Watercolour Dreams

»»------(Chapter 7)------»»

   I assigned everyone tasks after Hunk had fixed the truck up the best he could. Most of them were to load up as much as they could, on hopes to last us long enough to skip the next supply stop. Going through Florida, we'd need all the money we had.
   One would think that the end of the world would mean money would die, and civilization would be impossible to find; but the people who set up the forts and supply stops often believed that the government would fix this all. A lot envied them for this, considering small groups like ours lost hope in that a long time ago. The only thing we believe in now is survival.
   Keith threw the torn rope at me, his glare piercing my own.
   "What the hell has you so spaced out? You're supposed to help me pack up my shit."
   "Planning." I replied simply as I bent over, picking the rope back up. He scoffed.
   "You, planning? Never knew you put that brain to use."
   "There's a reason I'm the leader, mullet-" I growled out between clenched teeth, hands gripping the rope as I resisted the urge to strangle him with it. He gave a snarky laugh as I continued to ignore him, shoving the items into a bag without thought. Suddenly, I lifted a blade, the hilt wrapped with a rugged cloth.
   "Don't touch that. It was my mom's." He took the blade and put it into a sheith at his side, his gaze pointedly not meeting mine. I thought nothing of it and continued to pack up.
   "Why is all your shit on the ground-" I finally asked in exasperation, shaking another torn rope at him. He grunted before responding, sitting back on his heels.
   "Probably an animal, I had all my bags tied up in the tree. All that's gone is rabbit meat."
   We continued in silence after that, finishing up and making our way to the group.

»»------««

   Hunk patted me on the back as I set down Keith's bags next to our own. He was currently loading the truck, making as much room for everyone to sit comfortably as he did so. Pidge was drawing my face on the side in sharpie, having insisted that we mark what is ours- and honestly, my smile that cut through my cheek looked amazing. Even Shiro couldn't resist a snicker as he walked past; I'm just that awesome.
   After Hunk finished loading the truck, I helped Allura lay the blankets and pillows in the back. She insisted on hanging some sort of herb from the rear-view mirror and did some weird chants. I'd probably never understand it, but if it made her more comfortable, it couldn't hurt.
   Soon, everyone was ready to go, loading into the back and getting comfortable. I slipped into the driver side, turning the key as the engine rumbled happily. Keith slid in next to me, quiet despite my raised brow. Once everyone was settled, I grinned, mimicking a train horn.
   "Santiago-Bejucal is leaving the station. Destino, Florida!" I laughed, backing the truck out of the alley Hunk had pushed it into. Pidge whooped as I put it back into drive, the engine chugging as the truck groaned. "¡Ánimo! You can do it, Blue-" I chuckled, patting the dashboard. Keith cast me a look, obviously questioning my sanity.

»»------««

   "Lance, you've been driving for six hours, you should take a break." Hunk whispered through the window between the cabin and the back. Lance shook his head as he stifled a yawn.
   "Hunk, it's fine. We're almost to the fort, okay? I'll rest then, and we can eat and get back on the road." The two were quiet for a moment, and I held my breath, continuing to pretend I was asleep.
   "You don't need to hurt yourself for our sake, Lance. Okay? You need sleep too. I can drive for the next few hours, it's fine." Hunk started again, and it was hard to dismiss the soft sigh from Lance.
   "Hunk, it's fine. Go back to bed." There was another silent pause. Then the truck groaned, and Hunk was gone.
   "Fuck-" Lance groaned once Hunk began to snore again, a soft thud against the steering wheel. "Dude, you're breathing is so off. I know you're awake." I sat up slowly and glared at him, his eyes throwing daggers back before he turned back to the road. "Mullet."
   He didn't say anything else for a while as I continued to glare, his eyes focused on the dark road. He then cut through the silence, a bright wink in my direction.
   "I get that I'm hot, but haven't you been staring for a bit too long?"
   "Ew-" I immediately looked away, and he gave a soft chuckle.