Romance with Rachel (Patreon)

The sun dips below the horizon, casting an orange hue over the junkyard that has become home to your group of survivors on the outskirts of Colorado Springs. Rachel, a mischievous glint in her eyes, stands at the edge of the encampment, her gaze fixed on the dense forest that lies beyond. She has been planning a surprise for you, her growing feelings for you pushing her to create a memorable and romantic adventure. Little do you both know the night ahead will test your trust, courage, and bond in ways you never imagined.

As you and Rachel walk along a natural trail toward the hidden Sapphire Lake, she playfully nudges you and jokes, "You know, they say it's dangerous to let an ex-British spy lead you to an unknown location." Her teasing smile and coy demeanor make you chuckle, and you can't help but admire her adventurous spirit. She's dressed in a fitted, sleeveless top and cargo pants that show off her athletic build. Her outfit is both practical and modest, perfect for the warm June weather in Colorado. The soft glow of the setting sun highlights her toned arms and the determined look in her eyes.

As you both reach the edge of Sapphire Lake, a sight you've never seen before unfolds. The still, shimmering water reflects the last rays of sunlight, and you notice something peculiar: a lone zombie with grayish, decaying skin is stranded on a small sand island not too far from the shore. You and Rachel exchange puzzled glances, wondering how it managed to end up there, seemingly untouched by the passage of time.

"Maybe it's been there since the outbreak," Rachel muses, her eyes narrowing as she studies the undead creature. "But how could it survive without feeding for so long?"

You shrug, unable to offer an explanation. Despite the eerie presence of the zombie, this part of the lake feels like a secret sanctuary, the foreboding atmosphere only amplifying the thrill of your adventure with Rachel. The air around you is thick with tension, anticipation, and the ever-present danger lurking beneath this new world's surface.

Rachel starts removing her clothes, placing them carefully in a plastic bag. She leaves her underwear on and looks at you with a raised eyebrow. "Fancy a swim, love?" she asks, her British accent unmistakable. "Don't worry; I won't peek. Well, not too much, anyway," she adds with a wink, her London upbringing shining through in her cheeky banter.

You can't help but smile at her playful demeanor, and you follow her lead, stripping down to your underwear and placing your clothes in a separate plastic bag. As you stand there, the cool evening breeze makes you shiver slightly, but Rachel's presence is a warm reassurance, her smile inviting you to embrace the adventure that lies ahead.

Rachel steps into the water, the gentle waves lapping at her ankles. She turns to you, beckoning with a playful smile. "Come on, don't be shy. The water's lovely!" You hesitantly follow her lead, the cool water enveloping your legs as you wade in.

When you're both waist-deep, Rachel moves closer to you, her face mere inches from yours. The anticipation of a kiss hangs in the air, but just as you lean in, she spins around with a giggle, dives underwater, and starts swimming away. With a competitive glint in your eye, you follow her beneath the surface and chase her through the dark waters.

After swimming for a while, you both pop your heads above the surface, gasping for air. You find yourselves further from the shore, the distant outline of the sand island with the zombie barely visible. Rachel grins at you, her eyes sparkling with excitement, and you can't help but feel the thrill of the adventure coursing through your veins.

Rachel swims up to you, her arms wrapping around your neck as she gently massages your back. The heat from her body radiates against your skin, her closeness making your heart race. She leans in, her breath warm against your ear, and whispers, "Hold your breath and get ready for a swim. Stay close to me, and don't worry. I've got you."

Her reassuring words bolster your courage, and you nod in agreement, preparing yourself for the unknown that lies ahead. With Rachel's arms still around your neck, you both take a deep breath, and she gives you a reassuring squeeze before you both dive under the water, ready to explore the hidden depths of Sapphire Lake together.

You stay behind Rachel, silently admiring her sleek form and shapely legs as she swims effortlessly ahead of you. You notice you're swimming through some kind of natural underwater tunnel, the walls smooth and slightly illuminated by the faintest glow from the water's surface. After swimming for several dozen yards, Rachel reaches back and grabs your hand, allowing you to swim in tandem. Even underwater, her smile is contagious, and you can't help but feel exhilarated.

After another ten yards, you both emerge into a small, dimly lit cave. Your eyes adjust to the low light, and you notice a blanket stretched out on the cave floor. A bottle of champagne, glasses, and several food containers have been laid out, creating an intimate setting. You can't help but feel amazed by Rachel's creativity and resourcefulness, her ability to make such a romantic experience in the midst of a zombie-infested world. Your heart swells with appreciation and affection, and you exchange a look with Rachel that speaks volumes about the bond you've forged in this extraordinary situation.

You and Rachel climb onto the dry, rocky floor of the cave, water dripping from your bodies. She hands you a towel, takes one for herself, and you both dry off. As you do, Rachel grabs the bottle of champagne and playfully asks, "Fancy a glass, love?"

Holding up the bottle, she continues, "You wouldn't believe it, but I found this 2002 Louis Roederer Cristal Brut while scavenging ten days ago. It's an extraordinarily expensive bottle of champagne, you know. I thought I'd save it for a special occasion." Her eyes twinkle as she pops the cork, the bubbly liquid fizzing and overflowing.

You can't help but smile at the irony of sipping such a luxurious drink in a post-apocalyptic world. Yet, the decadent champagne perfectly encapsulates the magic of the moment.

As you sip your champagne, she starts unpacking the containers of food she brought along for the picnic. "I found these goodies in a specialty food store a while back," she explains, her excitement evident. "Thought they'd make for a nice treat."

She lays out a variety of items on the blanket, and you both start sampling the spread. "These are marinated artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes," she says, pointing to one of the jars. "Perfect with these rosemary crackers." You both take a bite, savoring the unique combination of flavors.

Next, she opens a vacuum-sealed package of smoked salmon and a small container of aged cheddar. "This smoked salmon is incredible, and the cheddar has been aged to perfection," she remarks, her enthusiasm contagious. You both enjoy the savory pairing, the rich flavors melding together in your mouths.

Rachel then opens a container filled with dried apricots, figs, and an assortment of nuts. "These dried fruits and nuts are great for energy and taste amazing And believe me, you're going to need your energy," she says, popping a fig into her mouth and giving you a wink. Finally, Rachel reveals a bar of high-quality dark chocolate, breaking off a piece for each of you. "A little something sweet to end our feast," she grins as you both savor the rich, velvety chocolate.

You and Rachel continue to enjoy the food, your laughter and conversation filling the small cave with warmth and happiness. As the last bites are savored and the champagne glasses emptied, a comfortable silence falls between you.

Suddenly, Rachel crawls across the blanket, her eyes locked on yours. The anticipation building throughout the evening finally reaches its peak as she leans in, her lips meeting yours in a tender, passionate kiss. Time seems to slow down as you lose yourself in the warmth of her embrace, your connection deepening with every heartbeat.

As the kiss lingers, Rachel gently climbs on top of you, her body pressed against yours. She pulls the blanket around both of you, wrapping you in a world of your own as you begin to make love. The flickering light from the cave walls dances around you, casting shadows that seem to fade into the darkness just as the world outside this intimate moment fades away.