Hyacinth || dreamwastaken

20

The sun is low in the sky when Clay picks out a spot suitable enough for us to sleep for the night. We've found two more hyacinths since the last. It's only more encouragement that we are headed in the right direction. At least, from what my gut says.

"I know it's not the best but it's all we have." Clay says as he flaps a blanket out to lay on the floor of the forest.

I shrug my shoulders and sit down on the clean fabric. At this point, it's the only thing left clean on either of us. I feel damp. There is dirt clinging under my nails. My hair sticks to my face in my sweat. My body feels miserable but my mind is free. I would much rather be uncomfortable physically than mentally.

"There's a stream down there." Clay points off into the distance. It's not more than 15 feet away. The sound of the water is oddly comforting. I've never seen a natural source of water. It's mesmerizing. "If you wanna rinse off to get a better sleep I'd recommend it."

"Is it safe?" I question hesitantly.

Clay squats in front of me, placing his hands on my shoulders. "I can go with you if it makes you feel better. I just thought you'd want privacy." Clay being a gentleman? I'm shocked.

"Please." I look at him with pleading eyes. "I don't want to be alone out here Clay."

Clay lifts his hands off my shoulders but leaves one extended out for me to grab. I reach out slowly, lacing my fingers between his. This is the most soft he's been all day. It's the way he always is with George around. I wonder if he can sense us getting closer to them. I hope that's what's causing this change in him at least.

We walk down to the water's edge and I pull my shoes off my feet. My toes spread apart, stretching out from their cramped position in the confines of my shoes. I dip my toes into the liquid not knowing what to expect. I retreat quickly as the cool water brings bumps to my skin immediately. My body wants nothing more than the relief the water brings, so I stand close to the edge letting the water bounce against my toes.

Clay turns his back to me allowing me to rinse off in privacy. I never thought in my life I'd be sharing an intimate moment like this with someone other than my soulmate. But here I was, breaking all rules. Rules that out here, no longer exist.

I pull off my clothes letting them drop to the dirt beneath my feet before stepping down into the cool water. It's refreshing and it gives me a new found rush to continue on. Even though at the same time I'm relaxed by the sounds and the feeling of the moving water.

I duck myself under the water running my hands through my hair. Despite the lack of actual product to wash myself I feel oddly clean. Clay was right, like he normally is. This was exactly what I needed.

When I come up from under the water I glance toward the shore to see Clay staring. I instantly fold in on myself, pulling my arms to my chest. As if that's going to help at all, it doesn't.

"Sorry." Clay's voice is bashful and his actions copy his tone as he instantly turns away. "It's been awhile."

With his back facing me, I reply with a question, "awhile?"

"Physical touch. Seeing the body of another human." A sigh falls past Clay's lips. I don't know from the sound. I know from the way his shoulders drop as he lets out a heavy breath. Like the weight of the world is dropping onto his shoulders.

"You've seen someone naked before?" I float deeper into the water, letting my body do the work to keep me afloat instead of the ground.

"Her." Clay responds quietly. So quietly I almost miss the word that's left his mouth.

Every part of me wants to comfort him. I know he's got to have images of her rushing through his mind. Images or play by plays of what they've done together. Things that Nick did to me, with me, through the magic we've been given.