The Collapse of Mankind

Chapter Four, TCOM Part II

After slowly making their way back to the camp, Ellie and Alexis finally made it. It was a long journey. But Ellie learnt a lot about Alexis. She learned things that nobody else knew. Ellie was surprised that Alexis trusted her so much. After all, Ellie did save her life once. Ellie was also thrilled about the moment they shared on top of the burnt building. Now, Alexis was sure about how Ellie felt towards her. And she was happy. They both hoped they could share a moment like that again soon. Nick - who was on guard - noticed the two girls walking towards the entrance of the camp. He yelled down at Cisco, letting him know they were back.

Nick: Cisco! They're back.

Cisco ran out after hearing Nick shout to him. He pulled on the incredibly heavy gate and opened it for them. The two girls hurried in through the gate and helped him shut it. The infected dragged their feet towards the gate and tried to bite the three members of the group through the metal.

Ellie: Stupid fucking things.
Cisco: True. Did you get anything?
Alexis: Here's the situation. My old group-
Cisco: I didn't know your old group were still alive.
Alexis: No one did. Anyway, my old group-
Ellie: Who are complete assholes, may I add.
Cisco: Damn, what did they do?
Alexis: I'm getting to tha-
Ellie: Basically.
Alexis: Oh my god. Let me explain... please.

Alexis sighed in frustration because of her friends not letting her talk.

Alexis: We ran into my old group. Some shit happened. But we dealt with them. And forgot the firewood. But I can go out again tomorrow if you like and I can get more.
Cisco: You killed them?
Alexis: No. Infected got in the way and broke us all up.
Cisco: Well why didn't you kill them?
Alexis: I can't shoot somebody if I don't need to.
Cisco: Well they could have shot you! You should have fucking killed them. Now they're gonna come after us!
Ellie: Cisco, calm down. It all happened so fast. Okay? Besides, they're her old friends. She can't just kill them.
Alexis: Thank you, Ellie.

Cisco stormed away in anger at the thought of losing one of his group members for a stupid reason again. Ellie looked into Alexis' eyes and smiled.

Ellie: It's okay. He'll... sort himself out. He's just cranky today.

Ellie grabbed Alexis' hand and squeezed it gently.

Alexis: I know. I know. It's just... stressful.

Ellie smiled a little as Jessica approached the two girls. Ellie let go of Alexis' hand quickly, before Jess noticed. They both wanted to keep whatever it was going on between just them for a while. Until they knew for sure what was happening.

Jess: Hey, guys.
Ellie: Hey.
Jess: You get what you needed?
Alexis: Not really. But we've got it all under control.

Jessica nodded and smiled softly.

Jess: I'd better go and get some sleep. You guys should, too.

Jessica walked away from the two girls and headed towards her shared bedroom with Sophia and Nova. The beds had only a thin mattress and blanket. But it was better than nothing. Whereas Ellie and Alexis began walking to where they were going to sleep. The two sofas. The group all saw sleeping in a bedroom as a luxury. They all took turns sleeping on the sofa. It was Ellie and Alexis' turn. The group all said goodnight to one another and fell asleep shortly.

The next morning.

Nova walked into the kitchen. Her mood was low as always. She dug through the cupboards, slamming the doors shut as soon as she'd searched. Alexis, Ellie, Cisco and Nick were all sitting around the table, planning the next few days.

Nova: Fuck!

The group were doing all they could to ignore Nova. But Cisco couldn't. He groaned.

Cisco: Who spit in your cereal?
Nova: Shut up.

Cisco sighed. He was getting real sick of Nova being rude to everyone all the time.

Nova: Ellie. Come with me and Nick for a supply search. Nick said he saw a store about half a mile from here.

Ellie and Alexis looked over at one another, frowning a little. They'd rather stay at the camp with one another instead of separating again. Ellie sighed, standing up.

Nick: Wait. I don't wanna go.
Nova: You're coming. You have to show me the store.

Nick sighed.

Ellie: Okay. Lets go.

Nova smiled and began collecting weapons. Nick did the same, picking up a bottle of water whilst he was at it. Ellie had her machete on her back and her pistol in her pocket at all times. Also a knife in her belt loop for good measure. Nova exited the building first, Nick second and then Ellie last. Ellie felt a hand grab her's. She stopped walking and turned around. Alexis smiled, leaning forwards and kissing Ellie on the cheek.

Alexis: Come back safe.

Ellie nodded, letting go of Alexis' hand and following Nova and Nick away from the camp.