Good Thing At a Bad Time- scottmcniceass

Part 1

Summary:

Zayn prefers to be on his own. It's easier to survive when you don't have to worry about anyone else. Liam leads a large group of people that have taken residence in an abandoned prison. When Zayn wakes up in a prison cell, all he can think about is finding a way out. Liam makes him want to stay.

"Quick run," Niall says, pulling open the door to the little black Audi. "Get the medicine, get out."

Liam wants to protest. They need food. They can't keep living on instant mashed potatoes and rice. He knows that no amount of arguing with Niall will change his mind, though. Not after last time. They'd do a real run another day, when Harry is back on his feet, because runs are Harry's job. He was best at them. The quickest, sneakiest. Harry could get into a building and get out of it without anyone knowing he was ever there. Unfortunately for them, Harry is sick. Really, really sick.

"Got it," Liam agrees, climbing into his side of the car.

It's a nice car. Something he'd never of dreamed about owning before, but now that there's no such thing as world order, having a nice car doesn't really matter. Not when everyone you knew is dead.

Louis gets the gates for them, and Liam eyes him warily. He doesn't like this. Doesn't like leaving Louis alone, even if the prison is as safe as it gets anymore. Even if he's not technically alone, because the prison is filled with others (he just considers the four of them their own group). Louis' the worst shot of them all. If something were to happen... but no, it's pointless to dwell on that. They all know that every time they separate could be the last time they see each other. You just get used to that. Or you're supposed to, anyways. Liam's never been good at the emotional separation thing. Niall has it down pat, though.

The drive into town isn't a bad one. Niall can be a hardass a lot of the time, but he's also just a twenty year old University student who can drink his weight in alcohol and knows the words to every Justin Bieber song. Liam doesn't mind listening to the shitty Cds they'd scavenged a few weeks back, because it's better than driving with Louis would have been. Louis' been nothing but jumpy and bitchy since Harry got sick, and Liam knows he'll continue to be like that until the other boy is better.

"Twenty points," Niall says, fingers curling around the steering wheel hard enough that his knuckles turn white.

Liam snorts. "Oh, come on, he's stumbling. Ten points."

"Thirty if I don't get and blood on the windshield," Niall bargains.

Liam eyes the walker just down the road. He's not moving fast, but he's large, almost bloated. There's no way he'll manage it. "Deal."

Niall presses down on the gas, and the sleek car speeds down the road. A moment later they hit the walker with a loud thump. Liam knows that they probably shouldn't do this. That they could seriously damage the car, and it's a little immature. But Niall whoops out a laugh, and Liam can't see any reason to deny him this. Having fun isn't exactly easy when you're in the middle of an apocalypse.

"Fucking right!" Niall shouts, slowing down. "Thirty points."

Liam leans forward, inspecting the windshield. "Thirty points," he agrees. "Damn. How do you always manage to do that?"

Niall shrugs and gives Liam a bright grin. "I played a lot of Grand Theft Auto over the years."

Liam shakes his head and looks out the window. He has no idea where they are. What city they're in. Somewhere with a lot of trees. Definitely the kind of town that you'd stop into to get gas, but never to stay. A pit stop.

The shopping district is literally one short street, lined on every side with shops. The best thing about little towns, besides the small population, is the fact that the roads are always clearer. Not enough cars around to block the streets, which means getting in and out of places is a lot easier. Still not safe or simple, but easier.