Before it Rings (Zombie Apocalypse AU) (NCT127)

Up In Arms

Chapter warnings: Mild language and mild graphic content

Word count: 1741

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Not even a week passed before Taeyong wanted to move on. He was concerned about the oncoming zombie hordes. Although he had no information on the location or direction of the hordes, Johnny was insistent that they had a few days. He had been out to scout the area more times than anyone else combined, and he gave them nearly two days' time to be up and out.

On a similar note, the wireless connection was the first to go, and Doyoung was the first to notice it. He notified Johnny immediately, and then again as soon as cell cut off. Johnny then noticed that the towns he was searching for supplies no longer had pressurized water. Society was very quickly falling to shit.

Despite his indication of two days to prepare, Taeyong was insistent on leaving. Although he was trusting Johnny's information on direction, he seemed to be in a much greater hurry than was necessary. Of course, it resulted in quite the argument.

"We have time, we need to be organized and precise." Johnny explained to him as they started to pack up.

"We won't always have time, though. We need to know how to be ready for an emergency situation."

"But shouldn't we do well when we have the chance? We'll deal with an emergency situation when one actually arises. Be prepared, not paranoid."

"Yes, well, maybe I'm concerned with all the extraneous systemic garbage you've put up."

"It's functional, you'll thank me for it later."

"No, I won't, because we're not doing it again."

"Who put you in charge?"

"No one! I'm not- look, it's just not practical. I-"

"Uh, guys?" A voice called from beside them. Spinning to face it and breaking up their argument, they saw Mark. He was on crutches, and clearly in pain, but it was still him. His legs were bandaged tightly in what appeared to be several first-aid wraps, and he was doing his best to keep it off the ground.

"Mark!" Taeyong practically shouted, moving to help support him. "What are you doing up? And where did you get these?"

"Johnny gave them to me-" He started to say as Taeyong spun again to continue fighting.

"You made him walk?!" Johnny put his hands up in defense.

"He was lying around and he felt useless. I figured some mobility would lift his spirits."

"That's not-"

"It's fine, really." Mark reassured him. "It was nice of him, I appreciate it." Taeyong was still unhappy with it, but didn't want to disagree with Mark. "Anyway, I saw you guys talking, and... with all due respect, shouldn't you be helping out?" This drew their attention to the camp.

Jaehyun and Yuta were trying to move a large box, Haechan was confusedly ripping apart a tent, Doyoung was furiously messing with some pile of strange plastic, WinWin was carrying things back and forth to put in the van from a pile that Taeil was creating- They were the only ones not working.

"Yeah... yeah I guess we should." Taeyong grumbled, giving Johnny a look like they'd talk about it later. And with that, they moved to help, leaving Mark to continue getting used to his second pair of legs.

It wasn't long before they were on the road again. Taeil was driving his own car, while Johnny drove the van. Taeyong was the only one who wanted to take the silver car, though. The rest chose to ride with Johnny. Taeil could sense how annoyed he was, but decided not to comment on it. That was none of his business.