Surviving for each other

Chapter 15: Gratitude

Authors Note: For the 5 of you actually reading this I wanted to say thank you. And if you are reading this sorry for the delay.
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      That's when you hear the click of a gun and a deep voice calmly say "Stay where you are." You knew this was too good to be true. You raise your hands signaling surender. "Who are you?" You look back to see a large burly man with a magnum pointed now between your eyes. "Uh (Y/N) I live up the street with 2 others." He instantly lowers his gun after noticing how young you look. "Names Barry. What are you doing out here kid these woods are infested with those monsters." You look back at him relaxed now that the gun wasn't in your face. "Well I was out looking for supplies a little off my usual route when I saw this farm house. I thought It would be worth the risk." Barry looks at you a bit confused when you both hear a commotion outside. Whinnying and stomping was heard as you both rushed to the upper level. A large black clydesdale horse galloped frantically around the yard kicking up dirt as it tore up the field. "I haven't seen a horse around here in ages." Barry commented as you watch the horse rapidly stomp and run. "This is a perfect chance to get a ride home." he looked at you crazy as you started towards the startled horse. "Hey don't! That things out of control." You just keep making your way to the vicinity of the horse. Getting a closer look you realized what was spooking the horse so bad. A limp body hung from the side of the saddle, It's foot caught in the stirrups. Pulling out your bow you tried aiming at the body but was difficult because of the thrashing. Barry came up beside you as he pulled out a smaller .22. He aimed and shot the body right in the leg, loosening the foot and making it fall to the ground. The second the body hit the horse was calm and trotted right up to you both. Barry pet its crest as you checked the saddle for anything. You found a bindle and some canned food but that's it. "This guy was living like a modern cowboy, wonder what did him in." You said as you led the horse back to the house tying it up on the porch railing. "Barry?" He looked down to you. "Would you like to come live with us? There's a safe zone about 10 miles from here I made with a couple other survivors. It's an entire subdivision so you would get your own house. It might be easier than living in that dank old cellar." He looks at you for a few seconds thinking it over. "Well I really have no where else to go and I might be able to help your little cause." You smiled thinking of the little community you were putting together. "Well let's gather the rest of the supplies and I'll grab my guns. You hook up your new friend, he definitely likes you more." You just give him a smile and agree. You lead the horse over to the harness taking off the saddle and placing it in the back for future use. Putting on the blinder, bit and the harness he was ready to take you home. Her big hoofs dig into the soft grass and he leans down to eat some. Getting everything you could into the cart you took your long trip home. Barry sitting guard and you steering you made a good team. "So Barry what's your story?" You wonder about the large man sitting next to you. "Well I was a S.T.A.R.S. member before the outbreak. I was actually one of alpha members sent to investigate the initial mansion outbreak. Coming back from the incident the outbreak in RC was just a few days away. I moved away with my family after the mansion but wasn't able to escape the worsening situation. My family they..." You could tell it was hard for him to talk about their deaths. "My family too. Every one of them didn't even matter their age." He looked at you understandingly like a dad to a daughter. "You've been through a lot huh girly." The cart wobbles onto the cement road as you head for home. "We all have nowadays." Barry pats your shoulder for comfort as you give a little smile. "So who's all at this little outpost of yours?" You smile thinking about how Leon and Sherry are doing at home. "Well believe it or not we all found each other close to a week ago. There's a former police officer like you from the RPD, Leon and a little girl Sherry and me." Barry smiles a bit at your expression. You were so happy to come home to someone you were lost in thought. "Sounds like some good people. I Feel bad for Sherry having to grow up in all this. I would hate to raise my daughters in this mess of a world." You look down a bit. "Yeah I am really trying to give her as much of a normal life as I can." Barry looks at you a bit amazed. "That's quite a task." You smiled a bit at him as you two approached the entrance of the subdivision. It was getting late close to 6 o'clock the sun was setting, the clops of the horses hooves could be heard. You were passing your porch that looked out to the subdivisions street. You noticed Sherry and Leon playing frisbee out in the front lawn just above the fence. It made you smile how he really took care of her. Sherry heard the cloping of the hooves and looked over to see you and a stranger guiding a horse up the road. "Wow! Leon look at that!" She ran down the sloped lawn and up to the fence. "Hey Sherry! I am home!" Leon walked up beside her both in amazement. "Leon could you open the gate for us?" Leon jogs over to the gate unlatching the bolts and moving the heavy door as Sherry rushes over. Sherry rushes towards the horse but Leon grabs her right before she gets too close. "Where you going Sher you don't know that horse." She looks at the man sitting next to you. "Who's that?" Barry jumps down from the bench seat as you bring the horse to a halt in front of the garage. "I'm Barry and I hear your name is Sherry is that right?" He holds out his large hand as Sherry's little hand shakes his. As Leon protectively steps next to Sherry. "I'm Leon Kennedy, it's nice to meet you." Barry shakes his hand with a firm grip and a small smile. "So you're the cop huh." Leon looks over at you as you put the brakes on the wagon. "Uh ya that's me RPD's forever rookie officer." Barry laughs audibly loud. "Well I was in S.T.A.R.S. and I'll tell you those guys look for anyone to hassle." Leon smiles at the idea of the other officers even just meeting him. You hurried over to the now 3 with a wide smile on your face. "Looks like everyone met. Now meet our new horse Angus." You lead the two to the horse now loose from the cart and without blinders. He was very large black with white fur over his huge hooves. Sherry approached Angus with caution as Leon stood behind her just in case. The horse leaned his head down to Sherry's height as she petted the side of his head. He whinnied and shook his head, scaring Sherry a bit. She backed up into Leon as he ushered her back a bit. "I'll teach you how to ride sometime Sherry. He's bigger than the average horse so you'd be riding with me." You said confidently. Leon bent down and whispered something into Sherry's ear as she perked up. "(Y/N) when are we going to have dinner?" Barry furrowed his brows in confusion. "Oh hun I'll make dinner right now don't you worry." Sherry smiled as you walked inside Leon right behind you and Barry following him. You walked down the hallway to see the Kitchen and dining room all lit up with candles and food on the table. "Oh my God did you guys make all this?" Sherry skipped in front "Well yeah  it was just me and Leon all day. It's for you!"