Humans Alone (G/T)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Lester walked into the small living room to find his fellow Masonin and the human embracing each other. In all honesty, it didn't shock him. The bond they appear to share seems to be quite strong. Perhaps in more ways than one.

He let them share a few words, and it helped him better understand the two. Finally, he interrupted the touching moment.

Clearing his throat, he wiped grease from his hands onto his pants and smiled toothily at the two. "Breakfast is ready. Bacon, eggs, and pancakes. I make the pancake myself and even harvest the sap for syrup myself." His smile stayed, however, there was a look of pride on his face now. 

Michael's stomach growled hungrily, his eyes widening. "Bacon?" He muttered under his breath, wincing in pain and bringing a hand to his bruised eye. 

Heath turned his head to look at Lester, then looked at Michael. "Yes, things like that are difficult for us to get our hands on, as we would need more than what you humans used. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess you haven't had anything like that since we arrived."

Shaking his head in response, Michael smiled through his pain and attempted to lower himself to the floor. He was glad Heath didn't interfere, but he could feel worried eyes on his back the whole time he slid from the large couch to the floor.

He'd be lying if he said it didn't hurt to stand. In his head though, he knew he couldn't force his entire wellbeing onto Heath anymore than he already had. The wolves, Donnie, that woman with the shotgun. He'd had time to think and knew that Heath had already done too much for him.

"Michael, do you need a hand?" Heath asked, trying to read the humans expression to see if the smaller being needed help.

Michael went to take a step, steadying himself with one hand on the cottony surface of the couch. His torso throbbed and casting a glance in Heath's direction he could tell the Masonin was ready to interfere even if he denied the request. He begrudgingly nodded.

Heath was glad that Michael admitted he needed help. Of course, he'd planned on helping whether he'd been asked or not though. Without hesitation, he easily lifted the human into his arms and ignored the startled eyes that met his. He instead returned the gaze with soft, kind ones.

"Th-This isn't necessary!" Michael exclaimed, flustered, his face heating up considerably. He did enjoy being close to him, but only when he had some form of warning. The arms around him were so gentle, warm, strong. Even if he wanted to get down, he doubted he could.

Lester looked on, the corners of his lips curling upward. It was clear now to him just what the human and Heath felt for each other. However, neither of them seemed to act upon these feelings. In fact, if anything, they were confused and worried about what the other might think. 

Now that amused him.

They were afraid of what the other would think of them, yet the other felt the exact same way. 

"Alright you two lovebirds," Lester hummed, his violet eyes glinting playfully while his perfect white teeth were shown as he grinned toothily. "Let's eat breakfast, get cleaned up, and hit the road."

Now it was Heath's turn to blush. Both his and Michael's face were now a bright red color that would put a rose to shame. "Now see here-"

Lester only smirked at them and left before Heath could finish his complaint, quickly walking to the kitchen where the table was already set.

Michael avoided meeting Heath's eyes now, trying to calm his racing heart. He could feel Heath's movement, swaying only slightly in his arms. 

When the interior changed, he was met with the strong, meaty scent of bacon. Michael lifted his head and eyed the food laid out on the table, his stomach growling hungrily. His mouth watered. His blue eyes remained wide in anticipation. A deep chuckle above him drew his gaze finally to Heath.

"Let's just get you in a chair, and you can dig in." The green eyed Masonin said with a smile. 

"Ah, ah, ah. No." Lester waggled a finger at both Heath and Michael, picking up a damp rag from the countertop and tossing it in their direction. "We may be about to take a few days journey but you will wipe off your hands before eating."

Heath and Lester stared each other down, each of their gazes strong and controlling, unwavering. However, Heath was the first to comply with a quiet scoff. "Very well." 

He carefully lowered Michael into one of the kitchen chairs, picking up the damp rag and wiping dried blood and dirt from his hands. He couldn't believe how many layers were already caked onto the skin. If his was this bad, how bad was Michael's? The one who dug a bullet right from his gut?

Heath glanced down at the human, observing the hands that saved his life. Slowly, he held the cloth out to him. "Here. It'll feel better to get all the gunk off your skin."

Michael took the rag that was more like a bath towel to him and began to scrub the several days worth of dirt from his hands, nervously, he glanced toward Lester who was simply watching him. "Th-Thank you."

Lester didn't bother to hide his soft laughs at how Michael seemed to have been struggling with the rag, easily taking it from his hands once the human was done. "You're welcome. Now, both of you eat."

Heath and Michael exchanged glances while Heath sat down, but they both smiled, knowing that he meant well. Heath's eyes were also telling Michael that it was okay, that he could eat.

Michael glanced from Heath to Lester who met his gaze with knowing violet eyes. He again felt his cheeks grow hot and simply lowered his eyes to the plate bigger than his head resting in front of him. Did Lester know how he felt? It certainly looked that way. 

Heath's dishware near him was clattering as his friend ate, so Michael decided it would best to eat before the trip.

Pushing all other thoughts to the side, he tucked in to enjoy the first warm meal he's had in months.