Shifters - Animal

- 17 -

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Phew, I have successfully avoided having to speak to Rhys for this morning, ah shit, it's lunch now - with Rhys... good luck to the future me...

I arrived at the lunch table first and anxiously awaited Rhys's dreaded arrival. Clara and Josh appeared next after me quickly followed by Kay. Where is he? He should be here... is he avoiding eating here because of earlier? I thought he said he liked it. How did I act so confidently? He's probably avoiding me now. Ugh, I ruined something else.

"Jay? You okay there?" Kay asked, "bro!" he added quickly - that made me laugh gently.

"Mhm, do you know where Rhys is?" I asked

"I think he said he had to talk to Matt about something in his office, I don't know," he replied, Oh no, he's probably gonna ask to move tents because I made things awkward, I thought my smile leaving quickly.

"Hi guys, sorry I'm late!" Rhys exclaimed as he approached us, "Hey, what's up with you, you seem off?" he asked me quietly.

"Um, I'm thinking," I answered

"About... ?"

"Nothing, nevermind"

"Mhm, sure, I'll definitely get you to tell me later," he added grinning like a maniac.

After that, the day flew past, my worries eased slightly - but not by much.

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It was the evening at this point and Rhys had just come out of the shower, drying his hair with a towel. I drifted off into my overthinking thoughts again, only to be interrupted by Rhys, again.

"Jay??? Wanna talk about what's on your mind?" he asked, "I told you I'd get it out of you later,"

"Um, well. Uh, what happened earlier I'm sorry if it ruined things, that's fine I'll move to another tent. I don't mind, I wouldn't eat with you at lunch or anyth-" I was cut off by Rhys's lips connecting with mine in a gentle and reassuring kiss, this one shorter than the last.

"I already told you I liked it didn't I?" he whispered, his breath fanning my face

"I thought you- I don't even know, I'm sorry,"

"Stop saying sorry for things that you don't need to say sorry for,"

"Okay, I will, sorry," Rhys gave me a look, "Oops! Sorry, no sorry, ah shit,"

"Ah shit! indeed," Rhys giggled.

"Rhys, what is this? Like us?" I asked quietly

"Well, ahem!" he cleared his throat dramatically, "Jay-Alyx Hughes, will you become my boyfriend?"

"Hmm, uh no thanks," I answered sarcastically

"I am deeply hurt" Rhys deadpanned

"I'm joking, yes I would be delighted to be your boyfriend!" I smiled

He pecked me on the lips then got changed before climbing into my bed next to me.

"What do you think you're doing mister?" I asked lovingly

"Weeeeellllll, since I'm probably gonna end up here anyways aaaand we're boyfriends now, I thought it would be better," he added grinning,

"Hmmm, okay then," I responded semi-sarcastically before curling up next to him and falling asleep.

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"Jay! Rhys! Are you guys awake? We're under attack, we need you up and out now!" a voice shouted from outside.

I immediately jumped up and shook Rhys awake, I quickly grabbed a jacket and put my shoes on, Rhys did the same, but slower.

"Why are you taking so long? They said we were under attack!" I exclaimed

"It's probably just a drill, nothing to worry about,"

"Really?"

"Yup, don't worry Jay, it's fine," he reassured me, "Anyway let's go,"

We exited the tent and it was immediately evident this wasn't a drill, there were people armed with guns everywhere.

"Rhys! Jay! Over here!" Matt's familiar voice shouted.

"What's going on?" I asked frightened,

"Someone's attacked us, we don't know why, or how, our defence is meant to be good," Matt explained calmly, "Now go to the main hall with the others, you'll be safe there,"

My mind immediately went to the strange man who chased Kay into the camp and how he said he would return.

"Jay, what're you thinking? We'll be fine" Rhys asked

"Just about the strange man that chased Kay into the camp. He said he'd be back for revenge or something," I answered quietly

"I'm sure it's fine, Kay will be safe here with us," he reassured smiling gently

"Guys! Over here!" Clara's voice shouted

"Jay! Oh thank god you're alright!" Kay exclaimed, 

"You too Kay, BRO HA!" I shouted happily,

"Noooo! You too Rhys glad to see you're okay,"

"You guys too," Rhys greeted, "Is anyone injured? You're okay right?"

"Yes, we're all alright, stop fussing!" Clara hit his arm playfully. Josh growled at that which I found odd.

Around half an hour later, someone came running in.

"Somebody help! My friend he's injured and I can't carry him here alone,"

Rhys and I looked at each other and immediately we both stood up and ran after the man to find his friend.

"Guys!" Clara's voice echoed

"Jay!" Kay's voice shouted louder than Clara's

We ran for about a minute before we stopped and the man started to lift up his friend, Rhys and I joined quickly.

We were around halfway back when we heard gunshots near us, we all ducked down and waited for them to stop. When they did we started carrying the injured man again, only for the gunshots to start again, and louder this time. That was when I realised they were aimed at us. The man and I ducked down quickly so did Rhys - but not quite quick enough.

"Argh!" he groaned in pain, his hand automatically covering the wound,

"Rhys! Rhys no!"

"It's fine let's keep going. It's not that bad don't worry let's save this man's friend then we can worry about it," he reassured me, I was still skeptical but nodded anyways.

We quickly made it back to the entrance of the hall and the man thanked us greatly.

"Rhys, RHYS!" I yelled as he collapsed, "no no NO!"

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A/N

Yes ik shorter than normal but I had to have this as a cliffhanger!

I'm sorry, I'm writing the next one now...

Hope you enjoyed!

Also, we just broke 20,000 words on this story! The current total is 20,001!

- J

932 words ;)