Jules and Suz

Warmth [Fluff]

Once every day, four survivors are chosen for the trials. A stupid game of pain and suffering to please the entity. But today, something feels... off. Nobody has been taken yet. We're all still here.

"Y/n! Give me a headcount?" Dwight taps me on the shoulder, still bewildered that a trial hasn't started yet.

"Still 50. Everybody's still here..." I mumble absentmindedly, "What the hell is going on..."

I stand up, walking over to the campfire and sitting on a log in front of it. Of course I had to be taken while I was wearing summer attire. The chilly breeze whooshing past me sent shivers down my spine. I muttered hi's and hello's to the others huddled around the fire. Everybody wanted to stay in sight, just to make sure nobody disappeared without being noticed.

"So, why do you think it hasn't started yet?" Kate's thick southern accent greeted me with the sudden question.

I hum softly before responding with an "I'm not sure", something I've probably said to at least 30 people by now. I bring my hands to my face, cupping them around my mouth and blowing into them before separating them and warming them at the fire.

"At least it isn't as cold as that one resort... what's it called... Ormond?" I think to myself.

"I really need to do something. Sitting here for so long is making me tense," Meg groaned, standing up straighter and stretching her arms above her head.

"Anybody want to go for a jog with me? I don't feel like going alone," She smiles and puts her hands on her hips, already pumped at the opportunity to do something other than stand around.

After a short silence, somebody perks up, "Me and David will."

David and Steve walk over to the campfire, standing with Meg. The more I think about it, the more I realize that I really need something to do. Sitting here and counting heads over and over again was boring the fuck out of me.

"I'll come too," I murmur and turn back to Dwight,"I need to do something. Anything. Find somebody else to keep watch for me?"

He nods and walks off to the "Cop Club" as they like to call it, Jill, Leon, and Rebecca. I stumble to my feet and stretch as well.

"Where are we going to run? Are we just going until we eventually end up back at camp or what?" I suggest.

"That's not a bad idea," Meg nodded, looking at the boys for their approval.

We all agree and set out just North of camp. Don't ask me how they have working compasses here. They figured that out years before I got here. Also don't ask about the time. Don't know how they tell that either considering it's always dark here.

Jogging quickly turns into weak-legged stumbling as I struggle to catch up with the athletes, who could apparently run for miles straight without stopping. The cold air burns my lungs as I take deep and labored breaths. I can see the group disappearing into the fog, but for some reason, I can't bring myself to say anything. Not even just "wait up".

And as soon as we had set out, I was alone, in the cold, completely lost.

"Meg? Steve? David?!" I shouted, only to receive no reply.

My own panting filled my ears. "Maybe I need to be in more trials... I'm really out of shape." I groan internally. I start wandering around. Thinking back on it, this would only make me more lost since now I can't just turn around and go back to camp. I walk for what feels like ages, the endless foggy forest leading me in circles. Suddenly, my heart begins to thump.