Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Lyle felt like his luck was about to run out. With each harrowing day that passed Sam got more wild, more defensive, and more violent. Checking behind him every other turn for any possible threat and slamming whatever he had in hand at the time into any that showed themselves.

If Lyle slipped up just once it was going to be his head on the chopping block next. He had no doubt about that. If Sam found out then he would absolutely hate him and anything having to do with him. For now, the what ifs kept him from being too daring, too bold, too stupid.

Sam couldn't find out, he couldnt ever find out; not ever, but Lyle also couldn't stop.

Sam was on his mind all the time, even in his dreams. Watching as he protected all of them, protected Lyle as he snapped pictures of landmarks and locations of anything they needed to go back for. And unbeknownst to Sam, pictures of him. Pictures upon pictures of Sam walking, fighting, sleeping, eating, glaring at Lyle wondering why the camera was pointed at him while he was changing out of his torn clothes. Lyle couldn't help it, to him Sam was the most beautiful and amazing thing that ever graced his eyes. Even topping his love for cameras and photography.

Though both fed into eachother, without his camera and obsession with taking photos he couldn't ever have little momentos of Sam; and without Sam he doesn't think he'd love photography as much as he does. Though he knows his parents would disagree, saying he was born holding a camera and smelling like developer. Lyle insists that couldn't be true but his parents would know he supposes. He sighs as he snaps a random photo of a flower. The pressure of his finger on the shutter release button and -click- of his camera going off, a comfort in this horrifying world.

He still doesn't know exactly what happened, doesn't seem like Sam or the others do either. Just one day, people weren't themselves, more ravenous and rabid. Attacking on sight and if they saw you and you managed to get away, no you didnt. There was no hiding from them once you've been seen, they don't stop hunting, chasing you down wherever you went till one of you was dead.

So the rumors say anyways, he's not so sure he believed that completely. Though with Sam and Hellen carving their path he's luckily never had the chance to find out one way or another. -click- {a picture of a pebble}. Lyle hated wasting his photo paper but there was nothing for it.

He could only hold back for so long -click- {The heel of Joels shoe} before his fingers made the choice for him. Dan mentioned leaving the paper out till he needed it, but then what if they were running and he misses something important? It was a good idea, though he'd hate to be the one to tell them they had no way back. To tell Sam he had no clue where that land mark was and no way to compare scenery.

He couldn't let Sam down, he was already walking a thin edge with his "hobby" and him. He couldn't afford to put anymore pressure on their relationship, not there really was one. Just him -click- {a detour sign} sneaking as many pictures of Sam as possible.

Chapter Text

Music flitted through the air, they haven't been able to figure out where it was coming from yet, it kept jumping farther away everytime they got close to it. Sam was determined to find it for reasons he hasn't shared with the rest of them, though once again Helen didnt seem to mind. As long as she had a goal she was content enough to not be a threat to the rest of them. -click- {a picture of Helens back} Lyle wondered what a fight between Sam and Helen would look like, aside from being very bloody that is. Who would win?

He wants to say that it would be Sam but if he were being realistic, it would be Helen. Not that Sam wasnt strong, he was very strong, a lot stronger than people give him credit for in fact. Helen is just made of nothing but anger filled, muscle covered concrete. He doesnt blame her though, even before all this it seems that shes had a pretty rough life. Works out for her and them. As great as Sam is, Lyle doubts Sam alone would have gotten them this far.

-click- {graffiti} Dan keeps shaking his head every time the camera goes off. Lyle glances at him as he shakes the picture; at least this one wasnt a waste of paper, it was a marker they could reference later if they needed too. The picture went with the rest in Lyles bag as his thoughts started to wander.

Lyle wondered about each member of their little group, -click- {Sams bare arms} he knows poor Joels story and Sophies. Hes not sure if they can trust Leighs story but he doesnt dare ask about it, he finds her intimidating. Apparently Dan had a gaming channel before the world went screwy, Lyle had never heard of him before so he doesnt know how true that is either. Their entire group was held together by a whole lot of trust and he didnt think he liked that. Not that he could do anything about it, not if he wanted to remain unchanged and alive.

The music was close and so loud, Lyle had a bad feeling about it, that was nothing new though. He always had a bad feeling about something or other. Sam helped with that once, Lyle would never forget it. He was trying to get a picture of a pretty beetle he had found, but he was shaking so bad due to not wanting to scare it away that he couldnt get the picture. Sam noticed as he was passing by him to go somewhere and had asked if he was okay. Loosing that beetle was worth that awkward interaction, he got a better picture out of it.

Dan elbowed him -click- {the ground} startling him out of his thoughts, pointing at the tense situation he was tuned out of. They found the source of music and were trying to figure out if it was friend or foe. Lyle snapped a few pictures of the Unknown and of Sam, who was carefully inching his way over to it. He caught Dans smirk out of the corner of his eye as he focused the camera in closer on Sam. Heat spread over his face as he panned over to the Unknown, snapping a few more pictures of more notible features that might come in useful later.

Was he really that obvious? If he was, that spelled bad news for him when it came to Sam. Or maybe, since Lyle wasnt dead yet, Sam didnt know, or care. At this point, it would be nice if Sam didnt care. Lyle could take all the pictures he wanted and openly ogle him. Lyle grimaces at that thought, he highly doubts that Sam would be okay with that; and that would be the end of Lyle as he knows it.

More pictures land in Lyles hand as he catalogues the Unknown that has yet to care that Sam was close. Silence sliced through the air as the entity bolted the opposite direction. Helen let out a heavy sigh at Sams string of swears. They watched as Sams face got red with anger, his weapon whistling through air and echoing off the ground when struck. Lyle couldn't ever believe that Sam coupd catch what the weird ones did, but it was getting harder and harder to stay that way.

Not when he acted like this, a wild animal. All cuss words and fury. It scared all of them to see Sam like this, none would say though, especially not to Sam or Helen. -click- {Monty or Xarias back} Helen walked towards Sam, the group flinching at her sudden movement. Usually she let's Sam go till he collapses, she says its to keep us safe.

They watched as she tackled Sam had to physically restrain him from full on sprinting after the creature, his weapon slicing through the air as he flailed against Helens iron grasp. The rest of the group spread out, completing the tasks assigned to them when this all began. Scouting, scavenging, watching, everyone had a job. Lyle took pictures of anything that he thought looked useful, he even managed to sneak some of Sam; despite Dans snickering.

Sophie and Joel looked for food while the rest of the group looked for weapons and medical supplies, anything useful really. Tracks were taken note of and a camp was made for the night. Helen sat Sam down but didn't let him go incase he decided to disappear on them.

It was Lyles turn to watch over the group for the night, he liked having people to take care of.
-click- {his friends, ready for sleep} He smiled at the picture as he put it away. Taking a deep breath and readying himself for the night, and whatever it might bring.

Chapter Text

Lyle fucked up, he was lost and had no photos of anything along the path he took. To top it all off, there went his argument about taking pictures as they ran, he didn't get a single one. At least none that wasnt a very blurry photo of what was, most likely, the ground. He groaned in frustration looking around for anything or anyone that he recognized. As long as it wasnt Sam hed be happy, a thought that Lyle definitely didnt approve of.

Sam was the center of his universe and his sanitys anchor in this alien world. However, if Sam were the one to find him, hes certain he be hung up by his camera strap. It was his fault that they all got split up after all. An ill timed photo when he was daydreaming, again.

The -clicks- of the shutter button and the shutters themselves whirring into action on nothing important as time stood still. The group stared at him before the monster that was ahead of them roared. Lyle froze as the group all sprang into action around him, everyone running one way while Lyles feet cemented themselves to the spot. His brain still trying to catch up to the real world.

"RUN!"

His feet started moving at the command, whisking him away in every wrong direction. At least he lost that creature. He chuckled as he thought of how far he had ran. Gym was never his forte, running had become second nature though. He had to get away from the bullies somehow and through running and climbing he achived that.

Being bullied was horrible, he wasnt mad at them though. Bad home lives his parents had said, the only thing to do was be kind. That never worked, but it wasnt from a lack of trying on his part. At the very least the skills enabled him to get pictures he never would have otherwise. New hights, new angles, new picture opportunities.

No one could give him enough Sam anything to make him go back and relive that time in his life. He wouldnt be who he is now otherwise though, he wonders if hed be less obsessive or if that was ingrained with his dna. Mother "obsessed" over little trinkets and miniature nik naks. Father "obsessed" over mother, he could never get enough of Mother.

"Oh, so thats why Im like this. At least in part anyways." Lyle smiled at the memories of his mother and father dancing in the kitchen and fighting over who gets to lick to spoon.

"Hopeless romantic". Lyle nearly jumped out of his skin at Dans voice. He was laughing as he turned and walked the other way gesturing for Lyle to follow.

"That wasnt very nice". -Click- {Dans surprised face}

"Sticking a camera in someones face isnt nice either. Though im sure youve learned that lesson from Hellen. The group aint happy ya know, about you wandering off and almost getting us eaten".

"I thought you liked the camera on you, Mr. Streamer. And that was an accident". Lyle pocketed the picture, catching Dans smile growing wider out of the corner of his eye.

"Oh, I do like the camera on me", Lyle didnt like the look on Dans face. "When Sam is the one filming". He laughed, as Lyle tripped over his own feet. Lyle could feel his face heating up, he never knew about that. Or maybe Dan was just being a bully like usual. It was hard to tell sometimes whether he was being genuin, or just messing around at others expense.

Lyles head filled with naughty thoughts and scenarios. All unfortunately involving Dan with Sam instead of him. His stomach turned as the what-ifs started eating into his anxiety. He didnt like that possibility at all. As Dan dragged Lyle in the direction the group was in, he wondered if anyone would mind if Dan went "missing"; after all his camera could do a few more things than just take pictures.

Chapter Text

Dan had been right, the group was not happy with him. Especially since they had to send someone to come find him, leaving their party even weaker and more vulnerable. He had apologized, but he didn't really understand that specific worry, considering Sam and Hellen scared off anything with half a brain. Sam frowned at him as Sophie laid into him about safety in numbers and promises to stick with the group.

He nodded along and apologized again but there was only so much apologizing and promising that he could do. He shrunk into himself, hugging himself for some semblance of comfort. The party grumbled, sighed, or complained under their breaths as they turned away from him, Leigh glaring at him before following. He hadn't meant to make everyone so mad, he made a mistake that was all.

Though, now, that was all it took. One mistake, one slip up, one second; and then it was all over. One thing done wrong and you wind up dead, or worse. He'd hate either option but at least with the 'worse' option he'd be guaranteed to see Sam one last time. It would be as he's being killed by him, but it still counts.

Lyle sighs as his eyes find the back of Dan's head, making sure he wasn't paying attention. His fingers tracing over his camera to the film compartment button. The small click of release as the door popped open split his thoughts and echoed around Lyles head, causing him to wince. Hopefully they all just thought it was just him taking another picture. He'd hate to show Dan that he had been right.

He put the papers away leaving one in its compartment. Lyle could feel his face change colour as he glanced over at Sam, eyes traversing his body as his imagination ran wild. -click- {Sams ass} Smiling as he shook out the picture and pocketed it for later he realized a game he could play. No photo paper meant no physical photos, no evidence.

He wasnt the best at drawing but his mind could paint the most vivid scenes. Especially when it came to one of his interests. The main one being Sam of course.
-click- ~Sam in a suit~
It was a silly little picture but Lyle had never seen Sam in anything fancy like that. Not even when he would go in for interviews, he'd dress clean but it was always simple.

-click- ~Dan in a tutu~
He had a hard time trying not to burst out laughing at that one. The glares a few of the party members gave him helped dampen his giggles. He turned his attention back to Sam, thinking and wondering.
-click- ~Sam with no shirt~
Lyle could see Sam as if he really didnt have his shirt on.

Standing so close that he could reach out and touch him. So close that he could kiss every dimple, connect every freckle, trace every scar, and feel his warmth. Hands would travel over hard muscles and soft skin, eyes would capture the moment, mouth and tongue savoring everything Sam had to give.
-click- ~Sam~

Chapter Text

The sounds of skin against skin echoed off the walls back to Lyles ears. His own moans drowned out by the sound. Rhythmic thrusts turing his brain to mush as Sam pumped into him. He was being so careful to not hurt Lyle, yet so rough as he thrust inside. His warmth being rut into him. He was a lot bigger than Lyle had thought he would be, not that he was complaining; everything just took a bit longer.

Prep taking the longest, but Lyle wasnt complaining about that either. Sam made it fun and pleasurable for them both. Lyle never knew there were so many ways to experience touch. Places that had never been reached before Sam hunted them down and made sure Lyle enjoyed it. Working up to where they were now, Sam's attention on all the sensitive parts of Lyle.

Lyle was close, so was Sam if the small noises he made were any indication. He didn't want it to end, Sam filled him up and made him feel so good. He let out a yelp as his orgasm took him and a warmth filled him. Sam moaned and dug his teeth into Lyle as he came. Thrusting a few more times to throughly breed Lyle.

Sam didnt stop there, Lyles heavy breathing loud in his own ears as he watched Sams hand make its way down. Gently traversing his body, fingers splayed in exploration. Feeling everything he could and stopping to massage here and there. Lyle tried to keep his noises down but he was hopeless with Sams mouth at his neck sucking bruises into him and giving him no reprive.

Sharp teeth nipped the spots, digging in enough to make Lyle wince and briefly question his choice in bed partner. Sam was more a wild animal now versus the shy shut in he used to be. The change in his personality was fascinating to watch and document though, his eyes changed the most Lyle thinks. They went from not noticing much in a person, to picking apart the persons very being.

A watchful predator just waiting for the perfect moment to pounce; and now that he caught something, it seemed that he was determined to savor it. Sharp nails dug into Lyles back as Sams tongue licked the marks he left behind. Tasting his way elsewhere as his hands groped and felt everything they could. Lyle couldn't hide how much this turned him on, Sam's hand was so close to where he needed it to be. Just a little farther down and Lyle would be the happiest creature on Earth.

A small whine slipped past his lips, “Please.”

“Please what?” Sam's exploration never stopped, tongue and teeth making their way down towards Lyles chest.

He almost couldnt bring himself to say it, "I need you." A whipser, barely discernable amongst all the other noises.

Sam stared at him for a second before loosing all control, pumping into him like his life depended on it. He could feel Sams eyes never leave him, unraveling him. Theres something swirling in them, and Lyle realizes, this is how Sam looks at the monsters he tears apart.

He could probably stop all this if he wanted to. He could try to push Sam away or scream, pretending a monster was attacking them or something. But then what? Sam wouldn't be happy, but would he do something about it or just ignore Lyle for the rest of their lives.

Lyle shakes his head, why would he want to stop this? He was right where he wanted to be, where he needed to be. Sam wouldn't hurt him like that, he might bite a little but Lyle can handle that at least. He dug his own nails into Sam's shoulders. Hanging on as Sam rammed into him, no longer being gentle. His sharp teeth dug into Lyle as he buried himself inside him breeding him.

A jolt of pleasure ran through Lyle causing him to moan as he opened his eyes. The dark of the ceiling met him. Looking around the only other person awake was Hellen, taking her guard duty seriously. Lyle sighed as he turned to go back to sleep. A dream, it was nothing but a dream.