Forgetting the Apocalypse

31. Making Plans

"Are you going to talk to her or what?" I can hear Riva's not so faint whispering.

"Will you shut the hell up already? What could I possibly talk to her about?"

I do my best to keep a straight face and not draw attention to myself. Occasionally gazing up at the moon or petting Jack.

"Oh don't bullshit me bro! You know exactly what I mean. Every single one of us can see it. Look back then before the world turned into a real live action resident evil video game I can understand the distractions people had. But now? I know it's tempting to only think about survival but at some point you have to think about living too. That includes going after things you want." With an exasperated sigh Riva pushes his glasses up higher and walks away from his brother.

It's been a few hours since we had ourselves a barbecue with some crawlers and we were getting tired. We reach an empty and unfinished apartment lot. Most of the construction looked to be half finished but this was the first place we've encountered that appears to be dry.

"Well let's see if it's clear. The usual set up."

For once I'm a little awkward being paired with Roone. Normally the silence wouldn't bother me but now it's feels like tension. Putting my big girl pants on I decided to be the first one to talk. "So you teach Saphira any new tricks?"

Oh God really? That's what I ask? That's not a bad question right?

"Um not really but she has learned a few things on her own. For instance, she learned which type of ammo goes with which gun. I didn't teach it to her but when I was on watch and cleaning out my guns she would hand me the right ammunition for the gun I had in hand."

Ok, now that is actually cool. I knew he trained her with weapons but for to pick up that on her own is awesome. She could help us find some whenever we need to search for more.

"What about Jack? Anything new with him?" I try to think on my own pup.

"Yeah, um remember that little tactic we used in the warehouse with those bandits, the whole hyena thing? Well Jack learned to do that. That's why I was able to easily take down those two wolves. He just walked out into the middle of a clearing and started limping and whimpering and as soon as they showed up I shot one and he had the other one by the neck." His jaw tensed a little when I mentioned the bandits. I didn't realize it was still a sore spot for him, guess I was wrong.

As per usual, he's quick to recover his composure.

"That's awesome. So can we expect better meals when you hunt?" He says jokingly. Deciding to be 'cute' I flash him a smile and say, "only if you ask nicely." That catches him off guard.

After our second lap around the floor, we decide to call it safe. We still have two hours between sunrise so while we wait to fall asleep we talk amongst each other. Something we really haven't done since our anniversary. Cue Riva..

"So, what are you guys going to do when you reach Alaska? Fredi?"

Fredi responds while setting up his bag as his pillow and getting his shades out. "Well first thing I'm going to do is, if we get there in time, go fishing for some salmon. I've always wanted to see the salmon run. Of course I'll keep an eye out for any bears nearby. Who knows, maybe Blackie will help me catch some."

This has me smiling. I wonder if I can catch more salmon than Fredi. I've never tried fishing this time but it'll be priceless if I can just like when I caught more pheasants than the brothers. Besides it might be fair since Fredi and I will both be new to it. Plus the same way Blackie will help him I can get Jack to help me since it is a form of hunting.

"Sounds awesome. Well I want to see the northern lights. The wind river was beautiful but I've always wanted to see them lights dance in the sky. Bro, Huntress?"

"Um what are the northern lights?" I asked.

My interest was definitely piqued. I still remember the river from Wyoming. I know for a fact it was and is the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Yet, from the way Riva talked about the lights dancing makes it seem like it's a heavenly sight.

Before he can reply Roone speaks up. "Trust me, it is a heavenly sight. Don't get me wrong the river was amazing and especially with those stars but all the colors of the lights moving or dancing as my brother put it is unbeatable. I promise I'll take you where you can see them perfectly. As for me, I'd like to sleep in. No waking up the moment dusk hits, but just stay in bed until 10 pm or something, you know?"

Damn, I didn't know I said that last part out loud but I'm glad I did.

Oh God wouldn't that be nice. Few more hours of sleep and actually have a bed! Oh and no longer having to walk for the whole night. I want a piece of all three. But I also want something for myself. The boys give me time for my response. Then I'm hit with a perfect idea.

"Without a doubt I'd take a piece of all three of yours but I'd really like to visit any library they have. Maybe I can find more books that I like or the rest of the collection that you got for me Roone." I answered honestly. I can't remember all the books I once had in my home but that's ok. Maybe I can start a new collection. It'll all be for the first time again.

Riva beamed, "It's settled then. Once we get to Alaska and the town, we do each and every one of those things."

"You got it Riva."

"Sure thing bro."

"I'm in sweetie."

With that we say our good days and get our rest. No doubt all of us go to sleep thinking of the plans we just made. But of course so thinking about no longer having to travel evey single day. Also the main reason we were heading there in the first place. Two months of increased safety with the night. So close and too good to be true.

Sorry if this feels too much like a filler chapter. We're getting kinda close to the end and if I put this amongst another chapter it would just be too long so yeah. Feel free to leave a vote or comment if you guys are liking the story so far.