Chapter Text
Since the night Jane was initially bitten by the infection, everything inside Engineer died.
Instead of battling against their BLU counterparts, the nine mercenaries were faced with a more difficult challenge; surviving without respawn.
It has been a few months since they were all suddenly attacked by different herds of zombies, and unfortunately, the Demoman and the sniper were the first two to fall ill with the infections from their bites. But that was weeks ago now.
Somehow, while saying his goodbyes to Tavish, Jane got bit.
He knew it was a slow process, and that Jane would still be with him a little while longer, but he couldn't help but feel hopeless knowing his lover was suffering, even if he voiced he wasn't. Regardless, Dell made sure to provide the man with endless amounts of comfort, as well as being in his general presence as the infection coursed through his body.
The first few days were easy, but still filled with sorrow. Dell didn't know what he was going to do. So like he did before the apocalypse started, he overworked himself. He pulled all-nighters and did not dare sleep during the day, busy speaking with Ludwig, who also was helping to find a way to save Jane before it was too late.
But as the days turned into weeks, there was a noticeable change in Jane’s demeanor.
Instead of his usual loud self, he became more quiet and would zone out, as if he was looking at something ethereal, something that no one could see. Jane would also stop eating. It wasn't noticeable at first, but his usual decently built body seemed to be more slim now, which was unusual enough for him.
Jane changed so much, that Dell wasn't sure if he was mentally here, and that made the twinge in his heart hurt worse. He would spend his time with Jane crying, subtle tears as he looked at his lover’s face.
Jane didn't wear his helmet any more. There was no point.
Dell knew it was dangerous being around Jane all the time, but he just couldn't let go, he couldn’t. There was a small voice in his head telling him that Jane would be fine, that he was strong enough to surpass this harsh disease, but he knew he was lying to himself. He knew no matter what he tried, the longer Jane went on, the worse he would get.
And that’s where they are right now.
Jane no longer was the man he was. For safety measures, they chained Jane’s hands together behind his back, connecting them to a series of chains that were held onto by a metal pillar in the cell. And if anyone wanted to visit, they would have to wear a special mask, and long clothes that covered their skin.
However as the team observed, Jane would sway and grunt. He would hit his head harshly on anything he could get close to several times. He was in serious pain, if his movements did not show, the green blisters on his face did, and Dell couldn't handle it anymore, and neither could the rest of the team.
“Geez, he does not look good,” Jermery hissed at each hit Jane took to the head, the sound of his scalp hitting the pavement would ring in everyone's ears. “I think we need to-”
Before the young man could speak, Dell cut him off, “Ya’ll arent gonna put him down,” He said firmly before shutting his eyes tightly.
Dell’s body shook as he held himself. Everyone looked at each other before Ludwig stepped up and put a hand on Dell’s shoulder, “I am sorry my friend, but there is not a chance this is any good for him,” he stated, knowing Dell wouldn't listen.
“I know,” He shuddered again. “Am I selfish, Doc?” Dell’s voice shook. Ludwig swallowed hard and squeezed the other's shoulder unintentionally, not knowing how he should answer that question. “Would you like to discuss this in private, Dell?”
“Yeah, I would.”
With a guiding hand on Dell’s back, Ludwig walked to a separate room he found closest, which just so happened to be his. He opened the door and Dell sat down with a hand running through his overgrown hair, sighing and relaxing his shoulders.
Ludwig approached Dell carefully, “I know this is rather hard for you, I understand that very well. But with his current state, he isn't going to survive.” Dell idly nodded.
The medic was going to say more before Dell took the words from him, “I love him.” Ludwig sighed and sat next to the man, rubbing his back to try and comfort him as he spoke. “I wish I could have done somethin’, yknow? Almost if I was there before he got bitten, maybe he would have been alright.”
“It isn't your fault, Dell.”
“Doesn't feel that way,” he joylessly chuckled to himself.
“What’s holding you back?”
Dell pondered that question.
“His eyes.”
“His eyes?” Ludwig asked with a puzzled tone.
“I feel like I can still see him in there.”