They had been walking for many hours before they finally stopped for a break. According to Michael, they were halfway to their destination. Wendy had been entertained and carried the whole time by George, which made both Mark and Seth very happy. They did not have to deal with her once. While they were walking, Seth did not leave Mark alone for a minute. He was either rubbing, touching or clinging to him. It annoyed Mark greatly, but he did not push him away. Instead, he let him do whatever he wanted and just ignored him. At times though, ignoring him did nothing. Sometimes, Seth would do something that made Mark react and pay attention to him, which only encouraged him to do more. Seth did not care that Michael watched him do all of that either. Mark thought that encouraged Seth to act up more than giving him reactions. George and Wendy were both in their own little worlds, playing, singing and laughing together. They had become instant friends. George and Wendy went off and played by a lone tree while Michael watched them closely. Seth and Mark moved far away from him. “I don’t think we should go wherever they are taking us.” Seth says.
“Why not?” Mark asks.
“I don’t know, just don’t think we should.” he answers, sitting down on the cold ground.
“If we don’t though, then we might not find them for a long while. We’d be stuck with that girl for a hell of a long time.” Mark says running his fingers through Seth’s hair.
Sighing, Seth pulls Mark down into his lap, causing Mark to let out a yelp of surprise. Seth laughs at him then kisses him. Mark pushes his face away. “Stop it, Seth.”
“Aw, why do you have to deny me?” Seth says in a mock disappointment as he hugs Mark tightly. Mark tries to get out of his grip, but Seth only tightened the hug. Mark reluctantly gave in and let him hold him. Seth cuddled with him during their whole break. Michael eventually fell asleep in Seth’s arms.
After an hour passed, Michael was ready to leave gain. George and Wendy began walking ahead while Michael went to get Seth and Mark. Seeing Mark in Seth’s arms like he was disgusted Michael greatly. Not because they were of the same sex, he had no problems with that, but that they showed affection. He despised watching people show affection for one another. It sickened him. Seth looked up at Michael as he walked over to them. Glaring down at him, Michael says, “That’s disgusting. Get up now. We’re leaving.” he walks away from them. Seth wakes Mark and shortly rejoin Michael.
Night come quickly. George started a small fire and sat in front of it, Wendy on his lap. Michael, who seemed anxious about something, laid on his back in hopes to calm some. Seth and Mark sat away from them, both feeling uncomfortable around them. Mark was especially weary of Michael, after all the various death threats he had received throughout the day. Michael’s hatred for him was great, greater than any other person had ever showed him. His victims in the city only proved his threats were not idle, he would follow through with them eventually. Mark hoped that he would forget about it with time if they distracted him enough, but that was only false hope. He knew that would not happen. Despite that, however, he was a little grateful for the help they were receiving.
Seth wasn’t very bothered by Michael, he seemed indifferent about him. He was slightly weary of him, but not much. He didn’t even pay attention to George. He figured that if they did not kill them already, they wouldn’t at all. His view was more laidback and uncaring. If and when the time came Michael decided to become hostile, he’s deal with it then, but for the moment, he could care less. He was happy that they did not have to search for Anna and that Wendy was finally not bothering him. He was beginning to worry about his brother too. It had been so long since they last saw one another. He was worried about Deer’s injuries and knew that he would not care for himself properly in his absence. He would be far to preoccupied with worry over Seth. He hoped that someone would at least monitor him.
George and Wendy fell asleep, Wendy curled up in his arms. Michael remained awake and was now staring at Seth and Mark. Mark was very uncomfortable and looked away, however, Seth stared back. Obviously becoming angry, Michael stood and moved over to them. Mark backed away some as Michael sat in front of Seth. Neither taking their eyes from the other. Both sat in silence, staring down one another. “Is there something you need?” Seth asks.
“No.” Michael answers.
“Then stop staring.”
“No.”
“You’re pissing me off.”
“Good.” Michael says, he himself becoming angry.
“You know you’re bleeding, right?” Seth asks.
“No, I was unaware I was.”
“Your shoulder. You have been for awhile now.”
“Well thanks for telling me sooner.”
“You’re very welcome.”
Neither had raised their voice during their conversation, they had kept it monotone, yet their anger was evident. Michael, after glancing down at his injured shoulder looks at Mark. “You’re a doctor, right? Could you do something about this?”
Michael had forgotten about the injury. He did never treat it, he would be lucky if no infection had settled in. He was aware at times of it bleeding, but he just ignored it, his anger had been far to high to care about the injury. Now that he was far calmer and clearheaded, the pain of it began to hit him. He hid it well though.
Mark really did not want to help him, but he did anyway. He was obligated to. The wound looked bad, he could not do very much for him either, having no supplies. He did his best though with what he had. When they reached their destination, he would be able to do a bit more. Michael thanked him, greateful for the help. He was now completely calm. Back to that soft-spoken, sweet, shy acting man he had been when he first met Anna. Both Mark and Seth were a bit taken aback by the change in his behavior. But decided to enjoy it while it lasted. “I am very sorry about my attitude earlier. I hope you both can forgive me for it. I tend to act a little crazy when I become angry. Not in my right mind. I truly wish to put all that behind us and get along.” he smiles sweetly and stand, going back over to George and lays down. Whether he went to sleep or not, neither Seth or Mark could tell. Just incase they did though, they barely talked, and when they did, it was in a low voice they knew would not bother him.
Seth laid down and stared up at the sky, looking at the many bright stars that filled the sky. Mark laid his head on his chest and joined him in watching the stars. Seth petted his head, running his fingers slowly through his hair, waiting for morning to come. Neither were able to sleep.
