How Things Are

thirty-one

Nobody said anything about Drake's corps as we set up the tents. Of course, Lucas had the biggest one. I could hear an air mattress being pumped up by one of his men. Another was bringing in necessities unnecessary for average travelers. Cushions, comforters, portable chargers. The items began to look like he was making a second home. A rack with spare clothes. Is that a mini kitchen? How did they fit this all in the trunk? Everyone else shared a simple tent, yet nice. They were larger than the ones I'd seen and the design had Lucas emblem on it. Both of the drivers stayed in the car to watch over it.

No one welcomed me into their tents. And the drivers locked the door when they got in. I took that as a sign to figure things out myself. I rolled my eyes internationally and headed to the woods. Oh please. Like I'm even interested in being babied. I'd give up my new sword to see them walk from here to Savage City. I didn't realize I was smiling until a branch cracked from behind me.

"Oh. Just you." Joey stilled
"Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you." Things were still awkward
"You didn't." I turned back around and started picking up sticks
He watched like he had something to say but couldn't speak.
"Are you here for something?" I finally break the silence
"Uh, yeah. I was wondering if you didn't have anyone to sleep with tonight, you can sleep with me."
What the- "Joey. Despite what happened today, I'm not Lucas's whore."
"No! That's not what I meant." He waves his arms in front of himself.
"Then what did you mean?" I ask cautiously
"You just didn't go into anyone else's tent. I mean, you know? Teedo or the Boss usually have you."
I scoff "So you think I'm sleeping with Teedo too?"
His hand slides down his face "That's not what I'm saying."
I turn around and start picking up more wood, not caring anymore.
I hear him take a deep breath "You don't have any place to sleep tonight Tibby."
"So."
"So there's room in my tent." We were silent again.
"No." I've never slept in a tent before.
"Are you serious? I'm offering you a place to sleep!" He yells "Do you hate me that much?"
I turn to face him "It's not about you Joey."
"Then what is it about?" He pulls at his hair
"I've always done things this way. Tents will just make me weak if I het use to your life of luxury." I nearly whisper.
He looks offended but doesn't say anything. He just starts picking up wood.
"What are you doing?" His shoes are getting muddy
"I'm picking up wood. What does it look like?" Joey spits the words out
"And why is that?" I ask, holding my hip
"Because I'm sleeping outside too."
"ahh I see. And what are you going to do with that wood?"
He keeps going "set a fire."
"That's not possible Joey." I try not to laugh
"Why? You think I'm weak?" He nearly yells
I bite my lip "No. Because all that wood is wet."
He throws it on the ground and starts over.

I watch him try to start a fire with a string and twigs as my fire roars. He's been working at it for a few hours now and I'm beginning to feel sorry for him. I offered him some rabbit I caught with the trap Winwrey taught me how to make but he won't budge. Joey's a city boy through and through yet he still has his pride which I can respect. If anything I've learned by watching him, these guys may be Mafia, born killers. But stick them in the forest and see how long they last. I shouldn't be so judgmental, some of them could probably survive. There wouldn't be bounty hunters or assassin's. Tracking, traveling and blending in is part of what they're trained for.

After letting my fire die out I lay my head on the soft grass. Thinking about everything Lucas men can really do, they just spoil themselves now. I wonder what Lucas can do. I find myself thinking about him alot lately. My stomach tingles and my cheeks burn. I remember the things Winwrey said to me about wanting a master. Would it be so bad if it was him? Out of every guy I've come across, he'd be perfect... NO. I'm not thinking clearly. It's late and I probably ate a bad rabbit. That's what the feeling is in my stomach.
I turn over on the grass and close my eyes listening to Joey still trying to start his fire. If I have to worry about one thing it won't be a forest fire tonight.