomas's tent.

——————————————————————————————————-

Walking up to Thomas's tent (me realizing how out of context that sounds) he cleared his throat and said "Thomas?". At first there was silence, and then a low mumble. "W-what?" Alexander said. "I said I'm here." came that oh-so familiar southern accent. Alexander hesitated before saying "c-can I come in?". Thomas took a while to answer but eventually he said, "Sure."

Alex (aahhhhh my head is in the gutter right now-) unzipped the opening (door?) and entered. Inside Thomas sat crisscross on his sleeping bag gazing into space. Alexander sat as close as he dared, but Thomas didn't acknowledge him. So Alex nudged him, and he still didn't respond. He was starting to think he was ignoring him, so he waved a hand in front of his face and said, " Um, hello? Earth to Thomas?". Thomas chuckled and finally met Alex's gaze.

"I don't know why you came, I literally just insulted you in a very personal way, but you do you baby boy." Thomas said. He hadn't meant to say "baby boy" but from the way Alexander's face flushed that pale blush of his, he was glad he did. "U-um, t-that's- oh jeez, what did you do..." Alex said, looking very flustered. They sat in silence for a while, Thomas admiring Alexander, Alexander trying to pull himself together. Eventually, he spoke again.

"Actually, that's exactly what I came to talk about."

Thomas frowned and suddenly found it hard to meet Alex's gaze. Alex hesitated, but then grabbed Thomas's chin and forced him to look at him. Thomas looked down on the shorter, feeling guilt and empathy but anger at the same time.

Why did love have to be so complicated? 

"I know you're sorry, I can tell, but I'm not going to believe you until you say it." Alexander said. Thomas bit his tongue. He wanted to say sorry, but he felt like Alex should say sorry first. Of course thinking about it, it wasn't Alexander's fault. He just wanted to block everyone out right now, even though he knew he was being overdramatic. (I don't know why, but whenever  I type in OVERDRAMATIC it auto corrects to all caps.) But...no, this was James's fault!

Right?

"Hey, Thomas look at me. I know it's hard to check yourself, especially when there's so many other people to blame, but all I'm asking is for is an apology. You don't even have to admit you're in the wrong, because in a way, you aren't. Just...please?" Alexander said, looking at him with those brown eyes he fell in love with. (I'll leave the references to the comments) "I-....I'm sorry Alex." Alexander looked at him sympathetically and said "I forgive you." and hugged Thomas. Thomas immediately hugged him back and they sat like that for a while. Then they pulled apart.

"I'm sorry about what happened to you..."

"It's not your fault."

"I know, but still...I'm so overdramatic..."

"Well a little bit."

Thomas raised an eyebrow.

Alexander raised his hands in surrender, "I speak the truth."

"It's not overdramatic that I'm upset though, right?"

"No, that's perfectly human...not that I would know."

"What do you- oh...."

Thomas chuckled at the odd sense of humor.

They sat in awkward silence for a while. Except it wasn't awkward, because the dynamic duo was feeling good again. Slowly, Alexander inches towards Thomas and interlocked their fingers, until eventually they were holding hands. Alexander rested his head against Thomas's shoulder, and Thomas put his head on Alexander's. Then Thomas grabbed Alexander's chin and brought their lips closer together.

It was his turn to start the kiss.

They hadn't realized how much they missed this little heaven they had created, away from the rest of humanity, and it was just them. Alexander thought that Thomas smelled of the city. It wasn't necessarily a pleasant smell, but seeing that Alexander was a zombie, he didn't mind. It was as if they were made for each other. Alex's arms fit perfectly around Thomas's neck, and Thomas's hands were clothing that fit just right on Alexander's hips. They would've given anything to stay there...

Until blinding pain hit them both.

"AUGHHH!" They both yelled.

Alexander started scolding Angelica, but she said herself she hadn't done anything. Plus she was an angel, when did she ever tell lies? But when he saw that Thomas was holding his head in his hands too, he realized it couldn't have been Angelica.

"Did you feel that?" He said.

"That major headache? Yes.." Thomas replied, still hissing in pain.

"What was that?" Alex marveled.

"Does it look like I know?" Thomas replied sarcastically. "Shame really, I wanted to keep enjoying you.."

It took a second for Alexander to register that.

"THOMAS!" He said, pale and giggling. He threw himself towards Thomas and landed on top of him. They were both a giggling mess.

(By the by, Alex and Thomas share a tent. It was originally James and John, Hercules and Laf, and then just Thomas, but ya know, since James left...)

After a while Alexander calmed down and rolled over to his sleeping bag.

"Goodnight Thomas."

"G'night Lexi."

"Lexi?"

"Like it?"

"...sure."

Thomas blew out the lantern.

"Love you."

"I love you too."

Little did they know, John had been listening in the whole time. "Mission accomplished" he whispered to A.J 2.0, picked him up and walked back to his tent, grinning to himself.

~HEY GUYS! I'm sorry that took so long, but here it is! I had a 2 of essays to do, so I'm reallly sorry, but school comes first. Also, if you haven't already seen, this book has 210 reads. Yeah, you heard me right, 200+10. I CANT BELIEVE IT! You guys are honestly the best, and no amount of words can show that, so here's my love for you all! ☺️✋🏽💖🤚🏽 👁💋👁 l3l❤️! Anyways, I made a song, sing to the tune of the story of tonight (reprise)

I may not live to see out glory

(I may not live to see our glory)

But I've seen wonder great and small

(I've seen wonders great and small)

Cause if we survived 2020!

(If we made it through 2020)

There's hope for gen z after all!

Raise a glass to freedom!

Something we haven't seen in so long!

No matter what they tell you!

Go grab a friend and sing along ;)

We got past the worst of us!

There's probs more to come for us! 😅

But we'll tell the story of this year!

Let's have another round at life!

So yeah, I did that. Thanks again y'all! Buh bye for now! OH! I ALMOST FORGOT! YOUR WELCOME FOR THE MULLET! OKAY SELAMAT TINGGAL ✌🏽~