as fragile as a dandelion

freed

Two's POV

Over the course of the next week, Brian and I formed a plan. He snuck food in with him on his shifts, trying to help me build enough strength to get out. But every time I thought about escaping, I couldn't get August out of my head. His black eyes looking at me through those long lashes as punches rained down on him - I saw it every time I closed my eyes. I knew he was blaming himself for my capture. That's just how he was. Everything was his own responsibility, his cross to bear, and his alone. Poor August. I can't leave him all alone. Not like this.

As I told Brian, he nodded over and over, "You really love this guy, huh?"

I sputtered, "What? Hell no. No. I don't."

Brian shrugged, "Oh-kayyyy. If you say sooo."

I slapped his arm, "Screw off, asshole."

"Ow! Okay heart eyes. Whatever."

It had become like this, Brian and I joke around, both trying to forget where we are.

Like siblings?

Gary had come in twice more in that week. Afterwards, Brian had comforted me, held me, and took care of me. Like a brother. He told me again and again that I didn't deserve this, that it wasn't my fault. I tried to believe him, I really did.

Brian breathed in, his facial expression now serious, "We could go there, you know? We could go to August."

I shook my head, "We can't. It'll put him and the rest of the guys in too much danger. It's not safe. I can't be the reason that someone gets hurt, or dies." I sighed, "I'll bring you to my favorite place on that side though, we can stop there to rest on our way."

He looked down, "I'm sorry. I know August means something to you."

I smiled weakly, lying through my teeth, "No, I'll be fine."

•••

Brian peered out the door and turned to me, whispering, "It's all clear. You sure you're up for this?"

"Brian. I'm fine. I'm strong enough."

I hobbled down the dark halls, Brian holding me up on my right. Every single movement was excruciating. But it came with promised reward: freedom. I looked up at Brian, suddenly realizing he was at least 8 inches taller than me, not little like I first guessed. I was slowing him down. He could've been out of there in minutes without me. But he didn't leave me. He cared enough that he let me slow him down.

We came to a set of steep, metal stairs. As I was about to express my doubt, Brian hoisted me onto his back. I gasped in pain as he grunted with the effort. He looked back at me, his eyes searching my face for confirmation that I was alright. I nodded confidently. He made his way slowly down the stairs, trying not to jostle me too much, while I tried to help him keep his balance.

He put me down at the bottom of the stairs and opened the door a crack. The sudden light made us both squint. The door squealed on its hinges. I looked up at him and nodded. He pushed the door open and we walked through it. The sun was warm and bright on my skin, a stark contrast to the dark, cold, musty room I'd been in.

We half ran, half stumbled, to the tree line, making our way as fast as we could to the border. I was wheezing, my ribs sending stabbing pains through my body with every step, but my adrenaline was so high that it didn't bother me. As we came to a small brook about a mile from the office building where my dad had been keeping me, I had an idea.