Alvin's lips twisted into a bitter smile before his body jerked violently.
He coughed once—then again—until a spray of dark blood splattered across the cracked floor. His knees buckled.
"Alvin!" Xavier caught him instantly, fire flaring reflexively across his arms, burning away the reek of rot. He pressed a hand to Alvin's back, his heart hammering in his chest.
But Alvin's only response was to wrap his arms lazily around Xavier's neck, resting his head against his shoulder as if this was nothing more than a passing faint spell. His voice was hoarse, but it carried that same maddening pride.
"…Carry me back home."
Xavier's throat tightened. "Idiot," he whispered, but his arms slid under Alvin's knees without hesitation. In one smooth motion, he lifted Alvin against his chest, bridal style, as if the man weighed nothing at all.
Alvin didn't protest—he simply closed his eyes, a faint smirk tugging his lips even as blood still stained them. "That's better."
Xavier looked down at him, dark circles under his own eyes deepening. "Just sleep. I'll get you home."
And before Alvin could roll his eyes or offer another prideful retort, Xavier pressed a soft kiss against his closed eyelids. It was fleeting, almost reverent, but filled with desperation.
For the first time in hours, Alvin let his body relax completely.
Daniel stood a few steps away, pipe still slick with zombie gore. He had seen his brother fight, rage, and laugh in battle a hundred times. He had even seen Xavier bleed.
But seeing Xavier like this—his every movement wrapped around Alvin, his voice trembling when it never did in combat—was something else entirely.
Daniel exhaled, long and heavy, rubbing the back of his neck. His eyes flickered briefly toward the memory of Luis—sharp, steadfast Luis with his steady gaze and quiet strength.
Watching Xavier and Alvin was like being stabbed with a reminder: he was alone. The warmth between them wasn't just fire and flame—it was partnership, balance.
For the first time, Daniel admitted to himself that he wanted that too.
And though he had always been cautious, hesitant, this moment carved something permanent into his heart. Luis… I'll pursue you. Even if I need to take it slow.
Ahem...just that i am a bit envious of my little brother and his lover's relationship...QAQ
Xavier shifted Alvin slightly in his arms, adjusting his weight. Alvin's breath was steady but faint, his head nestled against Xavier's shoulder.
Daniel glanced at them, rolling his eyes. "You're dripping with so much sugar I feel like I need to vomit."
Xavier didn't even spare him a glance. "Then walk faster and clear the road. I have someone precious to protect."
That simple, blunt declaration made Daniel choke on his own spit. "Seriously? In the middle of zombies, you're going to—"
"Move." Xavier's voice left no room for argument.
Daniel groaned loudly. "Why was I cursed with a younger brother who turned into a poet after falling in love?"
Xavier smirked faintly, eyes sharp as he scanned the broken street. "Better than a brother who writes secret love notes to Luis and hides them in his journal."
Daniel froze mid-step, nearly tripping over a shattered brick. His ears burned. "You—! You read my—"
"Didn't need to. You're obvious." Xavier's tone was merciless, though soft amusement curled at the edges.
Daniel swung his pipe over his shoulder with unnecessary force. "Focus on carrying your fainting lover and shut up."
Alvin, half-conscious in Xavier's arms, chuckled weakly at the exchange. Even bleeding, even pale, he found the sibling spat mildly entertaining. His hand curled faintly into Xavier's shirt, his voice a rasp. "…Childish."
Xavier dipped his head to kiss his temple. "Don't waste energy talking."
Daniel groaned again. "You're killing me. The both of you. I swear when Luis and I are together, I'm going to—"
"Save it." Xavier cut him off with a glare. "Clear the road."
The air thickened with stench. Ahead, three zombies stumbled into view from behind a wrecked car, their bodies jerking unnaturally fast.
Xavier's eyes narrowed. Level Two.
"Daniel," he said, his voice flat.
Daniel twirled his pipe once in his hand and sighed. "Fine. Big brother will handle it, since little brother is busy being prince charming."
The first zombie lunged. Daniel sidestepped, pipe cracking across its jaw with enough force to send teeth flying. He pivoted, catching the second across the knees, dropping it to the asphalt before caving its skull in.
The third came faster, snarling, arms stretched. Daniel slammed his boot into its chest, knocking it back into the wrecked car. His pipe followed, smashing through its skull with a wet crunch.
He flicked gore from the weapon and glanced back at Xavier. "You're welcome."
Xavier smirked. "For once, not bad."
Daniel growled. "You're lucky you're holding Alvin right now."
They walked through the ruined street, past collapsed buildings and overturned cars. The occasional moan echoed, but Daniel kept sweeping the path with relentless precision.
"You know," Daniel muttered, "most couples wait years before being this dramatic."
Xavier adjusted Alvin in his arms, his gaze never wavering from the horizon. "Most couples aren't living through the end of the world."
Daniel's lips twitched. "Point taken. Still disgusting, though."
Alvin's muffled laugh rose again, followed by a sharp cough. Xavier tightened his hold instantly, fury flashing in his eyes. "Don't push yourself," he whispered against Alvin's hair.
Daniel groaned loudly. "I swear, when Luis finally says yes, I'm going to make you both suffer through the same treatment."
Xavier raised an eyebrow. "You'll need Luis to like you first."
The pipe nearly slipped from Daniel's hands. "You—!"
Alvin snickered again, clearly enjoying the banter even through his exhaustion. His eyes cracked open just enough to meet Daniel's glare. "…Obvious."
Daniel covered his face with one hand. "Why do I even try with you two?"
"Because you love us," Xavier said smoothly.
Daniel threw his hands in the air. "God save me."
The manor's broken silhouette appeared through the haze of smoke and morning fog. By the time they reached the gate, Daniel had killed six more zombies with ruthless efficiency. His pipe dripped red.
Xavier never once set Alvin down.
As they stepped inside the perimeter, Xavier finally allowed himself to breathe, the fire in his veins dimming. He brushed a hand through Alvin's damp hair and murmured, "We're home."
Alvin gave a faint hum, curling slightly against him, too exhausted to speak.
Daniel leaned on his pipe, panting. His body ached, but his resolve had never been clearer. Watching Xavier carry Alvin the whole way had cemented his own path.
I am a bit too jealous!