Hollow Heroes [Open to all]

Eugene was relieved when Mikko finally backed off. That fact was made evident in the relieved sigh that he could not suppress. It also made him happy that she seemed on board with relaxing and watching anime or some of the other DVDs that the room had been provided with.


And getting to know each other. Though, he wondered just how much he would expose of himself. If she knew the truth about him, would she still like him?

He listened as she told him all about her plans before the outbreak, giving a nod. That seemed legit. She was in perfect shape. Well, other than the fact that she was half-zombie. And she was even younger than he thought...



"That's all indeed very impressive. I can see you being a very fast runner. Perhaps that is how you have survived. That, and you are no doubt intelligent. You have already proven that much, despite trying to propagate with me on various occasions within a small time frame.." And there was a mild look of amusement there. Yes, it had all been very scary, not wanting to be taken advantage of and knowing that if he angered her, that other side of her probably wouldn't have second thoughts about making a meal of him.


And now, he had to decide just how much he would tell her about himself, and to stall it for a moment longer, he pushed up from the couch and headed into the bedroom to retrieve his bag, returning moments later. He plopped it down on the coffee table and unzipped it, then set about placing the various goodies out for her to see and pick from...


A huge jar of pickles, that thankfully had not been broken during the attack. A pack of oreos. Chips and bagged popcorn. Poptarts and lastly but not least, a freshly baked half of cake.


He then made his way over to the entertainment center and began digging through the movies. "I'm originally from Texas.. " He began, pulling a couple of the DVDs from the shelf. The anime collection was lacking, but there were other options. Comedies and cartoons were among his picks. "I was a high school science teacher and enjoyed it immensely. I have never been a fighter. So when the outbreak happened, I used the only ammo at my disposal. My intelligence. I perhaps told a little white lie here and there just to get by, but... it landed me in cahoots with some pretty stand-up people. They became my family..." He told her, finally pushing up off the floor and moving over to show Mikko the selections he had made, deciding to let her choose. It was the gentlemanly thing to do.



"I am 37 years young and also enjoy music and dancing, even with two left feet. I cannot carry a tune but that does not stop me from singing in the shower. Running is something I'm not very good at. I'm more of a hider. Some would call me a coward, and I cannot argue with that claim."

Mikko tucked her legs under herself and got more settled on the couch. Her stomach gurgled a little indicating that she was indeed hungry. She patted her stomach and gave it a rub hoping to settle it down, maybe a bit of wine! while he was grabbing his things she hurried to the kitchen and met up with him with a bottle of wine and two glasses.

Oh nice pile of loot you have here.

She poured them each a glass as she listened to him talk about himself, then sat back down after snagging a pickle. She bit the end of the pickle off and started to suck the inners out of it.

Yeh. Running is what kept me alive. I also tried not to touch foot on the ground, staying on the roof tops. I lived in New York, so we were over run pretty quickly. Lost my parents and little brother on the first day of the out break.

She quickly changed the subject to get away from the heavy and looked through the DVDs.

So we're 13 years apart. That's how many years Bebop and I were. And don't worry about fighting. I got your back. Someone messes with you. I'll fuck em up. You got my word on that. She mussed. None of these movies were to her taste as she was more of a horror fan. But she wouldn't say anything, Horror was more of something you watched when you wanted to end the night on a sexy note anyway. So she ended up picking out The Pick of Destiny, with Tenacious D. Comedy and music!

She smiled and handed him her choice.

So...The question of questions...Horde or Alliance?

It was good to know that this place had wine and he would certainly be partaking of it. Hearing that she would have his back earned a sideways grin and he took her pick, giving it a look over. He had not seen this one, so it would be a treat.


"I am sorry about your family. I lost mine, too. However, I was fortunate enough to gain a new one." And heh ad a feeling that Mikko would be a part of that family, now. His group would just have to get used to the fact that she kind of looked like a Walker... no big deal.



"Bebop- was that a boyfriend? And I am Alliance. How about you?" He asked as he took her selection and headed over to the entertainment once again. Flipping on the TV, they were treated to the live news feed of Maggie and Glenn's sexcapade....



At first, Eugene simply thought they were being blessed with free porn. Oh, how he loved to watch. But then, he realized just who the stars were......

It's good to have people around in these trying times. Yeah, Bebop was a very long time boyfriend. He was also a mutant warthog. Which is a whole nother story! But we were together since I was a teen. Sadly...He turned and Superman had to...put him down.

She took a very big gulp of her wine and then shook her head and playfully tossed an Oreo at Eugene.

Horde forever. She showed off the five tattoos on her person that was dedicated to the faction and the race she played. Clearly she was a devoted gamer.

She had settled back down to watch the movie when he turned the TV on and was pleasently surprise to see porn pop up.

Awwwww. Are you surprising me with a romantic day of watching porn. You do know how to woo a girl.

But then she noticed the guy.

I think that's the dude I gave me jacket to...He's got a nice ass. Girl's hot too. Like really hot.

Wade had slept like a baby and most of that had to do with the wild sex and the comfort of having his love back. Though, the spanking certainly earned his attention. Eyes slowly fluttering open, a smile stretched across his lips as he looked up at her, and noticed the room had certainly changed.


"Mmm.. I like what you've done with the place..." He told her, pulling her down for a kiss. "Sleep well?"

"I'm.. sorry about your boyfriend." A mutant warthog. That.. was interesting, but as she stated. A whole different story, and perhaps one for a different time. No need to dwell in the heavy. Though, if she wanted to talk about it, she could. He was a damn good listener.


He gave a sideways grin and a nod indicating his respect for her guild, even if it wasn't his personal choice. And he caught the Oreo, numming on it as he watched the video...


And it seemed that it was indeed Glenn that Mikko had given the jacket to...


"Those are my friends. Glenn and Maggie.... I am relieved that Glenn's brain matter isn't a part of the forest and he's well enough to get his rocks off."


And, this was hot. It didn't seem forbidden at all, since he had a habit of watching his friends have sex, unbeknownst to them. To him, it was better than actual acted porn between actors and actresses that cared nothing about each other... it was more genuine...


He gave a nod in agreement. Indeed. Glenn had a nice ass and.. well endowed, squishing the stereotype that Asians were 'small'. And Maggie...



"Indeed. She is seriously hot..." And he had noticed the tummy bulge....was she pregnant?

Friends of his. On TV getting it on and he seemed to be perfectly cool with just watching them. It was a little strange to her. Had she ever came across two of her friends like this she would, out of respect, not watch, and probably tell them as soon as possible that they were being viewed by others. Maybe he wasn't so sexually innocent after all. Maybe he was some creeper praditor that only got his kicks if there was no consent.

So now she was getting a little concern.

We probably shouldn't be watching this though, right? I mean...If they're your friends...Family even, it would be pretty disrespectful of us to view a privet moment like this. Plus...You know. I did just try to mount you like a deer head on a wall. Soooo...why don't we just watch the movie? And hey! Least you know Glenn's ok!

'V' smiled and happily fell onto the bed beside Wade. She kissed him deeply and wrapped her arms around him.

Thank you. And I did. Best sleep in a long time. How about you?

She pressed her lips against his chest then leaned up and kissed his chin.

Knowing what was going on on the TV, she casually bumped the end table that held the controller for the TV in the bedroom. It fell and conveniently turned the TV on to Maggie and Glenn. 'V' turned her attention to the TV and grinned.

Looks like we get at least one channel...

Daryl had taken one of the ATVs just in case he was able to kill game. It would be much easier than trying to drag it back. Smaller animals like rabbits and squirrels were no problem, but dragging a deer in the snow was always hard work. He had traveled deep into the forest, Hiding the fourwheeler beneath some brush before traveling deeper on foot...


Hours had passed, and fortunately he did not run into trouble. He had managed to kill five squirrels, a couple of quail, and when he was about to give up on bigger game, a buck made the mistake of crossing his path. It was small, but would keep his group fed for a couple of weeks.


The game was gutted in the forest to prevent the smell of entrails attracting the Walkers back at the mall if he did it there. Still, the skinning would take up a lot of time, and the undead had already picked up on the scent of his kills. He would have to skin them back at the mall. Bruce's garage would be a good place to string up the buck.



The smaller critters were secured to a rope that hung to his belt. The buck tied to the fourwheeler. And then, he was on his way...



Back at the mall, he parked the ATV in its place back in the garage, then secured the fence. He would be back to take care of the deer later. First, he needed to head inside and maybe find someone to help him. Maybe it was time to teach Glen how to skin a buck.. or maybe even Carl, if he had returned...


Covered in blood and bits of guts from his kill and small animals hanging from his belt, Daryl headed back into the mall, ignoring the gasps from the people that watched him walk by. Digging around in his pocked, he finally found the key card and slid it through the slot, then walked into the room, closing the door behind him.


It seemed incredibly quiet. As he walked in, he saw Beth on the pull out couch with Judith. It looked like she was.. crying? "You okay?" He asked. "Where's Maggie?" He figured Carl was still out, and Michonne was with him. Glenn was no doubt still sleeping. Maybe Maggie had gone back to bed....

Beth had been crying. So had Judith. But both girls had calmed and even had something to eat. Now the baby was sleeping and Beth was curled up, sitting in the corner of the couch, the bed still folded out.

Maggie and Glenn hadn't returned yet. She was getting more and more worried about them.

Carl wasn't back. But she did tell him to take as long as he needed. But...How long was too long? Though, she was pretty sure Michonne had left to go talk to him, she hoped anyway. Daryl no doubt hunting something.

Speaking of...

When Daryl opened the door Beth lifted her head hoping to see Maggie and Glenn walk in. When it wasn't them she started to panic a bit more. She shook her head but was really scared to tell Daryl what was going on. She didn't want anyone else going out there.

But...He wasn't going to let it go and if the couple was in trouble someone needed to help them.

Maggie and I seen the walkers hanging in the trees. Negan was at the mall last night... She started. Maggie found out about....where...things. She ran off to confront Negan. I told Glenn and he went after her...But they never came home.

The tears flowed freely down her face. I'm sorry.

Michonne nodded in agreement. She was sure no one but their own group would have cared enough to bury Rick. She soothingly rubbed Carl's back in slow, small circles. Sitting quietly for a few moments. A light wind blew over the two. The small bunny in Carl's coat had made itself comfortable and fallen asleep.

She wanted to suggest heading back, but didn't want to rush him either. A light snow started to fall, nothing to worry about. But it would get colder. Somehow, it was peaceful where they were despite the heaviness and sadness of it all.

A small smile played on her lips.

I seen you and Beth have gotten together. I think that's perfect...

Things were getting heated on the big screen. Glenn going down on Maggie was incredibly hot, and then.. sweet penetration. Eugene watched in almost a trance, but was brought back to reality by the sound of Mikko's voice. For the first time since he had met her, she was being the voice of reason. Telling him that maybe they shouldn't watch. And deep down, he knew it was wrong. He knew Glenn and Maggie well enough to know they would not be okay with this.


And still, everyone at the mall would have access to their intimate moment if they so chose.



Giving a nod, he did the respectable thing and turned off the TV until he had the DVD player loaded, then turned on the movie. He then joined her on the couch.


"I like to watch." He told her, giving a small shrug. "I know you perhaps conceive this is odd given you were just trying to take me, but watching is a whole different ball game at a completely less chaotic stadium where the popcorn is free." He tried to explain, in his own, weird way. "But you are right. It is wrong. And I do know they would not consent to the entire mall viewing their moment of heated passion. Though, it is never simply a moment to those two. They go at it like a couple of jack rabbits."


Leaning back as the movie started, he reached and grabbed a pickle. "If I had access to the control room, I could stop the live feed and spare them of any further embarrassment."

This wasn't good. Beth was becoming emotional again, but luckily she was able to tell him what had happened. Though, it took a moment for the Negan bit to click, and when he realized what the psycho had done to her, he felt an overwhelming rage. Oblivious to his bloodied state,he pulled her in for a tight, reassuring hug, feeling insanely protective over her, and there was also the guilt...



"Sorry.. why are you sorry? I'm the one that couldn't keep you safe.." And now knowing that she had been abused due to his inability to keep an eye on her 24/7, that guilt would follow him to the grave. But one thing was for certain, Negan would pay for what he did. Still, he didn't need to tell Beth that he would go after the man. She was already feeling guilty over Maggie and Glenn.


Giving her another firm squeeze, he finally released her. "I'll go find 'em." He promised. Though, he would be making a stop by Rick's grave to inform Carl that his girl needed him.

The temperature was already starting to drop.The snow falling, light for now, but a promise to pick up. He had lost all track of time, but knew he had been out here for a good while. He wanted to spend more time with his dad, but he knew he could visit any time. Beth was waiting back at the mall, and they needed to make plans to scope out Negan's sanctuary.


Hearing Michonne's question, a small smile etched across his lips. "Yeah. It kinda just happened. I had a crush on her back at the prison, but I was just a kid.." Funny how even back then, he felt that he was grown. But looking back, he knew that wasn't the case. "I love her." He admitted, feeling a little embarrassed by the confession. It seemed sappy even to his own ears, but it was the truth.

Mikko was glad that he decided to turn off his friend's naughtyness. When he joined her back on the couch she quickly snuggled up against him and pulled his arm around her shoulders. There was nothing wrong with liking to watch people getting it on, hell there was a whole industry built on it. Buuuuut. Spying on friends was a line she wasn't willing to cross. and there wasn't many lines that she wouldn't cross.

Well, if you like watching. I can always put a show on for you. Unless you rather watch people who don't know you're looking in on them. And I'm sure no one else has bothered to turn on their TVs.

She was quite for a bit after that. Finishing her drink and pouring herself another glass then taking her spot at his side again. she then finally broke the silence.

Why do you want to take things slowly? I only ask, because I've never met a man that had such values. I'm not saying that it's bad. In fact it's very respectable. But...where I'm from, Well...Anyway. The reason I ask, is I'm worried that you've gotten the wrong idea about me.


She took his hand and interlocked their fingers.

I'm worried you think that I'm using you as a rebound, or something. I'm also a little concerned that...You might be scared of me. I'm going to tell you the truth...

She gave his hand a squeeze and paused for a bit...

First of all. You're not a rebound. I wouldn't do that to you or anyone. I do like you. I'm sure that's obvious by now. the reason today I have been so...aggressive with you...sexually. Is because I'm...

She really didn't want him to run away from her. Or pee on the couch. but mostly she didn't want him to run from her. But he had to know about this part of her, it was pretty important information.

Eugene. I'm getting hungry. And not for food. I find the best distraction to this hunger is making love. I don't want to be a danger to anyone in the mall. It scares me you know...So...that's why today I've been kinda pushy. I...uh...understand if you want to leave. I hope you don't...but I wont blame you if you do.

Wade wholeheartedly returned the kiss and snuggled up against her, so happy to have these moments with her. Two years of not knowing. Fearing that she was dead. Every second was valuable. He did worry about Mikko, and felt bad for how that had gone down. He had never wanted to hurt her. Unfortunately he had no way of knowing that his 'V' wasn't his Vanessa, and she only sought to hurt him and Mikko...


When the TV came on and they were treated to live porn, a huge smile stretched across his lips. "Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about! Asian Persuasion and the Farmer's Daughter..." He couldn't be sure, but he thought that he had seen that couple around the mall..



"Awww, don't pull out!! Wait, what?? Are you seriously stopping the show to be sweet?? Tear that pussy up, Chow Mein!!" And hearing the Asian's concern, it was clear the couple didn't know they were putting on a show for the entire mall.

It had been the first time in a very long time that Pete had actual good, peaceful sleep. Still recovering from his injuries, he slept a little later than the rest of the mall's inhabitants, and longer that his girl. It was subconsciously feeling the void beside him that ultimately caused his eyes to flutter open, and he was greeted to the sounds of Gwen's sobs.


Frowning deeply, he pushed himself up and reached for his boxers. Even though they had sex on two occasions, he was still shy about being completely naked in front of her.



Slipping up behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist and he nuzzled a kiss against the back of her neck. "Are you okay?"

Clark had went to the infirmary with Lois. Unfortunately the place was full and with only one doctor and a couple of volunteer nurses, it was slow going. Most of the patients were victims of Negan's attack. How could one human cause such destruction? But it seemed that he had an army at his disposal, and these fences were not constructed to survive any form of real attack. The building, perhaps, and maybe mere humans and Zombies weren't a real threat to some of the mutants and aliens here, but there were also humans...


With that thought, he look at Lois who was resting on the cot, his hand holding to hers as they waited. He had detected something, another life force within her... but how was that even possible? He was Kryptonian and she was human and... she couldn't be far along enough to show signs, was she? Then again, if pregnant, this was anything but a normal case. He would voice his speculations, but still recovering from his ordeal, it was possible that he was wrong.


Giving her hand a gentle squeeze, he spared her a reassuring smile. "Are you okay? Is there anything I can get for you?"

When Laz joined her with Kai, she reached for the little one, cradling him in her arms as he played with the elephant.She still couldn't believe how everything had turned out. She had thought this moment would never happen. Even though she had gone through hell, now it seemed she would have a shot at some sort of life. Of course, none of their futures were guaranteed with the world as it was. No structure was completely secure. Fences would always come down. Eventually, they would have to run. That was the one guarantee in life... but this was a huge upgrade from living like an animal. Wearing the skin of the infected to survive. Having to give up her son.


Hearing Laz' question, she spared him a soft smile as she bounced Kai in her arms. "I'm not picky. I know this place probably doesn't have much of a selection, but anything has to be better than what I had to eat while out there." She told him, leaning in to press a sweet kiss against his cheek. "Thank you."

Gwen shook her head no when Pete came up behind her asking if she was alright. But with him holding her it comforted her enough that her sobbing started to lessen. She leaned into him and pointed at the war zone that was their living room.

I don't...Feel well.

She closed her eyes and took some long calming breaths.

I have... to clean this mess...

Carl's confession earned a smile and a one arm hug from Michonne. She didn't find it cheesy at all. it was sweet and romantic.

I think this where I'm suppose to give you some kind of advice. Or tell you some embarssing stuff about safe sex. But, the only advice I have to give. Is tell her you love her, every day, every chance you get. Even if you think she's tired of hearing it. If you haven't busted out the L word to her yet...That's ok. But once you do. Never stop telling her.

Beth hugged him back tightly. She was well aware of his bloody state and the dead critters hanging from him, but right now she needed comfort and didn't care about the bodies or the blood. She clung to him when he said he was going to go back out there. Of course she knew he would, and she wanted him to, to find her sister and Glenn. But she also didn't want to be alone again, or for him to be put in danger.

I'm sorry I couldn't stop her. I'm sorry I ran off when I was with you. I'm sorry I brought up where I had been when I was gone. I'm sorry that I've caused so much trouble so soon after being back. she told him, her voice slightly muffled against his chest.

Eugene was becoming indulged in the movie, but when Mikko spoke, she had his full attention. And of course she was going back to the earlier subject. Of. Course. He really wished she could understand that the whole 'sex within hours of knowing each other' just wasn't his thing...


"I may be a little afraid of you, but I am here. If I did not trust you, I would not be. I wanted to make sure that you are okay. And...I do indeed know I am the rebound guy. Just last night you were engaged and within a small time period, you were trying to 'mount me like a stuffed deer head.' Your words not mine." And he casually took a bite of his pickle, feeling nervous all over again. Still, he gave her hand a squeeze, indicating that he was indeed here for her and wanted to be supportive, but also hoped she could respect his decision.


Then, she told him about her 'hunger' and not for food. He knew exactly what that meant. And then told him that sex was a distraction for her....



Most guys would be jumping at this excuse to have sex, but sadly, Eugene was a rare 'cookie'.



"Have you experimented with other options? I'm sure there are other distractions, aside from getting your rocks off. Or, are you implying that if I do not have sex with you... you will eat me?"

Mikko got quiet and let go of his hand allowing hers so fall by her side. She leaned away from him and looked down at the floor. She was a very embarrassed now. All she had intended to do was explain her behavior. But not only did he insist that he knew how she was feeling, he actually thought that she may be threatening him for sex.

The fact that she was like she was, and she did have these urges to...eat. It was important for him to know, even if they were just friends.

Mikko reached over and grabbed the two card keys sliding one over to Eugene. She then took one for herself and stood up from the couch. She walked to the door silently but before walking out she turned to him.

For someone so smart, you have a lot to learn.

She opened the door and walked out letting it close behind her. eugene was cute, sweet, but...red flags were already popping up. It almost seemed like he trying to be some kind of big brother figure to her. She really didn't need or want that.

She head downstairs trying to figure out what to do has her mind grew more hazy....