OffGun August Collection of Drabbles 2024

Lasso (Pick/Rome) - In the wilderness

Author's note: Part 9/??

Rome's POV

Finding the thin line of rammed earth felt like a victory. Though, Rome knew he couldn't celebrate yet. The sun was slowly setting, and his stomach growled. He didn't eat all day and had only a granola bar and a half-drunk water bottle in his small backpack. They were supposed to be back soon, so Rome didn't think of bringing more food with him. Who would have known that Din would act as a psychopath? Yeah right. Pick did. Rome sighed as he let his thoughts travel back to his crush. If Pick at least tried to stop him instead of getting angry, Rome wouldn't be lost in the middle of the unknown woods, one word from the older veterinarian, and he would have sent Din to hell. With a sigh, Rome continued walking. The path took him through dense bushes, and his hope dwindled until he finally spotted it. The end of the forest was a few steps away from him. Rome rushed forward, grinning like a madman. The rush of emotion swirled inside him as he arrived, exposing his pale skin to the last rays of the sun. He glanced around, and his face fell. 

"No." A sob escaped his mouth and the tears finally poured down his cheeks. Rome's legs gave out, causing him to bump into the dirty ground. His whole body trembled. He felt trapped like a young calf bounded by the lasso. There was no end of the forest. He just found a small empty glade. Suddenly his pocket vibrated. Rome immediately jumped to his feet, taking his phone out. His eyes widened, seeing he had a signal. The signal line flickered between one and two, but it was enough to try his luck. With shaky fingers, he pressed the familiar number and waited.  

"Rome... Can you hear ..." Pick's voice sounded like heaven to his ears. 

"P'Pick..." Rome couldn't stop another sob from escaping his mouth.

"Where are you? Are ... okay?" 

" I found a small glade. But I don't know where exactly it is." Rome whined. 

"Good. Stay there... Rangers... find.... your location." Pick sounded relieved. Rome's heart skipped a beat, knowing the older male was worried for him. 

"Okay, P'Pick."

"Is Din around?" The question startled him. Rome looked around, trying to listen to the sounds from the forest, but he couldn't say for sure. 

" I don't know. I think he's not here... I am scared, P'Pick." Rome admitted. 

"Don't worry... We... find you. I promise... Rome, you.... battery. Hang up for now."

"No, please. Don't go, phi." The tears started to come out again. 

"I... call you again... Promise.... Calm... baby. I... have to go." The call went silent. Rome checked the phone, making sure Pick ended the call and he still had a signal. He sniffled once more, looking at the device. 

"Did he call me baby?" The realization hit him out of nowhere.