Apocalypse [Pentatonix AU | Kavi / Scomiche]

Chapter 27 - Reconciliation

"They're behind us," Kirstie said, breathing an enormous sigh of relief and removing her fingernail, that she had bitten down out of anxiety, from her mouth.

"I knew they'd be fine," Avi said, more to himself than her.

"Did they leave Travis?"

"Probably."

"What about Kevin and Alyssa? They're not behind us."

"They probably got out first. They'll be fine. They are fine."

A silence enveloped the car, filled with tension. Kirstie returned to biting her nails, and Avi kept his eyes focused on the road in order to distract himself. Neither of them could comprehend the full impact of what had happened.

Matt was dead. Travis was dead. The prison was gone. The group was torn apart.

In only ten more minutes they arrived at the church, pulling into the gravel driveway. Kevin and Alyssa's trailer was parked in front of them, but abandoned. The couple had clearly already made their way inside.

"I'm sorry, by the way," Avi said, turning off the car. "About Matt."

Kirstie shook her head, eyes clouded. "I was kind of looking for a way out of that relationship anyway," she mumbled, but immediately looked at him as if in shock. "Oh my god. That's the most horrible thing I've ever said."

They stared at each other for only a moment until...

Laughter. Inexplicably, they burst into obnoxious laughter that echoed in unison. They sat there, just laughing louder than they had in years. Laughing and laughing until tears formed in their eyes and their stomachs hurt.

It didn't last long at all though before it faded, and the direness of the situation reemerged. Kirstie and Avi stayed staring at each other, looking deep into one another's eyes.

And suddenly Avi couldn't take it anymore. Slowly and cautiously, he cupped his hand around the nape of her neck, running his fingers in small, comforting circles. He heard her breath catch in her throat as her eyes drifted down to his lips. Steadily Avi leaned in until their lips pressed, sending bolts of electricity down both their spines.

Kirstie tasted like honey, and holy shit was she a good kisser. Instantly her hands were in his hair, tugging just enough to allow a throaty groan to pass from his lips to hers. He wanted to take it further, wanted her to climb on top of him, recline his seat all the way down, press himself against her gorgeous body. But for now, this was enough.

All too soon they pulled apart, Avi running his fingertips across her jawline then down her neck. She was so stunningly beautiful.

"Kirstie, I am so so sorry. For everything. Jessica's death was not your fault, and I-"

Her finger was atop his lips as she shushed him with a smile. "We've both said things we didn't mean, we've both made mistakes. All of it's in the past. The prison is gone, that life has disappeared forever. Let's only keep the good memories, forget the shitty ones. Let's start over."

Avi grinned, pausing. "Hi."

"Hi."

"I'm Avi Kaplan."

"I'm Kirstie Maldonado."

"Can I tell you something, Kirstie Maldonado?"

"Anything."

"I think I'm falling in love with you."

"Hey, Avi Kaplan?"

"Yeah?"

"I think I'm falling in love with you too."

Their eyes were both glimmering, smiles pulling at their lips. Avi would've leaned in again if it weren't for the sound of a car pulling into the driveway next to them.

After giving her one last meaningful look Avi turned, opening his car door and making his way across the gravel toward Mitch and Scott. He realized he was still beaming, which wasn't good. He'd practically forgotten about the current situation, about the fact that Mitch's boyfriend had been ripped apart just moments ago. The thought alone allowed him to grow solemn.

Avi met Scott first, and the two wrapped their arms around one another, holding each other close. No words were spoken, but they weren't needed. Scott breathed a heavy sigh before pulling away and giving Avi a light pat on the shoulder.

Avi watched Kirstie rush over to Mitch, who was still slowly making his way out of the car. She wrapped her frail arms around his neck, crying silently into his shoulder and seemingly mouthing the words 'I'm so sorry' repeatedly. Mitch's expression remained placid and emotionless, as if he'd left himself back at the prison yard and now only a ghost remained.

The foursome then made their way into the small church and down the pews toward the altar, where Kevin and Alyssa were speaking in low voices. The pair were sat alone, but after the four had entered the room they quickly stood, exchanging hugs.

Everyone then remained quiet for some time, and Avi continued to look at Mitch. His expression, empty and detached, was truly haunting. Finally Scott took a long breath.

"We lost two very good people today," he began, "as well as the place that had provided us shelter, the place I know many of us have come to know as home. It's devastating, truly. But we can't just stop moving. We can't give up. Matt and-" he cleared his throat, eying Mitch cautiously. "Matt and Travis, they wouldn't have wanted that. They died for us today, and now it becomes our duty to honor that sacrifice. Honor it in the only way we can, which is to continue to survive. Unfortunately, that's much easier said than done. So we need a plan."

"Do you have something in mind?" Avi asked.

"Nothing long term, nothing substantial. Does anyone else have anything?"

"Well we can't stay here," Kevin said. "Alyssa and I were talking. Back when we were living on the road, we'd camp out alongside highways. All of them are filled with broken down cars at this point, and for some reason the walkers seem to avoid the main roads. As long as we have someone keeping watch, we should be fine camping out until we form a real plan."

The group was nodding. "You're sure it's safe?" Scott inquired.

"Well, no," Kevin smiled sadly. "But if we're talking about survival, it's a start."

"Alright then," Scott said. "We'll get a good night's sleep here, then leave first thing tomorrow morning. Camp out for as long as needed, then start making a real plan. Everyone in agreement?" The group nodded, with the exception of Mitch, who still didn't seem as if he were even listening. "Okay. It's going to be rough from now on. Prepare yourselves for the worst."