December 25th, 2023
Day Two
Mikey successfully convinced JJ to leave the living space today. Outside, someone had put up a banner saying "Merry fucking Christmas;" clear sarcasm, and that was when JJ remembered that today would've been Christmas, and Christmas Eve was yesterday.
"This year has been so eventful." JJ recalled. "The zombie apocalypse started and ended in January, and I've been in jail for the remaining ten months. I've never had time to think about any of the holidays."
And now, he wouldn't have to. Ever again.
"I like Christmas." Mikey was staring at the banner too. "You know, if we had been able to spend this one together, then it would've been our first as true partners. It makes me sad. When you were in jail, there were two holidays that I had to spend alone. This time, I was looking forward to enjoying a holiday as important as this with you. But now, with all this going on, I guess it just isn't possible."
"I'm going to make up for all that lost time." JJ mumbled, tightening his grip on Mikey's hand. "For these last nineteen days, I'm only to spend time with you, and nobody else. That's why I'm so hesitant about being out here... all these distractions. Banana Kid and Carrie count as them too."
"Oh JJ, don't say that, they're your friends - we haven't seen them in so long!"
"That doesn't matter."
"..."
"When you said you'd be back soon," Carrie came out of the house as they arrived. "I didn't expect to see you a whole day later. Regardless, we're glad you both could make it - come inside."
JJ stopped walking.
"This isn't a good idea." He side-eyed the hallway far behind him as he spoke. "We should go back. I like it when it's just you and me, and there's nobody to-"
"JJ," Mikey gave him a desperate look. "Isolating yourself like that isn't healthy, even when you're with me. Believe me when I say that you'll have a better chance at enjoying yourself when you're with your friends. Carrie and Banana Kid? They just want to see you. It's been so long since they have. Carrie has methods she wants to tell you about that will help you maintain your stress, and I really think that-"
"I don't want to do this." JJ stated firmly, making sure Carrie heard it from where she was standing. "I don't want to be around anyone else besides you, Mikey. Why can't you understand that?"
"I do, but-" Mikey was starting to get intimidated by the absolute passion in his eyes. "I just want you to try this out. Maybe being around more people, especially your friends, will make you feel at peace. Your mental health, wherever it's going now, might get better. Being surrounded by people who care about you might ease the pain."
"You care about me, and that's all that matters."
"JJ, please-"
"It's alright." Carrie intervened, walking over and touching Mikey's arm reassuringly. "If he's not feeling up to it, then it would be wrong to force it on him. Maybe we can try again another day."
Mikey sighed in defeat. "I guess you're right."
JJ's eye twitched as he eyed Carrie touching Mikey, intensity flaring in his chest for a short moment, but he ignored it once it went away.
"Before you two leave," Carrie continued. "Can you come inside for a minute, Mikey? Me and Banana Kid want to talk to you about something."
Mikey looked over hesitantly at JJ. "Are you okay with that?"
