#znation x male reader

[smilerjoseph]

By the River

Pairing - 10k (znation) x (dom/top) Male Reader

- smut, fluff, swearing, oral, slight hair pulling nothin crazy, safe word etc

Word count - 2119

Summary - sneaking off with 10k and giving him head yipppppeeee

I don't ever do smut stuff, so keep in mind this is a first

apologies if its a bit ooc, awkward inexperienced 10k flooded my brain

10k hadn’t said much all day—not unusual for him—but the glances had become more frequent. A brush of his shoulder here, an accidental meeting of eyes there. It wasn’t lost on you, anyone could feel the “subtle” tension between you growing stronger over the past few weeks.

Laying against your bag, watching the flickering embers of the campfire, while the others slept. 10k was sitting a little further away, sharpening his knife, his movements smooth and deliberate.

After what felt like an eternity of stolen glances and silent conversations between you two, 10k’s eyes met yours, and this time, they lingered. You didn’t need words to understand what was being said in the quiet.

It was an invitation.

Quietly, careful not to disturb the others, you rose to your feet. 10k followed, just as soundlessly, slipping his knife into its sheath. Both of the men moved through the trees, the forest dense enough to muffle their steps but not so thick that they couldn’t see the stars above.

Neither of them spoke as they made their way toward the river. The moonlight cast a calm silver glow over everything, making the water shimmer softly. The rushing of the river was the only sound between them as they stopped at the edge, the quiet broken only by the sound of soft breathing. 

You crossed your arms as you turned to face 10k. “Ya know, sneaking off like this could get us in trouble,” you teased.

10k smirked, that familiar half-grin that said more than his words ever could. “When do we ever play by the rules?” His voice was low, almost a whisper, as he stepped closer.

Your heart raced, not from fear or adrenaline, but from the mere proximity of the man who had been on your mind more than you’d like to admit. “Guess you’re right,” you replied, swallowing hard as you watched 10k close the space between you.

For a moment, you both just stood there, the river rushing past in the background, the tension thick enough to cut through. There was a brief hesitation, not wanting to cross a boundary you couldn’t come back from. But then 10k reached out, his fingers brushing your arm, sending a jolt of warmth throughout your body.

It was enough to break whatever unspoken barrier had been between you.

Before you could fully register what was happening, 10k’s lips were on yours, the kiss fierce and desperate, as though both of you had been holding back for far too long. You responded instantly, hands finding their way to 10k’s jacket, pulling him closer.

The kiss deepened, and everything else faded away—the apocalypse, the danger, the constant fight for survival. In that moment, all that mattered was the way 10k’s lips felt against yours, the way his hands gripped your arms as if he was afraid to let go.

When you finally pulled back, both of you were breathless. 10k’s usual cool exterior had melted, his blue eyes dark and intense in the moonlight. “I’ve been wanting to do that for a while,” he admitted, voice rougher than usual.

You chuckled, resting your forehead against 10k’s. “Yeah, me too.” He let out a breath, feeling the tension between you two ease, replaced with something warmer, softer. “So… What now?”

Not giving an answer right away, the tension between you hung thick in the air. You could feel 10k’s breath, quick and shallow, brushing against your lips after the kiss. You could see it in 10k's eyes—uncertainty mixed with desire, a combination that made your heart race even faster.

Slowly your hand moved to 10k's chest, fingers splayed across his shirt, feeling the rapid thud of his heartbeat. Slowly, carefully, you pushed, urging him backward. 10k took a step, his back meeting the rough bark of a nearby tree.

10k’s lips parted, his breath hitching as his eyes flicked to your hand, then back to your face. He didn’t resist—he wouldn’t have, not in this moment—but there was a subtle hesitation in the way his body tensed. It wasn’t fear. No, the look in his eyes told you it was something else. He was out of his element.

You could sense it. Despite the quiet confidence 10k showed in fights, here, under the stars, his inexperience was… obvious. He’d always been the sharpshooter, the guy who constantly put himself in front of danger—but this, this was new territory.

Your touch was gentle as you kept one hand on 10k’s chest, feeling the rapid rise and fall of his breath. Thumb stroking the fabric of 10k’s shirt, grounding him, reassuring him.

“You okay?” Your voice was soft, careful, not wanting to push too far too fast.

10k nodded, the slight flush on his cheeks more visible in the pale light. His eyes dropped for a second, then flicked back up. “Yeah,” he muttered, voice quieter than usual. “I just… I don’t really know how to do this.”

You smiled softly, closing the small space between you as your hand slid down to rest on 10k’s hip, keeping the contact slow and reassuring. “You don’t have to know everything,” you whispered, leaning in close enough that your words brushed against 10k’s skin. “We’ll figure it out.”

10k exhaled a shaky breath, his fingers twitching at his sides before he reached out, almost cautiously, and rested his hands on your arms. His touch was tentative, unsure, but you could feel the need behind it—the silent yearning to be close, to connect, even if 10k didn’t fully understand how to navigate these feelings.

Your lips found his again, this time softer, slower, as if to remind 10k that there was no rush. They had time—maybe not much, given the world they lived in—but right now, tonight, they could take as much time as they wanted.

As the kiss deepened, your hand pressed a little more firmly against 10k’s chest, guiding him against the tree, the rough bark at his back a stark contrast to the warmth between them. You could feel the way 10k’s body slowly relaxed into the touch, the way his initial hesitation faded, replaced by a cautious curiosity.

You pulled back just enough to speak, voice low and gentle. “Just follow me, okay?” Your forehead rested against 10k’s, the moment quiet, intimate.

For a split second, 10k hesitated again, his breath coming out in a short, nervous laugh. “Yeah… okay.” His hands tightened slightly on your arms, grounding himself as he leaned into the touch, trusting, for once, in something other than his instincts to survive.

Your eyes flickered down to the ground for a split second, hesitating. “How about this… Pick a random word. Ya know, a, safe word. You say it and we’ll stop right there. Okay?” 10k’s mouth opened slightly, trying to think of something. His eyes darted around, searching for anything in the surrounding environment. His gaze shifted from the trees to the moonlit sky, and then down to the river beside them.

For a second, his brow furrowed in concentration, as if the right words were just out of reach. Then, in a low voice, almost like he was testing it, he said, “Salmon.”

You blinked, caught off guard. “Salmon?”

10k’s lips twitched into a half-smile, and he shrugged. “Yeah... I saw one in the river just now.” He paused, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand, looking a little sheepish. “I didn’t really know what else to say.”

You couldn’t help but chuckle, “Salmon it is.” the sound breaking the tension in the air. You smiled, stepping a little closer, the warmth of the moment returning as you looked at 10k, who was now watching the river with an embarrassed smirk. 

Without waiting for him to overthink it, You leaned in, gently pacing your hand on 10ks chin and redirecting his gaze back to you. 10k stared back softly, you placed a soft, long kiss onto the man's lips.

10k responded, his lips moving cautiously at first, but then he leaned into it, letting himself follow your lead. It was tentative, a little clumsy, but there was a sincerity in it that made it perfect.

Taking a small step back, your eyes gazed at the man in front of him, taking him in. “You ready?” Exhaling slowly, 10k simply nodded back, holding onto your clothes as a small self reassurance to cool his nerves.

Your lips curled into a soft smile as you sank to your knees, the roughness of the earth and cool blades of grass pressing against your skin. The dirt beneath shifted slightly under your weight, grounding you in the moment as you slowly settled down.

10k’s eyes widened, clearly going over everything in his head and processing. You placed your hands on the sides of 10k’s thighs, rubbing in a soothing manner. 

Relaxing under your touch, 10k slowly began reaching for his own belt, rough hands gliding against the leather, slowly undoing the buckle. The metal of the buckle hitting against 10k’s legs just as your patience ran thin, reaching over and unbuttoning his jeans, freeing him from his boxers.

10k’s eyes flickered, a mix of uncertainty and lust lurking behind them. His breath caught, barely audible, and you could see the tension in his jaw, the way his hands hovered at his sides as if unsure whether to reach out or pull away.

You gave a small experimental stroke, earning a surprised moan from the man. And that—- That was enough to fuel you for months. Starting at a slow pace, just watching the man above you shake. The cold breeze and rushing water becoming mere background noise.

Ever so gently guiding 10k’s tip into your mouth, running your tongue over the head gently. 10k’s hand shot up to cover his mouth as grunts spilled out. Taking your time and engulfing the rest of him at an excruciatingly slow pace, 10k’s hand comes down and lands on your head, gently but forcefully tugging as if to beg you to hurry it up.

Your hands are placed firmly on his hips, sucking him until your nose eventually hits his torso, eyes following his happy trail all the way up to his face. Sitting still for a moment, breathing in the mix of apocalyptic musk and river water. The man above you is still shaky, more and more grunts coming out by the second. 

Taking a deep breath, you swallow around him, gaining a reaction out of 10k, tugging your hair more forcefully, a reflex to the new sensation. Gently reaching up and placing a hand on 10ks wrist, he relaxes, loosening his grip on you. 

You take him out of your mouth, replacing it with quick strokes. “Feeling good?” He can’t even muster up a response, his glossy eyes meet yours and all he can do is nod frantically. Head going back, and resting against the tree as he gets closer to his climax. 

A smirk making its way onto your lips, you quicken the pace, hovering your mouth near the head, licking every so often. 

10k lets out strings of curses under his breath, his hand lowering from his mouth to now act as a support against the tree. “Close… F-Fuck so close.”

Basking in all the lovely sounds escaping 10ks mouth, you found yourself lost in the moment, gaze lingering on 10k. The way 10k’s lashes brushed against his cheeks when he blinked, the soft glow of his skin under the moonlight. 

"Fuck… There, please, I'm so— close," he whines, panting when he finally finishes onto your semi-distracted face. 

Taken aback by the warmth on half your face, you close your left eye and let him ride out his climax. 

Once he had caught his breath, 10k glanced down at you. Suddenly, his voice filled with panic as he froze for a split second before springing into action. “S-sorry—”

He fumbled with the small rag he kept in his pocket, his fingers trembling as he pulled it out. Without hesitation, he leaned down, his movements urgent but careful. Gently, he pressed the rag to your cheek, attempting to clean with quick, anxious strokes.

His face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and worry. “I didn’t mean to get it on you—” 

Grabbing 10k’s wrist, you chuckle softly. “You’re fine,” grabbing the rag from him to get the rest off, “Relax.”

Taking a deep breath, the man takes the moment to collect himself, pulling his pants back on and haphazardly doing his belt. He looks down at you, then down at your… Issue. Promptly, he clears his throat and meets you down on your knees, now at eye level. 

“U-uhm. I could–” He says, making a quick jerking off motion.

[grimespial]

Pretty Boy

10k x Addy's twin brother reader

See 10k is innocent, he knows all about hunting, shooting and survival, but that poor boy is completely unaware of anything sexual

Even his romantic knowledge is lacking, anything he knows comes from the couples around him.

He had crushes, they were small, the kind just based on looks that pass on not long after it came.

They certainly weren't requited, and the hope he had for a relationship was crushed when the world ended.

Before the apocalypse he was already out of the loop, but now he was in his early 20s and atleast half the world was dead.

Not ideal for dating.

One of the first people he saw out of the group was a boy, a little older than him, with auburn hair, shouting at the old man to stop spinning "or you'll lose your head too"

Why did he shoot the zombie for them? It was hard to think when he locked eyes with the other guy.

10k thought he got shot at that moment, thats what it would feel like right? Suddenly losing your breath? He wouldn't feel the pain from adrenaline so it must be.

When 10k joined the group, it was suprisingly simple to fit into

Doc definitely took his part in welcoming him into the group.

But there was you.

It was different,

You were the same as everyone else really, it was Tommy that was the problem.

Yeah you were slightly touchy, not that he minded, but you were with Addy and Mack so maybe he was just overthinking everything.

But it was hard not to when it felt like he has allergies everytime you lock eyes, whenever your hands touch he swear he was struck by lightning

Even lightning wasn't a good comparison, because that would surely hurt, and this didn't, he almost melted in your hands.

Not very good when he's keeping watch while the group is travelling.

When you and Tommy date, Addy especially runs with the teasing, everyone joins in, but nobody teases as much as Addy.

Especially to 10k, everytime he's just admiring she manages to catch him.

He is very much a hopeless romantic, i mean youre one of his first big crushes, and his very first relationship

You will almost never have an empty hand, if he's there, he will be holding it.

He's not the proudest of it, and he's very shy when he does it, but he will take something if he sees it and thinks it would be a nice gift for you.

Any time you two have to split up (which isn't the most often because when you have a choice you will stick together, Warren learnt that too) he'll give you a bandana, a promise to meet again to return.

Neither of you needs a bandana to see eachother again, but its a sweet connection.

It doesn't matter how long you two are together, the fact he's dating you still makes him blush everytime you kiss him.

[hellvzx]

PINNED 📌

FINNLEY • SHE/HIM. ; ron anderson bf (real) , twd, re, znation, tf2, twdg enthusiast!

— reqs: open!! writer focused on twd (mostly x male reader) I can write for re, znation, twdg and tf2 thought. feel free to request any time just make sure it doesn’t involve anything weird — nsfw is also not allowed I am 17.

[multimuseficreblogs]

𝙰𝙻𝙻 𝙶𝙴𝙽𝚁𝙴𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝙷𝙾𝚁𝚁𝙾𝚁

· all horror · all slashers · all paranormal/supernatural · all zombies

𝙿𝙰𝚁𝙰𝙽𝙾𝚁𝙼𝙰𝙻 \ 𝚂𝚄𝙿𝙴𝚁𝙽𝙰𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙰𝙻

𝙲𝙷𝙸𝙻𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝙰𝙳𝚅𝙴𝙽𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙴𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝚂𝙰𝙱𝚁𝙸𝙽𝙰

*coming soon*

𝙵𝙸𝚅𝙴 𝙽𝙸𝙶𝙷𝚃𝚂 𝙰𝚃 𝙵𝚁𝙴𝙳𝙳𝚈'𝚂

𝚖𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚜𝚌𝚑𝚖𝚒𝚍𝚝 · all mike schmidt · all mike smut · all mike fluff · all mike angst

𝚉𝙾𝙼𝙱𝙸𝙴𝚂

𝚒𝚉𝙾𝙼𝙱𝙸𝙴

· all izombie · all clive babineaux · all blaine debeers · all liv moore · all major lilywhite · all ravi chakrabarti

𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙻𝙰𝚂𝚃 𝙾𝙵 𝚄𝚂

· all the last of us 𝚓𝚘𝚎𝚕 𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚛 · all joel masterlists · all joel miller ·  all joel smut ·  all joel fluff ·  all joel angst · all joel x gn reader · all joel x male reader 𝚝𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚢 𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚛 · all tommy miller

𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚆𝙰𝙻𝙺𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝙳𝙴𝙰𝙳

· all the walking dead · all daryl dixon · all negan smith · all rick grimes

𝚉 𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽

· all znation · all 10k

**𝚃𝚁𝙸𝙶𝙶𝙴𝚁 𝚆𝙰𝚁𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶**

↳ be mindful of your own triggers with these fics!! they include very heavy topics including violence, blood/gore, cannibalism, torture, smut with serial killers/paranormal entities, non-con, murder, ect. some of these fics may not have proper warnings listed so just be mindful of this!

[smilerjoseph]

Chapter 1: The Military Cache (words: 4,823)

10k x Male Reader (mlm)

A group of survivors navigate perilous terrain in search of vital supplies, guided by the wonderful Citizen Z. Amidst the chaos, a romance begins between Y/N and 10K, offering a bit of comfort and strength in the face of danger.

Set pretty early in the show, not really following any specific timeline within the show. Sort of an "off camera" sort of events that can happen along the way.

I did my best to keep 10k in character while also trying to show how trusting and open he is to y/n, I also did add in little bits of non-canon lore to add to the story.

Stuck in the heat, barely managing to scrounge up materials to make a car radio into a two-way communicator, Addison felt the weight of desperation. Every day was a struggle for survival, and today was no different. Sweat dripped from her brows as she worked under the blazing sun, her hands shaking from exhaustion and nerves. The makeshift camp the group had set up offered little comfort, but they couldn't afford to stop.

Finally, the crackling static of the radio gave way to a voice. “Citizen Z, do you read us?” Addy spoke into the makeshift device, waving Mack over from looting another car.

“Reading you loud and clear,” came the reply. Relief washed over the both of them. They quickly detailed their urgent need for supplies, especially ammunition, their unfortunate lifeline in this not-very-forgiving world.

There was a brief intermission, the silence filled with the sound of their ragged breathing and the distant moans of the undead. Moments later, Citizen Z's voice crackled back through the speaker. “I've found a military supply cache about three hours west of your location.”

The news was a beacon of hope. They exchanged glances, determination hardening their resolve. This was the break they needed, a chance to restock and possibly turn the tide in their fight for survival. But first, they had to get there.

As the group packed up their few findings, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling that this mission would be pivotal. They were all stepping into the unknown, but for the first time in days, they had a glimmer of hope. The journey west would be perilous, but they had no choice. Their lives, as usual, depended on it.

—---------------------------

The sun was slowly starting to set as they hit hour one of the trip, the landscape bathed in a golden hue. The heat had started to diminish, but the tension in the air was palpable. Warren took the wheel, eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger. The old, battered vehicle they had managed to get running was their lifeline now, its engine rumbling as it inched them closer to their destination.

The road was littered with remnants of the old world: abandoned cars, broken signs, and the occasional shambling figure of the undead. As they drove, the conversation was small, each member was lost in their thoughts. The sound of the tires on the cracked asphalt and the distant cries of the undead were the only constants.

Y/N and 10K found themselves sitting in the bed of the pickup truck. The wind whipped through their hair, carrying with it the scent of dust and the rotting decay of Z’s. Inside the truck, five of their companions were crammed into the seats, while two others followed closely behind in a smaller, separate vehicle.

Y/N leaned back, glancing at 10K, who was meticulously cleaning his rifle, a routine that seemed to bring him a sense of calm. They had both seen so much and survived so much and in this brief moment of relative peace, the weight of the world felt just a little lighter.

“You ever think about what you'd do if this was all over?” Y/N asked, breaking the silence.

10K looked up, his intense blue eyes meeting his. He gave a small, almost unnoticeable smile. “Maybe find a quiet place. Somewhere with trees and a stream. What about you?”

Y/N chuckled softly, shaking his head. “I think I'd want to do something simple. Like…open a little bakery or something. Can you imagine that? Fresh bread, pastries…it sounds almost impossible now. God… Maybe even some Jam?”

10K's smile widened slightly, a rare sight. “Yeah, that sounds nice. You could make those…what are they called? Croissants?”

Y/N laughed, a genuine sound that felt foreign in the harsh world they lived in. “Exactly. You'd be a regular customer, right?”

“Of course,” 10K replied, a touch of warmth in his voice. “Wouldn't miss it for the world.”

They fell into a comfortable silence, the truck's movements moving them slightly. Y/N glanced at 10K, appreciating the way he seemed so focused yet relaxed at the same time. Something was reassuring about his presence, something steady, comforting. The journey was far from over, but for a moment, he allowed himself to dream of a future that was just a little brighter.

—----------------------------

As the sky darkened, and they approached their destination, the tension in the air grew. The group had been driving for hours, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the military cache Citizen Z had mentioned. When they finally spotted the building in the distance, hope surged through them—until they saw the unmistakable silhouettes of zombies milling around the entrance.

Y/N and 10K exchanged glances, their earlier conversation now a distant memory. The rest of the group climbed out of the vehicles, gathering around to assess the situation.

“Looks like it's been overrun,” Y/N muttered, peering through binoculars at the shambling figures.

Garnett, the group’s de facto leader, nodded grimly. “We can't risk going in there right now. It's getting dark, we'll have a hard time seeing them coming.”

“Maybe we should wait until morning,” Doc suggested, his voice tinged with weariness. “We could find a safe spot to camp and go in at first light when we can see what we're dealing with.”

Murphy snorted. “And give those rotters a chance to scatter? They could wander off, but they could also just as easily wander in.”

The debate was interrupted by the sound of distant voices and the flash of a flashlight beam near the cache. Y/N squinted into the gloom, his heart sinking. “There's another group,” he whispered urgently. “They're already looting.”

The realization hit everyone at once. If they waited, there might be nothing left by morning. Garnett turned to the group, his expression resolute. “We don't have a choice. We go in now, or we risk losing everything.”

10K checked his rifle, his face set with determination. “I'm ready.”

The rest of the group quickly armed themselves, their earlier exhaustion replaced by a renewed sense of urgency. They moved with practiced efficiency, understanding the stakes. Every second counted.

As he approached the cache, Y/N felt a rush of adrenaline. The familiar sounds of the undead, the distant shouts of the looters, and the thudding of his heartbeat filled his ears. They were stepping into the unknown, but they had each other—and that made all the difference.

With weapons drawn and eyes sharp, the group advanced towards the cache, ready to face whatever possibly awaited them inside.

—----------------------

With the silhouette of the building looming ominously against the darkening sky, its windows shattered, and doors hanging off their hinges. The moans of the undead grew louder with each step, mingling with the distant shouts of the rival group.

A silent nod from Garnett and the group fanned out, approaching the cache from different angles. Y/N and 10K stuck close together, their weapons at the ready. The sense of urgency was off the charts now, a tangible force driving them forward.

As they reached the entrance, chaos erupted. Zombies poured out from the building, their decaying bodies lurching towards the intruders with relentless determination. The rival group, caught off guard by the sudden onslaught, scrambled for cover, their shouts mixing with the sounds of gunfire.

In the midst of the chaos, Y/N and 10K found themselves separated from the rest of the group. The darkness swallowed them whole, the only light coming from the flashes of gunfire and the occasional burst of flame.

“Stay close,” Y/n shouted over the din, his voice barely audible above the cacophony of noise.

10k nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. A bit more focused on the number going up as he shot down Z’s, trying to help the group from afar.

Slowly making their way to the roof, they fought their way through the horde, their bodies moving as one, their weapons flashing in the darkness. Each step brought them closer to the cache, closer to the hope of finding the supplies they so desperately needed.

—-----------------------------

Slowly, Y/N and 10K entered the building and approached the looming hallways. Their footsteps echoed in the empty corridors. The sounds of the undead grew louder with each step, heightening the tension in the air.

Suddenly, a pair of zombies lunged at them from the shadows as they stepped through a doorway. Y/N and 10K reacted swiftly, dispatching the undead with well-aimed shots and swift strikes.

Amidst the chaos of the ongoing battle, a brief lull in the action allowed for a moment of intimacy between Y/N and 10K. Their eyes met amidst the flickering light, and in that shared glance, a silent understanding passed between them.

However, their moment of staring was short-lived as the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the corridor. A horde of zombies, drawn by the commotion, surged towards them with relentless determination. With a silent agreement, Y/N and 10K broke apart, their focus shifting back to the imminent threat.

—------------

As Y/N and 10K faced the advancing horde inside the building, the rest of the group battled tirelessly outside, desperately trying to make their way towards the cache. Warren, leading the charge, wielded her weapon with practiced precision, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger.

With each step closer to the cache, the tension in the air grew thicker, mirroring the intensity of the conflict within. The distant sounds of gunfire and the occasional roar of the undead served as a grim reminder of the dangers that awaited them.

As they neared the entrance, the group's progress slowed, the sheer number of zombies blocking their path proving to be a difficult obstacle. Garnett, ever the pragmatic leader, assessed the situation with a furrowed brow. “We're outnumbered,” he said grimly, his voice barely audible above the chaos. “We need to retreat.”

Murphy's eyes widened in disbelief. “But what about Y/N and 10K? We can't just leave them behind!”

Doc nodded in agreement. “He's right. We can't abandon them.”

Warren exchanged a glance with Garnett, her expression troubled. “We have to consider the safety of the group. If we go in now, we risk losing more than just Y/N and 10K.”

The group fell into a tense silence as they weighed their options, the distant sounds of fighting serving as a grim backdrop to their deliberations. Despite their reservations, they ultimately reached a consensus—waiting until morning was the safest course of action, even if it meant leaving their comrades behind for the time being.

—-----------------------

As the group outside the cache struggled with their decision to wait until morning, Y/N and 10K found themselves cornered inside the building, the horde of zombies closing in around them. With nowhere left to run, panic threatened to overwhelm them.

“Dead end!” Y/N shouted, his voice strained with urgency, as they reached the end of the hallway. Without hesitation, he grabbed 10K's arm and pulled him towards a nearby door, their hearts pounding in their chests.

With the zombies hot on their heels, they slammed the door shut behind them and quickly barricaded it with whatever makeshift barriers they could find. The room offered only a temporary safe haven, and they knew they had to find another way out before it was too late.

Frantically scanning the room for any possible escape route, Y/N's eyes landed on a small hole in the wall. Without a second thought, he motioned for 10K to follow him as they squeezed through the opening, emerging into another room on the other side.

Taking a moment to catch their breath, they assessed their surroundings, their hearts still racing from the close call. As they searched the room, their eyes fell upon a small stash of supplies tucked away in the corner—a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

Eager to replenish their dwindling resources, Y/N reached for the supplies, his hand brushing against something sharp hidden beneath them. With lightning-fast reflexes, he pulled back just in time, narrowly avoiding a deadly trap.

The sight of blood trickling down Y/N's arm sent a pang of worry through 10K, his concern evident in his eyes. But there was no time to dwell on injuries, not when their lives were still in danger.

Together, they worked to disable the trap, their movements quick and efficient as they gathered what supplies they could carry. Y/n eager to leave, but 10k grabbed his arm and forced him to take a seat without a word. Quickly, he retrieved a first aid kit from their supplies.

With tender care, 10K began to clean and bandage Y/N's wound, his touch gentle yet steady. In the dim light of the room, their eyes met, the intensity of the moment sparking an unspoken connection between them.

As 10K focused on patching up Y/N's wound, their proximity brought them closer than ever before. Time seemed to stand still as they shared this intimate moment amidst the chaos surrounding them, their hearts beating in sync with the rhythm of their breaths.

With the wound properly dressed, 10K's gaze softened as he met Y/N's eyes, a silent reassurance passing between them. In that intimate moment, a sense of trust blossomed between them, encouraging them to share more than just their present struggles.

As they sat together in the dimly lit room, the sounds of the undead still echoing outside, 10K found himself opening up in a way he rarely did. “My father,” he began, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability, “He taught me everything I know about survival.”

Y/N listened intently, his own past weighing heavily on his mind. “I never really had a stable home life,” he admitted, his tone somber. “Always moving around, distant family after my parents passed. It's been a struggle, trying to make it on my own in this world.”

Their words hung in the air, each revelation drawing them closer together. Despite the hardships they had faced, they found comfort in the shared understanding of their pasts.

“Sounds like my dad would've liked you,” 10K said quietly, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips before swiftly standing up.

Y/N's lips curved into a small smile as he watched 10K leave the room. With a determined stride, Y/N sped up to catch up with him, their unspoken connection guiding them as they navigated through the dark corridors of the cache.

The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit kitchen, its counters cluttered with pots and pans. As they cautiously stepped inside, the distant moans of zombies seemed to grow louder, echoing through the room.

“Let's find somewhere to barricade ourselves,” Y/N whispered, his voice barely audible above the noise.

Nodding in agreement, 10K scanned the room, his eyes landing on a door at the far end. “Over there,” he said, gesturing towards it.

They hurried towards the door, their footsteps echoing in the silence. But as they reached it, a sudden crash behind them made them whirl around, weapons raised.

A lone zombie lurched towards them, its decomposing limbs flailing wildly. With a swift motion, 10K kills it with a well-aimed shot to the head, the sound of the gunshot reverberating through the room.

Breathing heavily, they exchanged a tense glance before turning back to the door. With a joint effort, they pushed it open, revealing a small storage room lined with shelves stocked with supplies.

“We can hold up in here for the night,” Y/N said, his voice tinged with relief.

As they barricaded themselves inside, the adrenaline of the encounter slowly began to fade, leaving behind a sense of exhaustion. But despite the dangers that lurked outside, they found some comfort in each other's presence, knowing that together, they could weather whatever challenges the night brought.

—-------------------------

As the night wore on, the darkness outside slowly gave way to the soft glow of dawn, casting a faint light through the cracks in the boarded-up windows of the storage room where Y/N and 10K had taken refuge. 

As morning broke, 10K stirred from his slumber, only to find Y/N leaning against his shoulder, fast asleep. Flustered yet oddly comfortable in the warmth of their closeness, he shifted slightly, hoping not to disturb Y/N's peaceful rest.

But his movements were enough to rouse Y/N from sleep, and as their eyes met, a fleeting moment of intimacy passed between them. With a sheepish smile, 10K cleared his throat, breaking the silence that had enveloped them.

“Morning,” he murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Y/N returned the smile, stretching his arms as he rose to his feet. “Morning,” he replied, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

Together, they set about their morning routine—10K searching for an exit while Y/N gathered supplies from the storage room. As they worked, the quiet of the morning gave way to the distant sounds of shuffling footsteps outside, a reminder of the dangers that still lurked beyond the safety of their makeshift barricade.

After what seemed like hours of searching, (15 minutes) 10K finally stumbled upon the group of looters inside the building. They lay scattered across the ground, their lifeless bodies being feasted upon by the very zombies they had sought to escape. With a heavy heart, 10K turned away, his mind focused on finding an exit.

After thorough exploration, he discovered an exit in another area of the building—a narrow alleyway that offered a path to freedom.

Returning to Y/N, he explained what he had seen, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air. But despite the challenges that lay ahead, they knew they had to press on.

They quickly gathered their supplies and made their way towards the exit, their steps quickening as they drew closer to the promise of escape.

—-----------------------

Emerging from the building with their hands full of supplies, Y/N and 10K made their way back to the group, their hearts lighter with the promise of their success. As they approached, Addy and Mack rushed forward, enveloping Y/N in tight hugs, their relief evident.

“Thank goodness you're okay,” Addy exclaimed, her voice thick with emotion.

“Yeah, we were starting to worry,” Mack added, his eyes filled with gratitude.

Murphy, ever the joker, couldn't resist chiming in. “Looks like you two managed to scavenge up more than just supplies,” he teased, a smirk playing on his lips.

Cassandra shot him a pointed look. “Shut up, Murphy,” she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Despite the playful banter, there was a sense of joy and relief among the group as they reunited. Everyone was overjoyed to see Y/N and 10K return safely, their success a welcome beacon of hope in an otherwise bleak world.

Sharing a small smile, Y/N and 10K exchanged a silent understanding—a testament to the bond that had formed between them amidst the chaos and uncertainty. Together, they had faced the challenges of the apocalypse head-on, and together, they would continue to navigate the treacherous road ahead.

—----------------------------

After the heartfelt reunion, Garnett stepped forward, his expression serious. “We should leave before those looters make their way out,” he suggested, his voice tinged with urgency.

Before anyone could respond, 10K spoke up, his tone grave. “Too late for that. Found them already, eaten away by zombies.”

Murphy couldn't resist making another wisecrack. “Well, I'm glad it wasn't me,” he joked, earning him a sharp jab in the arm from Cassandra and a yelp of pain in response.

Warren, always the voice of reason, intervened. “Enough, Murphy,” she said sternly, her gaze piercing. “We need to focus on getting out of here.”

With a nod of agreement, Warren turned to the group. “Let's get back on the road,” she declared, her voice firm. “Everyone, help load the supplies into the cars. We need to be on our way.”

With a sense of purpose, the group sprang into action, working together to load the supplies into the vehicles. 

“Find any meds in there?” Doc questioned, y/n smirked and threw the first aid kit that included a couple bottles of meds they’d come across at him. “Hell yeah.”

—----------------

As the truck rumbled down the road, Y/N and 10K found themselves once again in the bed of the pickup truck, the breeze playing gently against their skin, creating a sense of peace and tranquility. Y/N glanced over at 10K, as if he had a question on his mind, but hesitated, deciding against it.

“What's on your mind?” 10K's voice broke the comfortable silence, his eyes curious as he looked at Y/N.

Y/N hesitated for a moment, dancing around the question before finally asking, “Have you ever had a girlfriend?”

A small smile tugged at 10K's lips as he shook his head. “Not really. Grew up off the grid with my father, so dating wasn't really a thing for me.”

Nodding in understanding, Y/N pressed on, curiosity getting the better of him. “If you were to date someone, what would your ideal type be?”

10K paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “Someone… who's easy to talk to, understands me. Someone who's independent, strong-minded.” He trailed off, his gaze distant, as if lost in thought. “Pretty?”

Y/N nodded, taking in his answer before 10k turns the question back to himself. “And what about you? What's your ideal type?”

An anxious glint danced in Y/N's eyes as he replied, “Well, I once dated a guy who was a bit controlling. So, I'd say someone who makes me feel free, happy, and comfortable.”

“A guy?” 10K's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Y/N shrugged nonchalantly. “Yeah, a guy.”

There was a moment of silence as 10K processed Y/N's revelation before speaking again. “That sounds really nice,” he murmured, his voice soft.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still as they stared at each other, a silent understanding passing between them.

Y/N chuckled softly, breaking the spell as he turned his gaze to the sky. “I'm really comfortable with you, 10K. Super comfortable.” His words hung in the air, a silent declaration of trust and affection.

—---------------------

As they reached a desolate town, the group decided to hunker down near an empty supermarket, taking stock of their supplies and considering their options for making contact with Citizen Z again. Under the guise of searching for supplies, 10K and Y/N wandered off, eventually finding themselves in a dusty old bar down the road.

As they explored the dimly lit interior, Y/N couldn't help but ask, “Do you ever drink?”

A faint smile tugged at 10K's lips as he confessed, “Stole some from my dad a few times. Got in quite a bit of trouble for it.”

Y/N laughed and began rummaging behind the bar, soon discovering a half-empty bottle of whiskey. “Looks like we hit the jackpot,” he exclaimed, offering the bottle to 10K.

They drank a little, the warmth of the alcohol spreading through their bodies as they continued to explore the abandoned bar. Y/N stumbled upon a dusty old record player and couldn't resist putting on a record. With a mischievous grin, he pulled 10K onto the makeshift dance floor, their movements slow and tentative.

“Are you a good slow dancer?” Y/N asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Anxiety flickered across 10K's face as he shook his head. “Not really,” he admitted, unsure.

Y/N smiled reassuringly. “Just follow my lead,” he encouraged, guiding 10K through the steps as they swayed to the music. They stumbled a few times before finding their footing, their movements becoming more confident with each step.

As they danced, Y/N opened up about his past, recounting a bittersweet memory of his prom night. “My father grounded me to prevent me from dancing with a man,” he confessed quietly. “But I snuck out anyway and had the time of my life.”

Concern clouded 10K's expression as he asked, “Did you get into trouble?”

Y/N hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Yeah, quite a bit,” he admitted softly.

10K sympathetically mentioned he never got to attend a prom, reminding Y/N of his upbringing off the grid with his father. Y/N flashed him a warm smile and suggested that this could be their own little prom, if he'd like.

Their eyes met, and 10K struggled to maintain eye contact, his gaze repeatedly flickering down to Y/N's lips. Their slow dancing came to a halt as they inched closer, only for a loud bang from the back room of the bar to shatter the moment.

Immediately, they sprang apart, grabbing their weapons and rushing to investigate. They found a lone zombie feasting on a possum, and Y/N swiftly dispatched it with a blow to the head.

With a sigh, Y/N turned to 10K and joked, “Looks like we'll have to make up for that kiss later.”

They shared a knowing look before Y/N turned and began to leave the bar, with 10K following closely behind, still flustered from the interrupted moment.

—----------------------

As Addy and Mack struggled to make contact with Citizen Z on a fast-food speaker with a satellite, they finally managed to get through. 

“Hello? Citizen Z, do you copy?” Addy's voice crackled through the speaker.

A moment of static, then a familiar voice responded, “Loud and clear. What's the situation?”

Addy waved Murphy over. “He's right here, all good.”

“Good to see you're in one piece, Murphy,” Citizen Z said with relief evident in his voice.

“Thanks for your tip about the cache,” Addy replied gratefully.

Garnett joined the conversation, asking, “Any word on our next move?”

---

While Garnett was discussing logistics with Citizen Z, Y/N and 10K returned to the group. Y/N seeming perfectly normal, but 10K appeared a tad tipsy.

Cassandra caught a whiff of whiskey on their breath and raised an eyebrow. “Getting into the spirits, are we?”

Y/N chuckled. “Just a little celebratory drink.”

“Save some for the rest of us next time,” she teased.

Y/N apologized for their impromptu excursion, and then gently guided 10K back to the truck. They climbed into the bed, the breeze providing a welcome relief from the stifling heat.

“Damn, it's gotten hot,” Y/N muttered, fanning himself with his hand.

10K nodded absentmindedly, his gaze fixed on Y/N. “Yeah, it has.”

Y/N reached for a water bottle offered by Doc, taking a long drink before passing it to 10K. “Maybe you need to sober up a bit.”

10K scoffed and reached for his cigarettes, but Y/N sneakily grabbed them from his hand and took one for himself, pocketing the box.

“Hey!” 10K protested, but Y/N just flashed him a mischievous grin before lighting the cigarette.

After taking a puff, Y/N passed the cigarette to 10K. “You know, they say sharing is caring.”

10K raised an eyebrow, taking a drag. “Is that so?”

Y/N grinned. “Yep. And the next kiss won't be so indirect.”

Choking on his inhale, 10K coughed violently, earning a chuckle from Y/N. “Smooth, huh?”

10K managed a weak smile, still recovering from his coughing fit, whispered a small “Real smooth.”

—----------------------

Soon, they all regroup at the truck, discussing plans to continue west. Warren and Garnett had a brief conversation about the route, deciding on rest stops and other logistics.

Warren knocked on the side of the truck. “Alright, folks, time to hit the road.”

Everyone piled into their respective seats within the two vehicles, packed with supplies. As they started driving off, Y/N sneakily placed his hand on top of 10K's, the warmth of their touch sending a comforting shiver down 10K's spine. He couldn't help but stare lovingly at Y/N, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him.

Taking a drag from his cigarette, 10K relaxed into the moment. Y/N broke the silence with some small talk.

“What's your favorite color, 10K?” Y/N's voice broke through the quiet hum of the engine.

10K glanced over at Y/N, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Blue. Yours?”

Y/N grinned. “F/C. What about your favorite season?”

“Fall,” 10K replied without hesitation. “You?”

“F/S,” Y/N answered, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Do you have a name? Besides 10k, I mean.”

10k hesitated for a moment, locking eyes with y/n. He could feel the lightheartedness of the question, he didn’t have to answer it.

“Tommy.”

As they continued their exchange, the miles passed by, and the warmth of their connection only grew stronger.

[smilerjoseph]

Helping Hands

Pairing - 10k (znation) x Male Reader

Fluff :) , tending to wounds, strangers/first encounter

This isn't overtly romantic, it's very much first encounter with some tension, but it's very much leading to that yk,, like this is the jumping pad

takes place in season 3 when 10k escapes from Murphy (can u tell where i am in my rewatch) Bitten/Blend 10k !!

Word Count: 2768

meow <- AO3 !

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm hue that filtered through the thick of trees. Y/n moved silently through the underbrush, the earthy scent of damp soil and decaying leaves surrounding him. 

Scanning the area for signs of game, listening for the slightest movement. The air was crisp, bathed with a faint almost metallic scent of impending rain, when a soft rustle broke through his focus. He froze, heart racing, and crouched low, gripping the rifle slung across his shoulder.

Peering through the bushes, his breath caught in his throat. A figure lay half-hidden against a tree, the man’s skin pale and sweaty. His hand clutched to a bleeding wound on his stomach. Alarms went off in his head, but was compelled to move closer.

"Hey," he called softly, forcing his voice to remain steady despite the rising panic in his chest.

Immediately, as if an instinct, the other man gripped on a rock nearby, preparing for the worst. 

"Woah, hey— It’s okay. I’m not here to hurt you. Are you…" Y/n’s eyes scanned the man's pale body, "Are you alright?"

The man’s head lifted slightly, his face washed over by pain and exhaustion. His eyes, once sharp, were clouded and unfocused. "Help..." The word came out raspy and desperate, tugging at Y/n’s heart.

Without a second thought, Y/n knelt beside him, the cool earth beneath his knees grounding him. "What happened?" he asked, scanning the area for threats, every instinct screaming to be cautious.

"Just… got away," the man gasped, wincing as he struggled to sit up. "Need to hide."

The urgency in his voice struck a chord in Y/n. "Can you walk?" he asked, eyes continuing to scan for any potential threats.

10k shook his head, clearly too weak to move. Without hesitation, Y/n slipped one arm around his back, feeling the warmth of his skin contrast sharply with the chill of the evening air. He cradled 10k against him, feeling the ragged breaths against his shoulder, the heat radiating from his fevered body.

"Hold on," Y/n urged, making their way through the brush, branches snagging at their clothes as they pushed forward. Every step was a balance of urgency and care; he couldn’t afford to lose this fragile life.

Finally, coming to a small cabin nestled against the hillside. Y/n pushed the door open with his shoulder, the old wood creaking ominously. The dim interior was a stark contrast to the chaos outside—dust motes danced in the fading light, and the scent of aged wood and lingering rot filled the air.

He set the wounded man down gently on the cool, rough floor, noting the way he winced at the movement. "Just a minute," Y/n said, urgency propelling him to grab the first thing he saw, a run-down dresser, and pushing it up against the door.

Taking a deep breath, Y/n turned back around, his gaze sweeping across the rundown cabin. He assessed the dim interior, searching for any sign of what to do next. Then he remembered the bag slung at his hip. Quickly springing into action, he unzipped it and knelt beside 10k, his heart racing.

Digging through the contents, he sifted through the chaos until he found some old gauze tucked away—something he had saved for emergencies. He hesitated for just a moment, weighing the condition of the man before him, then pulled it out, ready to begin helping.

"Let’s get that shirt off," Y/n said, trying to keep his voice steady. He grasped the hem of 10k’s shirt, carefully lifting it up. The fabric pulled away, revealing the sight of the deep wound on 10k’s stomach.

But as he tugged the shirt up further, his gaze fell upon the bite mark at the back of 10k’s neck, partially hidden beneath the fabric of his shirt. It wasn’t fresh, but his heart still sank. He caught 10k’s eye, his expression shifting to concern. The unspoken understanding hung heavy in the air.

"Y-Your neck… Is that—?" Y/n started, but the plea in 10k’s eyes silenced him.

"Please, just help me," 10k begged, desperation lacing his voice.

Y/n hesitated, torn between the obvious choice to wait to give mercy and the instinct to offer aid. He took a moment to steady himself, reminding himself that right now, 10k needed him. With a nod, he forced himself to focus, tearing his gaze away from the bite as he continued to clean the wound on 10k’s stomach.

"Hang in there," Y/n murmured, gently pressing the gauze against the gash. The warmth of 10k’s skin beneath his fingertips felt both reassuring and alarming. He wrapped the gauze carefully, trying to be as gentle as possible, all while the bite loomed in the back of his mind, a ticking time bomb just waiting.

As he worked, he caught glimpses of 10k’s expression—pain mixed with gratitude, vulnerability layered over fear. 

"Just a bit more," Y/n said, his voice softening as he secured the bandage. He took a breath, "It’s not much, I can go looking for some ointment— Just need it to stop bleeding first."

As he knelt beside 10k, he felt the warmth radiating from him—a heat that spoke of fever and distress. The earthy scent of the forest with the coppery odor of blood attacked his nose.

"What’s your name?" Y/n asked, his voice steady but filled with concern, trying to keep the weary man awake. He leaned closer, the dim light of the cabin casting flickering shadows across 10k’s face, highlighting the beads of sweat that glistened on his brow. 

For a moment, 10k hesitated, his eyes searching Y/n’s face through a veil of pain and confusion.

"10k," he finally replied, his voice strained, barely above a whisper. "You?"

"Y/n." Clearing his throat, Y/n focused on finishing the makeshift bandage, his fingers working deftly despite the urgency that thrummed in his chest. He glanced up, locking eyes with 10k, whose gaze was still unfocused and drowsy. "So, who shot you?"

The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken tension. 10k’s eyelids fluttered, and he struggled to maintain clarity. "Bounty hunters."

Y/n’s ears perked up at the words. The cabin seemed to grow quieter, the sound of raindrops a distant echo as he leaned in closer, curiosity sparking within him. "Bounty hunters? Does that mean you’re looking for… ‘The Murphy’?"

10k scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping his lips that quickly turned into a wince. "Why would I want to be near that bastard willingly?"

Y/n’s brow furrowed, intrigued. "So you know him?" The way 10k had spoken—filled with familiarity— anger— piqued Y/n’s interest.

"Know him?" 10k’s voice dripped with disdain, his expression darkening as he struggled to keep his eyes open. "I’m gonna be the one that kills him."

Sensing the touchy subject, Y/n decided not to poke him too much. He glanced at the semi-covered window, the fading light casting long shadows across the cabin. "It’s getting dark… We should get some rest."

Y/n pushed himself up from the floor, stretching his limbs as he surveyed the cramped cabin for anything that could help 10k get more comfortable. The old furniture looked worn, but he noticed a thin blanket draped over a rickety chair. He walked over, grabbing it and shaking off the dust before turning back to 10k.

"Here, this might help," Y/n said, folding the blanket as he approached. He noticed the way 10k's chest rose and fell, each breath a reminder of his vulnerability. It was… weird, this feeling swelling in his chest—both concern for the injured man and the feeling of being hyper-aware of their proximity.

"Thanks," 10k murmured, his voice still hoarse. As Y/n draped the blanket over him, their hands brushed for a moment. A jolt of electricity shot through Y/n at the contact, and he quickly pulled back, feeling the awkwardness settle in the space between them.

"Let me help you move," Y/n offered, trying to keep the mood light despite the tension. "You should at least lie down properly."

10k nodded, the weariness evident in his eyes. Y/n carefully helped him shift, the two of them maneuvering together. As he steadied 10k, he couldn’t help but notice the strength in the lean muscles beneath the bandages, the way 10k’s skin glistened slightly in the low light. There was an intensity in their shared moment, a vulnerability that made Y/n’s heart race.

"Just a little further," Y/n encouraged, gently guiding him toward a corner where the floor was a bit clearer. He settled 10k down against the wall, propping him up with the blanket wrapped around his shoulders. "There. That should be more comfortable."

"Yeah, thanks," 10k replied, a hint of gratitude softening his features. He glanced up, and their eyes locked for a heartbeat longer than necessary. Y/n could see the storm of emotions swirling behind those intense eyes—fear, determination, and something else that made the air feel thick between them.

"Try to get some sleep," Y/n urged, his voice quieter now. "I’ll keep watch."

10k nodded, his eyelids growing heavy. "You don’t have to… I’ll be fine."

"I want to," Y/n insisted, feeling a sense of protectiveness wash over him. "Just rest."

As 10k leaned his head back against the wall, Y/n settled himself nearby, the faint sound of raindrops easing back in.

━━━━━━☆━━━━━━

The sun filtered through the cracks in the cabin walls, casting a glow that painted the room in a soft, warm light. 10k stirred, groggy and disoriented. He blinked against the brightness, the remnants of sleep fading quickly as he pushed himself upright, only to wince sharply at the pain radiating from his wound.

The world around him was quiet, almost too quiet. As he glanced around the cabin, confusion set in. Y/n was gone. His heart raced slightly at the absence, but he noticed something reassuring: their bags sat side by side near the spot where Y/n had patched him up the night before. Y/n was nearby, then—somewhere.

Feeling a sudden rush of urgency, 10k tried to shift his body, but every movement sent a wave of discomfort through him. The dull ache of his bullet wound throbbed, and he bit back a groan, closing his eyes for a moment. The darkness behind his eyelids was tempting, but he forced himself to focus. The boosters. He needed the boosters.

Slowly, he began to crawl, each movement deliberate and labored. The cabin’s floor felt rough beneath him, and he gritted his teeth against the pain that lanced through his abdomen with every inch he traversed. The world felt hazy, his thoughts slipping away like water through his fingers, each burst of discomfort pulling him closer to the edge of consciousness.

"Come on, Tommy," he whispered to himself, the sound of his own voice a decent anchor to his surroundings. "Just a little further." The effort was immense, but finally, he reached his bag. With a sigh of relief, he propped himself against the wall, the rough wood pressing into his back as he fumbled for the small injector inside.

His hand trembled slightly as he pulled out the booster, and he took a moment to steady his breath. This was it. He pressed the device against his thigh, the cool metal a stark contrast to his heated skin. With a quick jab, he injected the booster, a sharp jolt of sensation coursing through his leg and radiating outwards like electricity.

It felt as though a fog was lifting from his mind, clarity returning as he took deep breaths, letting the rush of the booster settle within him. The world around him sharpened, the cabin coming into focus—the peeling wallpaper, the worn floorboards, the sunlight dancing on the wooden surfaces.

10k’s gaze flicked to the nearby window. He peered through the glass, the outside world beckoning him. A glimpse of movement caught his attention, and he squinted, trying to make out the figure by the river. Was it Y/n? The distance blurred the details, and he strained to see, his heart pounding in his ears.

As he watched, fatigue washed over him like a tide, and the aches in his body caught up to him. With a groan, he sank back against the wall. 

"Damn it," he muttered, rubbing circles on his bandage in an attempt to ease the pain. Grabbing his discarded shirt from the floor and putting it back on his tired body.

In his line of sight, something caught his eye—Y/n’s bag, slightly open, with a corner of a magazine poking out. Curiosity piqued, he leaned forward, reaching out to grab it. He pulled it free, revealing a camping magazine, its glossy pages vibrant and inviting.

Flipping through the pages, 10k allowed himself a small moment of distraction. Images of lakes and towering trees filled his vision, a large contrast to the chaos of his journey. He lost himself in the articles, the warmth of the sun streaming through the window making him forget, if only for a moment, the dangers that lay beyond the cabin walls.

━━━━━━☆━━━━━━

Fifteen minutes slipped by, but 10k found himself in a spiral of doubt. Was that figure by the river really Y/n? Or had he been too hopeful, imagining a safety that might not be there? 

The possibilities rushed through his mind, looters? Murphy? He felt the instinct to hide creeping in, his pulse quickening as he listened intently to the sounds outside.

Then, the unmistakable crunch of footsteps approached the cabin, and he acted on instinct.

Quickly, he snatched his bag of boosters, adrenaline surging through him as he dashed to a nearby closet. He squeezed inside, the darkness concealing him, waiting to see what would happen next.

The cabin door creaked open, and the soft sound of humming floated in. 10k squinted through the small gap in the closet door, and he felt a rush of relief as he saw Y/n step inside, holding three glistening fish in hand.

Y/n glanced around the cabin, his brow furrowing as he took in the empty space. "10k?" he called hesitantly, closing the door behind him. "It’s just me. I’m back with some food."

At the sound of Y/n’s voice, 10k found himself exhaling without realizing he’d been holding his breath. The tension eased as he slowly opened the closet door. Y/n’s eyes widened with surprise, and a wide grin spread across his face.

"Hey!" Y/n chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Sorry— I’ll make sure to announce my arrivals and departures from now on."

10k couldn’t help but smile back, the warmth of Y/n’s presence washing over him like sunlight. "Not a bad idea," he replied, his tone teasing. He glanced at the fish Y/n had brought. "Nice catch."

"Just a little luck," Y/n said, beaming with pride. "I figured we could have a proper meal, help you feel better."

10k simply nodded, stepping fully out of the closet now, feeling the tension in his body melt away.

"Let’s cook these up," Y/n suggested, moving outside. The fresh air felt invigorating, a sharp contrast to the cabin’s stillness. As they stepped out into the open, 10k rolled up his sleeves, ready to prepare the fish.

━━━━━━☆━━━━━━

"Do you know how to clean and cook them?" Y/n asked, watching closely as 10k worked.

"Yeah, I’ve done it quite a few times," 10k replied, focused on his task. "Just gotta be careful with the bones."

As he deftly filleted the fish, Y/n started gathering twigs and kindling to build a small fire. The intimacy of the moment hung in the air; the sounds of the forest surrounded them, punctuated by the soft rustling of leaves and distant birdsong.

Once the fire was crackling, Y/n moved closer, watching intently. "You’re really good at this," he said, admiration lacing his tone. The way 10k handled the knife was almost mesmerizing, his movements precise and confident.

"Thanks," 10k said, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. He looked up at Y/n, catching his eye. The flickering flames cast a warm glow, highlighting the sharp angles of Y/n’s face, and for a moment, everything else faded away. "My dad taught me."

"Well, you’re doing a damn good job," Y/n replied, his expression softening.

The fish sizzled as 10k placed them on the makeshift grill, the fishy aroma filling the air.

[grimespial]

im gonna start writing for 10k from znation too, ive been obsessed recently

aa i love him