Chapter 9:

Michael and I pulled on our clothes as quickly as we could. My back was itchy from laying in the grass but I ignored the urge to scratch at it.
Michael offered me his arm again and I wrapped mine around his shoulders as we walked back to the barn. I felt Michael's hand squeeze my side lovingly and I gave him a quick peek on the cheek before we stumbled into the barn.
Michael laid me down and I pulled him down with me. Michael seemed unsure about this but I felt him wrap his arms around me.
"I'll stay until you fall asleep," Michael told me. I nodded and cuddled up to him. He wrapped his arms tighter around me, as if protecting me.
"You know, that was my first time," I muttered to him.
He pulled back a little and eyed me.
"I was your first?" He asked me.
"Yeah," I said quietly.
"That surprises me. You're quite a handsome man," He winked at me. But, I knew he meant it.
"How far do you think we'll travel tomorrow?" I asked him.
"I don't know. As far as we can or until we find shelter again, I guess?" Michael responded.
"Oh," Was all I said back.
I pushed my head back into Michael's chest. Michael ran his hands down my back and held me tightly. I could feel his muscles tense around me and I closed my eyes, feeling safe.
I suddenly felt Michael's body shake. I pulled back and saw tears streaming out of his eyes.
"Michael, what's wrong?" I asked him.
"I... I feel so guilty for what we did. I mean, Lindsay just died and I already moved on. What is that gonna mean to everyone else? That I never really loved her?" Michael said. I stroked his curls gently, trying to calm him down.
"No, Michael. Everyone knows you loved her. But she told you before she died that she wanted you to move on and find someone else. Your just following what she wanted," I reminded him. He still looked uncertain.
"Michael, I love you. Okay. I'm here now and Lindsay wanted you to move on. I'm sure if she was still alive, she would be telling you to do what your heart tells you. So, what does your heart tell you?" I asked him.
"It tells me... That I love you too," Michael responds after some time. I smiled and pressed my lips against his. I pressed my head back into his chest and willed sleep to come over me.

I limped beside Michael as we continued our journey. The group followed slowly behind us. They were just as reluctant to leave as we were. Not that I blame them. That would've been a great place to stay, except the security wasn't the best. Plus, the guy with the crossbow was still out there.
Michael would shoot me loving glances every once in a while. I would return them and then look back to the group to make sure they didn't see them. They didn't.
I started biting my nails when I realized how long they were. I had finished my left hand and started on my right. I also realized I was in need of a shave. Along with about every other guy in the group. I was actually quite surprised that Michael had little facial hair. He had a little scruff, but it wasn't a lot surprisingly.
We took a break and I was quick to sit down and rest my ankle. Michael came over to me and propped it up on his knee while he inspected it.
"You know, I can carry you if you want," Michael offered. I giggled a little and smiled.
"I think I'm good. I think it's getting better," I told him. Michael ran his hand gently over it. When nobody was looking he bent down and kissed it gently, causing me to blush.
"Well, if it hurts too much let me know. I'll be more than happy to carry you," Michael winked at me and stood up. He began going around the group and inspecting everyone.
I watched as numerous people came up to me and asked me about leadership things. Michael had made the announcement that I was to lead alongside him so now people looked up to me as well.
Little Millie came up to me and hugged me. I hugged her back and she smiled and pointed to the gun tucked inside my pants.
"Maybe later, Millie," I promised her. She smiled and nodded giving me one last hug before she returned to her mum.
Michael came back over to me and offered me a hand. I took it and stood up, falling back onto his chest. Michael smirked and wrapped his arms around me, but quickly made it look like he was helping me stand after people started looking at us. He and I both hid our blushes as we began leading the group once again.

We approached another city and Michael was very wary about going into it. It wasn't a huge city like Austin, but a city none the less. I convinced Michael to let the group stay here since there was the possibility of shelter.
We found a building that was abandoned and we broke the window to get inside. Michael went in, followed by Geoff, Ryan, Ray, and Jack. He told me to stay out with the rest of the group in case I needed to protect them.
He gave the group the all clear and led them inside. Michael picked me up and carried me in so I didn't have to step over the window. He continued to carry me, even after we had reached the inside. To be honest, I liked it. It was sweet and I didn't have to worry about my ankle.
Michael laid me in a chair while the group looked around. They began claiming spots for sleeping and breaking into the supply of food. Michael sat in front of me and inspected my ankle again. He ran his gentle fingers over the swollen skin and he gave it a frustrated face.
"This hurts, doesn't it?" Michael asked me.
"No," I lied. Michael eyed me and pushed down on the swollen part. I cried out in pain but quickly clasped a hand over my mouth.
"Yeah, it doesn't hurt," Michael said sarcastically. I rolled my eyes and watched him as he called Jack over and asked for a water bottle and some painkillers.
Michael handed me the pills and I instantly began getting nervous. I've never swallowed a pill before.
Michael pushed my hand up, willing me to take the medicine. I shook my head and sighed.
"It really doesn't hurt that ba- Ow!" I screamed out when he applied pressure again.
"Take the pills, Gav. No ones judging you," He smiled at me.
"They will be," I muttered.
"What do you mean?" Michael asked me, clearly confused.
"I've never taken pills before, Michael," I admitted quietly. Michael smiled and laughed.
"Are you joking?" He asked me. I shook my head.
"Um, just think if it as candy. Chew it a little and then swallow it with water. That's what I used to do when I was first learning how to take pills," Michael advised. I gulped and lifted my hand.
Here goes nothing.
I shoved the pills in my mouth and chewed them a little. I opened my water and took a swig of it. The pills went down smoothly and I sat back and smiled.
"See. Wasn't that hard," Michael smiled. I nodded and smiled back.
Michael got comfortable on the floor and started massaging my ankle. It felt nice. I smiled and leaned my head back as his gentle fingers did magic to my ankle.

It was a couple hours after the group found the place we were staying at. They were sleeping now.
I was still awake but Michael had his head in my lap as he slept. I stroked his curls gently, admiring how they bounced back. I stroked his cheek and ran my thumb over his soft lips.
Oh, how I love this man. I didn't think it was possible to fall in love this quickly, but apparently it is. I've never loved anyone how I love him and I'd risk my life for him in a heartbeat.
I heard something.
My head shot up and I looked at the door. I swear I heard footsteps. They were too quick to be a walkers. I felt my heartbeat pick up.
I shook Michael's shoulder and waited for him to wake up. He woke up and looked at me for a moment.
"I heard footsteps," I told him.
Michael eyed the door and stood up. He slipped on his glasses and strapped his belt around his waist again. He reached for his pistol, cocking it and placing his finger on the trigger.
The door slammed open and we were ambushed.
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This is probably one of my favorite chapters. So much fluff! Thanks for reading. I hope you guys enjoy this. I put a lot of time and effort into these stories so if you guys don't like them, then I don't need to continue them. Anyway, thank you so much to the people the comment and vote. I can't tell you how happy I get when I see the little notification thingy pop up and I see it's a comment or vote for one of my stories. Anyway, thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed!
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