"So?", with a proud expression you gestured towards the small buildings that once had been parts of a wildlife park or something.

Now they were empty, just like most of the world. You had made sure three times that no infected were near. Or hiding in the shadows of the small town.

The metal gate was sturdy enough to keep unwanted visitors outside and the fence that was connected to it too high to climb just like that.

Not far ahead, at the very top of the mountain, say a gigantic house that, judging by the neon lights, once had served as a family resort.

"Beds.", Ellie muttered dreamily as she read the sign that stood upfront.

"Real ones.", you confirmed and looked back once more to ease your mind. "And loads of supplies. Clothes, shoes, food."

You reached into your pocket and pulled out a pack of sealed cookies. Ellie's stomach growled at the sight. And maybe some drool ran down her chin. But that could have been your imagination.

"They've got a bunch.", you said and pushed the entrance door while Ellie stuffed her face with a treat that she hadn't had in a while. "And more. Seriously, this is like... a jackpot."

Ellie hummed.

"I'm pretty sure these will kill me.", she waved the empty cookie wrapper, mouth full. "But fuck it."

"Is it good?", you asked and picked up a backpack to have a look inside.

"It's fucking amazing. You should have some too."

You huffed.

"Bold of you to assume I didn't eat like thousand of those when I found them."

Ellie looked at you. You returned the expression.

"We're so gonna get food poisoning.", she laughed.

"Probably.", you tossed her a flashlight you found in the backpack. "This one will come in handy. It's a bit dark around here. And we should check all corners before we settle. To avoid... uh... surprises."

She shook the flashlight, made sure it worked and then pointed it directly into your face. Blinded, you squeezed your eyes shut, hands raised to shield your face.

All of a sudden Ellie was right in front of you, her face so close that it made your cheeks burn once more. The warmth of her breath caressed your skin. Her scent filled your nose.

Surprised, you wanted to step back but her hand wrapped around your waist and pulled you close. Your chest hit Ellie's chest. Two heartbeats combined and became one.

Out of reflex, your hands came to rest on her shoulders. Satisfied, she smiled broadly.

"You're so cute when you're serious.", she chirped and placed a peck on your cheek. "Like a little general."

Confused, you tilted your head and pushed your forehead against hers to get her to bring some distance between the two of you.

"You trying to get more of these?", you asked and let your fingers run over the bite mark on her right arm.

The newer one had healed over time. Luckily, the skin had been torn in such a way that no teeth imprints could be seen. And the way you had damaged it had helped to make it heal like a normal cut.

An accident with a weapon, that was the story you and Ellie had come up with in case someone was curious. But in the end you were just glad that she hadn't turned.

For the first few days you had been on edge but now it was something you saw use in. Like now, when a building needed to be checked of it was safe to settle.

Although you hadn't discussed this with her yet. You did intend however to stay in this place for longer than a few days.

Fall was the last season to go and find a place to survive the harsher months of the year and, as far as you could tell, the options were extremely limited. This place was this best shot.

And if Ellie didn't want to stay you could move on next spring.

"Hey.", Ellie pinched your cheek. "Earth to (Y/N)! You listening?"

Torn from your thoughts, you flinched and pulled away.

"You're fooling around too much.", you complained and pulled a face.

Ellie tilted her head and once more strands of her auburn hair fell into her face. Your fingers flinched. But this time you held yourself back and did not tug them back in place.

"I'm just trying to lighten the mood, you grumpy grizzly.", she let out a snort. "But if you want to keep plannin'... What's the plan?"

Unsure, you let your eyes wander around. The hotel wasn't all that big, about the size of a two story villa with an entrance hall and a large garden in the back.

"I know we didn't talk about it...", you turned on your heel to walk along the large glass wall that offered a view of the entire park. "But don't you... like... aren't you turned of walking all the time? Running around, looking for places to sleep safely?"

You dared to throw a glance back over your shoulder. She followed in silence, eyebrows drawn together and a slight smirk of amusement on this plump lips of hers.

You walked through another door that led into a room that was warm from the sunlight that flooded it. Empty tables and chairs were scattered around.

This place would make a nice green house once the warm weather was gone and plants needed protection to keep providing reasonable amounts of food.

Your fingers wandered along one tabletop, gathered some of the dust.

"You want to settle.", Ellie concluded as you stopped in front of the windows and looked outside, right onto a wide garden that was in its full bloom.

Seasonal flowers stretched their leaves up to the light of the sun, danced with the soft breezes of summer. And between all the colours hid fruits and vegetables.

Plenty to keep you and Ellie well fed for the next weeks.

"This place got everything.", you tried to argue. "Loads of plants we could eat. And space. Beds. Sheets. I've checked the kitchen they've got containers in which we could store the leftover food."

"You want to pickle shit?", she asked, one eyebrow raised.

Embarrassed, you turned your eyes away. You wanted to settle. But only with her.

"I... want a place where I can be safe.", you admitted. "Where we can be safe."

As you lifted your head again your eyes met Ellie's. She smiled.

"You're such an idiot...", she huffed.