# BURYGRIEF .

𝐢𝐟     𝐲𝐨𝐮     𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭    𝒈𝒆𝒕     𝒊𝒕     ᵒᶠᶠ     ʸᵒᵘʳ    ᶜʰᵉˢᵗ    ,    𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐥𝐥    𝙽𝙴𝚅𝙴𝚁     𝐛𝐞    𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞     𝒕𝒐     𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆.

[azoraahai]

Jessica Alba as Nancy McKenna in L.A.’s Finest (1.03)

[mykas]

“ well i'm not too sure if you know this hobbs, but valuables ? they're heavy . . . i'm not looking to blow my back out twenty minutes before my shift, ” tone wavers slightly between teasing & serious, although a smile peaks through as micah's foot extends, gently nudging the box into the apartment, leaving it within the corner –– they'd deal with it later. it's what micah admired about their relationship, how there wasn't much animosity . . . or really anything negative when it came to spending time with one another. always civil, equal parts entertaining & comforting, even if they'd never fully admit that. micah doesn't want hobbs's ego getting any bigger. “ and anyway, i doubt you know what valuable means. no offence, but your priorities are kinda all over the place. ” they say in passing, brushing against male to push front door shut & return to spot between hobbs and sam's bedroom door. despite slight change in tone, micah's left with a brow risen & grin settling on lips, indicating yet again, they didn't really mean their words. it's comforting, at least they could admit that. and it's further proved when he suggests leaving, as with turn, micah's shaking her head. “ don't be stupid, you can stay, ” shrugs, taking toothbrush from lips to wave it dramatically in time words, adding some so called emphasis. “ don't mind you being here –– and i would've come by . . . just got busy. ” another slight smile, taking a moment to analyse. “ make yourself at home, you know where stuff is, right ? ”

[burygrief]

“    i   mean   ,   you   were   a   couple   weeks   ago.    ”     the   joke   comes   naturally   ,   conclusion   of   it   hidden   behind   a   smile   that   soon   gets   wiped   away   when   he   turns   to   occupy   himself   with   looking   at   a   few   pieces   of   furniture   that   HE   DIDN’T   RECOGNIZE   immediately.   maybe   he   just   wasn’t   as   observant   as   he   really   thought   he   was   when   it   came   to   their   apartment.     “    my   priorities   ?   please   ,   i   think   you’re   delusional.    ”     micah   was   right   ,   though   ,   even   if   he’d   never   have   the   gall   to   admit   it.   the   awkward   part   of   their   relationship’s   end   had   came   and   gone   fast   ,   probably   within   a   day   or   so   . . .   and   that   time   was   spent   away   from   each   other   anyway   ,   so   hobbs   didn’t   really   have   to   worry   about   that.   this   felt   like   just   another   day   ,   not   bittersweet   nor   sad   ,   but   just   another   mundane   thing   to   be   tasked   with   prior   to   them   continuing   on   with   their   schedules.     “    oh   ,   too   busy   for   me   ,   huh.   i   see   how   it   is.    ”     hobbs   would   consider   them   to   be   friends   still   ,   not   really   wanting   to   make   anything   too   rough   or   weird   for   either   them   because   ,   honestly   ,   there   was   just   no   time   for   it.     “    yeah   ,   yeah.   i   think   i   have   a   couple   shirts   here   ,   by   the   way.   i   was   gonna   grab   them   before   i   left.    ”

[idi0tproverbs]

    alfie  chuckles.  indeed,  a  foreign  thing  when  considering  the  current  state  of  the  world.  but  he  wasn’t  considering  it.  he  was  starting  to  accept  (  as  if  he  or  anyone  had  much  of  a  choice  )  that  for  the  foreseeable  future,  this  would  be  life.  they  might  as  well  make  the  best  of  it.    ❝  oh,  i  like  that.  man,  i’m  gonna  miss  reality  tv.  ❞    he  shakes  his  head,  remembering  those  days  when  he’d  be  so  beat  and  tired  and  wanted  nothing  more  than  to  distract  himself  with  the  very  ridiculous  problem  of  other  people.    ❝  what  about  you,  miss  rita?  will  you  miss  anything  superficial?  ❞    her  hard  work  had  not  go  unnoticed.  if  anybody  required  a  distraction,  she  certainly  deserved  it.  

[burygrief]

rita   had   learned   very   quickly   to   cherish   the   little   things   in   life.   she   was   a   grateful   person   before   the   outbreak   ,   but   it   was   only   a   matter   of   time   before   that   feeling   dwindled   completely.   there   was   a   lot   of   pessimism   and   dread   that   came   with   their   current   state   ,   but   there   was   also   joy   that   came   with   the   mundane   things   –   simple   conversations   ,   a   cup   of   coffee   ,   still   having   to   go   to   work   when   the   world   was   falling   apart.   it   was   all   stuff   that   was   SO   NORMAL   before   ,   but   it   still   felt   like   brand   new   territory   now.     “    well   ,   if   we’re   talking   about   shows   . . .   i   gotta   say   i’ll   miss   my   nightly   jeopardy   reruns.    ”     rita   flashed   another   brief   smile   ,   shaking   her   head   as   she   thought   for   a   moment   longer.     “    i   don’t   know.   there’s   a   lot   i’ll   miss   ,   i   think.   shopping   in - person   might   be   one   of   them   ,   as   dumb   as   that   sounds.    ”

[bvstonbound]

grace felt the COLD rush over her skin like ice down the back of her shirt, hearing about the disappearance of a face she knew well enough to put a name to. holland. was she gone or was she dead ? did the distinction matter in times like these ? there was no contacting those far away the same way there was no contacting the dead ( unless, of course, one could consider " contact " the larger, blunt end of grace's bat and " the dead " as the once-human monsters that surrounded them all ). " dead or missing ? " grace finally asked, tone unwavering, with knowledge that the chances were slim hobbs knew the answer either. they could both guess. the worst part was that grace was fucking FREEZING and regardless of the answer, if the woman wasn't coming back, she was conveniently around grace's size. with a guilty conscience, she might just raid a closet for a more winter-appropriate coat that wasn't in tatters or burned or even a pair of mittens, a beanie, earmuffs -- anything that might keep her warm.

[burygrief]

her   question   causes   a   hesitance   in   both   his   words   and   his   demeanor   ,   leaving   hobbs   with   little   wiggle   room   to   recover   from   a   situation   he’d   put   himself   into.   THERE   WASN’T   MUCH   TO   SAY.   hobbs   barely   knew   facts   ,   let   alone   needed   to   make   educated   guesses   at   the   tabs   that   were   supposed   to   be   kept   on   the   survivors.   some   people   left   on   their   own   ,   some   just   disappeared.   it   felt   like   half   of   them   vanished   into   thin   air   without   so   much   as   a   goodbye   half   the   time.   still   ,   the   male   just   shrugs   briefly   and   allows   a   heaviness   to   breach   the   cold   air   that   sat   between   them.     “    just   gone.   that’s   all   i   know.    ”   

he   wasn’t   trying   to   provoke   people   to   do   things   that   required   them   to   become   morally   ambiguous.   in   the   end   ,   what   other   people   did   was   up   to   them.   planting   seeds   in   their   head   ?   well   ,   that’s   not   on   purpose   ,   but   it   wasn’t   a   crime   to   offer   SUGGESTIONS.   at   least   in   his   mind.   if   someone   else   didn’t   take   his   offer   ,   hobbs   was   afraid   he’d   become   a   blanket   hoarder   on   his   own.

[untemperd]

it was cold , practically freezing. wintertime in boston was not an easy foe to battle year by year--- especially given the califorinan blood that burned through her veins that craved scorching sunlight rather than crystallized rain. but even though their hands trembled and goosebumps ran a path down their back , maple liked it. with rations of coffee and matcha and other sweet tasting sources of caffeine running low and out, it was the cold keeping them alert. therefore maple didn't bother with a heavier coat and instead let the winter chill make a home in their bones. “ i already have a jacket , ” maple responds nonchalant , eyes flickering towards hobbs before returning to what had caught their attention and put them at a stand still in the hallway. with a pale , shaking finger maple raised it up towards the glass and drew a FROWN over the frosted smiley face someone had left on the window. “ and you're going to scare someone talking like that, or turn this place into a frenzy of who can get their hands on what first. ”

[burygrief]

the   complex   had   enough   problems   as   it   was   –   defrosting   those   in   pertinent   roles   would   only   cause   more   than   just   subtle   drawbacks.   hobbs   was   ,   by   no   means   ,   assigned   to   make   sure   everybody   was   taken   care   of.   if   it   were   up   to   him   ,   he   really   couldn’t   care   less   about   how   other   people   felt   ,   but   their   health   was   vital   to   the   upkeep   of   the   rest   of   the   group.   maybe   that’s   why   he’d   been   SO   ADAMANT   about   trying   to   keep   people   as   warm   as   possible.   the   more   everybody   else   cooperated   ,   the   less   he   had   to   worry   about.     “    boston   winters   were   rough   enough   as   it   was   before.   you’ll   die   of   frostbite   for   being   so   stubborn.    ”     narrowed   eyes   meet   her   figure   ,   sweatshirt   on   his   own   body   barely   enough   to   keep   himself   from   turning   into   a   statue   at   the   slightest   wind   chill.   wooden   boards   weren’t   exactly   great   at   keeping   the   cold   out   when   it   came   to   the   windows   they   had   to   close   up.   gaze   shifts   between   them   and   the   window   briefly.     “    people   aren’t   that   desperate   yet   ,   but   i   appreciate   the   advice.    ”

[idi0tproverbs]

    he  feels  his  stomach  drop.  realizing  there  was  another  way  to  save  themselves  from  this  no  -  heater  predicament.  and  jj  cannot  help  but  despise  themself  for  how  quickly  the  suggestion  has  enamored  their  attention.  how  badly  he  wants  to  break  into  some  random  lady’s  floor  and  steal  her  shit.  

    without  missing  a  beat,  jj  gives  hobbs  another  look.  a  good  intentioned  one,  as  if  to  say  to  him,  are  you  thinking  what  i’m  thinking  you’re  thinking?   ❝  well,  then.  ❞    he  rubs  his  hands  together,  exhaling  rather  harder  than  he  expected  to.  ❝  you  didn’t  have  any  plans  for  tonight,  did  you?  ❞    they  look  him  up  and  down,   ❝  i  feel  like  you  could  use  a  wardrobe  change  anyway.  unless  .  .  .  you  want  to  race  for  the  quilt?  ❞    and  it  feels  rather  inappropriate  to  make  a  light  hearted  comment  about  it.  as  if  there  wasn’t  a  possibility  a  monstrous  thing  could  be  awaiting  them  behind  a  simple  door. 

[burygrief]

before   the   outbreak   ,   hobbs   was   considerably   normal.   he   didn’t   stray   much   from   the   law   ,   didn’t   have   much   of   a   bad   streak   in   him   ,   but   PEOPLE   CHANGED   when   adversity   arose.   that   much   was   obvious   as   soon   as   he   got   the   slightest   hint   of   freedom   in   this   new   world.   

the   look   given   is   returned   ,   brows   raised   in   the   slightest   –   suggestive   –   as   the   male   shrugged.     “    not   any   that   i’m   aware   of   ,   no.    ”     sleep   was   something   to   be   caught   up   on   ,   but   it   could   wait.   MOST   THINGS   COULD.   besides   ,   what   kind   of   sleep   would   it   be   if   he’d   be   freezing   the   entire   time   ?   pointless.   eyes   dropped   at   the   comment   ,   scoff   falling   out   of   pure   offense   while   hobbs   tugged   at   the   bottom   of   his   shirt   briefly.     “    what’s   wrong   with   this   ?    ”     he   feigns   complete   interest   in   their   current   conversation   ,   but   something   childlike   awakens   in   him   upon   the   realization   that   they   could   have   a   burst   of   fun   for   once.   still   ,   hobbs   keeps   himself   composed.     “    i   don’t   really   have   anything   different   from   what   i’m   wearing   . . .   style - wise   ,   i   mean.    ”

[burygrief]

OPEN TO everyone. LOCATION a hallway , who's surprised.

“   you’re   NOT  . . .   ”   lips   press   together   ,   frustration   manifesting   in   the   form   of   furrowed   brows   and   a   tongue   that   he   has   to   bite   down   on   to   prevent   from   slipping.   eyes   move   towards   everyone   else   ,   the   chaos   that   had   BROKE   THROUGH   momentary   peace   as   hobbs   lowers   his   voice.   “   you’re   not   listening   ,   okay   ?   ”

hand   lifts   ,   finger   swiping   just   beneath   his   nose   and   across   his   upper   lip   before   his   arm   extends   to   tug   them   closer   to   a   small   nook   off   the   hallway   -   A   MOMENT   OF   SOLITUDE   WHILE   HELL   ROSE   TO   THE   SURFACE.   hobbs   doesn’t   know   what   to   say.   the   truth   ?   no   ,   fuck   that.   “   in   case   you   haven’t   heard   ,   we’re   at   the   end   of   the   fucking   world.   people   are   gonna   die , that's inevitable.   now   can   you   get   a fucking   grip   ,   please   ?   ”   totally   normal   ,   hobbs.   great   job   at   comforting   someone   else.

[kingofthepitt]

Told you there’s not much to see.

[delfinafrancis-deactivated20230]

It was interesting to see how everyone coped with the world turning upside on its head. Taught from a very young age, remaining pragmatic and observant was the way to go about things when they were seemingly out of one's control. It's how she was able to adapt every two to three years when she left one town for the next. Being immersed in a new military home and community of people, each with diversifying traits, habits, and commonalities. Why be consumed by the unknown? That energy was better used elsewhere. So, she remained level-headed while those around her started to unravel bit by bit. With some people missing from the meeting, she decided to go backdown and take a look over things to see if she missed something earlier.

"Sorry Rita, didn't mean to startle you." Rita was a perfect example. Someone she had known to be as incredibly poised and confident had shifted. The stress levels were high and there was no invalidating that by any means. In the same token, if more of them didn't get their heads on straight, this place would no longer be a fortified safe zone in her opinion. "I'm pretty sure Jeremy was some type of engineer. I'm sure he can rig something up for you," she nodded looking over the threshold of the door that once used to be there. "How are you holding up, considering you know..." There was not much more to be eluded too. Everyone was thinking the same thing. What happened to the others?

[burygrief]

“   don’t   be.   ”   rita   murmured   ,   offering   another   small   smile   towards   devon   before   she   returned   her   gaze   to   the   kids.   she   liked   to   believe   she   was   fairly   strong   for   a   someone   in   her   position   ,   in   all   of   their   positions   ,   but   that   didn’t   mean   she   wasn’t   prone   to   jump   scares   in   the   most   mundane   of   ways.   she   should   be   thankful   when   people   approach   without   DRAGGING   FEET   and   LOW   GROWLS.   at   least   the   infected   usually   came   with   plenty   of   warning   ,   or   so   she’d   seen   and   heard   from   other   people.

rita   kicked   herself   for   not   knowing   more   names   ,   just   barely   remembering   jeremy’s   as   it   was   brought   up   again.   a   nod   came   in   return   ,   gaze   now   following   the   other’s   before   it   lingered   on   the   door.   well   ,   she   should   call   it   just   an   entrance   now.   that’s   all   it   was   -   a   place   to   come   and   go   through.   “   i’ll   ask   him   about   it   whenever   he’s   not   busy.   i   don’t   know   what   they’re   working   on.   ”   as   much   as   she   was   in   the   loop   ,   she   also   felt   like   she’d   been   left   in   the   dark.   there   was   a   suspicion   in   her   gut   about   things   being   worse   than   they   were   presented.   not   that   that’d   been   well   in   the   first   place   ,   but   still.   “   i   don’t   know.   is   it   wrong   to   say   i’m   still   feeling   HOPEFUL   ?   ”   optimism   was   lacking   after   the   meeting   ,   brows   furrowing   a   bit   as   she   shrugged.   “   things   definitely   aren’t   better   ,   but   . . .   what   can   you   do   ?   how   about   you   ?   ”

[delfinafrancis-deactivated20230]

It was freezing. Beyond freezing. How penguins and polar bears thrived in this climate was beyond her. Being the kind-hearted individual she was, Devon had given most of the winter-gear in what was previously her and her father's apartment to those who were more vulnerable. Hence her favorite old man she got to play cards and learn poker from to the pregnant woman downstairs and the kiddos who lurked around the hallways. Devon though she had stashed away an extra fleece, but she was wrong. Now she was slightly regretting being so kind in the first place.

Situated on a chair as she was re-reading the Great Gatsby for the hundredth time, she looked up as Hobbs approached. "Who says I was freezing?" she muttered as she watched the condensation leave her breath. Devon was trying to minimize her movements as if it would preserve the heat she was trying to contain within her body. She's always been the type of person to wear sweatshirts in the dead heat of summer, always murmuring that she was cold. The fact that she hadn't turned into an ice sculpture yet was rather jarring. "Are you asking me to break into a dead's person room? If you're feeling so heroic to come to my aid, why don't you do it?" Devon countered.

[burygrief]

hobbs   pauses   for   a   moment   ,   fingers   at   his   sides   curling   and   uncurling   at   the   confrontation   before   shoulders   move   to   lift   slowly.     “    isn’t   everyone   ?    ”     brows   pulled   together   at   the   animosity   that   seeped   through   every   syllable   of   devon’s   tone   ,   but   somehow   . . .   he   understood.   there   were   a   lot   of   people   who   didn’t   need   his   help   ,   didn’t   need   any   help   ,   but   there   was   also   a   self - assigned   amount   of   responsibility   he   felt   inclined   to   respect.

“    well   ,   i   didn’t   say   holland   died.    ”     it   was   implied   ,   but   even   their   neighbor’s   fate   remained   unknown.   all   hobbs   knew   was   that   one   day   she   was   there   ,   one   day   she   was   gone.   THAT   WAS   LIFE   NOW.   that’s   how   life   was   before   and   it’s   how   it’d   always   be   ,   right   ?     “    listen   ,   do   you   want   a   fuckin’   blanket   or   not   ?    ”

As if the footsteps weren’t enough, the cook knocked his knuckle against the daycare doorframe as he made his entrance, shooting a smile and wave at the remaining children inside the room. “Hey hey. What’s cookin, good lookin?”

Jun would on go on to lean his back on said doorway as Rita spoke, arms crossed and eyes fixated on the growing bags under the woman’s eyes. He hummed and looked back at the way he came from. “Ehhh, I don’t think so; you caught me just in the nick of time. Besides, flashing something big, shiny and noisy in range of these prepubescents? Absolute chaos incarnate. They’ll knock themselves out that fast.” Jun snapped his fingers. “You’ll never know a quiet day ever again.” “Me? Uhhh.” Jun grimaced and shrugged. Obviously everything was not fantastic but… “Could be worse. Gotta stay grateful; keep humble and all that. Just coming in to ask if you’re gonna drop by that big meeting later? Obviously, I’ll be there to b-” Bitch and moan. “B-Bumble and mumble.” Yeah, that’s it. Nothing to see here, kids. “But it’s totally fine if you decide to sit out of this one. I know someone’s gotta keep these guys company. Wouldn’t trust anyone else with ‘em.”

count   on   jun   to   lighten   the   weight   of   any   situation   at   hand   ,   presence   alone   bring   a   bit   more   of   a   posture   check   into   play   as   rita   straightened   up   against   the   desk.   her   back   and   shoulders   ached   from   being   still   for   so   long   ,   not   even   realizing   it’d   been   hours   since   she’d   gone   to   the   back   to   check   on   the   other   teacher.   they   slept   in   alternating   shifts   most   of   the   time   ,   leaving   rita   with   a   decent   sense   of   what   DAY   VERSUS   NIGHT   had   been   anymore.   she   only   got   a   glimpse   of   it   through   boarded   windows.   even   then   ,   sundown   and   sunrise   could   be   easily   mistaken   in   a   sleepy   state.

“    i   suppose   that’s   true.    ”     rita   had   to   laugh   in   return   for   his   words   ,   urge   to   roll   her   eyes   coming   in   strong   as   she   just   shook   her   head.     “    i   don’t   think   i   know   what   quiet   days   are   with   a   certain   sociable   cook   around   ,   though.    ”     jest   fell   accompanied   by   a   grin   ,   something   a   bit   more   natural   as   she   stood   up   completely   and   dropped   her   arms.   the   pause   makes   her   eyes   wander   towards   the   kids   ,   very   few   of   them   even   glancing   their   way   as   they   continued   to   go   about   their   night.   she   needed   to   have   them   in   bed   and   out   of   the   room   by   the   time   the   meeting   came   around   anyway.     “    yeah   ,   i’m   planning   on   sticking   around   for   it.   we   can   . . .   bumble   and   mumble   about   it   in   the   back   together.    ”     censored   language   is   enunciated   ,   a   nod   that   she   UNDERSTOOD   what   he’d   been   getting   at.   she   shrugs   ,   offering   another   small   smile   at   the   compliment.     “    flattery   will   get   you   everywhere   . . .   but   food   might   get   you   there   a   little   quicker.    ”

[mykas]

day whatever and counting, however many hours gone ticking by since apartment became a shell of it's former –– the furniture sticks out now, tapping against windows become an alert & they don't think they've seen a clean shirt in weeks. micah's considered praying for the first time in twenty six years, although praise seems faulty; begs to hold the question of : if jesus was real, why did this happen? saviours weren't real in this world, they had to learn that rather quickly. seems like it'd be pointless in attempts now, but at least they could keep a slither of normalcy –– innocent beverage run when the coast was clear, stuck to the hip of someone else at fear of surprise attack ( that, and it's forbid to travel solo ) and additional warmth never killed anyone … no, that would be the viruses job.

“ is now a bad time ? ” question is posed calmly, senses the possible hinderance their presence brings; disturbance, and last thing she wants to do is pester. in fact, micah wonders when a good time would be, their current environment not exactly screaming positivity. but, olive branch is extending in the form of coffee, silent apology for interruption, tied together with a small smile as they enter, weaving through little legs, pressing hip to oak surface as mug is settled silently. hopes action is enough to speak for itself, but just in case it isn't : “ i had leftovers… and thought you'd need it more than me. ”

[burygrief]

rita   fights   the   urge   to   pin   every   moment   as   a   bad   time   in   this   new   world   ,   has   to   physically   bite   her   tongue   for   just   a   second   before   allowing   her   gaze   to   stray   from   the   kids.   their   innocence   was   still   preserved   as   much   as   it   could   be   ,   as   much   as   rita   would   force   it   to   be   if   it   was   the   last   thing   she   did   on   this   DECAYING   PLANET.   shoulders   offer   a   subtle   roll   before   they   relax   a   bit.   one   of   the   other   teachers   had   been   taking   a   nap   in   the   back   ,   alternating   shifts   working   nothing   but   wonders   nowadays.   “   never   a   bad   time.   ”   the   smile   she   offers   is   forced   ,   but   it’s   soft.   she’ll   blame   her   tired   state   on   that   one   !

eyes   move   towards   the   coffee   ,   one   hand   lifting   to   take   the   offering   from   the   other   as   rita   finally   recognizes   the   scent   of   something   normal   for   once.   it’s   not   a   natural   scent   ,   not   full   of   dread   and   the   outside   ,   but   something   that   brings   back   decent   memories   to   keep   herself   sane.   “   thank   you.   ”   rita   glanced   towards   the   kids   ,   still   unaware   of   their   visitor   ,   and   she’s   grateful   for   that   much.   peace   and   quiet   seemed   to   be   rare   now.   “   it’s   no   STARBUCKS   ,   but   it’ll   do.   ”   the   joke   comes   in   a   weak   fall   ,   attempt   at   lightening   the   mood   present   as   ever   now   while   the   femme   took   a   sip   from   the   cup.   “   how’re   you   feeling   after   the   meeting   ?   ”

[mykas]

well, this is only slightly awkward. actually, pause & rewind –– it's more so impromptu, a surprise visit that she was not at all prepared for. no longer each other's concern, a whirlwind relationship that was never destined for greatness… wishful thinking, to say the least. but at least, unlike previous ventures, there wasn't malice; so micah had no worry in letting male into home. “ not like i have valuables in that box, hobbs. ” spoken half muffled, toothbrush shoved between lips, pushed to one side of cheek ( trust him to interrupt her getting ready for work ) while laughter spills softly. takes their time, letting hobbs in before closing the door behind him, “ could have something worth money in there, and you're using your grubby boot to give it back… classy. ” although emotion devoid from statement, familiar free smirk on her lips as arms cross over chest, nodding head slightly. “ mhm… why ? y'wanna talk to them ? could keep you entertained while i get ready for work, might put a smile on your face for once. ”

[burygrief]

hobbs   was   never   good   with   planning.   despite   his   career   ,   it   was   a   miracle   he   even   knew   what   day   it   was   anymore.   that’s   how   busy   his   schedule   got   and   might   have   been   part   of   the   reason   he   was   so   inclined   to   believing   the   world   revolved   around   him   and   whatever   he   was   doing.   still   ,   if   he   was   truly   interrupting   micah   ,   he’d   take   a   step   back.   after   all   ,   there   was   still   respect   for   them   lingering   in   the   air   whenever   they   passed   each   other   every   so   often.   “   you’d   think   you   would   have   picked   up   those   valuables   by   now   then   ,   wouldn’t   you   ?   ”   it’s   not   spoken   with   ill   intentions   ,   almost   obviously   not   as   a   smile   seemed   to   flash   across   his   lips   for   just   a   few   moments   in   return   for   the   laugh.   this   was   THEM   ,   though   –   full   of   jest   ,   barely   serious   ,   and   inevitably   equivalent   to   a   snake   that   would   eventually   bite   itself   in   the   end.   “   grubby   ?   well   ,   now   you’ve   crossed   the   line.   ”   hobbs   tried   to   remain   serious   ,   if   only   for   a   second   ,   but   it   didn’t   last   long   at   all   before   his   attention   moved   towards   sam’s   door.   tempting   ,   yes   ,   but   he’d   still   rather   spend   his   time   with   micah.   “   oh   ,   shit.   i   forgot   you   had   work   soon.   sorry.   ”   brows   pulled   together   briefly   before   he   gestured   towards   the   door.   “   i   can   go   ,   y’know.   i   just   wanted   to   get   all   this   stuff   back   to   you.   it’s   been   . . .   a   couple   weeks   ,   i   think.   ”

[idi0tproverbs]

        ❨   open  for  anyone  יִ   ❩      ╳      location:    lobby  .  

    it  was  nearing  nightfall  which  was  ever  -  the  -  more  eerier,  now  that  they  were  finally  beginning  to  understand  what  was  awaiting  them.  it  was  frustrating,  to  say  the  least.  not  having  much  skill  to  fight,  let  alone  negotiate  some  harmony.  alfie  understood  people  were  restless,  but  they  were  beginning  to  run  short  on  water  and  food.  the  weather  was  getting  colder,  too.  it  wasn’t  exactly  an  ideal  living  situation.  let  alone  the  fact  they  had  a  handful  of  children  under  their  roof  to  take  care  of.  it  would  be  understandable  for  one  to  feel  as  though  they  were  beginning  to  lose  their  mind.

    alfie  turns  to  the  other,  perhaps  a  face  they  had  recognized  during  the  meeting.    ❝  i  don’t  know  about  you,  man.  i’m  still  waiting  for  someone  to  yell,  ‘  cut  ’  !  like  i’m  on  a  weird  tlc  reality  show  or  something.  ❞  

[burygrief]

rita   stood   with   crossed   arms   ,   heart   heavy   enough   to   weigh   down   every   optimistic   thought   that   graced   her   mind.   fingers   flex   nervously   against   triceps   before   the   burrow   between   her   arm   and   side   in   attempt   to   conceal   her   anxiety.   PLAYING   BABYSITTER   was   her   job   ,   if   nothing   else   ,   but   she   didn’t   know   it’d   run   to   this   extent   when   she’d   started   a   few   years   prior.   still   ,   the   brunette   held   high   expectations   for   herself   ,   even   after   such   a   disastrous   meeting   –   low   on   supplies   ,   the   coldest   moments   of   winter   approaching.   insanity   was   threatening   to   breach   the   surface.   

trance   is   broken   by   alfie’s   voice   ,   causes   her   head   to   turn   in   the   slightest   before   a   smile   (   such   a   foreign   reaction   in   their   world’s   state   )   broke   through   for   merely   a   second.   “   that’d   be   nice   ,   wouldn’t   it   ?   ”   deep   inhale   ,   deep   exhale   . . .   then   rita’s   shifting   the   majority   of   her   attention   towards   them   now.   “   what   do   you   think   THE   SHOW   would   be   called   ?   desperate   housewives   of   zombieland   seems   kinda   fun.   ”

[idi0tproverbs]

    ❝  wait.  so  .  .  .  ❞   jj  pinches  the  brink  of  his  nose,  groaning.  as  if  poor  holland’s  death  were  more  of  an  inconvenience  to  him  than  another  catastrophe.  it  wasn’t  like  they  were  .  .  .  too  unfamiliar  with  the  process.  still,  it  was  strange  to  talk  about  a  person  who  was  here  one  second    ──    and  gone  the  next.    ❝  you’re  saying  that  —  ?  ❞    he  gives  hobbs  a  look  like  ‘  really?  she  kicked  the  bucket,  that  soon?  ’  and  another  moment  passes  before  jj  realizes  what  this  really  means.  stealing  wasn’t  something  he  had  considered,  not  yet.  especially  from  the  undead,  but  it  wasn’t  like  they  were  leaving  in  grace  anyway.  

    jj  watches  his  breath  freeze  in  the  air.  it  had  all  happened  so  fast,  the  destruction  of  everything  they  knew.    ❝  did  you,  y’know  .  .  .  get  a  chance  to  .  .  .  look  around?  ❞    a  very  strange  way  of  saying  ‘  did  she  have  anything  worth  making  a  second  trip  for?  ’  

[burygrief]

“   i’m   not   saying   anything.   ”   even   he   didn’t   know   the   truth   ,   or   any   truth   really   ,   when   it   came   to   where   holland   went.   people   seemed   to   go   as   they   pleased   ,   some   tired   of   being   locked   up   while   others   just   vanished   into   thin   air.   of   course   ,   there   were   complications   that   came   with   the   secrets   he   knew   about   certain   things   ,   but   that   didn’t   mean   he’d   RUN   HIS   MOUTH   at   the   first   chance   he   got.

jaw   fell   slack   at   the   question   ,   but   hobbs   barely   gives   himself   a   chance   to   think   properly.   IMPULSIVE   IN   NATURE   –   that   was   his   downfall.   “   personally   ?   no.   i   know   some   people   who   said   she   hasn’t   been   back   in   a   couple   days.   i   just   know   she   used   to   make   quilts   and   shit   ,   y’know   ?   ”   if   jj   didn’t   go   ,   hobbs   sure   as   hell   would.   was   it   stealing   if   she   was   ALREADY   GONE   ?   maybe   it   was   a   morally   gray   area   for   him.

[burygrief]

CLOSED FOR @revoults . LOCATION micah's apt . CONTEXT flashback , t - minus 1 hr until lockdown <3

discomfort   befriends   him   the   second   the   door   opens.   (   part   of   him   hoped   micah   wouldn’t   answer.   )   box   that   was   previously   set   aside   is   kicked   slowly   through   the   door   ,   inevitable   laze   in   every   movement   taking   over   as   hobbs   failed   to   offer   a   proper   greeting.   “   you   had   a   lot   more   left   behind   than   i   thought.   ”   there’s   not   really   ice   in   his   tone   ,   no   hard   feelings   obvious   as   instinct   allows   him   to   take   a   few   more   steps   inside   to   glance   around.   something   felt   off   ,   but   he   couldn’t   place   a   finger   on   what   EXACTLY   it   was.   a   new   lamp   ?   no.   books   rearranged   on   the   shelf   ?   no   ,   that   wasn’t   it.   hand   lifts   to   rub   at   the   back   of   his   neck   as   he   turned   to   glance   at   the   other   half   of   the   room.   “   sam   home   ?   ”   gaze   returns   to   them   ,   hands   moving   to   his   pockets   now   as   hobbs   made   a   weak   attempt   at   small   talk.   things   weren’t   bad   between   them   ,   but   they   certainly   felt   . . .   different.

[burygrief]

OPEN TO everyone. LOCATION some hallway of the complex.

hobbs   took   precaution   in   his   analysis   of   those   with   trembling   hands.   the   cold   was   inescapable   at   this   point   ,   but   so   was   the   infection.   besides   ,   he   didn’t   exactly   know   the   whereabouts   of   everyone   all   the   time   ,   but   he’d   seen   ENOUGH   out   there   to   tell   the   difference   between   early   infection   and   someone   who   needed   a   jacket.

“   listen   ,   you   didn’t   ask   for   any   advice   ,   but   my   suggestion   ?   ”   tone   remains   unwavering   at   his   approach   ,   steady   and   calm   before   his   gaze   wanders   in   the   slightest   towards   their   surroundings.   with   a   clear   coast   at   hand   ,   hobbs   returns   his   attention   to   them   before   dropping   to   a   lower   volume   when   he   speaks   next.   “   holland   used   to   be   a   fuckin’   fabric   fanatic.   if   you’re   cold   ,   her   door’s   not   exactly   gonna be locked   all   the   time   anymore.   ”   confirmation   of   the   neighbor’s   disappearance   ,   not   just   inability   to   show   up   ,   comes   through   minor   implications.   she’d   failed   to   show   up   at   their   latest   meeting   ,   even   the   morning   before   that   ,   and   it   didn’t   take   a   GENIUS   to   put   two   and   two   together.