Zombie Soap 2: Conspiracy

Four

I'm really not much for content warnings or whatever, but for those with innocent eyes, there's definitely...an intimate moment at the end.

Diego

Something wasn't right about this place.

It was too well run and organized while the staff treated everyone like they were inferior. Unlike Jayson, he didn't voice his concerns out loud over dinner, but he couldn't blame him for his terse responses either.

John Whittaker's suite was disgustingly extravagant with enough space to fit thirty people inside the living area alone. Hell, he could probably squeeze his entire house from South Phoenix in this room. Mahogany furniture filled the room with expensive carpeting and leather chairs. Diego was almost disappointed the dishes weren't made of gold.

Everyone but Taylor seemed uncomfortable and awkward as they ate. If anything, he seemed resigned, but it was obvious he'd grown up in this environment while Diego's mother often worked several jobs for less than a fair wage just to put food on the table. As much as he liked Taylor and his down-to-Earth nature, it was difficult not to resent him.

That is, until Taylor struggled to cut his meat with one hand and it flew off his plate. Diego snorted and reached across to help the technical genius with his food. "Let me."

Taylor's ears turned a light shade of pink as he set his utensils down with a clatter and let Diego take the plate. "I'd like to see you do this with one hand," he muttered.

Jayson smirked as Monica hid a smile behind her glass of water. To be fair, Taylor was probably struggling with everything right now, but it was cute. Diego wondered if that's why a short beard had already grown in and Taylor just hadn't bothered to attempt to shave. Given John's appearance, the facility had access to razors, so it wasn't like they couldn't shave. It was something Diego looked forward to once he had access to his own quarters, though he secretly hoped Taylor didn't ditch the facial hair. It added a maturity to his round, youthful face, and he imagined running his hands through it when they were alone later. One thing that hadn't changed over the past week was his desire for him, and he hoped now that they could pursue something more meaningful than a one night stand.

As Diego cut Taylor's food, John took that moment to break the ice. "So I'm going to be honest," he said, setting his fork down and settling his gaze directly on Diego. "I already have files on Jayson and Monica since I've been tracking my son after we parted ways, but I know nothing about you. What did you do before everything happened?"

"Way to stalk us," Jayson mumbled under his breath. Something thumped beneath the table, making him think Monica kicked him from the other side, especially when they glared at each other.

Taylor ducked his head and slumped in his chair, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else. "Dad..."

If Diego was going to date American royalty, be may as well be upfront about himself. "I was a police officer for the Chandler P.D."

"And when did you meet Taylor?"

"The day of the apocalypse. He rescued me from the cab of a truck while I was surrounded. He also insisted on trying to find my mother even though it proved to be impossible."

John's eyes crinkled as he smiled at his son, who didn't smile back. Instead, Taylor continued to stare down at his lap, refusing to speak or acknowledge the man. The poor kid hadn't been lying when he said things were bad between them. Not that Diego blamed him, but it was clear John really wanted to fix their broken bridge.