Waveland

Chapter 20

Xavier walked into the dark tent carrying the box of medical supplies David insisted they needed for their next mission. He found it odd that they were leaving for another mission so soon.  Typically supply runs were spread out, only daring to adventure into the dangerous night when it was absolutely necessary. Something felt different about this one, but it wasn't his responsibility to care that was his brother's. David was in charge of ensuring his safety, but his brother took the role of mapping out the routes the units would take. Every once in a while Christian would have to map out the route involving the enemy camp. Before Xavier never give an ounce of concern about their war strategies. Everything was different now because as long as it concerned Rose he cared. Almost like the thought of her traveled distance, David push open the front of the tent with Rose right behind him. 

"Excellent you got what I requested." Xavier backed up allowing David to look through the supply box that laid on the edge of the table.  Varies of maps covered the table. This was the tent David would speak to the units and strategize. Xavier's eyes instantly found Rose's already looking back at him. He stepped forward around the table brushing past David. He pressed his thumb on her skin, rubbing the side of her cheek. Red. 

"What happened?" Xavier wiped the rest of the blood from her face. A small mark but blood nonetheless. 
"Just a little fun playing with swords."

"You should ask her for lessons. She is proving to be better than all the boys combined." David spoke. Xavier noticed he never lifted his head as he raffled through the supplies. There was no anger in his tone which meant Rose's performance must have been impressive enough to please the captain.

"Was that a compliment captain?" Rose teased. Xavier could feel his cheeks grow red trying to maintain the chuckle building in his chest. Xavier admired everything about her. There was never a moment she was afraid. He hoped one day he could have an ounce of the bravery she held. 

A glare met his eyes. His leader's eyes telling him silently to leave them alone. Xavier immediately obeyed nodding his head. He wanted to kick himself knowing how quickly he crumpled underneath his leader's authority. 

"I will see you tonight." Xavier placed his hand on Rose's, brushing her shoulder softly before exiting. As he pushed aside the curtains at the entrance of the tent he didn't miss the lingering glance Rose gave him. She was so beautiful, especially when she displayed a smile just for him. 

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Xavier was paranoid glancing behind his shoulder every other second. He made his way toward the place he knew his brother and the soldiers trained. He shouldn't feel guilty by any means but just the thought of David approaching with that dark stare sent shivers down his spine. What he was doing wasn't disobeying orders but they were questioning them. 

"Christian!" Xavier hollered, gripping the white wooden fence as he clumsy climbed over it. His arms shaking as they bared his weight. 

"What the hell are you doing him?" Christian hollered over his shoulder. He didn't even bare a glance at his brother. He continued sparing with an opponent. Dark hair. Tyler. Both grunted as their swords clashed against each other. Christian could easy beat Tyler but he was taking it easy on him. Xavier would have the sight of seeing Tyler be made a fool of. 

God why was he everywhere these days.

"I need to talk to you." Xavier kept his voice low. Hoping he could pry his brother away from the one person who couldn't stand these days. A strand of Xavier's hair fell in his face. Betraying the confidence he tried to keep in his voice. He blew the air forcing the strand away. 

He didn't miss the snicker from Tyler. Christian took the advantage of his limited distraction to swing his swing against Tyler's wrist. Tyler's weapon collapsed to the ground. Tyler with quick pace attempted to reach for it but not in time for Xavier's brother to kick the weapon out of reach and held his weapon inches away from Tyler's throat.