Humans Alone (G/T)

Chapter Twenty-eight

Finally arriving at the doors of the huge brick and mortar building, Lester was the first one of the trio to approach the door. 

Michael watched in silence. The building was massive compared to the hut he had stayed in for the first few nights with Heath and Donnie. This place was like a mansion, three times over to fit the larger race. He couldn't help but gawk, and it took his mind off Heath's words. That was the most important thing to him right now.

Heath watched Michael, an unseen pain in his eyes. He wanted to take back his words no matter how true they really were. This wasn't something the two of them could play around with. Heath would love to stay on this planet or take Michael home with him, but if it put either of them in danger, he didn't want to risk it.

Lester clapped his hands together loudly as he stepped up to the large wooden door. "Alright! Let me do part of the talking and we'll take things from there," he glanced over his shoulder at the two. 

As the Masonin knocked, an armored guard pulled open the door with curious and questioning eyes. "Lester, you're back. Montgomery was wondering when you'd come back. I see you're not alone," his eyes wandered to Heath and Michael.

Michael shrunk away on the horses back under the gaze of this stranger, not daring to make eye contact or speak a word. 

Lester only smiled brightly and slapped the man on the back. "Ronald, breathe. They're friends of the council. And Heath here? Donnie's adoptive dad. Michael? The human? He was nearly beaten to death by the brat. We're here to make sure they both get the proper care and food they need."

The guard, Ronald, gave a faint nod of the head and stepped to the side. "I will take the horses to the stables, you know where the bedrooms are. Take Heath to one and Michael to meet with Montgomery." 

"I won't let Michael out of my sight," Heath spoke up, stepping closer to the horse the human was on. 

Michael felt a twinge of pain in his chest and lowered his head. He didn't like Heath acting so protective when the man wasn't going to be with him in the end.

Ronald hesitated before giving in to Heath's determined words. "Fine. I'll show both of you to rooms where you can clean up and get proper care for your wounds. Then I'll escort you both to Montgomery, the head of our Council."

Michael finally spoke up to the guard, his voice quiet and almost inaudible. "What will his opinion be of me?" He hesitantly looked up only for large arms to scoop him off the horse. 

Heath wasn't slow but he was careful with his actions, pulling his human friend from the back of the horse and pressing the smaller male firmly into his chest. He hated seeing Michael afraid, not just of him like it normally could be, but of other Masonin's that he could be fairly sure wouldn't hurt him. 

Ronald eyed the two with a curious expression before speaking again. "Lord Montgomery will judge you based on what you say, how you act, and what your story is. Whether he'll like you or not is hard to judge." 

"Reassuring. Thanks," Michael muttered sarcastically and despite the pain in his heart, he allowed his body to settle against Heath. He was still fairly exhausted and achy despite the bruises beginning to fade.

Ronald ignored the human's sarcastic reply and made a gesture with his hand for the two of them to follow him as he turned his back to them and entered the building.

Heath cast a quick glance in Lester's direction who gave him a small nod of approval, gathering the horses reigns to escort the beasts to a stable. 

Michael eyed the building as they walked through hallways. The furniture definitely wasn't made on Earth. It looked like it was brought here. A lot of what decorated the area looked that way. Which meant whatever rooms they were given would be a few times his size.

Ronald glanced over his shoulder, easily spying the unease on Michael's face and chuckled. He'd dealt with enough humans before to know when one of them was frightened or nervous. "Relax. Humans are welcome here. Ones that aren't dangerous that is. With how beat up you are, I'm going to assume you're not. And you, Heath, look like you could use a doctor just as much as him." 

Heath looked at Ronald and slowly nodded his head. "Lester did a good job of patching us both up, but he wasn't a doctor. His work was temporary, and I can already feel the pain getting worse again."

Ronald smiled warmly, probably one of the first ones he's given since they arrived, and led them both up a stairwell to a hall hosting many doors. He pointed to one of them. "That one is yours. We do have rooms fit for humans, but I assume you both want to stay together for now."

Heath nodded in thanks, the human against him breathing steadily but stayed silent, his head leaning against his chest. He cracked a smile, Michael's slightly greasy black hair scattered about his face. "We could both use a bath too. Thank you...Ronald, was it?"

The guard nodded his head and silently left. Heath and Michael both guessed to return to his post at the front door. 

"A bath sounds wonderful. Just let me take it myself this time, please?" Michael softly requested.

Heath laughed under his breath and headed toward the bedroom. "We'll see how capable you are of doing it on your own first."