~*~
Gavin peeked through his lashes in the early morning sun to find an empty bed by his side.
Michael was gone.
Gavin sat up so quickly that the world spun, his thoughts frantic. Michael, Michael, Michael swarmed his thoughts, and he quickly whipped his head around to scour the roof. He soon located Michael sitting with both their backpacks near the ladder, double checking their small stock with his sword in hand.
He didn't even look up.
"Morning Gav."
Gavin let out a small sigh of relief, feeling slightly dizzy from the small panic attack he experienced.
"Morning Micool."
Gavin climbed out of bed and sat beside Michael as he searched through their spoils. He reached for an apple before the red-head swiped at his hand.
"Leave it the fuck alone, I'm trying to ration it."
"But I'm hu-ungry, Micool."
Michael mocked his words right back at him but a growl in his stomach made him grudgingly give the boy an apple along with keeping one for himself. Gavin chewed on it like he was starved, and Michael gave him an odd look before taking a bite of his own. He quickly realized how hungry he was before scarfing as much of the fruit as he could without devouring the core.
Once they had finished, they both sat it silence, wishing for more but not willing to take it. The food was for emergencies.
"Where do you think Geoff is?" Gavin sounded worried as he played with the hem of his shirt.
"He's probably dicking around on his way back." Michael assured, but he couldn't convince himself. He should've been back by now.
"We should get down." Michael suggested, packing their things away. "Grab the beds."
"Shouldn't we wait for G-"
"Get the beds." Michael interrupted, repeating the simple instructions.
Gavin fell silent before sighing out heavily. "No."
"What?" The single question was sharp, cutting Gavin's nerves to ribbons.
"I.. I-I said no. We need to wait for Geoff and-"
"Are you fucking stupid, Gavin? Geoff can fly. He would've been back by now." Michael growled, stuffing the shrunken items back into the bag.
Gavin stood wordlessly, a sudden anger piercing through him. If Michael wouldn't wait, fine. But he'd stay. Gavin stomped over to his bed and plopped onto the soft fabric, his arms folded across his chest like a stubborn child.
Once Michael was packed, he turned to see Gavin's unwavering stare on him, his jaw set and hazel eyes challenging.
"Gavin, get up."
"I'm waiting for Geoff."
Michael grit his teeth together and was about to start yelling at the brunette before he held his temper.
"Fine."
The red-haired boy came over calmly, took his bed, and began his descent to the base of the tower. The brit didn't move a muscle until his curly locks slunk out of view. Gavin huffed in annoyance, reluctantly picked up his bed, tucked it away into his bag, and moved over to the ladder.
~*~
After another terrifying climb full of slipping footholds and small yelps of fear, they reached solid ground, in which Gavin was very greatful.
