Humans Alone (G/T)

Chapter Four

Michael sat on one of Heath's large shoulders, stretching one arm over his head and plucking apples from the tree. He was nervous about this whole thing, but one of the Masonin's hands held him in place to ensure he didn't fall. "You were right, this is extremely awkward. But I'd rather not fall out of a tree again." He mumbled quietly, placing the red fruit in the bag with the others.

With a very deep chuckle, Heath took the human from his shoulder and lowered him carefully to the grass. "Yes. I suppose that will do for now, why don't you go take care of the horses? I'll take care of dinner, and if you need me shout." 

A little nervous to be left alone outside with the teenage giant, Michael was hesitant to agree. But Heath had been kind to him so far, and he didn't want to make him upset. "O-Oh, okay. Sure thing. I can do that." Giving him a thumbs-up, he turned toward the horses stable.

The horses were beautiful, now that he wasn't just in a hurry to grab one. A white stallion, A Clydesdale, a Shire, American Paint Horse.  There were only four, but they all seemed quite content. He wanted to open the gate but...the latch was still quite high for him to reach. So he just had to take his time and do what he did earlier to get it open.

Stretching his arm as far over his head as he could, the tips of his fingers fumbled with the latch. He started flicking his fingers, which managed to wiggle it a little. Crouching down he jumped and hit the latch again, sending it flying out of place to let him open the gate. "Yes!"

A large hand flew overhead and flipped the latch closed again, and Michael knew exactly who it was before the giant had even said anything. "D-Donnie. Your dad told me to take care of the horses." He muttered timidly, trying to work up enough courage to turn and face the teen.

"I don't care what he told you to do. Just stay away. Tonight, leave. If you're not gone by morning I'll take care of you myself. Your kind doesn't belong here anymore. Not since what you all did to us." 

"I-I don't know what you're talking about. And I don't think I'm going to leave." Shutting his eyes tightly, Michael turned to face Donnie with a frown. 

"How can you not know?!" Donnie leaned in, his green cat-like eyes staring angrily down at him. 

Michael let out a small squeak of fear and backed away, turning on his heel and ran as fast as he could to the grove of trees. Sure it was cowardly, but if you've ever faced a giant being that could easily kill you it's difficult to keep your courage. 

"Get back here!" He could hear the teenage Masonin's angry shouts, but he remained hidden in the trees. He planned on staying there too. At least until Donnie was no longer looking for him or outside. Hopefully, Heath won't get mad that he didn't take care of the horses yet. 

With his back pressed into a tree trunk, Michael panted and tried to slow his breathing. He didn't want anyone to hear him. It was getting dark too. Coyotes and wolves start to come out around this time of evening. "I really didn't think this whole thing through." He mumbled to himself, cautiously beginning to make his way through the trees in the direction of the Masonin's hut. 

Silently he walked, his fingers grazing the rough surface of the tree bark. He doesn't have his weapons. He doesn't have anything to defend himself. Was the sun setting faster than usual? It sure felt like it. 

Michael stopped moving when he heard a growl behind him. Not a human noise. Definitely an animal. That growl was followed by a second, then a third. He knew exactly what they belonged to. Wolves. Dealing with wolves wouldn't be an issue if he'd have had his knife, but he left it back with his satchel in Heath's home. 

Even though he knew he'd never be able to outrun them, he sprinted into the night as fast as he could, hoping to make it back to the Masonin before they got to him. "Crap, crap come on!" He grumbled, annoyed at himself for being that dumb. 

He cried out in pain as sharp teeth sunk into the back of his leg, sending him toppling to the ground on his stomach. He felt another pair bite hard into his arm. Calling for a giant was probably the most embarrassing thing he could do. He didn't want to appear helpless. So Michael was silent besides a few groans and shouts of pain.

The teeth in his arm were ripped away, followed by the ones in his leg as he heard what sounded to be yelping from the vicious, wild creatures. The throbbing pain in his limbs was horrible, and he could warm blood running down them. 

"You seem to get yourself into a lot of trouble." Heath's deep voice said above him, and he felt large, strong arms lift him from the grass. "You got so close to the house, I was able to see what happened through the window. I'm glad I was able to get to you in time."

Michael groaned in response, coughing and slowly closing his blue eyes. "Th-Thanks. That's the second time today y-you've saved me."

Heath's voice chuckled, and he felt the arms he's laying in shift only a little. "Oh, I'm sure it won't be the last time I do."