The Eden Projects (EDITING)

Chapter 42. Honey and Gasoline.

- Kasper -

"Let's go!" Kasper shouted.

The last ragtag members of their group, emptied as many storage units as they could, loading up everything into the remaining working trucks and cars. The tear-down went a lot faster than he had originally thought it would, with everyone working together. There was an unmistakable urgency to it all; everyone was itching to leave, driven by the same restless energy to go- go- go. He couldn't blame them; Zak and he had finally realized just how low on supplies the group had gotten, they surveyed the nearly empty storage units. They were out of bullets (at least in an amount that could be useful), they were low on food and rations, and morale was at an all-time low. Now he understood why they used the traps; it was not just cowardice, it was necessary. 

Kasper was already plotting out the most efficient way to eliminate the dead weight that was dragging them down and Ace... oh Ace... He only made things that much harder. 

"Kasper-" Riley ran up, her dog was nowhere in sight. "-do you have a second?"

He set down the rope he was working at detangling and looked around, nodding to Zak who stood expectantly next to Ace. He held his arms out as the Avian piled coats into them.

"What is it?" Kasper folded his arms. Mentally closing himself off to any aggression she might have.

She clasped her hands and took a step forward.

"Is it the dog? I haven't seen it all morning."

"No, he's inside." She bit back her words.

"Well what?"

Riley fidgeted, glancing around quickly before she lunged, wrapping her arms around him. "Thank you."

What is she doing?!?

He struggled against her, What is she thinking!?! The warmth of her breath on his collarbones sent a tingle rocketing through him from head to toe. His balled fists loosened and his shoulders relaxed. This is a trick- The smell of her was intoxicating and her pulse on him was strong enough to wake every urge he thought he had killed. Slowly, he placed an open hand on her shoulder. What do I do?!? It was warm and he clutched the fabric of her jacket. "What are you doing?" 

"Thank you for what you did in the tower, and now. Ace told me you cleared a base for us."

He looked over to Ace who caught his gaze instantly. They were dead center of the gravel lot, and now, the center of a sweeping attention.

"I want to help you." She whispered and smiled at the passersby. They looked them over, some relaxed and others shook their heads in a disagreeable annoyance. "I know you don't mean to hurt people. That has to count for something. I know you don't want to hurt people." She let go. "If they see us trust each other, work together, then we can make something of this." Riley looked at Ace. "Strategy."

"O-kay." He held his breath. Unable to stop his hammering heartbeat he looked to Zak again. "Don't do this again." He muttered. 

Woah.

With a smile she let go. "Don't lie to yourself Kasper. You deserved it." She turned and left him there. Breathless. 

He looked around and felt his cheeks flush. WOAH. He stepped backwards and moved himself out of the public eye, disappearing at the backside of one of the units. Clutching his shirt he ran a hand against his arm. His pounding heart started to quiet and he peeked around the building. Riley stood shoulder to shoulder with Jack, seemingly unfazed and already helping load the last bundles of supplies. "What the hell was that..." He bristled against the warm and fuzzy feeling she brought him. "What's wrong with me?"