Research

The rain continues to rattle against your large window. The four of you spend a long time in your room: going through posts online, government sites, short videos of the infected, and anything that could be remotely related to the outbreak that is quickly consuming the world. You move around the room between the three girls, Hina and Lucy on their phones while Sam stayed on the computer.

*

You join Hina on the floor. She's slowly scrolling through a chat site which multiple people are still online and using. They're mostly just asking for help, some don't even know what's happening.

"Michael, what is this?" Hina whispers, holding up your blazer.

"What do you mean? It's my uniform." She shakes her head and slips a hand into the inner pocket.

"This." She reveals the small lock pick set you 'acquired' from Charlie.

"That... Right. It's a gift from a friend I got this morning, kinda forgot about it." She shifts her head to the side but doesn't question it but she does hand it over. "Thank you."

*

Lucy rolls from her stomach to her back, seemingly unable to get comfy. You sit on the edge as she lets you watch the video she was viewing. Chaos fills the streets as the infected swarm in hordes that seem to get larger and larger.

She eventually settles for resting her head on your lap. You shift the phone so you could see Lucy's peaceful expression as she lay with her eyes closed. You tenderly stroke her head which brings a smile to her lips.

"I'm glad your with me." She mumbles suddenly.

"Of course, where else would I be?" She opens her bright green eyes.

"I meant, I..." She gently shifts her head. "Nevermind brother. I'll let you know later." She settles back into your lap as you finish watching the video.

*

"This bit here." Sam points to the screen under some text. "I think we can fight these infected or at the very least use this to get away from them, if we encounter them again. And I know you'll definitely encounter them again." She pouts and shifts her knees while staring at the screen. The rain continues to get louder and you swear you catch a glimpse of a flash.

"Sam. Sam please, you've been ignoring me since we got here almost. What's up? And why do you think I'll meet the infected again?" You stare at the side of Sam's cute face, her blue eyes trying not to look at yours.

"When you went to save Heather, without thinking, someone you don't talk to. You just charged in straight at them and it made me, damn, I don't know. Annoyed?"

"I'd do the same thing for you. For anyone here." You place a hand upon her shoulder, her eyes fall to yours finally.

"I know, and that's why I'm worried. When we have to go back to the city, I know exactly who'll volunteer to go back." Her eyes fill with tears which causes her to blush. "Fuck! I hate that you make me feel this way. Jerk."

*

"Alright guys, I think we've done all we can. It's been a couple hours now so I think we should get some food. And probably find the others to discuss what we've found." You say as you stretch off.