THE DIFFERS : THE UPRISING

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"Whatever is happening between you two, it needs to stop," Aria told me as we were helping preparing the dinner with our assigned group.

I ignored her, keeping my mind on my task. People were starting to open up to us, it was really enjoyable. It was simple conversation, light banters, but it felt genuine and meaningful. It kept my mind occupied with something else than what was truly happening around me.

"We'll have to talk about it at some point, Rai. Whether you like it or not." I sighed but nodded, passing her the fresh meat we had cut into pieces.

Alan, a slightly older than I guy, was constantly by my side these days. We always ended up teaming up since our group tasks were the same. He was nice and talkative, much more than I. So he was doing most of the talk, but I was glad for it and he didn't seem to mind one bit.

"Hey loner boy, you're coming with us tonight? Or you're going to keep sulking for your girl?" I almost choked on my saliva, while Ari snickered next to me. It attracted a few heads, mostly people who were nearby and closed to Alan friend's circle.

"I'm not sulking." Aria muffled a "yeah, sure" behind her breath, but that didn't go unnoticed by some who chucked at our antics.

They had come to understand Ari and I's dynamic. We were a unit, closed but who liked to banter like family. It could come off as rude from the outside, but actually it was our way of caring about each other.

"Whatever, you better come. We'll be having a little campfire after dinner. It would do us some good... we don't know what tomorrow has in store for us." I looked up at him, his eyes were focused on his working hands, but his brows were furrowed and his jaw was clenching almost painfully.

"Yeah, I'll probably come." Aria nodded at me while I nodded back. Alan gave me a shoulder shake and smiled, winking at Aria who rolled her eyes in return.

"She's scary," he mouthed me, making me chuckle. She had that effect on people, but deep down, she was the kindest and nicest human being to those she cared about.

"You'll come to like it," I replied, winking as he mimicked being afraid.

"I think I already do." She faked gagged since she had obviously heard, making all of us laugh. Our team head for the task immediately scowled us, but he didn't push it further.

What I had learned about Daniel, was that he was cold and very devoted to our cause, but that's also why he was kind with us. He knew what type of life we had, knew theses moments where probably our only free and peaceful moments we could shared before the big storm. He didn't want to deprive us of it, as long as we kept doing our job the right way.

We finished for the day and started all going our way, back to our quarters to take a shower, or minding our business during free time. Alan jogged to our level, falling into step with us. Aria gave him a cold glare but he only winked back at her making her rolls her eyes.

"So, see you later? You're bringing your little crew?" He asked hesitantly, eyeing my face with his scrutinizing gaze.

"Yes, gonna head for a shower, then we'll meet your for dinner." He smiled brightly, jogging back to his friends.

"Am I supposed to go? I can't stand the guy." I chuckled and ruffled her head, earning a menacing glare.

"Come on, Ria. You don't like much people you know. But it'll will do us good. Actually, it will do me good. I wanna go, and I want you to be here and enjoy with me." Her eyes softened as she linked our arms, smiling warmly.