Crossdressing To Survive An Apocalypse

"How did the photo become clear…" As he was thinking this, the diary started to flip on its own. Petrified, he dropped it to the ground. The pages flipped to the side where the recent entry was done, and words started to appear out of nowhere.

"Oh my god… what is this…" His curiosity overcame his fear. Squatting down, he read the contents. It said, 'Chen made me stay in a room all alone. I was scared, but he stayed with me. Then a scary lady came in and started to ask questions. Turns out she was not that scary… Chen is crazy.'

"This diary really likes to diss Chen," he mumbled and picked it up when the writing stopped. He looked at it back to front. There was nothing special about it. It was simply a leather-bound book.

"Lunch is ready." Zara came in right at that time.

"Hey, can you look at this?" He handed the book to her. "The writing just appeared out of nowhere. How is it possible?"

Frowning, Zara took the book and looked at the cover. "It looks old."

"It is… I think."

She flipped it open casually and read through the contents. "Ahahaha… oh my god, this is too hilarious!" She giggled, holding it close. "You're right, Chen is crazy!"

"I didn't write that." He pouted.

"Okay, I believe you." She didn't sound like she believed him.

"Chen!" She ran out of the room with a grin. "You're a scary person."

"No…" Skyy ran after her and plucked the book out of her hand.

Zou Chen saw them playing with a frown. "Get here while the food is hot," he scolded at them.

Zara giggled and ran over, pinching her brother's ears. Chen glared at her, while Skyy stood by the table hesitantly. There were six people sitting at the dining table – two old couples, two women, and the pair of siblings. Skyy hesitantly gazed at the two empty seats.

"What are you standing around for? Come here," Chen patted the chair beside him. Skyy hesitantly hopped on it and looked around at the new faces.

All of them looked at him curiously and then cast a look at Chen. "Who might this be?" an old lady gently placed a hand on his head. Skyy flinched back, putting himself close to Chen.

"Oh sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, dear." She smiled softly. "I hope you like mashed potatoes. Our newest farm had a mutated batch of potatoes, and they taste great." Saying so, she served him a plate full of mashed food.

Skyy curiously gazed at it. It looked oddly similar to the food he used to eat in his base. 'Agh, the same…' unknowingly he swirled. "This is all we have. Eat if you want," Chen roughly said to him.

Skyy gazed at him with a smile and shook his head. "It's okay. I'm used to eating it." He took a spoonful and shoved it in his mouth, hoping to just chow down the bland thing.

Surprisingly, a salty and slightly spicy taste spread in his mouth. Stunned, he gazed at Chen. "This tastes good!"

"Of course, Grandma made her special bubblegum mashed potatoes," he mumbled without looking up from his plate.

"Oh… this is bubblegum? It tastes so good." He glanced at the old lady. "This is good." He repeated like a broken record.

The old lady chuckled and gently gestured for him to eat. "Here, have it with some lemonade." She handed him a cup.

Skyy happily took it from her and sipped at it. Sweet and sour taste made him stunned. "What is this stuff made of? How do you do this? Is it magic…" he gazed at her in shock.

The old lady looked surprised to hear this. "Well, I used potatoes and some cheese. As for the lemonade, I used lemons and sugar… nothing much different, child."

"I've never had anything like this before. I used to eat this mush every day, but it was bland as heck. I hated even putting it in my mouth." He mumbled as he ate a spoonful of mashed potatoes.

"Where are you from, child? How could they feed you such bland food when salt is available now through trade routes?" The old lady gently wiped his mouth with a cloth.

"From the lunar base. I guess they don't like to season things." He grinned up at her. But suddenly his smile wilted. "I wish Kyle could eat this. He hates our food the most. He would even starve himself rather than eat it."

Chen cleared his throat. "Uncle's base is well-equipped with farmlands. He is most likely eating wheat bread and jams."

This really made him happy. Skyy guilt-free ate his food. Soon his plate was empty. He licked his lips looking at the main dish. 'Should I take more… will they give me more…'

"Here." The old man who was on the other side held him with a serving. "Chen, I heard you bullied the child on the way here."

Chen's eyes widened. "I never did that. Zara is lying."

"No, Gramps, he hit him." As if on cue, Skyy nodded. "He did hit me. Right here," he pointed to his neck.

"He was acting like a fanatic. More zombies would have been attracted by him. I just knocked him out. It's not like I bullied him." Chen grumbled, chewing on his food.

Skyy peered at him through his lashes. "It still hurts…"

Chen paused. "I'll massage it for you. Now eat."

Skyy broke out into a big smile. "In exchange, can I have a bit more food?"

"Eat all you want." He handed the huge bowl to him. Skyy happily took the bowl and ate the potatoes happily. The old couple happily smiled. "How old are you, child?"

"Hmm, me?" Skyy raised a brow. "I'm eighteen."

"Oh, five years younger than Chen." The old lady lamented. "Do you still wish to go back to your base?"

Skyy's eyes widened. "No! I ran away from the base. I will never go back there."

"Then how about you stay here, in our home? I can cook you delicious food every day. You see, these brats do not enjoy eating as much as you do. I really like seeing people enjoy my food." She gently touched his hand. "Is it okay with you?"

Skyy nodded like he was pounding ginger. "Yes! But…" He hesitantly gazed at Chen. "I want Kyle."

"We'll bring your friend here."

"Thank you!" Skyy jumped up and hugged her. "You're so sweet!"