Day 1: We Are An Object Part lV

A man lies crying in the corridors of the shelter. You can see that he is furious about something in particular, but his sensitive side only lets him shed tears non-stop.

That guy has yet another proof of the non-existence of God, and how cruel life is. His face is red, he sweats a lot and bites his lower lip because what he had just seen was horrible, it was an event that would mark him for life.

—George? —Michael approached the paramedic, who hugged him as soon as he saw his husband. —What happened?

—I just finished checking all the civilians that Jason and Nikolai brought from the gun store. Michael...

George didn't finish what he was going to say, as he burst into tears. Michael felt something warm in his body, he could understand his partner's pain and it hurt him.

—There's no name for what they did to these poor girls, well... what happened to four of five girls... When they told me the things they went through... both cavities... one of them is terrified that she contracted some sexually transmitted disease....

—But what happened? I was asleep when they came...

—Jason and Nikolai brought five girls, prisoners from a group of men who kidnapped them. They rape them... mercilessly raped them. Each one needs treatment, we'll need too much medicine, creams... the wounds won't heal overnight. They can barely walk!

—George...

—Two of them lost the ability to speak... they won't say anything.

Jason walked down the hall and saw the couple, consoling each other.

—George! How are they...?

—Terrible, Jason, terrible. I don't have enough medicine to threat them. The pharmacy is already empty. They gave me their names, since two of them won't talk, the other girls gave me their names since they heard them while... well.

Lexie WashingtonChelsea BlackwellCindy MilfordHelen MooreLilly Christensen—Oh, George...

—We could go to the hospital where I used to work —George scratched his chin, because he thought it would be the right thing to do. —Or go to my house.

—But! It's dangerous... it's...

—I have to do it for these people, Michael! They need me!

—Let me come with you!

—No! You'll stay and protect these people. We can't risk them all. Nikolai! I need you. We'll go to my house and then we'll do an inspection of the hospital, if we have time.

—Just the two of you out there? I can help! —Michael kept insisting, but George refused.

—I don't want to put you in danger, Michael... and you know it. These women need help and I won't allow their pain to last. Are you with me? —George took Michael's hands and caressed them. Rogers could only hug him and swallow his pride.

—If you die...

—Don't worry. I know how much you love me and that things will be fine. Nikolai! I saw you also brought some of those police-looking suits. Will you have a problem if I borrow one?

—All yours, George.

Nikolai was taken to another room by Jason, as their conversation wasn't over yet.

—So... you wanted to talk to me. —The Serb was nervous, he didn't know what Slater would say.

—I know that after we die we come back as one of them —Jason hugged himself, for he was frightened by the concept. —I know that after death comes this. I don't want to, Nikolai... I'm too afraid.

—Jason... buddy, please don't worry about it...we still have a long, long time to go...

—It's not that, Nikolai! The problem is that I realized a truth back there. We are all infected... don't you dare to tell me I don't know what Ryan said in your ear, between whispers. I fucking heard him! I guess... there's nothing after this, right?

—It's true... but apparently we didn't develop anything related to the infection, during our lifetime. We are not sick, we don't roll on the floor and start vomiting blood or something...

—Nikolai, now that I know that death is a reality, and now it has hit us with this truth... I want to start something with you, something really big. I like you, I like you very much. I touch myself thinking of you, I think of you and I can't resist the idea of not being by your side. I know I'll die coming back as a zombie... promise me you'll kill me before I turn.

Nikolai was speechless since he was trying to understand what he just heard.

—Jason! How could I? No... Don't!

—Please! Do it... promise me... please... you are the only one I can trust with this.

Jason moved closer to Nikolai and gave him a deep kiss. The kiss was accepted, as Nikolai wrapped his arms around Jason and caressed his waist, while Jason clung to his friend's shirt.

—You really smell so bad, Jason... and I think I do too —He smiled.

—It doesn't matter... it doesn't really matter. I want you, Nikolai, I need you, I care about you and I don't know what I'll do without you. That's why I understand Michael... because I know the fear he feels... it runs through his whole body. There's a flame in me that you intensify... that's why I know we have to be in this together.

—Jason... I was thinking the same thing. It's about time we made this official... besides.... —Nikolai kissed him again, but not before running his fingers down his friend's back. —There are some business we need to attend immediately.

So much was their fascination that they didn't notice that George was leaning against the door, waiting with his arms crossed.

—It's not goodbye, Nikolai. We'll be back safe and sound. Happy and content.

The paramedic smiled, it definitely reminded him of his younger years, it was nice to see that there was still room for love.

—I'm going to retire. I'll put on one of those suits and come back. Jason... take care of yourself. Wait for me, —Nikolai walked out the door of the room....

Jason could still taste the flavor of his lips.