RADIATION (the sequel to "infection")

(2) the scraped knees of an amnesiac

trigger warning for, language, quick description of blood, depersonalization

the channel four news played softly as bacon and pancakes sizzled. things had been a lot quieter since they had arrived in the uk. maybe it was for the better, who knows. all will was sure of was that they were safe, or at least some of them were. he still had the occasional restless night wondering what had happened to nick and y/n. but he knew what had happened. sometimes it was nice to pretend they just weren't able to contact one another at the time but that wasn't true. the hollers of victory and defeat interrupted his thoughts, "fuck yeah bitch! take that!" Tommy shouted loudly at his win in mario kart.

tubbo sat silently flipping him off in defeat. "language" clay said laughing continuing to scroll on his phone. some days things felt normal. some days it was forgettable. a loud alarm rang from the TV. similar to the sound of an amber alert but somehow more alarming. Wilbur moved the cooked bacon and pancakes to a plate before tuning his attention to the television. "this is breaking news just now coming in. signs of life found in the states? and maybe even mutations? research on small animals that miraculously survived the bombs from last summer have come back showing the effects of the radiation on rodents and maybe even people." the reporter spoke clearly reading off her script. "holy shit.." wilbur mumbled walking toward the couch taking a seat. 

"results from the test subjects show varied results, some including mutated DNA, raised body temperatures and more. this research had scientists across the globe wondering, what else is still living in the U.S? this is Hannah Steven's reporting for channel four news.." the TV said before it was promptly turned off, "do you think that..?" tommy started before being cut off. "no. a rat and a person are two different things." will said before exiting the living room... 

(y/n's pov)

"we'll be back in a hour or two!" nick hollered in front the entrance of the front door, equipping a gas mask alongside Charlie. "hey! I wanna go!" I signed running towards tapping charlies shoulder . "eh... I don't know.." nick started before charlie cut him off "yeah! of course you can! right nick?!" he said, elbowing the other boy in the gut causing him to nod quickly. I silently fist bummed while charlie showed me how to properly put on a gas mask. granted we had all already been contaminated, but we didn't want to be exposed for any longer.

we started our journey heading out the door following charlie's lead. "the junkyard is about a mile or two out btw" he said hollering back. I didn't fully comprehend what he has said, taking in the sights around me. granted most things were falling apart or burnt down but still it felt pretty. part of it was probably because I hadn't remembered what things looked like or for that matter been like before. nick tried his best to explain but I could tell it hurt him to go over everything so I didn't make him explain further. I took a moment spinning around looking at the collapsing and overgrown buildings then locking eyes

with nick. he must've seen the starstruck look in my eyes, because he paused for a moment before asking a question I had heard a hundred times before. "recognize anything?" I paused before shaking my head, I felt bad I had no answer. he sighed and then smiled extending his hand toward mine. I grabbed it and continued to walk next to him.

at one point he let go because charlie needed help with the map so I continued walking slowly behind. I still hadn't gotten used to walking with a prosthetic but I was getting there. I noticed the guys picking up their pace and in fear of being left behind I sprinted a bit before colliding with the street below me. I landed on my knees scraping my right knee causing it to bleed, I internally cursed as I took of my jacket to wipe the blood off with. but for some reason the blood on my knee made my vision focus and unfocused causing a throbbed pain in my head. for a minute | was in a store? with a blonde boy? he was injured or at least his knee was bleeding and he knew who I was? do I know him? 

(nick's pov)

i glancing up from charlies map i realized y/n wasn't in front of us like i thought they were. panicking i looked around frantically spotting them. they were on the street on their knees shaking, "are you okay? what happened?" i asked sprinting. "shit are you bleeding?" i asked seeing the blood on their hands, they shoot their head. "are you sure you're okay?"  i ask again. they nod yes before looking at me confusion painting their face, "were we with anyone else before.. the ya know?" they said laughing awkwardly. i shook my head pulling them up with me. i met charlies disapproving look and in return gave him a slight death glare before walking past him. 'im keeping them safe, they don't need anyone else.'