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ghostthathaunts · 4 months ago

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Chapter 4: The Cost

Word count: 4K

Chapter Summary: Fallon finds a possible permanent camp, Things start to fall apart at camp when Joel makes some questionable choices. Fallon makes a choice.

Note: HOPE YALL LIKE THIS ONE! I WILL BE UPDATING REGULARLY SINCE ITS SPRING BREAK ❤️ ENJOY! Sorry this one’s sorta long 😆🫢 MASTERLIST: https://www.tumblr.com/ghostthathaunts/778108406676455424/the-way-we-were-masterlist

The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, a cold, clinging mist that blurred the edges of the forest. Fallon moved like a ghost, her footsteps silent on the mossy ground.

She’d left the camp under the cloak of night, the image of Joel’s tent, the sounds within, burned into her mind. Each breath was a sharp reminder of the betrayal, the raw, animalistic noises echoing in the stillness. The weight of her pack, the cold metal of her knife, were the only realities she clung to.

Her pack was heavy, the weight of her supplies a cold comfort against the emptiness inside her. The forest was a suffocating, damp embrace, a labyrinth of decaying leaves and gnarled branches. Fallon moved through it like a ghost, each footfall muffled by the soft earth, a silent testament to her desperate need to escape.

The aftertaste of Joel’s words, each syllable a barbed hook, still tore at her, a constant, bitter reminder of her vulnerability. She had slipped away hours ago, needing to escape the suffocating tension, the raw, ugly aftermath of their encounter.

The sky was a bruised purple, the last vestiges of twilight bleeding into the oppressive, starless night, mirroring the bruises blooming on her soul.She pushed deeper into the woods, the familiar trails giving way to untamed undergrowth.

After hours of walking, she stumbled upon a cluster of cabins, nestled in a secluded clearing. They looked deserted, weathered but structurally sound. A sense of cautious optimism flickered within her. She entered the first cabin, its interior dusty but surprisingly intact. A fireplace, a sturdy table, and a few scattered supplies hinted at a life once lived.

This was better than their current camp, more defensible, more comfortable. She checked the other cabins, finding similar conditions. This was a find, a potential sanctuary. She meticulously noted the location, sketching a rough map on a scrap of paper, planning to bring it to Brutal.

Back at camp

the tension was a palpable thing, a thick, suffocating blanket. Brutal paced back and forth, his face a mask of frustration. “Where in the hell is she?” he growled, his voice rough. “She should have been back hours ago. We have a schedule, damn it. We have patrols, scouting—she knows the drill.”

Joel stood by the fire, the flames reflecting in his dark eyes. He held a half-empty bottle of whiskey, the amber liquid swirling as he shifted his weight. "She's not a child, Brutal. She can handle herself."

"Handle herself? In this wasteland?" Brutal sneered, his gaze hard. "We've lost people to less. A stray clicker, a raider patrol, hell, even a goddamn fall can be a death sentence out here. You know that."

"She's resourceful." Joel took a long swig of whiskey, his eyes narrowing. "She's been out there longer than most of us."

"That doesn't mean she's invincible," Brutal retorted, his voice rising. "She's part of this group, Joel. We have a responsibility to each other. Or have you forgotten that?"

Joel's jaw tightened. "I haven't forgotten anything."

"Then act like it!" Brutal roared, his face flushed with anger. "You two… you've been close. Or so it seemed. What, you don't care that she's missing?"

Joel's hand tightened around the bottle, the glass creaking under the pressure. "Don't presume to know what I care about." His voice was low, a dangerous growl.

“Then show me!" Brutal slammed a fist against a nearby tree, the impact sending a shower of dead leaves falling to the ground.

"Show me you give a damn. We need to send out a search party."

"No." Joel's voice was sharp, decisive. "We're not wasting resources on a wild goose chase. She'll be back."

"And if she's not?" Brutal challenged, his eyes blazing. "What then, Joel? You just shrug and move on? Like it never happened?"

"She made her choice to leave," Joel said, his voice hard. "She knew the risks."

Bullshit," Brutal spat. "You two had a falling out, didn't you? Something happened between you. And now she's gone. You're too damn stubborn to admit you're wrong, even when someone's life is on the line!"

Joel’s patience snapped. He surged forward, grabbing Brutal by the collar, pulling him close. "You want to talk about stubborn? You want to talk about presumptions? You don’t know a damn thing about what happened between us. So keep your mouth shut."

Brutal shoved him back, his eyes filled with rage. "You're a cold bastard, Joel. Always have been. But this… this is a new low, even for you."

The scene at the fire pit had shifted. Tess now stood near Joel, her expression a mix of concern and confusion. "What was that about?" she asked, her voice low, but firm. "You and Brutal… it sounded bad."

Joel remained silent, his gaze fixed on the dying embers of the fire.

"He said something about Fallon," Tess continued, her voice laced with a hint of worry. "He said you two were… involved. He’s worried since she hasn’t come back. What do you feel for her, Joel?"

Joel’s jaw tightened. He clenched his fists, his knuckles white. He was struggling with his own conflicting feelings. He had wanted Fallon, he had taken her, and he had pushed her away. He was angry at himself, and angry at her for making him feel anything at all. He felt a dark pit in his stomach, a feeling he did not recognize.

"I want her," he said, the words raw and unexpected, even to himself. "I want… her fire. The way she looks at me. Like she sees something... more." He trailed off, a flicker of something close to shame crossing his face.

Tess's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise and something else, something akin to understanding, crossing her features. "Want her?" she repeated, her voice laced with disbelief. "Joel, what are you talking about? You treat her like… like she's nothing."

"That's the problem," Joel growled, his voice low and dangerous. "I try to, but… I can't." He turned away, his gaze fixed on the dying embers of the fire. "She gets under my skin. Makes me feel things I ain't felt in a long time. Things I don't want to feel."

"So you push her away?" Tess asked, her voice soft, but laced with a hint of accusation. "That's your answer? To hurt her?"

"It's the only answer I got," Joel said, his voice rough. "This ain't a goddamn fairy tale, Tess. We live in a world where feelings get you killed. I can't afford to… care."

"But you do," Tess countered, her voice firm. "You care about her. You're just too scared to admit it."

Joel's temper flared. "It's none of your damn business," he finally growled, his voice rough, turning away. "She's gone. That's all there is to it."

"But why did she leave?" Tess pressed, her eyes searching his. "Did you say something to her?"

Joel's temper flared. "She made her own choices!" he snapped, his voice rising. "She left because she wanted to! Because she couldn’t handle the truth! Because she’s weak!"

He lunged forward, grabbing Tess by the throat, his fingers tightening around her windpipe, cutting off her breath. He pulled her close and kissed her, hard and desperate, a brutal, demanding kiss that left her gasping, her lips bruised and swollen.

It wasn't tenderness; it was a raw, angry expression of his inner turmoil, a desperate attempt to assert control, to prove something to himself, to fill the void that gnawed at his soul. Tess, at first, fell into the kiss, her body responding to the familiar heat, before she pulled away, her eyes wide with a sudden realization.

"What the hell, Joel?" she hissed, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and anger, her eyes filled with confusion and betrayal. "What was that?"

He stared at her, his expression a chaotic mix of anger, frustration, and something else, something Fallon couldn't quite decipher, a flicker of vulnerability that quickly vanished behind a wall of cold indifference. "Nothing," he muttered, turning away, his shoulders slumped, his gaze fixed on the dying embers of the fire. "Just… nothing."

Tess stormed off, her footsteps heavy in the dirt, her heart pounding in her chest, her mind reeling from the unexpected assault. Joel stood there, his shoulders slumped, his gaze fixed on the dying embers of the fire, his expression a mask of cold indifference, his inner turmoil hidden beneath a veneer of hardened stoicism.

Tess confronted Joel again later in the evening, her voice trembling with anger and confusion. "What the hell was that about, Joel?" she asked, her eyes searching his. "You grab my throat, then kiss me like that? What the hell is wrong with you?"

Joel’s eyes darkened, a flicker of something dangerous flashing within them. “What’s it to you?” he growled, reaching out and again grabbing her throat. His fingers tightened, a silent threat, before he pulled her to him, his lips crashing against hers. He nipped at her lower lip, a sharp, painful sting, before he pulled away, leaving a smear of blood on her mouth. “You want answers?” he hissed, his breath hot against her skin. “Fine. Here’s your answer.”

He then released her throat, sliding his hands down to her waist, lifting her up so her legs wrapped around his. He continued to kiss her, deep and demanding, as he carried her towards his tent, the canvas flap swaying ominously in the night breeze.

When Fallon made it back to camp it was already dark. As she walked past Joel’s tent, she noticed that flap of Joel's tent was open, revealing a scene that made Fallon's breath catch in her throat. Joel and Tess. Their bodies moved together with a desperate, frantic rhythm, the sounds of their coupling echoing in the still night air.

Joel's movements were hard and relentless, driving into Tess with a force that made the cot creak. Tess’s hands gripped the worn fabric, her body arching beneath him, a mixture of surprise and a raw, almost desperate arousal in her strained expression.

Joel’s eyes were dark, fixed on some distant point, his face a mask of grim determination. There was a raw, almost brutal energy to his movements, a sense of control that bordered on dominance.

As he moved, he whispered into Tess’s ear, his voice low and rough, just loud enough for Fallon to hear. "Just… like this," he murmured, the words a low growl against the sounds of their coupling.

Joel's eyes flickered, catching Fallon's gaze. A flicker of recognition, then a cold, almost mocking smirk twisted his lips. He leaned down, giving Tess a hard, possessive kiss, his lips bruising hers.

Tess moaned, her body tensing, and whispered his name, "Joel," her fingers digging into the cot. "Joel… just… hold still," she breathed, a mix of desire and a strange, almost pleading tone. He then continued, his gaze flicking back to Fallon's, a silent, charged moment.

As he continued, he whispered again, "You’re… you’re here, aren't you?"

Tess shook beneath him, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. "Yeah… I’m here," she replied, her voice trembling slightly. Her hands reached out, grasping at any part of him, at the rough fabric of the cot. "Don't stop," she whispered, her voice laced with a desperate urgency.

Joel sucked at her neck, leaving a dark bruise, then kissed her hungrily, his lips bruising hers. Tess moaned his name again, her body trembling, and Joel's lips curled into a faint, predatory smirk. He whispered more words, his voice low and rough, making her moan and grab him, her body writhing beneath him.

Tess, driven by a desperate need for connection, initiated a hard, hungry kiss, her lips pressing against his with a raw intensity. Joel responded in kind, his movements becoming more forceful.

"Easy, Tess," he said, his voice a low growl. "You're getting ahead of yourself."

Tess moaned in response, "I can’t… I can’t help it," her thighs shaking against his hips. "Just… please," she begged, her voice strained and desperate.

Joel didn’t ease up, he made her beg, his voice rough and demanding. Tess scratched at his back, her nails digging into his skin, and begged him with moans and broken words, her voice clear for Fallon to hear.

"Joel… just… just… more," she pleaded, her voice a mix of desire and a strange, almost desperate need. Joel captured her lips in an intense, bruising kiss, Tess clinging to him.

He whispered more words, making sure Fallon heard every syllable. "You're mine," he stated, a flat, emotionless declaration. Tess begged Joel with moans and more words, the words clear for Fallon to hear.

"Yeah… yeah," she admitted, her voice thick with emotion. "Just… don’t… don’t," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Joel grabbed Tess’ throat lightly, which made her moan and grab at him, moaning his name. "Joel…" she gasped.

"Don't beg, " he growled, his voice laced with disdain. "It’s pathetic. Begging gets you nothing. Just… be still. "

Tess was a mess of moans and gaspy breaths, which Joel swallowed with a kiss. Joel looked back at Fallon, and smirked, his moans and grunts audible.

The sounds spurred Tess on, making her cry and moan his name. "Oh god… Joel…" Tess grabbed at Joel harshly, leaving marks on his arms and back.

Joel pinned her arms to the cot. "Stay," he commanded, his voice laced with annoyance. "Stay right there. You're not going anywhere. Deal with it," Joel replied, his voice cold. "You're strong, you can handle it. “ Tess tightened her legs around his waist, her thighs shaking.

"Please… just… please," she breathed, her voice trembling.

"Quiet," Joel snapped. "You’re making too much noise," he whispered, his voice rough. "Do you want everyone to hear?" Joel kept going, his movements relentless.

Tess moaned, cried and shook, arching her chest into Joel’s. "It’s… it’s," she whispered, her voice a mix of pleasure and a hint of panic.

"Don't," Joel replied, his voice cold. "Just… take it. Stop your whining." Joel kept going even though Tess was a moaning mess. He flipped Tess onto her stomach, continuing his rhythm.

Tess reached behind her and grasped at Joel’s hair. "Don’t," she breathed, her grip tight. "Please, Joel… please," she begged, her voice thick with unshed tears.

"Beg," he growled into her ear. Joel bit and sucked on her shoulder.

"Joel…" she moaned, her body writhing.

"Tell me," he growled. "Tell me now."

"Joel…," she gasped, her voice thick with tears.

"Tell me what you need," he ordered. He turned Tess’ face to the side and roughly kissed her.

Tess moaned through the kiss, her body shaking. "I need you…," she whispered against his lips, her voice desperate.

"Then have it. Take what you want." Joel whispered the words, making her cry out. "Cry for me," he whispered.

He pulled Tess’ hair, making her moan and beg. "Please…" she whispered.

"Just like that," Joel murmured, a hint of dark satisfaction in his voice. "Just like that." Joel let out a rough laugh and continued his ministrations. He moved his hands to Tess’ hips, and went faster and more precise.

Tess cried out his name, tears leaking from the corners of her eyes. "Joel! Oh god!" Joel leaned over her and wrapped his hand around Tess’ neck from underneath her, pinning her to him. Tess moaned and shook, begging Joel to give her release. "Please… now," she gasped.

"Not yet," he replied, his voice low and dangerous. "Not yet. Not until I say so. You'll wait." Joel leaned down and licked her tears from her face, his gaze unwavering, and then refused her pleas, continuing his relentless rhythm. He moved her hair from her face, exposing the remaining tears, and roughly bit at her earlobe, making her body tremor violently and she begged him with sobbed moans.

"Joel… please… anything," she cried, her voice breaking.

"Anything?" He asked, his voice low. "Anything at all? You'd do anything I asked?" Joel flipped Tess back onto her back, pinning her hands above her head.

Tess instantly wrapped her thighs around his waist, crossing her feet behind his back, her toes curling tightly, and his movements became relentless. Joel tucked his head into Tess’ neck, biting and sucking at it, causing Tess to squirm and let out begging moans.

"This," he whispered roughly. "This is it. This is all you get. Remember that." Joel harshly kissed Tess while she moaned his name and pleas were muffled against his mouth. "Say my name," he commanded against her lips.

Joel still refused and continued his movements. Tess cried and moaned Joel’s name and tucked her head into his shoulder as best she could, biting lightly to quiet her moans. Joel moved one of his hands from hers, grabbed her hair and pulled her head back into the cot.

Joel nipped and sucked at her lips, lightly biting at them while his hips kept moving. Tess let out a moaned whine, and Joel shushed her, "Shhh Tess, you’re gonna take it," he whispered, continuing his relentless rhythm. "You’re going to take every bit of this."

Joel looked into Tess’ eyes and saw that they were rolling back from his ministrations. Seeing that spurred Joel on as he quickened his hips into Tess. Tess got her hand free from Joel’s, and scratched roughly down his back, causing a rough moan to escape his lips.

Joel gave Tess a deep rough kiss with tongue and teeth, enjoying her little moans. "Good girl," he mumbled against her mouth. Moving his mouth from hers, he bit and sucked at her neck, finally granting her release, silencing her pleas with a hungry kiss. Joel turned his head to look directly at Fallon, and he smirked.

Fallon stood frozen, a wave of nausea washing over her. The betrayal was a physical blow, a searing pain that ripped through her. She felt exposed, vulnerable, humiliated. The words echoed in her mind, each syllable a fresh wound. She wanted to scream, to lash out, to make him pay for the hurt he inflicted. But she couldn't move, couldn't speak. She just stood there, her eyes locked on his, her heart shattering into a million pieces.

She turned and fled, rushing to her tent, the canvas walls offering no solace, no protection from the raw, burning pain that tore at her insides. Inside, she erupted, a primal scream trapped in her throat. She tore through her meager belongings, throwing supplies, kicking over her pack, the violence a desperate attempt to purge the raw, burning anger within her.

Joel watched as Fallon stormed off, a flicker of something similar to regret crossing his features. He felt a pang of guilt, a sense of unease, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.

Later, Joel emerged from his tent, his expression a mask of cold indifference. He gave Tess a quick, dismissive kiss, and sent her on her way. Fallon, her eyes blazing with a raw, untamed fury, confronted him.

"You think this is funny?" she spat, her voice trembling with rage, her eyes burning with a raw, untamed anger. "You think you can just… use me like that?"

"Use you?" he chuckled, a dark, humorless sound that sent a shiver down her spine. "You're the one who came willingly into my bed."

"I thought… I thought…" she stammered, her words failing her, her voice choked with emotion. "I thought there was something… more."

"More?" he sneered, his eyes flashing with contempt, his expression a mask of cold, calculated indifference. "There's nothing more, Fallon. You're a means to an end. Just like everyone else."

He stepped closer, his hand reaching out, his fingers wrapping around her throat, his grip tightening, then lessening slightly, a silent question. He pulled her close, his lips crashing down on hers, a brutal, punishing kiss. It wasn't tender, it was desperate, angry, a raw expression of the turmoil within him. He kissed her deeply, his lips bruising hers, his teeth nipping at her lower lip, drawing a small gasp from her.

Fallon, despite the anger and hurt, found herself responding, her hands instinctively grasping the arm that held her throat, clinging to it as if it were a lifeline. She wanted to savor the moment, to hold onto this fleeting connection, even if it was born of violence..

The kiss went on, long and intense, a desperate attempt to bridge the chasm between them. For a brief moment, the anger, the pain, the confusion, all faded into the background, replaced by a raw, primal connection.

He lifted her, carrying her into her tent, his lips never leaving hers. He sat on her cot, pulling her onto his lap, the kiss deepening, becoming more frantic. Fallon kissed him back with equal fervor, her fingers digging into his back, her body molding against his. He began to bite, nip, and suck at her neck and throat, leaving a trail of burning sensations.

She arched her neck, giving him more access, her grip on his arm tightening, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She held onto him as if he were the only solid thing in a world gone mad, a desperate attempt to anchor herself to something, anything. His hand moved from her throat, down to cup her jaw, then moved lower, trailing down her neck, feeling the rapid pulse of her heartbeat. He moved her mouth to his, the kiss becoming more urgent, more demanding. He shifted on the cot, pulling her closer, her legs straddling his. His hands roamed over her body, feeling the curves and contours, the heat radiating from her skin. She felt his own heat against her, the hard press of his body, the raw, animalistic energy that was coming from him

A soft moan escaped her lips, a sound she immediately regretted, a sign of weakness in the face of his brutal dominance. She tried to pull away, to regain some semblance of control, but his grip tightened, his lips pressing harder against hers, silencing her protest. The kiss became a battle, a desperate struggle for dominance, a raw, primal expression of their conflicting emotions.

She found herself caught between anger and desire, between revulsion and a desperate need for connection. His tongue slid into her mouth, exploring, invading, claiming her, and she found herself responding, her own tongue meeting his, a silent acknowledgment of the raw, undeniable pull between them.

The image of him with Tess flashed through her mind, a cruel reminder of his betrayal. The anger, simmering beneath the surface, boiled over. She shoved him away, her eyes blazing with a raw, untamed fury.

"Get out!" she screamed, her voice raw with emotion.

"What's your problem?" he growled, his eyes flashing with anger.

"You really have to ask?" she retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I saw you, Joel. I saw you with her."

"So what?" he sneered, his expression a mask of cold indifference. "You think you're the only one I'm gonna be with?"

"I thought… I thought…" she stammered, her words failing her, her voice choked with emotion. "I thought there was something between us."

"There's nothing between us," he said, his voice cold and hard, each word a final, irrevocable judgment. "You're just another body, Fallon. Just like all the others."

His words were a knife twisting in her heart, a final, devastating blow.

He stood up, his eyes burning with a cold, cruel intensity. "Don't flatter yourself," he said, his voice laced with venom. "You ain't special." He then turned and left, leaving her alone in the darkness, her heart shattered into a million pieces.

The night settled over the camp, a heavy, oppressive silence, broken only by the crackling of the fire and the rustling of the leaves. Fallon lay in her tent, the canvas walls offering no protection from the cold, the darkness, the crushing weight of betrayal.

She curled into a tight ball, her body trembling, her mind reeling from the emotional onslaught. Tears streamed down her face, hot and stinging, a release for the pent-up anger and pain. She felt hollow, empty, stripped bare. His words echoed in her mind, a constant, mocking reminder of her vulnerability.

She stared up at the canvas ceiling, her eyes wide and unseeing, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She replayed the kiss, the feel of his lips on hers, the raw, animalistic energy that had pulsed between them. She remembered the way he had looked at her, the brief flicker of something that might have been tenderness, quickly extinguished by a mask of cold indifference.

She felt a surge of hatred, a burning desire for revenge, a need to make him feel the same pain he had inflicted on her.

But beneath the anger, beneath the hatred, there was a flicker of something else, something she didn’t want to acknowledge, something she tried to bury deep within her. It was a fragile ember of hope, a desperate longing for connection, a yearning for something more than the brutal, unforgiving reality of their world.

She wanted to believe that there was something real between them, something beyond the raw, physical connection. She wanted to believe that he cared, that he felt something for her, even if he refused to admit it.

She knew it was foolish, a dangerous delusion in a world where feelings were a liability, where vulnerability was a death sentence. But she couldn’t help it. She couldn’t extinguish the fragile spark of hope that flickered within her, a desperate plea for something more than the hollow echo of her shattered expectations.

She wiped her tears, her movements mechanical, her expression blank. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her break. She wouldn’t let him see her weakness. She would survive. She would endure. She would find a way to make him pay.

She packed her things, silently, methodically, her movements driven by a cold, calculated determination. When the first hint of dawn touched the horizon, she slipped away, a ghost in the shadows, leaving the camp, Joel, and the hollow echo of her shattered expectations behind. The forest swallowed her whole, a silent accomplice in her escape.

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ghostthathaunts · 4 months ago

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Chapter 3: Internal war

Chapter Summary: Everything comes to a head between Fallon and Joel

WORD COUNT: 4K

Note:. This Chapter got away from me 😶‍🌫️😭 but this is the FIRST time I've written smut or anything sexual... hopefully it's okay and readable 😭 feel free to leave tips in the comments ❤️

Their makeshift camp, was a cluster of makeshift shelters and tents nestled among the gnarled trees, a grim testament to the world's decay. A year after the outbreak, the air hung heavy with the scent of woodsmoke and the ever-present tension of survival. Fallon, her face a mask of practiced indifference, stood before Brutal, the group's imposing leader. His eyes, cold and calculating, held little warmth, and a pinch of humanity.

"Brutal," Fallon began, her voice low and steady, "I need to go on a solo supply run. To Oak Haven."

Brutal's brow furrowed, his gaze piercing. "Solo? Why?"

"I need to clear my head," Fallon replied, her eyes meeting his. "Get some space. I'm…not myself lately. This run will help me get my head straight." She paused, then added, "I need to be alone."

Brutal's eyes narrowed, assessing her. He considered her request, his gaze lingering on her face. "Oak Haven," he rumbled, his voice like gravel. "Reports suggest salvageable supplies. Go in, get what you can, get out. No complications. Understand?"

Fallon nodded, a flicker of something close to relief crossing her features. "Understood."

"You're a liability, Fallon," Brutal continued, his voice laced with a thinly veiled threat. "But you're fast, you're resourceful. Prove your worth this time. Fail, and you'll find yourself out there, alone."

She didn't reply, the unspoken threat hanging heavy in the air. She turned, the weight of the mission settling on her shoulders like a physical burden, and began to gather her gear. The fear of failure, of being cast out into the unforgiving wilderness, gnawed at her resolve.

Inside his own shelter, Joel Miller watched her from the shadows, his expression a storm of conflicting emotions. His…hatred? Was it truly hatred? It was a raw, visceral thing, a constant, gnawing presence, yet laced with a confusing undercurrent of something else, something darker, something he couldn't quite define. He turned to Tess, his closest confidant, his voice a low, seething growl.

"Why her?" he demanded, his voice laced with frustration and a hint of something that felt dangerously close to jealousy. "Why does Brutal always send her? She's a walking disaster."

Tess sighed, her eyes weary, her expression a mix of resignation and weary understanding. "She's efficient, Joel. She gets results. You know that. And Brutal trusts her to bring back what we need."

"She's reckless!" he retorted, his voice rising, his hands clenching into fists. "She'll get us all killed. I should be the one going. At least I'm not a fucking head case."

Brutal emerged from his own shelter, his eyes narrowing at Joel's outburst, his presence radiating an aura of quiet menace. "Enough," he commanded, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Fallon has her orders. You have yours. Focus on them. Internal squabbling will not be tolerated. Joel, I swear to god if you don't get your shit together-"

Joel clenched his fists, his anger simmering beneath the surface, a volatile mix of resentment, jealousy, and frustration. He glared at Fallon's retreating figure, his emotions a tangled mess. He felt a strange mixture of wanting her to succeed and wanting her to fail, a twisted desire for her to prove him wrong, and yet be proven right. He couldn't reconcile the disgust he felt with the undeniable, primal pull he experienced whenever she was near.

Oak Haven was a tomb, a silent monument to a world that had crumbled. The buildings stood like hollow shells, their windows shattered, their walls scarred by time and violence. Fallon moved through the deserted streets, her senses heightened, her weapon at the ready. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the crunch of her boots on broken glass and the whisper of the wind through the empty buildings.

She entered a deserted pharmacy, the air thick with the smell of decay and the lingering scent of forgotten medicines. Overturned shelves littered the floor, their contents scattered like fallen leaves. She searched every inch, her eyes scanning every corner, every shadow, her movements precise and efficient.

In a back room, hidden behind a collapsed wall, she found a hidden cache of supplies: canned food, medical kits, ammunition. A surge of relief washed over her, a rare moment of triumph in this desolate place. As she began to pack the supplies, a noise startled her, a rustling sound from the shadows.

A figure emerged from the darkness, a man, ragged and desperate, his eyes wild with fear and hunger. He held a makeshift weapon, a rusted pipe, his hands trembling.

"Those are mine," he rasped, his voice trembling, his eyes darting between Fallon and the supplies. "Leave them, or I'll make you."

Fallon's hand tightened on her weapon, her eyes narrowing, her expression hardening. "I can't do that," she said, her voice steady, her eyes locking onto his.

"You leave me no choice," he said, his voice rising in desperation, and lunged, his attack clumsy and desperate.

The fight was brutal, swift, and merciless. Fallon was faster, more skilled, more driven by a primal need to survive. She moved with a deadly precision, her actions driven by a cold, calculating instinct. The man fell, his life extinguished in the blink of an eye, his blood staining the dusty floor.

Fallon stared at the body, her expression blank, her heart pounding in her chest, the adrenaline still coursing through her veins. A wave of nausea washed over her, quickly suppressed. The weight of what she had done pressed down on her, a familiar ache in her chest.

She finished packing the supplies, her movements mechanical, her mind numb. As she left the pharmacy, a wave of memories threatened to surface, but she shoved them back down, burying them deep within her subconscious, locking them away in the dark recesses of her mind. Survival was all that mattered now, the only constant in a world gone mad. The feeling of the man's life leaving him, still fresh in her mind, made her feel cold, but also strangely, powerful

The journey back to camp was long and physically tiring, the weight of the supplies a welcome burden, areminder of her success. Fallon moved through the forest, her senses alert, her mind focused on the task at hand, her footsteps silent on the fallen leaves.

As she approached the camp, she saw Joel standing by the fire, his expression dark and brooding, his eyes burning with a simmering rage. He saw her, and his eyes narrowed, his anger flaring like a wildfire.

"Look who's back," he sneered, his voice laced with venom, his eyes raking over her. "Did you bring back enough to make up for all the trouble you cause?"

Fallon ignored him, walking past him towards Brutal's shelter, her movements efficient, her face impassive. She unloaded the supplies, placing them neatly on the ground.

"Good work," Brutal said, his voice gruff, his eyes assessing the supplies. "You've proven yourself."

Joel watched them, his anger growing with each passing moment, his emotions a turbulent mix of hatred, envy, and a raw, confusing need. He stormed towards Fallon, his eyes blazing with fury.

"You think you're so tough, don't you?" he snarled, his voice dripping with contempt, his body radiating a dangerous energy. "You're nothing but a worthless bitch."

Fallon turned to face him, her eyes cold and defiant, her voice dangerously low. "Say that again," she dared, her voice a low growl.

"You heard me," he spat, his voice rising, his face contorting with rage. "You're a waste of space, a burden to this group."

"You're the one who's a burden," Fallon retorted, her voice rising, her eyes flashing with anger. "You're weak, you're pathetic, you're a coward. Shit, the list goes on really. You're just jealous because you weren't chosen."

Joel lunged at her, his hand reaching for her throat, his eyes filled with a murderous rage. Fallon sidestepped him, her movements swift and precise. She grabbed his arm, twisting it behind his back, forcing him to his knees, her grip like iron.

"Don't ever touch me again," she hissed, her voice filled with venom, her eyes burning into his.

Joel struggled against her grip, his face contorted with rage, his voice a guttural growl. "You think you're so smart," he growled, his voice laced with hatred. "You're just a whore following orders."

Fallon released him, her eyes blazing with fury, her body trembling with a mixture of anger and adrenaline. "You want to say that again?" she challenged, her voice dangerously low, her eyes daring him.

Joel stood up, his eyes filled with a twisted mix of hatred and an almost desperate need to prove himself. He grabbed her by the throat, his grip tightening, his fingers digging into her skin. Before Fallon could react, he slammed his lips against hers, a brutal, punishing kiss, a raw expression of his rage, his confusion, and a dark, desperate hunger. It wasn't a kiss of passion, but of desperation, of two people starved for something they couldn't name.

The kiss was violent, a raw expression of Joel's rage, his confusion, and a desperate, primal need. It was a harsh collision of teeth and lips, a desperate attempt to both hurt and possess. Fallon struggled against him, her hands clawing at his arms, but his grip was unyielding, his body pressing against hers with a brutal intensity. He pulled her closer, his lips moving against hers with a desperate, savage hunger, as if trying to consume her whole. The taste of blood filled her mouth, a grim reminder of the violence that permeated their world, a constant undercurrent in their lives.

Fallon's anger warred with a strange, unwelcome flicker of something else, a dark, suffocating heat that spread through her veins, a confusing mix of fear, anger, and a twisted, primal desire. She pushed him away, her breath coming in ragged gasps, her eyes wide with a mixture of anger, confusion, and a strange, unsettling thrill.

"What…what was that?" she whispered, her voice trembling, her eyes searching his for an explanation, for some semblance of sanity. She felt a knot of confusion and a sick feeling in her stomach.

Joel stared at her, his eyes dark and unreadable, a battle raging within him. "You want to fight me?" he growled, his voice low and husky, a challenge and a dare. "Then fight me." He wasn't sure what he wanted, but he knew he couldn't let her go.

He grabbed her arm, pulling her towards his shelter, his touch rough and possessive. The air crackled with a dangerous energy, a tension that was both terrifying and exhilarating, a volatile mix of hatred and a dark, desperate need. Fallon followed him, her heart pounding in her chest, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, her body reacting in ways she didn't understand.

Inside the shelter, Joel pushed her against an old shelf, his body pressing against hers, his eyes burning into her. The air was thick with unspoken desires, a dark, suffocating tension that threatened to consume them both, a dangerous dance between hatred and a twisted, desperate hunger.

"You think you can play with me?" he whispered, his voice rough against her ear, his breath hot on her skin. "You think you can challenge me?"

Fallon's breath hitched, her eyes meeting his, a mixture of fear and defiance in their depths. "I don't play games," she said, her voice trembling, the words tight with repressed emotion.

Joel's eyes darkened, his gaze lingering on her lips, a flicker of something that resembled longing crossing his face before it was quickly masked by anger. He leaned closer, his breath warm on her face, his voice a low growl. "Then show me," he whispered, his voice a low growl, a desperate plea hidden beneath a challenge. "Show me what you're made of."

He leaned in, his lips finding hers again, but this time, the kiss was different. It was still rough, still desperate, but there was a flicker of something else, something akin to need, a desperate longing that mirrored her own.

"You drive me fucking crazy, you know that?" Joel growled against her lips, his breath hot against them.

Fallon's resistance crumbled, her body responding to a primal urge she couldn't deny. She kissed him back, her lips meeting his with a hunger that surprised even herself, a hunger that felt like it came from a deep, aching void inside.

"Joel," she whispered, his name a plea on her lips.

Joel's hands moved over her body, exploring the curves and contours, his touch both rough and tender. Fallon's hands moved over him as well, her fingers tracing the lines of his muscles, her touch both hesitant and eager, driven by a raw, desperate need for contact. Their movements were driven by a desperate need to connect, to find solace in each other's arms, to escape the harsh reality of their world, if only for a few moments.

They moved to his cot, their bodies tangled together, their movements driven by a raw, primal urgency. The act was a release, a temporary escape from the pain and the fear, a moment of connection in a world defined by disconnection.

He cupped her breasts, his thumbs brushing over her nipples through the thin fabric of her shirt. Fallon gasped into his mouth, her back arching, begging for more.He tugged at her shirt, the buttons popping off in his haste. Fallon's breath hitched as he exposed her

"You're so fucking beautiful," he murmured, his voice a low growl as he dipped his head, his mouth capturing one taut nipple.

Fallon cried out, her fingers digging into his shoulders as he sucked and nipped at her sensitive flesh. He lavished attention on one breast before moving to the other, his hands roaming over her body, stoking the fire that burned between them

His hand trailed down her stomach, her muscles quivering under his touch. He reached the waistband of her jeans, his fingers deftly popping open the button,getting rid of both her pants and underwear. Fallon's breath hitched as he slid his hand on her core, his fingers finding her hot and wet.

"Joel," she moaned, her head falling back against the cot as he began to stroke her.

His mouth found hers again, swallowing her cries as he brought her closer and closer to the edge. He figured out her body, figured out exactly how to touch her, how to make her come undone.

Joel's fingers were now relentless, his touch rough and unyielding as he shoved two fingers deep inside her, his thumb circling her clit with brutal precision. Fallon cried out, her body bucking against his hand, her walls clenching around his fingers as he finger-fucked her with merciless intensity.

"Joel," she gasped, her voice a ragged plea. "Please…"

Joel's smirk deepened, and he leaned down, his lips brushing against her earlobe as he whispered, "Please what, Fallon? Please fuck you? Please make you come? Or please stop?"

He punctuated each question with a brutal thrust of his fingers, his touch demanding, possessive. Fallon moaned, her body writhing beneath him, her traitorous flesh begging for more.

"I… I don't know," she whispered, her voice a ragged sob. "I don't… I can't…"

Joel's smirk was cold, his eyes like chips of ice. "You can't what, Fallon? You can't admit that you love this? That you love the pain, the struggle, the fight?"

His fingers moved faster, his touch more insistent, more demanding. Fallon's body tensed, her muscles clamping down on his fingers as she neared the precipice of her orgasm.

"Joel," she gasped, her voice a ragged plea. "Please… please don't stop…"

Joel covered her mouth with his own and Fallon's body tensed, her muscles coiling tight as she neared her release. Joel broke away from her mouth, his eyes locked on hers as he whispered, "Let go, Fallon. Let go for me."

Joel's smirk was triumphant, and he leaned down, his lips crashing down on hers as he finger-fucked her to orgasm, her body convulsing around his fingers, her walls clenching and unclenching as she came with a scream.

As her orgasm subsided, Joel withdrew his fingers from her body, his eyes never leaving hers as he brought them to his mouth, licking them clean one by one. Fallon watched him, her body sated, her heart aching, her soul in tatters.

She reached for him, her hands fumbling with the buttons of his jeans to rid him of them, her desperation to feel him growing with each passing second.

He shifted his body between her thighs positioning himself at her entrance, his eyes locked onto hers."Is this what you want, Fallon?" he growled, his hand tangling in her hair as he pulled her head back, forcing her chest to arch against him. "You want me to fuck you like an animal? Right here on this cot?"

Fallon whimpered, her body shaking with anticipation. "Yes," she breathed, her voice barely audible. "Fuck me, Joel. Please."

Fallon's breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest as he slowly pressed into her, his thickness filling her completely. He groaned, his head dropping to her shoulder as he began to move, his hips thrusting against hers in a primal rhythm.

Fallon's body responded to his, her hips lifting to meet each thrust, her muscles clenching around him. She could feel the pleasure building, could feel the tension coiling in her core. Joel's mouth was on her neck, his teeth biting at her flesh, his breath hot on her skin.

"Joel," Fallon moaned, her body writhing beneath him. Her mind was a whirlwind of sensation, her body aching with pleasure. She could feel her orgasm building, could feel the waves of pleasure crashing over her.

"You're so fucking tight," he growled, his hand tightening in her hair. "So fucking perfect."

Fallon whimpered, her body already beginning to move against his, urging him to fuck her harder, deeper. Joel complied, his hips slamming against hers as he took her with a ferocity that left Fallon gasping for breath.

everything around them faded away, the world narrowing down to the two of them, their bodies joined in a primal, desperate dance. Joel's hand moved from Fallon's hair to her throat, his fingers wrapping around the delicate column as he fucked her with brutal, unyielding strokes.

Fallon's body trembled, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she neared the edge of orgasm. Joel must have sensed it, because he leaned in, his voice a low growl in her ear.

"Come for me, Fallon," he commanded, his hand tightening around her throat. "Come all over my cock like a good little slut." Joels thrusts became harder, faster. He let out a low growl, his body trying to find its release

Fallon's body convulsed, her orgasm tearing through her with a force that left her screaming Joel's name. He groaned, his hips slamming against hers one final time as he found his own release, his hot seed spilling deep inside her. A fucking mess. A raw, sexy mess.

When it was over, they lay tangled together, their breathing ragged, the silence heavy with the weight of what had just transpired. Joel stared at the ceiling, his emotions a turbulent mix of confusion, regret, and a strange, unsettling satisfaction. He didn't understand what had driven him to this, but he couldn't deny the powerful pull he felt towards Fallon, a pull that warred with his anger and his resentment.

Fallon turned away, her face hidden in the shadows, her emotions a whirlwind of shame, anger, and a strange, undeniable pleasure. She didn't understand what had just happened, but she couldn't deny the intensity of the experience, the way it had shaken her to her core, leaving her feeling both vulnerable and strangely powerful. The emotional aftermath was thick, heavy, and confusing. A tear escaped her eye, and she quickly wiped it away.

After a long silence, Fallon finally spoke, her voice thick with emotion. "Joel," she began, the words catching in her throat, "I…I don't understand." Her voice cracked. "I don't understand what just happened, or what we are doing." She paused, gathering her thoughts, her chest tight with a mix of anxiety and a deep, aching sadness. "I'm confused. I'm angry. I felt…things, but I don't understand them. I need to understand them." She turned to face him, her eyes searching his, pleading for answers. "What are we doing? What are you doing to me?"

Joel's jaw tightened, his gaze hardening. The vulnerability in her voice grated on him, stirring a defensive anger within him. "What do you mean, 'what are we doing'?" he scoffed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "We had sex. That's what people do."

"It wasn't just…sex," Fallon countered, her voice rising slightly, her eyes flashing with a desperate intensity. "It felt like something else. Something…more. Or maybe I'm just losing my mind." Her voice trembled.

"You're making too much of it," Joel snapped, his voice sharp. "It was a release. Nothing more. Don't go trying to read something into it that isn't there."

His dismissive tone ignited a spark of anger within Fallon, an anger fueled by hurt and confusion. "So, that's it? Just a release for you? I'm just some…some body you used?" Her voice was laced with a raw, wounded vulnerability.

Joel's anger flared, his eyes burning into hers. "Don't play the victim, Fallon," he growled, his voice laced with venom. "You wanted it just as much as I did. Don't pretend you didn't."

"I never said I didn't," Fallon retorted, her voice shaking with anger, her eyes filled with a mixture of hurt and defiance. "But I also didn't expect to be treated like…like nothing afterward."

"Then what did you expect?" Joel challenged, his voice rising. "Roses and a fucking love poem? This is the real world, Fallon. Get over yourself."

"I expect some basic human decency," Fallon shot back, her voice trembling, tears welling in her eyes. "I expect to be treated with respect, not dismissed like I'm some kind of…disposable object."

"Oh, please," Joel sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "You're acting like you're the only one who's ever been hurt. Everyone in this camp has been through shit. You're not special."

His words hit her like a physical blow, the cruelty in his voice cutting deep, making her want to scream. Fallon's eyes filled with tears, but she refused to let them fall. "You're being a prick," she said, her voice shaking with anger and pain. "You're being cruel and dismissive, and I don't deserve that."

"Then leave," Joel challenged, his voice cold. "Nobody's forcing you to stay here. You'll be back. You always come crawling back."

Fallon stood up, her body trembling with a mixture of anger, hurt, and a deep, aching sadness. "Fine," she said, her voice barely a whisper, thick with emotion. "I need some distance from you. You're being a complete ass."

She grabbed her clothes, her movements quick and jerky, and began to dress, her back to him. The silence in the tent was thick with tension, heavy with unspoken words, a silent scream of pain.

Once dressed, she turned to face him, her eyes blazing with defiance, but filled with a deep well of hurt. "I'm leaving," she said, her voice firm, but trembling slightly. "I need to get away from you. And don't flatter yourself, Joel. I won't be back. I’m done with you."

"Yeah, you'll be back," Joel said, a cruel smirk twisting his lips, his eyes filled with a dark satisfaction. "You know you can't stay away. You need this. You need me. You’re too weak to be alone, Fallon. Besides, who else is going to want you? You're damaged goods."

Fallons breath hitched, his words a final, brutal blow. She stared at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of rage and a deep, aching sadness. Without another word, she turned and walked out of the shelter, her head held high, her heart aching with a pain she refused to acknowledge. Joel watched her go, his expression a mask of anger, regret, and a dark, unsettling satisfaction

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ghostthathaunts · 4 months ago

Text

Chapter 2: Secrets of Survival

NOTE: ALL CHAPTERS WILL BE UPLOADED TO THE MASTERLIST. ENJOY ❤️

The sun had barely risen, Fallon struggling to open her eyes ,but Brutal's voice already echoed through the camp, harsh and unyielding. "Fallon, you're taking Joel,and tess on a supply run today," he ordered, his eyes scanning the group huddled around the dying fire. "We need supplies, and you guys are the most capable."

Fallon bristled at the command, her eyes flashing with defiance. She hated taking orders, especially from Brutal. But she knew better than to argue. The camp was running low on supplies, and someone had to step up. She nodded curtly, avoiding Joel's smug gaze.

As they set off, Fallon leading the way, the forest seemed to close in around them. The trees, once her friends, now loomed like specters, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. She shivered, her mind drifting back to a time when the world was different. A time when she was different.

She remembered the city, the concrete jungle that had once been her home. She remembered the noise, the constant hum of life. And she remembered the silence that followed. The emptiness. The desolation. She shook her head, pushing the memories away. This world was her reality now. The forest, the camp, the constant struggle for survival.

They walked for hours, the sun climbing higher in the sky. Joel and Tess followed silently, their footsteps echoing hers. They were headed for an old town, a place rumored to have been untouched by scavengers. But as they crested the hill, their hopes crumbled.

The town was a shell, a ghost of its former self. Buildings stood empty, their windows like hollow eyes staring out at the desolation.

"Waste of fucking time,” Fallon muttered, kicking a rusted can that skittered down the cracked asphalt. It clattered against a pile of rubble, the sound echoing in the oppressive quiet.“Should’ve told Brutal to shove this run up his ass.”

Joel grunted, his gaze fixed on a boarded-up pharmacy. “Keep your voice down. We don’t know what’s crawling around here.”

Fallon scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. “Crawl where? There’s nothing left to crawl for.” They’d been through four buildings on the main street, each one stripped bare. Even the rats had abandoned this ghost town. The air hung heavy, thick with the scent of decay and the lingering ghost of a forgotten life. The silence itself felt like a weight, pressing down on them, a constant reminder of the world they’d lost.

Looking through another buildings window, Fallon was starting to give up hope. She rubbed her face roughly and let out a long sigh, “empty,” her voice flat, devoid of emotion. “Like everywhere else.”

Joel slammed a fist against an old boarded up window, the sound echoing through the abandoned street. Dust motes danced in the dim light, disturbed by the sudden violence. “Fuck! Brutals gonna have our hides for this.” His frustration was palpable, a tightly coiled spring ready to unleash.

"My hide, you mean,” Fallon retorted, her eyes narrowing, her voice laced with a dangerous edge. “You and Tess are just the glorified babysitters, he sent to make sure I didn’t ‘get lost.’” She knew she was pushing him, deliberately provoking him. She wanted the confrontation, the release of tension.

Anger radiated through the group, a tangible force that crackled in the air like lightning. Joel turned to Fallon, his eyes cold and hard. "This is your fault," he spat, taking a step closer. "You led us here, you useless bitch."

Fallon's heart pounded in her chest, her hands clenching into fists. "Back off, Joel," she warned, her voice low and dangerous. "I didn't know the place would be empty."

Joel scoffed, his lip curling in a sneer. "You should have known. You're supposed to be our number one scavenger, Fallon. But you're nothing more than a pathetic little girl."

He was in her face now, his breath hot on her skin. She could see the flecks of gold in his eyes, the scar that cut through his eyebrow. And she could feel the heat of his body, the tension that hummed between them.

"Fuck you, Joel," she growled, her hands shaking with rage. "You don't know anything about me."

Like a flash of lighteninh, Joel’s hand shot out, grabbing her by the throat. The suddenness of the attack stole her breath, her eyes widening in a mix of fury and fear. His grip was like iron, his fingers digging into her skin, cutting off her air supply. The world narrowed to the burning pressure on her throat and the cold fury in Joel’s eyes.

“You’ll learn your fucking place, Fallon,” he hissed, his face inches from hers, his voice a menacing rasp. His breath was hot on her face, carrying the scent of stale tobacco, and something else, something darker, something primal. “You’ll learn to respect me in this fucking group, or I'll make sure that you learn what it means to be truly alone, and I mean truly alone, out there.” He gave her throat a rough shake, a violent motion that sent a jolt of pain through her. "Do you understand me, you worthless cunt?"

Fallon’s eyes burned with a mixture of rage and a primal fear she refused to acknowledge. She clawed at his hand,and arm; her nails scraping against his skin, but his grip remained unyielding. She managed a choked, "Get your fucking hands off me, you son of a bitch." The words were barely a whisper, but they were filled with venom.

But he didn't listen. He never listened. Joel’s grip tightened, his fingers digging deeper into her flesh. “You’re nothing,” he snarled, his eyes filled with contempt. “You’re a waste of space, a burden. You’re lucky I haven’t put a bullet in your head already.”

Fallon’s vision blurred, her lungs burning for air. She felt a surge of adrenaline, a desperate need to survive. She brought her knee up sharply, aiming for his groin.Joel grunted in pain, his grip loosening slightly. Fallon took the opportunity to wrench herself free, stumbling back against the overturned bench. She gasped for air, her throat burning, her eyes fixed on Joel.

He doubled over, clutching his groin, his face contorted in pain and fury. “You fucking bitch!” he roared, his voice filled with rage. “I’m going to fucking kill you!”

Tess rushed in between them, her hands shoving against Joel's chest. "Stop it, Joel," she snapped, her eyes flashing. "This isn't helping anyone."

Joel's eyes flicked to Tess. Tess took advantage of his distraction, pushing him back a step. "Go ahead, Fallon," she said, her voice steady and calm. "I'll handle Joel."

Fallon hesitated for a moment, her eyes locked on Joel's. Fallon stood in the abandoned streetvstaringbthe older man down, her chest heaving, her eyes burning with defiance. “You touch me again, you fucking touch me again, and I’ll kill you,you’re pathetic,you’re weak you’re nothing.”

Having the last word, Fallon turned to head back to camp,her hand instinctively going to her bruised throat. The skin was already reddening, the marks of his fingers a stark reminder of his power over her, and her vulnerability. The world outside seemed even bleaker now, the silence more oppressive.

Tess watched Fallon go, her heart heavy in her chest. Then she turned to Joel, her eyes flashing with anger. "What the hell is wrong with you, Joel?" she demanded, her voice sharp. "You can't keep treating Fallon like this."

Joel's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched tight. "She deserves it, Tess," he growled. "She's a waste of fucking space and air Tess, and you know it."

Tess shook her head, her voice softening. "She's doing the best she can, Joel," she said. "And she doesn't deserve your cruelty."

Joel scoffed, looking away. Tess reached out, her hand cupping his cheek. She turned his face back to hers, her eyes searching his. "You can't keep pushing people away, Joel," she said softly. "You need us. You need Fallon. Whether you want to admit it or not."

Joel's eyes darkened, his hand reaching up to cover hers. There was a moment of silence, a moment of connection. Then Joel turned away, his shoulders tense. "We should get back to camp," he muttered, his voice gruff.

Tess nodded, her heart heavy. She knew Joel was hurting, knew he was lashing out because of his pain. But she also knew that he couldn't keep treating Fallon this way. Something had to change. And she was determined to make sure it did.

Because despite Joel's harsh words and cruel actions, Tess had seen something in his eyes when he looked at Fallon. Something that looked a lot like desire. And she was determined to make him see it too.

Fallon heard their footsteps behind her, heard the low murmur of their voices. She knew Tess was trying to talk sense into Joel, but she also knew that Joel was a lost cause. He was rude, arrogant, and infuriatingly stubborn.

But as she walked, her mind drifted back to the moment when Joel had been in her face, his body pressed against hers. She remembered the heat of his breath, the intensity of his gaze. And she remembered the way her heart had pounded, the way her body had responded.

She shook her head, pushing the thoughts away. Joel was an ass, and she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing that he had gotten under her skin.

But as they made their way back to camp, Fallon couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them. Something that was both terrifying and exhilarating. And she knew, without a doubt, that things were about to get a lot more complicated.

The journey back to the camp was long and strenuous. They walked in silence, the tension between them thick and suffocating. The darkness seemed to press in on them, amplifying every sound, every rustle of leaves.

As they approached the camp, they could see the flickering light of the campfire, a beacon in the darkness. They entered the camp, their faces grim, their bags empty.

The fire cast long, dancing shadows, illuminating the faces of the other raiders. They were gathered around the fire, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.

Brutal was waiting for them, his eyes narrowed, his expression hard. “Well?” he asked, his voice sharp, his gaze sweeping over them.

Fallon and Joel exchanged a glance. “We found nothing,” Fallon said, her voice steady, her eyes meeting Brutals’s.

A murmur of disappointment rippled through the group. Brutal’s face darkened with anger and dissapointment.

“Nothing?” he asked, his voice incredulous. “You found absolutely nothing?”

“That’s right,” Fallon said, her voice flat. “The town was picked clean.”

Brutal’s anger flared. “You’re fucking useless!” he roared, his voice echoing through the camp. “You went out there and you came back empty-handed? What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“We did our best,” Fallon said, her voice cold and defiant. “There was nothing there.”

“Your best isn’t good enough!” Brutal shouted, his face contorted with rage. “You’re a fucking disgrace!Get you shit together Fallon” Without another word Brutal turned and stomped towards his tent, leaving an uneasy silence among the rest of the group.

Later that night, Fallon couldn't sleep. The image of Joel's hand on her throat kept flashing in her mind, a disturbing reminder of their volatile dynamic. She tossed and turned in her makeshift bed, the rough blanket scratching against her skin.

She got up and walked towards the edge of the camp. The moon cast a pale light on the surrounding forest, painting the trees in shades of silver and black. She could hear the crackling of the campfire, the low murmur of voices, the occasional rustle of leaves.

She saw Joel sitting by the fire, his back to her. He was alone, his posture suggesting a deep contemplation. A strange impulse took hold of her, a desire to confront him, to understand the darkness that seemed to consume him.

She approached him slowly, her footsteps muffled by the soft earth. He didn't turn around, but she knew he was aware of her presence.

"Can't sleep?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Joel grunted in response.

She sat down beside him, a comfortable distance between them. The fire crackled and popped, sending sparks flying into the night sky.

"I..." Fallon hesitated, unsure of what she wanted to say. "I shouldn't have talked to you like that today."

Joel remained silent for a long moment. Then, he spoke, his voice low and rough. "You were right.About me being pathetic and everything else."

"That's not what I meant," Fallon said quickly. "I just... I'm tired of this. Tired of being afraid all the time."

"Fear keeps you alive," Joel said, his voice hard.

"Maybe," Fallon said. "But it also keeps you from living."

They sat in silence for a while, the only sound the crackling of the fire. The air was thick with unspoken tension, a strange mix of animosity and something else, something darker, something more complex.

"You know," Joel said, his voice low, "I saw something in your eyes today. When I..." He trailed off, the memory of his violence hanging heavy in the air.

Fallon turned to look at him. His eyes were dark and intense, his gaze fixed on her. "What did you see?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Joel leaned closer, his voice low and rough. "I saw fear. But I also saw something else. Something... defiant." His gaze lingered on her, his dark eyes burning into hers.

Fallon felt a shiver run down her spine, a strange mix of fear and excitement. She couldn't look away, she was trapped in his gaze.

He reached out and touched her cheek, his fingers tracing the line of her jaw. His touch was surprisingly gentle, a stark contrast to his earlier violence.

"You're a survivor, Fallon," he said, his voice low and husky. "But you're also playing a dangerous game."

His touch sent a jolt of electricity through her. She felt her breath catch in her throat, her heart pounding in her chest. The air crackled with a tension that was almost palpable.

She didn't move, she couldn't move. She was frozen, caught between fear and a strange, undeniable attraction.

Joel's gaze dropped to her lips. He leaned closer, his breath warm on her face.

Fallon closed her eyes, her body trembling. She waited, her senses heightened, her heart pounding.

But the kiss never came.

Instead, Joel pulled back, his hand dropping from her face. He stood up abruptly, his movements jerky.

"Get some sleep," he said, his voice rough. He turned and walked away, disappearing into the darkness.

Fallon sat there for a long time, her heart still racing, her body trembling. The fire crackled and popped, the only sound in the silence. She was left alone with her confusion, her fear, and a strange, unsettling desire she couldn't quite understand. The night was cold, but she felt a strange warmth spreading through her, a dark heat that had nothing to do with the fire.

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ghostthathaunts · 4 months ago

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Chapter 1: The Crossroads

Note: THIS CHAPTER HAS BEEN REVISED AND REPOSTED! HOPE YALL ENJOY ❤️

A YEAR AFTER OUTBREAK DAY

In the quiet of the dawn, Fallon stepped out of the camp's borders, her bow slung over her shoulder and a quiver of arrows resting on her back. The forest was her domain, and she moved through it with the familiarity of an old friend. The snap of twigs and rustle of leaves beneath her feet were the only sounds interrupting the morning's tranquility. Her group was running low on supplies, and it was up to her to replenish their stocks.

As she walked, her mind wandered back to the early days of their motley crew. Joel, Tess, and Tommy had joined their group about 6 Months back. Joel was an ass from the start—disrespectful and abrasive, always ready to challenge and stir up trouble.

She remembered the first time he had questioned her, his eyes cold and hard as he told her she was too soft to make the tough calls. Tess and Tommy were different, though. They were good people, just trying to survive like the rest of them.

The group wasn't perfect, but it was better than being alone. They all killed when they had to, but some killed for fun. "The predators vs prey" some members of the group called it, and Fallon fell right in the middle; killing when necessary, but to blow off steam she would hunt the lone "prey". The shy young woman Fallon once was, was no more in this hardened world.

Fallon shook off the memories, focusing on the task at hand. She had spent hours tracking a deer, its prints fresh in the mud.The only success she had so far was the 5 rabbits and the squirrel she had strapped to her bag. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her of the emptiness gnawing at her insides. She couldn't remember the last time she had eaten a proper meal.

The snap of a branch in the distance caught her attention. She froze, her hand reaching back to grab an arrow. Slowly, she nocked it, drawing the bowstring taut. Her breath hitched as a magnificent buck stepped into view, its antlers proud and defiant. As the deer walked across Fallon elicited a soft whistle at the moment the crosshairs reached just behind the front shoulder.

The deer paused and turned only it's head in the direction of the whistle it gave Fallon all the time in the world,she needed to make a clean shot.The deer was hers.She released the arrow, watching as it soared through the air and struck the deer, dropping it to the ground.

Fallon approached the fallen creature, gratitude swelling within her. This would feed her group for days. She quickly set to work, dressing the deer and preparing it to get it back to camp.She pulled out a thick rope from her bag,and wound it around the bucks antlers. It was heavy, but the adrenaline coursing through her veins gave her the strength she needed as she began to drag it back to camp.

By the time she finally made it back to camp it was already dark, and her muscles aching from the burden. As she stepped into the clearing,she immediately saw Tess, who had her arms wrapped around herself, offered a small smile, while Tommy, oblivious to the tension, cheered in glee. Joel, however, stood apart, his arms crossed, a scowl etched on his face. He looked her up and down, his lip curling in a sneer.

"About time you showed up," he spat, standing from his seat by the fire. "We thought you'd gotten lost out there.Talking and playing with nature were you?"

Fallon bristled at his tone, her grip tightening on the deer's carcass. "I'm here now, and I've brought food. This should keep us going for a while."

Joel scoffed, taking a step closer. "You expect us to be grateful? You were gone all day, leaving us here to worry. You're supposed to be getting shit done, Fallon, but you're nothing more than a selfish bitch."

Anger surged through her, hot and fierce. She dropped the deer, her hand reaching for the knife at her side. "I do what I have to for this group," she growled. "You have no right to question me, Joel. You've done nothing but cause trouble since you joined us."

He laughed, a harsh and bitter sound. "You're delusional, Fallon. You think you're some kind of savior, but you're just a little girl playing in the woods."

Before she could react, he lunged forward, his hand wrapping around her throat. She gasped, her fingers tightening around the hilt of her knife. In one swift motion, she pressed the blade against his side, her eyes flashing with fury.

"Get your hands off me, Joel," she warned, her voice low and dangerous. "I won't ask you again."

He leaned in closer, his breath hot on her face. "You won't do it, Fallon. You don't have the guts."

Her heart pounded in her chest, her vision swimming with rage. She pressed the knife harder against him, a thin trickle of blood running down his side. "Try me," she whispered.

Before Joel and Fallon could continue their altercation, a shrill whistle caused Fallon to put her knife down and Joel to release her throat and back away. Fallon glanced over to where the whistle came from, and she was relieved to see the group "leader" Brutus aka "Brutal. There was no need for him to go over to where Fallon and Joel stood, his voice would be heard loud and clear.

The commotion and their leaders whistle had drawn the attention of the rest of the group. Murmurs and whispers rippled through the crowd, their eyes wide with shock and concern. The deep, authoritative voice boomed through the camp, silencing everyone.

"Enough!"

Brutal, stepped in the direction of the altercation, his towering figure casting a long shadow over Fallon and Joel. His eyes, sharp and piercing, scanned the crowd, taking in the tense atmosphere. He was a formidable man, his muscles honed from years of survival, his skin scarred from countless battles.

He turned his gaze to Fallon and Joel, his expression dark. "You two are like a pair of fucking lions, always at each other's throats." His voice was a low growl, a rumble of thunder before the storm. "This stops now."

Fallon and Joel stepped back, their chests heaving, their eyes still locked in a silent battle. Brutal looked from one to the other, his jaw set in a hard line.

"You want to fight? You want to tear each other apart?" He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You do it on your own time. Not when we're all trying to survive. Not when we're all counting on each other to make it through another day."

He turned to the group, his voice rising, a commanding presence that demanded attention. "And that goes for all of you. We are a group. Raiders. We survive together, or we die alone. There is no in-between."

His eyes swept over the crowd, his expression stern. "If anyone has a problem with that, you're welcome to leave. But know this - out there, you're on your own. Here, we look out for each other. We protect each other. And we sure as hell don't turn on each other."

He let his words hang in the air, a silent threat that echoed through the camp. The group was silent, their eyes downcast, their bodies tense. Brutal nodded, his point made clear.

He turned back to Fallon, his glare turning directly towards Fallon. "Fallon, with me. We need to talk."

Just as "Brutal" started to walk away, she shot Joel a smug smirk and pat his chest, "See that big man? a real man needs me tonight." Blowing Joel a kiss, Fallon turned away from Joel andwent on her way to go meet with "Brutal".

Joel stood there watching Fallon with murderous eyes as she walked away. Tess and Tommy walked up with smirks on both of their faces, Tommy slapping Joel on the back of his neck, "gotta give it to the girl big brother, that girl is something."

Being knocked out of his daze, Joel looked at Tommy with a smirk, "shes a fucking brat is what she is, and I'm going to put that little slut in her place sooner rather than later." Without another word Joel glanced back into the direction Fallon had disappeared, his eyes now gleaming with something dangerous

The inside of Brutals tent was sparse, a simple cot and a small table littered with maps and notes. Brutal motioned for Fallon to sit, his expression serious.

"Fallon, I need you to keep your head straight. You're one of our best raiders, and we need you out there, not in here fighting with Joel."

He spread out a map on the table, his fingers tracing a path through the woods. "There's a new scavenging spot I want you to check out. It's the next town over, but it might have supplies we can use."

He looked up at Fallon, his eyes steady. "You've been through a lot, I know. But we need you. The group needs you. We can't afford to lose you to petty fights."

Fallon nodded, her eyes on the map. He understood Brutal's message loud and clear. He was needed.She was vital to the group's survival.

Brutal clapped her on the shoulder, a rare show of affection. and Fallon looked up at the larger man, a silent understanding passing between them. "You're a good girl, Fallon. Don't let Joel get to you. He's not worth it."

Fallon remained silent, but Brutal took that as a sign to continue, "First thing in the morning, take Joel, Tess, and Tommy on that run."

Fallons head shot up to meet Brutal's eyes and protest, but as soon as she opened her mouth, he harshly cut her off.

"This is not up for fucking discussion Fallon, get this shit done first light."

Fallon got up without another word and left the tent. She was already dreading what tomorrow would bring.

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