Wake of the Dead | Three

Chapter Sixty-Seven | Jasper & Killian

Watching Killian's hazel eyes grow bright and excited after days of being confined to a small, enclosed space was like releasing a bird into the wild. Jasper looked away for a split second to wave goodbye to Noel, turned back, then had to sprint to catch up with the young hunter. His brunette waves had been pulled back into a messy, careless bun. Strands of hair stuck out here and there, leaving it a disheveled mess.

Killian sucked in a deep breath, did a small spin, then let it all out in an exaggerated puff. "I'm outside!" He exclaimed. The corners of Jasper's lips tugged upwards. He's adorable! Aww those freckles, those dimples. He's trotting around like a deer, the poor baby's been locked inside for far too long! Before he knew it, Killian had scuttled off into a clump to underbrush, flopping into the soft ferns and stretching out in the dirt.

He's missed this more than his own home. Jasper's heart ached when he realized that this was probably the first time he'd felt the grass in months. Stephan didn't let him outside, the Carvers locked him in a metal wire cage...this really has been Hell for him. "Army Man," Jasper raised an inquiring brow. "C'mere!" Killian lifted his arms and made grabby-hands.

Shit, you're going to make me get my new clothes dirty, Boy Scout? I mean I knew it'd happen eventually but come on, I just found them! Even as that thought crossed his mind, he was inexplicably drawn in by his partner's doe-eyes, through thick lashes they were more than inviting. "My my, are you out to cause a bit of trouble?" Jasper teased, crouching down. A coy expression slowly overtook his lover's face, then he nodded vigorously. My God, stop being so cute. He knows exactly what he's doing.

Killian squeaked with delight when Jasper picked him up. We need to get some more calories in you, Boy Scout. You're lighter than you used to be. "My boyfriend." The hunter mumbled, snuggling in closer. "All mine."

"Yes," Jasper kissed Killian on the cheek. "All yours." And you're all mine. Nobody will take you from me, never again. He continued on down the path they'd been walking, unsure if this was the direction Killian wanted to actually go or not. His partner said nothing, only taking agonizingly deep breaths of the fresh forest air around them. He doesn't care where we go. He just wants to be outside. The branches overhead began to sway in the breeze, to and fro. Bushes rustled in the undergrowth and the leaves crunched beneath his feet, along with the culmination of dirt and gravel.

Jasper knew he and Killian definitely had different views of the outdoors. To him it was gritty, dirty and dangerous. But for the younger man it was like home, where he belonged. At least he could understand why. Being outside was probably the only times Killian ever felt safe, before—even during—the start of their new world. He was dragged away from his inner thoughts when Killian hopped out of his arms and began strolling beside him. With his crossbow strapped to his back, his arms freely swung at his sides.

It was almost fascinating to watch Killian pounce to and fro, exploring every nook and cranny that caught his interest. After two minutes of walking, he'd collected two very shiny rocks and slipped them into Jasper's pockets. He couldn't help but chuckle. He's like a little bird. Collects his shiny things. "Ooh," Killian grabbed onto Jasper's hand and lead him to the edge of the path, kneeling down and signaling for him to do the same. Of course, he followed his partner's lead. "See this?" Killian pointed along the ground. Jasper blinked, coming up completely blank.

Rolling his eyes, Killian poked a tall grass stem, "See? Tall, pokey." Then gestured to the ground next to it. Between two sections of the lush foliage, there was a gap of flattened ground, leaving the forest greens stomped into hard-packed soil. "The rest is, except for that part, see?" Killian insisted. Jasper nodded. "Okay, well what do you think could have caused it?"