Take Us Back (1D)

A Plan

But it has to happen.







It is dark.

We had all said our good nights. I waited two hours to make sure everyone was asleep.

"Guys?" I whisper, testing if anyone is awake. No answer.

I pick up my backpack and tread slowly to the kitchen.

I put my hand on the door and push it forward. My breath catches when the door squeaks. I glance around to see if was stirring. The moonlight bounces off of each of the boy's faces. When the coast it clear, I push the door further and slip inside the kitchen.

I try to unzip my pack quietly, but every move I make seems to cause a din. I open a few cupboards before finding the canned food. I slip 3 cans onto the bottom of my backpack, when the fourth clanks onto the others. I hiss and close my eyes in fear and frustration.

I stood frozen, listening for a sign that one of them might have woken up. I resume to deed once I hear 3 sets of snoring.

I grab the cool metal zipper, slowly tugging it closed. The zipper zurrs in the silence.

"Ray?" Liam called from outside the kitchen. My heart leaps out of my chest. Liam spoke my name again, getting closer to where I was. "Are you alright?"

I shove my backpack in the cupboard under the sink.

"I-i was just looking for the door. I need to relieve myself?" I answered, unsure, as the door was being pushed open. Liam walks in, rubbing his sleepy eyes.

"Do you want me to show you the way?" He asks.

"I think I'll wait until morning. It's a little creepy out there. Thanks, though Liam."

"Okay," he yawns. His hands move down to his tattered, white tank top. "It's pretty chilly," he shivers. "Do you want to bunk with me for the night?"

I hesitated.

"Sure."







"Liam," I heard. "We're running low in antibiotics. I just did inventory on the medicine. I'll check food next."

I kept my eyes closed because they still think I'm asleep. I felt my heart skip when Zayn said he'd be checking inventory on the food.

I flutter my eyes open to make it seem like I have just woken up.

"Hey." Liam says with me in his arms.

"Morning." I say so Liam and Zayn.

"Uh... You should probably move before Harry wakes up." Zayn says to me, furrowing his brow.

"Okay?" I say, standing up and smoothing out my clothes. "I'll go to the other booth, I guess."
When I sit down in the booth across the room, Zayn approaches me.

"Sorry...about that. It's just that Harry gets jealous easily."

"What could he possibly be jealous of?" I look up at Zayn. He scratches the back of his neck, averting his eyes.

"Well... He just--"

"Morning." Harry's voice echoes through the room. Zayn sighs in relief.

"Hey." Zayn, Liam, and I chorus.

"So, Harry. Zayn says that we're running low on antibiotics..." Liam and Harry engage in their own conversation.

"So...Zayn... How do you check what food you have in stock?"

"I just count what cans we have, and subtract the difference from how many we had last time we did inventory. It tells us if any food has disappeared, or if we're eating too much."

"Do...do you need help?"

"Sure." A smile plays at his lips.




"You can check that shelf." He points to a shelf with chipped white paint. I nod.




23 cans.




I took 6.




"How many do you have?" Zayn asks.

"Um... 29." I lie.

"Cool. I think we're good on food." He smiles again. He seems to be in a good mood...or at least a better one than before.

"Hey guys," Liam pokes him head through the door. "Wanna come out here for the run down?"

"Sure."





"Okay, since we're running low on antibiotics, I thought Harry and I could manage a trip to town." Liam explains.

"We don't know how long you'll be staying, Ray. You're welcome to stay as long as you want," Harry blushes. "But it's your choice whether you want to come with us."

I was about to respond, but Zayn cut me off.

"Guys, it's dangerous out there. Usually Liam and I make the runs together, but since you're going, I think Ray and I should stay and finish inventory, maybe clean up a little?"

"O-okay." Harry agrees. "Are you okay with that, Ray?"

"Yeah. You guys will be careful though, right?"

"Yeah, Ray. Don't worry about us. I've done this a few times before. We'll gear up on guns and knives. The town isn't too far; we'll be in and out." Liam touches my arm. I nod again.

"When will you be heading out?" Zayn asks.

"As soon as possible."




"See you guys. Be safe." I tell the two. Harry surprises me by gathering me in his arms.

"I will be." He says quietly and kisses my ear. My face flushes red and I can feet the heat coursing through my veins.

Liam also hugs me, but not for long. We say our goodbyes, and when the door closes, it feels almost silent.

I look to Zayn.

"So, what do we need to check on now?"

"Just flashlights and good batteries, but now that Harry and Liam have gone, one of us should take watch."

"Okay. You or me?"

"You had watch recently, so I'll take it. All you have to do is count the flashlight and test if they're okay, then check our extra batteries. They should be under the sink. I can show you." He starts to walk.

"No," I respond a little too quickly and grab his arm. "I know where it is."

He looks are me strangely. "Um...okay."


Phew.




Once in the kitchen, I peak out the serving window to catch a glimpse of Zayn. He is looking out the outside window, deep in thought. Every once in a while his jaw tenses, but I don't think he'll look over here.

I pull my back pack out from under the sink and look for a spot. I slip it between an old fridge and the wall. This will have to do for now.

Time to count flashlights. Sigh.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 flashlight. I click on each one.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 work.

19 batteries.

19 that work.

I scribble my notes onto a piece of paper.

"Hey Za--" I stop because Zayn pushes a single finger against his lips. He signals me over to the window, and points out.

I walk over and peak through the wooden boards, where there are 25 or more walkers outside. They are all shuffling straight towards the town.

"Zayn," I whisper. "They're going in the same direction and Harry and Liam."

"Shit. Shit. Shit." He panics. After a silence, he speaks. "Maybe we can lead them away? We really need those supplies, and these walkers just put Harry and Liam in danger."

"How would we do that?"

Zayn thinks. "We could draw them away with sound! I have a motorcycle that makes a lot of noise! We could use it to lead them away."

"How would we get back quietly?"

"Do you drive?" I nod. "Then you can drive Liam's car behind me. We can ditch my motorcycle a mile from here, and use the car to take another route back." He sees the doubt in my expression. "It's for the safety of Harry and Liam. They're strong, but I don't think they can handle ten or more of those things at once." He reached for my shoulder, and runs his fingers down my arm. When his fingers reach mine, he grasps them. "Nothing will happen to us. If we don't so this, Harry and Liam are at risk. Please don't let me lose my best friends."

I remove my eyes from the floor and look into his concerned eyes.

"What about your motorcycle? Will we just leave it there forever?"

"We'll go back for it. Don't worry, Ray. I'd rather have my best friends than a motorcycle."

"Okay." I agree.

A smile breaks out on his face.

"Thank you!" He exclaims. He pulls me into a hug, dropping my hand.

Yep. Zayn was definitely in a strange mood.

Well.

This'll be interesting.



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AUTHOR'S NOTE: PLEASE READ!

Hey guys! So.. I just updated XD

I haven't italicized or edited anything yet, so please be patient with me. Please point out any mistakes I've made, or if I've confused you.

Aaaaaand WHO DO YOU SHIP RAY WITH???

I also want to ask, how come my writing in English class is so quality, but when I sit down to write fanfiction, I feel like it's crap? Omg I don't understand.

Anyway, I shall edit and italicize tomorrow.

I lub you all.


Love,
Zaynsiphone