Written for the Breakroom Halloween Bingo 2024 using the prompts 'zombie', 'library/bookshop AU', and 'edging'.

"P-please!" Richard gasped, moaning loudly as rough stubble teased his neck, followed by the press of lips and nipping teeth. He could feel it as the taller man smirked against his neck, making him whine and pull him closer, gripping his worn shirt with shaking hands. The hand on his cock squeezed until it was almost painful. He was so hard he could feel it throbbing, his balls twitching in anticipation. "H-Hank-fuck-I-I can't!" Pleasure coiled in the pit of his stomach, ready to spring. It didn't help that Hank chuckled against his shoulder, hot breath tickling his neck.

"You'll hold it, or I'll toss you outside with them." Richard whimpered helplessly, letting his head fall on Hank's shoulder with a small sob. They both knew he wouldn't. Not really. Hank wasn't that callous, much as he pretended to be sometimes. Richard wouldn't have sheltered him for so long if he was. The world may have gone to shit, but this was still his shop. It wasn't much use these days, mind. What did people want with books unless it was to burn them for warmth? You couldn't eat them and they were no use as weapons. That's what most people would have said. Richard disagreed. It was important to hoard knowledge, especially in times like these.

There would surely come a time after, once this problem had been sorted out. Future generations would need a base to build on. These books could offer them that. He was even fruitlessly searching through them himself. Though he didn't know what he was looking for, he'd gone through perhaps a sixth of the books, looking for anything that may help. Science, history, geography, all sorts of subjects. Some were more useful than others, but none so far had offered a reason for the dead to be walking. A few helped with solutions though. Flesh eating chemicals, flamethrowers, incendiary devices, and medieval fortifications had all been quite helpful.

At first, being stuck in the bookshop had seemed like a curse. The fridge in the apartment above had emptied pretty quickly with the two of them hiding there, and he'd never thought for a minute they'd get out alive. That was where the books had first come in handy. As well as the apartment over the shop, Richard also had the roof. A flat square that offered a way to the buildings on either side, but it was high enough that nothing could get over to them. Nothing without an active brain, at least. These creatures, zombies for want of a better word, seemed to be mostly empty shells. There was nothing behind the eyes. No malice, no intent, and no intelligence. They were mindless, hobbling beasts. Easily outrun and outsmarted. They didn't even think to try climbing up. All they did was stumble into the wall and circle the area, making those odd, breathy grunting sounds.

Using the rooftops, Hank was able to get across to the local supermarket and a few other stores. He'd grabbed anything and everything he thought might be useful. A thick roll of leather and various sewing supplies to make armour, kitchenware and tools for weapons, bags of soil, seeds, bottled water, tinned and vacuum packed food, and all the fresh food he could carry. They'd filled the fridge and freezer, using them until the electricity died. After that, they'd taken to using gas until that, too, ran out. They were currently using old packaging to make fires when they needed to, and a solar panel Hank had taken from a few roofs down. Using the relevant books, Hank had gradually figured out how to make the damned thing work. They couldn't use it all the time. It took a while to fill up, but it was enough to get the stove working to boil rainwater for drinking sometimes.

The books on gardening had helped Richard make a rooftop garden with the seeds Hank found. He wasn't sure how long it would last, but so far, he had been able to start the process of growing their own food. Not enough to live on, but enough to help. They'd also started storing rainwater, both for the plants and for themselves. This wasn't always possible, but so far, they had enough to see them through for a few months. It wasn't great, but it was the best they could do. It was a fucking miracle they could do it at all. If someone had asked him before this shit if he'd survive a zombie apocalypse, Richard would have laughed in their face. He wouldn't have survived shit without Hank. Though reading books had been his idea, Hank was the muscle in their relationship. If you could call it that. Richard often wondered if they would have worked out without this shit happening.

Hank was fairly new in the area. Richard hadn't seen him around for more than a few weeks before all this started. It wasn't that it was a small town, or that he knew everybody, but it was pretty unusual to see new faces around. Hank had stepped into his old bookshop one day to escape the rain. He didn't say it, of course. He'd quietly walked the cramped aisles perusing books while hoping the rain would ease off long enough for him to get home. Unfortunately, the weather where Richard lived was notoriously shitty, so the rain had lasted for over an hour. At first, Richard had ignored him. It wasn't unusual for people to come in and peruse like that, almost always leaving without buying anything, but something had caught his eye.

Hank was handsome. Not in a youthful, fresh faced sort of way, but in an older, more distinguished manner. His hair, though it reached his ears these days, had been short and fluffed then. Silver, like his thick whiskers. Though his clothes weren't designer or anything like that, they were smart and neat. A blue chequered shirt, jeans, black leather boots, and a worn leather coat. Richard had remained behind his counter with his nose buried in his books, occasionally glancing over his reading glasses to monitor his only customer. Once lunchtime arrived, he'd ended up inviting Hank to stay since he was locking the shop, but it was still pouring outside.

That was how it started. After that, Hank became pretty regular. It wasn't like they knew each other well, but they knew enough to chat away pleasantly over a cup of tea. Richard often sat at his counter with a cup of tea at his elbow, nose buried in a book between customers. Each time the old bell rang, he lifted his head with an almost sleepy expression, squinting through his glasses at the door. Younger customers often assumed he was scowling, but Hank knew he was squinting because he'd been reading for so long and hadn't removed his glasses.

It had been a normal day like that when he'd noticed a commotion in the street. Screeching tyres and screaming. Looking up and heading for the door, he'd thought there had been some sort of accident, but moments later, Hank had flung the door open and pushed him inside. He'd thrown the bolt across, lowered the blinds, and barked at him to help him move a heavy bookcase in front of the door. Bewildered, Richard had asked if he was out of his mind, but Hank said he'd explain everything once the door and windows were secure. The windows pretty much secured themselves. The advantage of renting an old building like this was that the frames were old and solid metal. There were also bars over them to keep out vandals.

While moving a hastily emptied bookcase, Hank had raved like a madman about undead monsters and death in the streets. Richard was worried he'd gone insane for a while, until they were done with returning the books to the shelves and he'd led the way up to the second floor. From his bedroom window they watched as people ran screaming through the streets, some of them tripping and succumbing to the creatures lurching along behind. It was bizarre. He'd watched movies and read stories about this. It was impossible! Fictional nonsense! Hank agreed, but they could both see what was happening. They couldn't both be insane.

Those first few days were the worst. Tears, frustration, yelling, fear, fighting, and sex. They barely knew each other, and they were stuck together in a single building with limited supplies and no way out. Richard would have given in and starved to death alone. Hank was the one coming up with the plans. All Richard did was bury himself in his books. Reading books had served him well all his life, and it happened to help a great deal now, too. It was sort of comforting. Desperation and the will to survive had thrown them together, and so far, it had kept them together. They had no choice but to talk through their problems and frustrations. The only other choice was for one of them to leave, and that was out of the question. Where would they go?

Not that Hank had never stormed out. Being the braver of the two, he often went on supply runs, and he'd left more than once after a fight without Richard knowing if he would come back. If he didn't come back, Richard would surely die. He wasn't a brave man. There was no way he'd go out there. He went to the roof to tend the garden, but the mere thought of stepping across to the next roof with those things made his body tense and quiver. That's often where he waited. Walking around the garden, looking over the ledges, searching for any sign of Hank coming home.

The first time they fought, he didn't think he would come back. He'd been glad at first. Good riddance to the man! He didn't need him anyway! That thought left him almost as quick as it had come. He did need him, or someone like him. There was no way he'd survive on his own. The thought made him feel as worthless and pathetic as Hank had said he was. This wasn't a world he could be a part of. Of course, Hank was long out of sight by the time he got to the roof, where he'd stood, crying and cursing him like a child. A little voice at the back of his mind had reminded him he was proving Hank's point.

Much to Richard's surprise, Hank had returned a few hours later. Tired of standing, Richard had curled up beside the wall by then to sniffle into his knees. It was cold, but he hadn't gone to get a sweater or blanket. What was the point? What did it matter if he froze to death? Freezing or starving, he'd still die alone. He'd almost had a heart attack when those warm, rugged hands had gripped his upper arms and Hank had pulled him against his chest with murmured apologies. After circling the town, burning off his frustration and finding more supplies, he'd come back. He'd never really planned to leave, and he didn't mean half the things he'd said. Neither did Richard.

"H-Hank!" A pained cry slipped out as the hand on his cock tightened again, cutting off his orgasm and making him double over in pain. Hank chuckled softly, lifting his chin and pushing him back on the edge of his desk. Since the shop downstairs was now so dark, they'd taken to using the bedroom for their studies. It had the largest, brightest windows in the apartment, and the desk stood right next to it along the wall. A shuddering gasp slipped out, tears pricking Richard's eyes as the hand loosened and took to stroking again.

"How many times do I have to tell you to call me Henry?" Richard's cock gave a painful throb as Hank's thumb pressed and circled the flushed tip. Hank knew what he was doing as he smirked and stroked the dark curls on his chest. Where Hank was fully dressed, Richard was dishevelled. He wasn't sure exactly how or when it happened, but Hank had returned from a supply run a short time ago and decided to have his way with him. After a few tentative nips on his ear and neck, disrupting his reading, Hank had managed to guide him up from the chair to rest against the edge of the desk. His reading glasses were still in place, though slightly crooked from the kissing and hair pulling. Richard wasn't sure when his shirt had been unbuttoned, but it was currently hanging off his shoulders as Hank's lips latched onto his neck and his free hand stroked and teased his nipples.

"H-Henry..." It still felt strange. He'd known him as Hank for months, but that was just a nickname, something friends and acquaintances called him. When it came to those more intimate and family, he was Henry. Flutters filled Richard's stomach at the thought of what that meant. It also made him a lot more enthusiastic as Hank returned to his lips. He barely noticed as his slacks finally fell, along with his boxers. The hand on his cock moved to grip his bare ass instead, greedily moulding the pale flesh and sliding down his thigh.

"Time to earn your keep." Richard's cock throbbed as he was lifted and carried to the bed, where Hank dropped him with a smirk. "Well? Get yourself ready." A large, unopened tube of lube landed beside him with a dull thud, making Richard's cheeks flush. This certainly explained the enthusiasm. "And make sure you turn around. I want to watch." Richard moaned softly as he broke into the tube and did as he was told. With the shirt still hanging off his shoulders, Richard got on his knees and showed Hank his ass. A creak told him that Hank had settled in his old leather chair, rolling it closer for a good view.

Cursing under his breath, Richard coated his fingers in thick gel and rested his weight on his forearm. Shuffling his knees apart, he held his ass up so Hank could see. Nerves swelled in the pit of his stomach at what Hank would think. It wasn't like he shaved or waxed back there. He didn't get the appeal. The first time Hank had wanted to do shit like this, he'd thought he might say something. He'd been shocked when he'd openly moaned, going so far as to call him pretty. Richard had thought he was joking until he sank his tongue into his ass. Just the thought of it made his cock twitch. He'd really thought he might come just from that, but Hank was good at drawing it out.

"Come on, Richie. You've got work to do." The teasing note in his tone almost made Richard moan. Deciding to get back at him a little, Richard remained as he was and slowly swayed his hips, giving Hank a fine view of his dancing ass and swaying balls. A chuckle and the sound of a zipper was Hank's only response, and then there was a slow exhale. Richard didn't dare look over his shoulder to confirm what he thought was happening. He didn't need to as the shudder of Hank's breath and jerk of his wrist reached his ears. "That's it, Richie. Show me what you've got for me." Oh, he'd show him!

Reaching back with his glistening fingers, Richard slowly circled the twitching ring, sticking to the outside for now. It felt good, making his hips squirm for a whole new reason as he teased himself. Hank chuckled as he watched, enjoying the way Richard's fingers pressed and teased the softening ring, circling and circling until he finally pushed inside. A delightful little mewl slipped out as the first finger slipped in. Warmth closed around the digit, the muscles hugging tightly as he pushed and prodded. It felt good. It felt even better as the second finger sank in alongside it. Hearing Hank's low groan only sweetened the feeling, bringing beading pearls to the tip of his twitching cock.

"Fuck, that's it, Richie! Stretch that pretty hole, get it ready for my cock!" Richard whined at the growled order, crooking his fingers and tugging the rim wider for Hank to see. Hank cursed under his breath, pumping faster as he watched Richard fingering himself. Enjoyable as it was, he wanted to make sure he was thorough. The last thing he wanted was to tear Richard's asshole. He wasn't one to brag, but he knew his cock was on the large side, which wasn't the best match with someone as small as Richard. Wheeling closer to the bed, Hank snagged the lube and squeezed Richard's ass. "That's it, honey. Show me." Leaning on his shoulder, Richard reached back with both hands and whined, spreading himself for inspection.

Hank smirked at the sight of the twitching ring, which puckered against the open air, glistening and cold from the lube. Muttering a few words of praise, Hank pressed the nozzle against the open ring and squeezed. Richard whined, feeling cold gel dribble between his cheeks to be pushed in by Hank's thick fingers moments later. That felt better. Hank's fingers could push deeper and stretch wider than his own. Hank chuckled, praising him and kissing his ass as he rocked on his fingers, pulling him deeper.

"Nuh-uh-uh, Richie." A firm hand squeezed his cock, making him whimper in discomfort. "You're supposed to be earning your keep." Richard whined and pressed his face into the sheets, careless of his glasses as they touched his closed eyes. He could earn his keep and get off at the same time! Hank chuckled like he could read his mind, pushing the shirt up his back and trailing prickling kisses up his spine. The feeling made Richard shiver and squirm. He wanted more. More than Hank was willing to give, it seemed. The fingers in his ass twisted and stretched, tugging the loosening ring to make sure he could fit. The cap popped again, and the creak of the chair told him Hank had sat down. "Well? Get to work."

Pushing himself up, Richard looked over his shoulder to see Hank working the lube into his cock. He shivered at the sight. It never ceased to amaze him that it could actually fit in his ass. It was so thick his hand couldn't close around it, and much longer than his own. That wasn't saying much. Richard wasn't necessarily small, but he was average, which was lucky considering his short height. At five foot four, there was a full foot of difference between them, which made for some very powerful lovemaking on Hank's part. It was like he weighed nothing in his arms. This time, however, Hank wanted him to work for it.

"Bring that pretty little ass over here." Such talk had once made Richard quite indignant. Pretty little ass, indeed! Such talk had felt demeaning at first, but it soon became apparent that was just how Hank spoke. He didn't mean anything by it, nothing bad at least. Doing as he was told, Richard pulled off his crooked glasses and climbed off the bed to step between Hank's thighs. Hank smirked as he leaned back in the chair, still pumping his own cock as Richard stood over him. One of the few times he actually could. Resting his hands on his shoulders, Richard gripped his shirt and leaned in to kiss him, enjoying the feeling of his tongue in his mouth as their cocks brushed. Hank grunted at the sensation, murmuring praise and squeezing Richard's ass as he went for a second small grind. "Fuck, turn around!" He was given little choice as Hank turned him.

Now with his back to Hank, Richard let the older man pull his cheeks a little wider and guide him down. The first touch of the tip against his ring made him squirm. This was when he had to be most careful. If he was stretched enough, he'd be able to slowly sink down. If not, he'd feel a burning pull as he was slowly torn. As always, it was filling. A long mewl fled his lips as he was slowly breached. Resting his hands on his hips, Hank guided him back. Guided, but didn't pull. Richard needed enough control to stop himself if it hurt. Arching his spine, Richard reached back to grip the armrests and seated himself. Hank's cock stretched his walls, rubbing and stroking every inch of the passage as it went.

"You good, honey?" Richard nodded and squirmed, trying to get used to the cock in his ass. "Then get to work." He almost scowled at that, but the hands on his hips were already encouraging him to move. Keeping his weight on his feet, Richard bent over, keeping his hands on the rests and rocking on Hank's cock. Fuck, the lube made it smooth. It didn't hurt at all as he pushed off, only to sink down again moments later. Hank grunted his approval and moved to grip his wrists instead, holding him steady in case his hands slipped. "Fuck, Richie, that's good. Ride my cock, honey, ride it!" Hank watched his cock disappearing in Richard's ass with a moan, enjoying the way his shirt teasingly covered his ass.

"H-Henry! Henry-fuck-fuck!" He felt so full with each rock, pleasure coiling through his insides.

"Not yet, Richie. You need to make that payment first." Richard whined as that firm hand returned, gripping his cock to stop him from coming. How he knew was anyone's guess, but whenever Richard was close, Hank always knew. The grip soon turned to teasing pumps, forcing him to fuck Hank's fist on one side and his cock on the other. Gripping the armrests, Richard was soon bouncing, his heels almost leaving the floor with each thrust. He was getting closer and closer, chasing his pleasure, and then there was pain. The hand on his cock squeezed, Hank's teeth digging into his shoulder in reproach. Richard almost sobbed at the cruelty, settling on Hank's lap and squirming. Squirming was worse. A surge of pleasure that had nothing to do with his cock blinded his senses, making him want to squirm more. "That's it, Richie! Fuck, make it worth my while!" Richard moaned, the pain all but forgotten as Hank gripped his knees.

His legs were pulled wide, trapping his smaller body on Hank's lap, his feet unable to touch the floor. Leaning back and resting his head on Hank's shoulder, Richard whined and gripped the armrests, holding a little of his weight as Hank rocked up to meet him. His shoulders came to rest on Hank's chest and whiskers and lips soon attacked the naked flesh. The shirt was so low down his back, he may as well have taken it off. Shameless moans fled his lips, chestnut eyes wide and needy as he turned his head to look at Hank's grizzled form.

"H-Henry-Henry-please!" Desperate words, pleading nonsense. Anything to make him relent. Hank moaned, kissing and biting his shoulder and working his way up his neck. Richard whimpered as the teeth reached his ear. "F-fuck-I can't-I'm going to-" Hank gripped his cock, pressing his thumb over the dripping tip to hold him back. Tears of frustration and pain slipped out. It wasn't a want anymore. He needed it. He needed to come. The pleas became worse, his arms no longer able to support his weight where they were shaking so badly.

"Hold on! Fuck, hold on for me!" Richard sobbed and held his breath, hoping that would help stave it off. Unfortunately, all it did was make him dizzy. Soon, he could feel his eyes bulging from the strain and knew his skin was turning red as his veins popped. "Richie! Richie, breathe honey!" The hand on his cock released to press against his chest, forcing the breath from his lungs and bringing white specks to his eyes. It was worse when he breathed in, like nothing he'd ever felt. Hank's thrusts increased, and he came with a curse, flooding Richard with warmth and pushing him over the edge. More white filled his eyes as air filled his lungs, the dizziness making him lightheaded. His whole body fell limp as he spilled, a whimper of relief slipping out with the flood of pleasure. "Okay-okay, easy there, Richie..." His eyes fell shut, and he didn't even know which way was up anymore.

They'd had a lot of sex and done a lot of things these past few months, but Hank had never made him pass out before. Leaving the chair, Hank lifted Richard as he pulled out and took him to the bed. His body was twitching, but it wasn't anything serious. His muscles were just overworked. Settling him against the pillows, Hank crouched beside him and stroked his damp hair. Lifting his lids, he found Richard's dark eyes dazed. He wasn't quite sleeping, but he wasn't present either. Resting his free hand on his bare stomach to rub circles, Hank leaned in and littered prickling kisses up and down his neck, muttering words of praise as he waited.

"Hey...You good, honey?" he murmured as Richard's eyes slowly blinked open. His body felt a little heavy, and he was still out of breath. He didn't even want to move, but there was something.

"...I'm leaking." He hated the wet feeling of lube and seed dribbling out of his ass onto the sheets below. Hank leaned in with a chuckle and kissed him, enjoying the way Richard responded, even though he was half asleep.

"That's how I like you." Richard was less than amused. "I'll clean you up, honey. Just catch your breath first." Richard whined softly, turning on his side with great effort to curl up, facing Hank and hugging his arm against his chest. Stroking through his hair, Hank littered his face with kisses and moved to hold him, tenderly tucking his shirt over his shoulder for a little warmth and modesty. "That's it, Richie...Don't worry, I'm here." That's all it seemed to take for Richard's body to relax and his eyes to fall shut once more.