Run

Chapter 10

It was really nerve wracking for a moment there when we first emerged from the trees and Victor barked because in a second the men and women had their weapons trained on us. We were able to explain our situation and the consul they set up would be talking to James and I. 

Either way I was allowed to stay the night and after their makeshift government had spoken with Jameson, he was allowed to join these people and be kept safe. 

They led us away from the holding area and to a place where Jameson could set up a sort of permanent residence- not gonna lie and say that I was actually paying attention to any of it but, it was made that I would stay with Jameson for the night.

After Jameson was all settled in and they showed him around, while I followed, the three people that were with us split off. The two armed personnel deemed us safe, I guess, and the other who was acting mostly as a tour guide, led us a canteen. 

"That will be all for tonight Jameson." The tour guide said. She was tall, maybe six foot and had black hair, one side buzzed off and the other side was a little longer, in a rather stylish manner for a post apocalyptic world. She was incredibly built, her shorts and t-shirt revealed. And I wonder why she needed the guard because she could surely take the both of us, easy. I couldn't say if I would actually thank her for punching me in the face or not but I mean, I wouldn't mind. 

She turned her head my way and offered a polite smile. "I will see you at 9:30 tomorrow morning, where my two friends who left us and I will see you off. Although, you are more than welcome to stay, I'm sure you would like it here." Her dark eyes roamed my body for a moment. 

My eyebrows shot up and my cheeks burned, and I had to ignore James as he literally, about choked on his laughter. 

"Oh, I um- I won't be staying." I look at James as I spoke the next part. "But who knows, maybe I'll be back." Then I look at the woman and offer her a polite smile, to which she returns and nods. 

"Very well. Good night to you both then." and she walks away. 

My eyebrows furrow at Jameson's smirk. "Shut up. Lets get food, I need to get rest soon." 

"She was hot. If she couldn't get you to stay, I don't know who could." 

"Jameson, I swear to god, I will punch you again." after flinching, James chuckles and bumps our shoulders.

When we find a place to sit and eat, it's nearly silent while we think until we nearly finish. 

"This place seems nice, it'll be good for you." I say after a sip of water. 

He shrugs before grabbing my hand. "Yeah, it's not bad. Just wish you'd-"

"You said you wouldn't do that." 

"I'm sorry, you're right." After a beat of silence he continues. "Thank you, by the way. Thanks for... accompanying me on this journey." Jameson's smile is goofy but it doesn't reach his eyes. But I just nod and grin right back. 

"Of course, it's what knights do, little princess." We both laugh. He squeezes my hand and we finish our food in silence. 

As we make our way back to his place, we make light conversation, constantly touching and joking. It's what we both need. Because we may not know each other well but there is something there. It's small but bright, between us- a bond of sorts. I came to a realization at the same time as I admitted to myself that I liked being with someone. With him.

But, as we ate, I also realized that there is a reason besides just not wanting to stay here for my leaving. It used to be that I had no desire to be around anyone and I didn't like Jameson enough to stay because of him. And I can't stay here now that I know what I need to do.