and they've become strangers again (espresseleine)

Part Five (M)

[a/n I'm really sorry for the hiatus!! It was unexpected, story parts are still unscheduled but I wasnt expecting to take that long of a break. I believe I will be updating more frequently. I have gained motivation again]

They sat for a moment in serene silence, only faint music of the forest could be heard. The sounds could be closer but they were so caught up in daydream and thought that it could have clouded their hearing.

"We should get going, if we wait we will take longer to get there."

Packing up their luggage they began walking again. Talking, laughing, and smiling at eachother many times along the way. It had put Madeline's mind at ease. They were starting new lives together, changing as people. The concept sounded like heaven.

Madeleine was walking ahead of Espresso, he was more tired then usual; not having caffeine in a few days must have been giving him headaches.

He looked up and noticed smoke in the air; not the kind suggesting an uncontrolled forest fire but perhaps a building.

"I see smoke, should we see what it is?"

"I don't mind."

Walking a little more and it appeared to be a shop of sorts; going in for a look should hurt so much.

Madeleine had wandered right in after seeing the open sign, the bell alerting whoever was inside that someone had come in.

He had noticed someone behind the counter but paid no mind, instead going to the back. Noticing very quickly that this store was camping centric; just what they needed.

In a few minutes Madeleine was back outside with various items that were needed for the journey forward; a tent, extra water, etc.

Espresso was sitting on the ground, using his bag of supplies as a seat.

"I think I may have made a mistake about how long our walk will be. A few more days at most."

"That's fine. I bought a new tent so I wont need to be stealing yours anymore" he gave a small proud laugh.

One blink and it would have been missed; but Espresso had clearly looked disappointed for a second before covering up. It was confusing to him, why had he looked like that?

He didn't want to overthink it. Just keep walking, then again, pushing thoughts away wouldn't get answers.

"Was a tent all you were buying in there?"

The question didn't take his mind off of it.

"I noticed how.." -no not yet.- "I noticed how tired you were earlier and I know it's not coffee but it has energy in it?" It was one of those energy bars that Rye was obsessed with, last time Madeleine had checked at least.

"May I see?"

The bar was in his pocket; and his hands were full.

"Left pocket."

Ess didnt even question, and just stuck his hand in and retrieved it, immediately opening it and eating in a desperate manner.

All Madeleine could think was how close the two of them were. He wouldnt be opposed to being that close often, yet Ess noticed their closeness and backed away.

"Thanks for thinking of me, it's very appreciated."

They smiled at eachother, it made both of them feel warm.

Walking alone would be hell if it wasnt for Ess. He's like a lightbulb in an otherwise dark room.