Life during the apocalypse

5

As the days turned into weeks, Flame and I forged a bond born from shared loss and shared determination to survive. In the quiet moments we stole between scavenging for supplies and fortifying our sanctuary, we found solace in each other's company.

One evening, as we sat by the flickering light of a makeshift fire in a small house we were camping in, the topic turned to our lives before the apocalypse - to the families we had lost, the memories we cherished, and the dreams we had once held dear.

"You would have loved my family," I remarked, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "They were kind, loving - the kind of people who welcomed everyone with open arms."

Flame nodded in understanding, his gaze distant as he recalled his own family. "I bet," he replied softly, a hint of sadness shadowing his features. "My family would have probably liked you as well."

Flame began to share memories of his family - of his parents, who had always encouraged him to pursue his passions, and of his younger sister Lilly, whose laughter had filled their home with joy. He spoke of simple moments spent together - of shared meals, of laughter, of love.

Listening to Flame's stories, I felt a pang of empathy for the pain he had endured, the ache of loss that mirrored my own.

"My parents were the same," I echoed, a fond smile playing on my lips as I recalled the lessons and love they had imparted. "And Thorn - he's not just my brother, he's my best friend too. We've been through everything together."

Flame's smile was a beacon of reassurance in the darkness that surrounded his hand warm against my shoulder. "We'll find him," he promised, his voice steady and resolute. "I promise."

At that moment, as the weight of our shared grief seemed to lighten, I felt a renewed sense of hope blooming within me "Thank you" "For what?" "For giving me hope" I smiled. With Flame by my side, I knew that together, we would navigate the trials ahead, drawing strength from each other as we searched for Thorn.
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As we trekked through yet another town, seeking refuge in the shadow of crumbling buildings and deserted streets, Flame's words hung heavy in the air. "It looks like we're safe," he remarked, his voice tinged with cautious optimism.

But I couldn't shake the nagging sense of unease that gnawed at my insides. "We can't be so sure," I replied, my voice edged with uncertainty as I held my guns. "We never know what could happen."

Flame nodded in understanding, his gaze mirroring my wariness. Together, we ventured forth, eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger, any hint of the horrors that lurked just beyond our sight.

As we explored our new surroundings, we stumbled upon shelter - a temporary respite from the dangers that stalked us at every turn. And nearby, a store beckoned, its doors ajar, offering the promise of provisions to sustain us in the days to come.

"So, is your real name Dia?" Flame asked, his curiosity piqued by the name I had chosen for myself.

"It's a name I go by," I replied, a faint smile touching my lips. "My name is Diamond. As for Thorn, his actual name is Dragon, but he prefers Thorn."

Flame nodded in understanding, absorbing this new piece of information about me. And then, with a small smile of his own, he revealed his truth. "What about you? Is your real name Flame?"

"No," he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It's my survival name because I use flames to kill zombies. My real name is Matt."

"Matt? Sounds cool," I remarked, intrigued by the glimpse into his past. "Why go by your survival name?"

He shrugged nonchalantly. "I think it sounds cooler," he said simply, a playful glint in his eye. And in that moment, amidst the chaos and uncertainty of our world, I couldn't help but find a sense of camaraderie and companionship in the shared laughter and lightness of our conversation.

"Why Diamond and Dragon though?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

I shrugged, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Don't know," I admitted. "Our parents never told us why for Thorn's name, but for me it's because of my blue eyes. But I think his name sounds sick."

As we continued our journey through the desolate landscape, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the companionship and camaraderie that Flame - or Matt - had brought into my life. In a world where survival was uncertain and danger lurked around every corner, having someone to share the burden, to laugh with, and to rely on was a precious gift indeed. And for that, I was truly grateful.

(A/n these are the first pictures of Flame and Dia)