Humans Alone (G/T)

Chapter Three

Michael sat nervously on the floor of the hut, eating the orange slices given to him by Heath. He could feel Donnie's eyes on him the whole time, and it was frightening. But he stayed near the older Masonin, as he had said he'd protect him if necessary. 

"So Michael, once you eat what you want are you tired at all? Or do you think you'll be able to start chores today?" Heath asked, taking the tiny stem off of an apple and easily popping the fruit into his mouth like it were nothing but a piece of candy. Core and all. 

Though he hasn't slept very well for the months the Earth was invaded by the Masonin race, Michael wouldn't feel entirely safe sleeping with a giant like Donnie near him. "I...I think I'll just begin work." He responded slowly, casting a nervous glance at the said teen glaring daggers at him from across the small hut.

"Alright. Donnie, go get a basket and smaller bag for Michael to carry. You two are going to pick some fruit. I'll be keeping a close eye on you though, so don't try anything. Michael, no trying to run away, and Donnie, don't hurt him." Heath folded his large arms over his chest, eyes darting over his son's and guest's facial expressions. 

From what he could see, Michael was watching his son, and his son had a dangerous glare aimed at him. Perhaps it wasn't a good idea to send them out together. "I got a better idea. I'll help Michael pick fruit, and Donnie, you take care of the animals."

Michael visibly relaxed but was still a little tense. At least he wouldn't have to worry about the murderous looking teen while he sits in a tree picking whatever fruit Heath wants to pick. 

Donnie nodded his head at his dad with a quiet 'fine' before rising to his feet and left the hut before Michael or Heath could say anything else.

"Follow me, Michael," Heath spoke in a gentle tone, trying not to startle him. He took a bag that would fit the human and handed it to him.

Taking the bag, Michael weighed it curiously in his hands. He looked upward at the Masonin and waited for further instructions.

Watching the human was amusing. He held the bag, which was already comically large to him, but he observed it with a strange curiosity. When the tiny blue eyes turned to him, he had to avert his eyes. 

Leading the human out to the orchard of trees, he pointed to a fairly short apple tree that had plenty of branches for Michael to climb. "Most of the fruit is closer to the top now, so you'll have to climb a little more, but it should be a little easier since they're closer together. If you need me, let me know." Turning away, Heath picked up a wicker basket to gather up some other fruits from different trees. 

Listening to the instructions he was given, then turning to face the tree, Michael understood what Heath meant. This was the shortest tree? It was still huge! But as he was told, the branches were close enough together that he could climb to reach the apples.

So he did. Grabbing the lowest branch in one hand, he slung the bag up over and hoisted himself up. He could tell a few of the branches weren't as sturdy as he'd like, but if he climbed quickly he might be okay. 

So again, he did. One hand on a branch, sling the bag over, hoist himself up. He repeated this action until he was quite a ways off the ground and he could reach a group of apples. 

Reaching out, he plucked an apple from its stem, inspected it for any wormholes, then dropped it gingerly into the cloth bag. Picking another apple, he observed it to find a hole inside, the worm even poking out of the hole. "Ugh." He groaned in disgust, dropping it t the ground below.

After almost filling the bag, he started shifting on the branch he sits on. The wood groaned under his weight and he froze. He didn't want to move now. "U-Uh, Heath?!" He stuttered. While Michael hated asking to be lifted down by the giant being,  he didn't want to fall to the ground.

"Yes?" Heath called from the other side of the tree, but he couldn't see the Masonin through the leaves. 

"I-I think this branch is going to break. I can't move." Michael tried to stay calm, but he hates heights. And the thought of falling that far to the ground made his stomach churn.

Heath stopped what he was doing and placed the basket in the grass. Hurriedly, he ran around the tree to where he could see Michael sitting with a rather frightened look on his face. "Hang in there.  Take a deep breath and jump, I'll catch you."

"I'm not a kid." Michael folded his arms over his chest only to yelp when he swore he heard a cracking sound. Sure enough, the surface of the branch gave out beneath him. 

Closing his eyes tightly, he waited to impact the ground but instead, he felt large arms immediately encircle him. He didn't know if he could or even should open his eyes yet. Either way, he pried his blue orbs open, staring up at the giant face of Heath who was frowning worriedly.

"I know you're not a kid but when I say jump that would have been safer. Are you hurt?" Heath asked, holding the human in his arms firmly. 

"No, thanks to you," Michael muttered, pushing away from Heath and backed away a few steps. "I'm serious, thank you."

"Of course. Do you want me to help you? It'd be a bit awkward but...you could sit on my shoulder to reach the other apples?" The Masonin suggested, sitting on his knees and trying to read Michael's expression.

Though the idea made him a little uncomfortable, Michael didn't want to fall again. Not from that height.  "Okay. Okay fine, let's do it."