The Virus Within (Original rough draft)

Chapter 105

Luke was looking everywhere in interest as we ended the tour. Others also watched him in curiosity, but they were mindful to give him space. Luke hadn't shown any signs of discomfort or tension, which was surprising considering that he hadn't been around groups of people since he turned.

Nina asked, "There are several rooms in the secondary building open if you like. Each of the three floors has an empty room or two. The rooms are all the same. Daniel and I are on the main floor and Trinity is on the second floor. Do you have a preference as to which floor you wish to be on? You can always move later as well."

I smirked slightly. I knew that the main floor was not even on Luke's radar with Daniel down there. Luke scratched his head as he looked at me, "Mind if I stay on the same floor as you?"

We had managed to share my cabin for several weeks without snarling at one another, so I didn't see any issue with it. Both rooms beside mine were occupied, so I knew he wouldn't be right next door. That would make things easier on my instincts as well as on his.

I shrugged, "Fine by me, just keep in mind that Nicky is also on that floor and some mornings are louder than others."

Luke turned back to Nina, "If I could get a room on the second floor, I would appreciate it. If there is more than one empty room, then I would prefer whichever one is further from hers. The stuff in the cave can remain there for anyone else who wants to stay there."

Nina nodded happily, "Certainly. Let's just go drop word with a few bored people. I am sure we will have several volunteers if we ask for help moving things into your new room."

"I wouldn't want to impose on them. I can move things myself if I am shown where they are stored."

Nina nodded, but didn't reply. I knew that she or Daniel would manage it without Luke realizing it. We rounded a corner as we headed toward the main area. I now saw why we hadn't seen that many people for a while. They were all waiting here. Luke looked at the large crowd and for the first time seemed a bit uneasy, probably since they were clearly waiting for him.

Josh came forward with a friendly grin for Luke, "I hope you enjoyed your tour."

Luke slowly blinked his red eyes at the relaxed human and courteously responded, "I did, thank you. It seems very well set up from what I have seen."

"May I ask if you plan to stay? Things tend to be safer when there are sane zombies around if a feral shows up."

Luke nodded slowly, "I am hoping to stay here." He was just as taken aback with their welcoming demeanor as I had been. He also wasn't sure why such a crowd had gathered as if expecting some sort of showdown to occur. Perhaps he was guessing that they were about to kick him out.

The old carpenter grinned, "Glad to hear it. If you encounter any difficulties or need anything, just come find me. I am usually in the wood shop. Oh, did any of these friends of yours mention your house warming gift?"

Luke was caught off guard, "Uh... No they didn't. You didn't have to go to the trouble of getting me anything..."

Josh chuckled, "Everyone deserves a home warming gift of some sort. It is this way."

Josh started ambling toward the one gate. Luke was still somewhat in shock as he watched him go. I chuckled and walked up beside Luke, "I am pretty sure that he intended you to follow him."

My proximity and my words brought him out of his stunned trance. He shook his head to clear it and started heading after Josh. The rest of us followed them in anticipation. Luke was a bit confused as we went past the gate, but continued to walk beside Josh at a comfortable—for Luke—distance.