Gamers Glitch//Septiplier//on Hold

4

After what seemed like for ever, they had finally reached the village. As Martin said, it was small. It contained around 15 houses, a butchers, a bakery, a tiny grocery store and a library. It was a quaint, cute place to live in, except the rain kinda ruined it. Flowers drowned in the puddles that we're about the size of a small pond. Grass no longer existed, it was just a large swampy mess. Martin had explained before there was a small farm at the edge of the village and if you explain, the farmer would let you sleep in his barn. Wandering through the village they finally got to said farm. Mark knocked gently on the farm house door, it's sturdy wood was smooth and the rain made it looked polished. A small man opened the door. He was an older man but looked healthy, he was in a large rain coat and waterproof trousers and wellies, all soaking wet. He furrowed his eye brows at the unexpected visitors, "can I help you?" He asked, his voice sounded a bit annoyed that someone had interrupted his work.
"Sorry to bother you, we've been sent by Martin to go to the weather machine and he said you have space for us to stay on your farm for the night. We won't bother you, I promise. Tomorrow we'll set off early to go fix the problem" Mark explained.
"Oh, sorry, yes of course you can, just walk around the side of the house and the barn is there, it's unlocked," his voice had softened a but as soon as he understood what was happening.

Mark thanked the man and headed to the barn. He thought it was better if he talked to people and Jack stayed quite. Knowing that jack could get angry maybe talking to new people wasn't the best thing for him. Soon they got to the barn. It stood tall and proud. Red paint peeled off the wood and the rain was coming down so hard it was washing some of it off. The door creaked open and shut with a thud. Inside was a lot dryer. The smell of animal feed and hay floated in the air and straw scattered the floor. At the back of the barn was a ladder that lead up to another floor. The top floor was half the size of the ground floor and on it was tools and food. In the corner of the barn jack spotted a few lambs that had curled up into a ball, keeping close together to keep warm. They slept quietly and the mother stayed awake, protecting her babies. A cat purred at Mark and Jack, keeping away at a safe distance. When it finally realised they were safe it wandered up to them, rubbing it's body on jacks long, skinny legs. He bent down and stroked it, smiling when it purred in delight. Mark took off his rucksack and sat down on the straw, it wasn't the softest thing to sit on but it was better than sleeping on just the floor. He reached into the bag, getting out some food that he didn't have to cook. After jack had finished fussing with the cat he did the same. The night went on and the boys got out a blanket each and lay down to sleep. The silence was quite pleasant, the rain made a calming noise so it wasn't awkward between them. Mark had nearly fallen asleep until jack spoke out, "are you worried?" It was a peculiar question. Mark turned to him looking puzzled,
"About what?" He asked back
"Well, about this. We don't really know each other that well and we're stuck here, maybe never to be seen by anyone again. Our friends, apparently, are stuck here too and we have to save them. Us. It's a bit of pressure and there's also the possibility of death..." jack stopped, they didn't really want to talk about this but they were going to have to at one point and jack saw the opportunity and took it.
"Well, yes, now that you say that. It's scary. Are you worried?"
"Of course and I'm mad at myself for being worried"
"Don't be, anyway you said you hardly knew me?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Well, I'm 28, male, I don't have many friends but the friends I have I'm very close to. I've lived in LA for most of my life. I dropped out of school, right now I'm a 'part time' YouTuber, I don't really know what I want to do with my life. I also work in a coffee shop to earn money too. So, what about you?"
Jack was a little surprised at how open Mark was, he didn't really seem like an open person.
"Well, I'm 27, male, always lived in Ireland, I'm still in uni, studying arts and photography. I play the drums and I don't really have many friends even though I know plenty of people. My life isn't that interesting"
"Your life sounds cool to me"
"Erm, thanks"
"You know what, I'll be your first real friend"
Again jack was surprised not only at Mark but at himself too because he felt a heat spread throughout his cheeks but he tried to ignore it, hoping Mark wouldn't notice.
"Oh, thanks Mark, that's thoughtful of you"
"Hey, no problem. No one deserves to be lonely"
Blood rushed to jacks cheeks again and he turned away, not understanding why he was getting so flustered,
"Thanks Mark, you know you're too kind, it's gonna get you in trouble"
"Nah I can be mean"
"You sure? You're basically a big soft dog" Jack teased
"Yeah an angry one"
"Nah" jack said chuckling at Mark
"Hey don't laugh, I can be threatening!"
"Yeah, totally" he answered, rolling his eyes at Mark. Even Mark was giggling now.

Suddenly Mark let out a yawn and his eye lids felt heavy. Today had been a long day. Slowly he slipped down onto the straw which suddenly felt as soft as a sponge. He clutched his blanket tightly to his chest. Silently jack watched him, smiling gently at the sleepy man. As Mark started to snore quietly, jack listened to the world outside. In the distance owls hooted and birds chirped cheerfully. The farm animals made their sounds and he could hear the wind howl outside. Rain still fell down violently but inside it didn't sound so violent. It was soft. It's sound made it sound like it was a gentle rain hitting the barns hard wood. Jack lay down gently and soon his eyes closed and he dreamed of what adventures him and his new friends would do.

~.~.~.~.~

Wow I'm not great at keeping up to my schedule am I? I said I'd publish a chapter every week on Saturday or Monday but here I am, late again. But as I always say, better late than never, right? But anyway, I hope you're enjoying the story so far and I'd love to here what you think of it!
Byeeeee