Humans Alone (G/T)

Chapter Twenty-Five

Heath carried Michael as the human slept, not bothered by it one bit. He seemed comfortable and was getting sleep. That's what mattered to him right now. That and getting Michael somewhere he would be safe.

The smaller body in his arms shifted, a tired and unintelligible mumble coming from him. 

Heath didn't speak, wondering if he'd go back to sleep. However, it was sunset and would be dangerous if they moved at night. Lester tied the horse's reins to a tree and laid out a few blankets for the three of them.

Slowly and gently, Heath lowered Michael down so the human could sleep on one of the blankets. "There's a stream nearby, I might go bathe really quick. Holler if he wakes up or if anything happens." He spoke calmly, casting a wary glance in Lester's direction. He silently told the man not to touch one hair on the human's head.

Lester only smiled and waved his hand as a sign Heath could go bathe. In his head, he figured this would make a perfect chance to get Heath and Michael closer together. However, he didn't want to wake up the sleeping male.

Michael was already slowly waking up though, his eyelids fluttering as he opened them. Blinking away the sleep in his eyes, he ran a hand down his face. He could still smell that special pine scent from Heath. It was a comforting smell indeed.

Then he looked around. Where was Heath? The only one around was Lester, and he was busy setting up a small fire for the night. "Heath?" He spoke softly, his throat slightly dry as he called the Masonin's name.

"He's bathing down by the river to the East of us. He'll be back in a few minutes." Lester mumbled in a friendly tone while focusing on the sticks in front of him.

Michael nodded in understanding, letting his sore muscles relax. In the distance, faintly, he could hear water splashing. Then his mind drifted to Heath's bullet wound and he shot upright despite the pain coursing through his entire body. "H-Heath's wound!" He all but shouted, eyes wide as saucers. 

"Relax, I'm fine," Heath muttered as he walked over, carrying his shirt over his arm. His hair was sopping wet, sticking to his face, but he was clean. The only article of clothing he'd left off was his shirt so he could give the bandages more room to air out.

He was touched Michael cared, but he didn't want him to hurt himself. 

Michael again ignored his own pain, forcing himself to his feet. "H-Heath." He stuttered, his legs feeling like they may give out from under him.

Lester took this moment to walk by Michael and 'accidentally' bump him, knowing just what would happen before it even did.

Heath lunged forward, his muscular arms wrapped around Michael and tucking him against his bare chest before he could hit the ground. One large hand rested on Michael's back, the other on his chest to keep him steady. "Are you alright?" He questioned, enjoying the warmth the smaller body provided him after leaving the river.

Michael knew his face was a bright red, his smaller hands pressed into Heath's bare chest. The pine scent was still there. How? Was it just, naturally stained on his skin? He was warm. Michael almost didn't want to move away. He felt like he could fall back asleep right then and there against Heath.

Lester took note of how long Heath held Michael, and how long Michael actually managed to stay close without pushing himself away in a flustered state. It was amusing for him to watch. Like his own romance story being written right before his eyes.

"U-Uh, sorry," Michael mumbled in a low tone, backing away from Heath and quickly seating himself back on the blanket he woke up on. He could feel how red his face was, he was so embarrassed. He stayed in his arms and against him way too long. 

Thinking back to earlier, he had planned on telling him. But the time wasn't right. Was it right now? Under the sunset, at a moment like this? Would there be another moment like this where he could say it? 

Michael parted his lips as if to speak but quickly hut his mouth again. If Heath wasn't accepting, maybe he'd never get to the Council. Maybe he'd never get to see his daughter again. Those thoughts made him nervous though. 

A large hand gripped Michael's arm and suddenly yanked him forward. Before he had a chance to figure out just what was happening, Heath's large lips pressed into his own.  

Lester watched the scene unfold and looked up toward the sky with a wide smile. "That was easier than expected." He muttered to no one but himself, his violet eyes returning to Heath and Michael. Heath's arms were wrapped back around the human, and Michael looked positively shocked but happy. 

With a shake of his head, Lester finally lit the fire and sat back to revel in what he considers a victory.