Birthmarks and Bruises

Frustration Can Lead to Breakage...

Andrea was intrigued, to say the least, by this new stranger who had accompanied them. Every so often Maxine would casually point out something concerning, or ominous, with a tone that was somewhat... knowing. She plodded on alongside her, questions fluttering in and out of her dazed mind. Why wasn't she  afraid, like the rest of them?

What makes you different?

As Andrea glanced at her exposed arms and lower chest, she noticed something. Maxine, as tough and strong as she looked, was peppered head to toe with large, round, perfect bruises. Andrea could could at least three deep purple disks from where she was stood. 
Maxine's forehead glistened with sweat, a few strands of oily black hair sticking to the tanned skin. Her eyes were set, an ashy kind of grey, on the road ahead of her- barely blinking, alert.
Andrea knew that she should've felt threatened by the buff giant striding beside her, however, she couldn't help but feel a sense of security. Even if it was false, she thought, it would keep her anxiety levels at bay for a while.

On the left of Maxine, looking even shorter sandwiched between both her and Felix, was Daniel. Andrea could see that even he was a little skeptical about her, but mostly, probably, he wanted to show off. Felix, on the other hand, looked plain concerned. Keeping as close as he possibly could to his best friend and returning Maxine's frowns with nervous smiles, he was almost like the polar opposite of her.
Only now did Andrea begin to notice the dark shadows under his eyes, and how this must have been affecting him, too. She'd never really considered it before, but-
"So where exactly are we going?" The redhead said, breaking the silence.
Maxine flashed him a sideways glance. "Somewhere safe. Somewhere we won't get shredded into pieces." Her pupils flicked back to the road ahead of her. "You look like the easiest fucking target I've ever seen."
Felix' brow furrowed a little. "How come? I've still managed to kill one of those demon things-"
"Didn't Andrea say you called them snatchers?"
"Sorry, didn't know YOU were the expert."
"I'm not. Andrea told me."
"But we both know what I mean. You didn't need to correct me."
A pause.
"Put yourself to good use and take the bottles out the bag. I'm parched."
"So, what? You're  implying I'm not useful for literally anything else?"
"The only thing you're useful for is a distraction, sparrowlegs."
Daniel couldn't help but snicker a little. Felix' eyelid twitched.
"And hurry up already. I haven't drunk anything in hours and we're all tired from walking." Maxine ordered.

Felix tossed the bottle at her, coming to a halt.

"Fine. You know what? Have your fucking water. If it means you can use your dirty mouth for something other than being a dick you can drink all of it." Felix spat, quivering. "God, we're all in the same situation here. We're all scared. Confused. No one here wants to die." He felt hot tears of frustration welling into the corners of his eyes. "So if you would kindly cooperate instead of treating specifically me like shit for no apparent reason-" he lowered his voice, unclenching his fists and snatching the now half empty bag back. "I'd really appreciate it."
Felix marched ahead, desperate to be alone and let off some steam, the rucksack dangling from his arm and dragging across the floor.
"Shit." The shortest of the group breathed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, Maxine- I'm sure this isn't your fault. He's under pressure, y'know?"
The girl in question nodded in understanding, shrugging and taking a swig.
"I'm sure he'll be fine."
Daniel sighed. "I'm still going after him. He's... never been like that before. Like, ever." He mumbled, concerned.

Felix was sat up ahead, clenching the yellow fabric of his shirt between his fingers and letting his tears fall freely, the tops of his trousers stained where the drops had hit. Daniel took a seat beside him, wordlessly. He was unsure of what to do in this situation.
"I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me."
It hurt to hear his best friend's voice so scratchy. Daniel could feel him trembling against his torso.
"Why do you dislike her so much?" He questioned, pulling out one of Felix' hoodies from his own bag.
"Look." Felix said through gritted teeth. "Its not just that I suddenly decided to dislike her. Can you not see how... rude she is?? I know she could protect us but- wait, why do you have that?" He glanced at his jumper in the hands of his best friend.
"Oh, I uh... brought it. From your place. Because you forget all the time." Daniel answered, grinning lazily. "You're gonna catch a cold, man. At least this ones actually in your size, eh?" Felix stood up shakily, managing a smile through his frustration as he pulled the sweater on.
"Thanks, man. Sorry for earlier."
"Don't sweat it. Are you warm enough?"
"Yes, ma."
"Hey, don't push it."
Daniel exhaled deeply. "Just- please. I'll have to talk to her if this keeps happening. You're more important to me than she is, and we don't even know her yet. I know it's not your fault but give it a chance. We're all just stressed and tired."
Felix hesitated, relaxing the muscles in his back and shoulders. "Yeah. Okay. I promise."