The Apocalypse [Dreamnotfound AU]

The Ambush

Tw: swearing, mild angst

"So what's the plan?" Karl asks. He's sitting on the floor beside Sapnap, an arm slung casually around his shoulders, a smile tugging at his lips. But Bad catches the slight tremble in his voice, the way he curls his hands into fists. "Are we gonna ambush them or something?"

Techno winces a little, and Bad catches that too. Skeppy taps him on the shoulder aggressively and, when Bad glances at him, he mouths, backstory. Bad just rolls his eyes, and hits him lightly on the arm. Focus, he mouths back.

"They've probably already cleared the place of zombies," Techno's saying. "But they'll have defenses that we have to watch out for."

Techno pauses, and Bad looks around at the group. Dream is silent, his eyes troubled, his face pale. Even Sapnap is quieter than usual, and Techno doesn't seem his usual self.

Bad takes a deep breath. Someone needs to take over, if the others can't.

"Okay," he says, stepping forward. His face warms as he feels everyone's attention on him. But then, Skeppy takes his hand gently and, when Bad looks back at him, he nods reassuringly. Bad's heart squeezes in his chest as he nods back, turning to the group.

"Montero's been working on a plan to get to the community center, right?" Bad asks, and Montero nods in confirmation. "So, we need to split up and get ready for the ambush, or whatever we're calling it."

"It's definitely an ambush," Karl states, and Skeppy nods in agreement, even as Techno rolls his eyes.

Bad looks around at all of them again, this time wondering who's up to doing what. "Well, Sapnap and Dream, you're staying here. For obvious reasons."

"What?" Dream asks, looking like he's just snapped out of a daze. "Why would I stay here?"

"To watch over Sapnap," Bad clarifies, giving him a pointed look. "And to help Montero plan for the ambush."

Dream just stares at him for a minute, and Bad wonders if he understands that it's for his sake. But then, he seems to relax a little, his eyes warming enough that Bad can see the gratitude there. He nods, and so do Montero and Sapnap.

"Me and Skeppy are gonna go and search the school for any weapons we can find," Bad continues. "Just in case we need them." Skeppy squeezes his hand in confirmation. "Karl and Quackity, you guys can search for the best exit from the school. There might still be a bunch of zombies out there, so be careful. And Techno..."

"I'll clear the rest of the zombies from the school," Techno says, giving Bad a half-smile. "Or as many of them as I can."

"Okay, great," Karl says, clapping his hands. "We have a plan. Let's do this."

And just like that, the others start to ready up.

Bad lets out a breath. His blood is thrumming with adrenaline and he still can't believe that he actually managed to come up with decent plan on the spot.

"Good job, Bad," Techno says, stopping by him and Skeppy. "It's a good plan."

Bad's face heats. "Of course it is," he mumbles, and Skeppy smirks at him, like he can tell how flustered he is.

Techno studies them, hesitating like he's not sure what to say. "About the guys at the community center..."

"You don't need to tell us, if you don't want to," Bad assures him. Skeppy's eyes are wide as he turns slowly to Bad like he can't believe what he's saying. "You'll tell us when you're ready. Or if it's important."

Techno smiles. "Thanks, guys. You're good friends."

"Any time," Skeppy mutters, shooting daggers at Bad. But his cheeks are more flushed than usual, and he grins at Techno before he leaves.