𝐍ick.

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

I HAVE NOT. .
COME THIS FAR. . .
TO DIE NOW.

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

The indomitable spirit of the gambler, huh?

[— 𝐄𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗦 @BLLSHFTRS]

@undeadmanshand

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

@NCVACLAWED Huh? Why, what’s up?

[ Nick raised an eyebrow. ]

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

Can we get a Christmas without zombies this year?

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

@NCVACLAWED Eh, I just wanted to scare ya.

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

@BLLSHFTRS No biggie. . just means the next time we’re out, we gotta look for a case. Then we can do this again.

[ Said with a smile, directed right at the mechanic. ]

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

@NCVACLAWED You have seven days.

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

@NCVACLAWED Don’t mention it.

[ Taking what was offered to him, he looks over the sleeve for a second before already trying to get it open. He was glad to see them up and moving around, not too long ago they could hardly stand. ]

How’s your head?

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

@BLLSHFTRS [ Nick stays there for a moment, hand still on his shoulder, looking at Ellis. . before finally pulling away, and practically sinking into the sofa. ]

Welp. . we’re out of beer.

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

@BLLSHFTRS [ Nick was a little surprised when he felt Ellis’ hand on top of his, but the smile on the mechanic’s face was relieving to see. ]

Yeah? The feeling’s mutual, buddy.

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

@BLLSHFTRS Well. . I know I pick on you a lot, but. . I never mean what I say, you know? I’m — I’m sorry, man.

[ Putting a hand on his shoulder, trying to reaffirm him. ]

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

@BLLSHFTRS You sure that’s okay? I mean. . you’re not bothered by it, or anything?

[ It wouldn’t hurt to make sure. ]

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

@BLLSHFTRS [ Oh. Well, that answers that, then. It’s /more/ than a friend, isn’t it? ]

Ellis, you know I’m just playing with you when I say all that shit, right? I think —

I think you’re a pretty good guy, n’ you know what? I kinda like you too.

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

Lifting their arm up and over his shoulder, he gives them one last look.

“Use me as a crutch, okay? I’ve got you. . and I’m not lettin’ go until we’re safe!”

With that, he’s lifting them up onto their feet.

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

Nick shakes his head when they suggest leaving them behind, he’s not going to listen to one bit of that. No, they’ve made it this far. . no one’s getting left behind.

“I’m not leaving you here, damn it! We can’t afford to lose you,” he blurts out, moving to their side.

>>

[   ― ALLY. @NCVACLAWED]

" you might have to.. "

Spoken as they try to sit up, their hand keeping a good grip on the bottle of pills yet everything else in their body felt weak.

" god dammit- "

As much as Ally hated to admit it, they were incapacitated. -

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

back, grabbing a bottle of painkillers. He planned on saving them for himself, but. .

The pills rattle against the bottle as Nick shoved it into their hands.

“Can you walk?”

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

Nick tries his best to clean up the area around the wound, wiping away the dirt and specks of debris. He’s quick, but not sloppy — the group has to keep moving.

“Keep looking at me, Ally. I. . we. . need you to stay awake. Shit, if I have to, I’ll carry you.”

He reaches >>

[   ― ALLY. @NCVACLAWED]

The gunfire was merely white noise at this rate, but his voice was still audible- They give a small nod & a hum.

Fingers curl into fists as a sort of preparation
for whatever stinging will occur; even
if they were already in enough pain. -

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

gauze. He’s worried it’s not enough. .

“Okay, this might sting a little,” he warns them, reaching for the anti-septic wipes.

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

“They’re fine, I think.”

Judging by the gunfire in the background? Yeah, they’ve got things covered.

“I’m almost done here. . just gotta clean it, then I can give you something for the pain. You still with me, Ally?”

There’s concern in his eyes as he finishes up with the >>

[   ― ALLY. @NCVACLAWED]

" like i need more of those.. "

Letting their body relax somewhat, it makes
it easier for Nick to wrap the gauze around them.

" did anyone else get hurt..? "

God, Ally hopes not. Even the smallest of
injuries result in a tremendous amount of guilt.

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

“Hey, hey. . it’s okay. You’re still here with us, that’s what matters. Shit happens. . it just means you’ll have a kick-ass scar.”

[𝐍ick. @undeadmanshand]

Gauze, medical tape. . what’s he missing? Ah, a dressing. It’s all coming back to him, as unpleasant as the memories may be.

Surprisingly gentle, he applies the dressing on the wound with one hand, wrapping the gauze around their head and the dressing to keep it in place.

>>

[   ― ALLY. @NCVACLAWED]

It's difficult for them to stay conscious, as their vision blurs along with the pain, but they're coherent enough to hear his quips, resulting in a smile that only lasts a few seconds.

Ally lets out a shaky breath.

" i- i should've been more careful, i'm sorry. "