Amongst The Dead : C.H.

.All about Luke.

Even All Time Low couldn't break the awkward atmosphere rolling off us all. Luke seemed to notice this so he places his head on top of Blondie's lap, moving his head side to side causing his ears to slightly flop, his brown eyes shinning with playfulness to ease some of the tension. Chuckling, Blondie starts rubbing the spot behind Luke's ear finding his actions a sign that he wants some attention. Blondie takes this opportunity to ask me, "What's his name?" I smile at his clear interest in my best friend, "Luke, his name's Luke."

Dimples giggles finding the name funny soon meeting my eyes in the review mirror, "How'd that name come around?"
"It was a mutual decision."
"Are you sure your not a fan?" I scoff his ego clearly bigger than his already large head, "No. All you need to know is that we both decided to name him Luke."

Clifford speaks up hating my shallow responses, "You know it's not hard to give proper answers." He's right, but it's easier to let go if you don't become attached, so I bring up my non-famous rules. "Alright....let's get a few things straight here...ground rules if you'd like to call 'em. Number 1; no questions, 2; kill or be killed, 3; no one gets left behind and 4, follow all the above and no one becomes deadhead food."

Clifford scoffs, "That's fucking ridiculous...how do we know you're not a fucking psycho murderer?" I smile entertained by his bitterness, "Simple I saved your mates life and I haven't killed you yet...so don't be a jack-ass if you don't know my story."
"How can we know your 'story' when all you do is give us shallow answers and don't give us the chance to ask questions?!" His voice rose as he sends me daggers through the back of my seat.

"Apocalypse life tip...no attachments, you'll learn that the hard way." Giving up on the argument Clifford reclines back in his seat his mates sending each other questioning glances. Blondie averts his attention to Luke clearly sick of the bickering between Clifford and I. Keeping my eyes on the road ahead of me, I relax my body in my seat watching what deadheads remained in the area shuffle around, some still feeding on the bodies of people, blood and guts spoiling the road staining it red.

You'd think I'd cringe or feel a need to throw up, but after living with it for so long it becomes a natural sight and I want nothing more than to stop the car, get out and take my anger out on them using all the amo I have, but I can't we need these weapons now more than ever. The dark, lifeless city comes into view giving us no option. I've made it my job to protect these boys no matter how useless or clueless they are and I'm prepared to do what it takes. They don't belong out here like I do, they weren't made for this life like I am and I'm just lucky I have Luke beside me to help me through it all.

It's late afternoon, the sun hitting the horizon while it slowly set, city buildings becoming larger with every given kilometre that passes on the odometer. All the boys had fallen asleep a couple of hours ago leaning on each other or the windows. My ass is sore and my are eyes popping out of my head as sleep tries to set in (in which I refuse) from the long the drive.. 

Slowing the car down I check that all my weapons are within arms reach, spotting the fuel gage coming dangerously close to empty it's red light flashing wildly, "Boys wake the fuck up! Hurry up and prepare yourselves!" They all groan, their hatred and annoyance for me escalating with every word. Just as we reach the city's boarder line our car halts to a complete stop. I reach down in front of China's feet gathering all my weapons before turning to look at the boys once more, "Still got the weapons I gave you?" Each boy nods, taking their gun or knife out of their jeans, I nod back in approval, "Good you're gonna fucking need them."

We step out of the Lancer onto the empty street. I quickly hitch my weapons into their designed places, carrying my loaded Stryker Offspring so I can use it on our trek through, knowing more than anyone the consequences of not having a weapon equipped and ready for use. When I finish tucking everything away I command with authority, "Stay close, keep quiet and keep your guns or knives ready....follow me."

Luke understanding protocol follows right behind me watching both the boys and I making sure everyone kept tight. Sounds of shuffling feet makes me stop dead in my tracks causing China to crash into my back. I hold up my hand to silence the oncoming apology and whatever questions Blondie, Clifford and Dimples are bound to ask.