The Escapists

;Hurt;

„So, you've decided to leave too?“

„Not exactly.“

Tilting her head to the side, she waited for him to describe his true intentions further.

„Well, I'll certainly won't be the first to go. I'm gonna make sure every one of you is safe first“, he put his hands into his pockets while staring forward.

They were on their way back to the survivors' camp, although (Y/N) was sure she would have made it on her own too, Frank insisted on escorting her. The wind blew heavy into her face, twirling her hair behind her. Even the small autumn leaves on the ground danced around.

Weird, she remembered it snowing already in the real world, hence why she was kinda excited for Christmas. Even if she wouldn't celebrate it (since she was alone), she liked the way the town was decorated with all sort of things. The smell of hot chocolate, mint and mulled wine in the streets. Huh, getting drunk alone didn't sound too bad too.

But from the wintry mood was no sign here. Things didn't quite work the same in the realm as they do in real life. For instance, wounds healed noticeably faster here, which became apparent when she saw Frank's arm. There wasn't even a scar but she still felt bad for it although she just tried to save her own skin at that moment.

„But you'll go, right?“, (Y/N) wanted to know it specifically. The way he avoided the issue made it look like he wasn't planning on coming with her.

Heaving a heavy sigh, he turned his head to the other side, prohibiting her from seeing his expression. His shoulders were tensing up when he spoke again. „Why you gotta worry about that? Just... forget it already. Let's talk about something else.“

But (Y/N) needed to be sure first. She wasn't satisfied with such a half-assed answer.

Stopping in her tracks, the younger girl watched Frank's back before he finally decided to pay attention and turned around. He seemed to enjoy this conversation as much as she enjoyed a rainy day without an umbrella.

„No“, it was hard to deny him that little peace of mind, however, for his sake she needed to know what his next actions would be. „Frank, will you leave with me?“

He chewed on his lip for a bit before glancing her way again. Stumbling over his words, he looked uncomfortable with the subject at hand, still (Y/N) couldn't drop it anymore.

„It's really none of your business.“

„Why not? We're friends, aren't we?“, the (H/C) haired stepped closer to him, noticing the way he flinched for a second, however, he was quick to act like nothing happened.

Of course, he always had to play the tough guy. He was honest but not when it came to his feelings even though he had no problem with showing his anger.

„Don't even doubt that“, he used a scolding tone as one would need for a child. „But everyone else isn't so concerned like you.“

„They should be. It seems like you aren't planning on going.“

„Even if I would“, the Legion leader shrugged and walked a step backward. „There is no place for me to stay, so why even bother?“

So, this is what it was about? He had nowhere to go? But... (Y/N) would literally die to help him out. Why didn't he say this sooner?

Which begs the question: What happened to his family?

„What about your family? And Julie, Susie, and Joey? Or even me“, she mumbled the last part. „ You can't say that when you have that many options.“

Frank just took another step back and stayed silent for a moment. His eyes were fixed onto the muddy ground beneath his shoes. The wind became heavier with the second as the sky got darker. Trials would start soon.

„You of all people should know how it is to have no family“, he clenched his fists, visible trembling but still refusing to meet her eyes. „I was in foster care since the day I was born. But I never stayed long in one family. Guess I was just a lot to handle.“

Her heart was throbbing in her head by the sight in front of her. She never saw Frank being so... which word would even fit his state? Was he depressed? Sorrowful or simply sad? Although she knew what it felt like to have no one to lean on; the depth of grief he must have gone through was foreign to the younger girl.

„I can't stay with my friends either“, he sucked in a harsh breath and practically forced his next words out. „I would just bother them too.“

(Y/N) couldn't stand this any longer. Her own misery was forgotten, instead, she fully concentrated on his state. What was worse: forgetting someone that used to care for you or being rejected by the people who were supposed to care? She would have loved to be that person for him. More importantly, her heart was aching to comfort, encourage and hug him right now but her lack of courage prevented the younger girl from doing so. It annoyed her how she wasn't able to do such a simple task; something he had done for her too.

„Can we drop it now?“, his tone softened to the one of pure sadness, making her regret ever asking out of curiosity. Nodding hesitantly, the (H/C) haired decided to leave him be for the while; not meaning that she won't be continuing this conversation some other time.

„Anyway, what I wanted to tell you earlier“, turning around, he followed the path back to the survivors' camp. „I need you to leave first. You know, just to make sure you're safe.“

„What?“

Stopping again, she watched as Frank pulled out his knife from his pocket, offering her to take it.

„Frank, no-“, she tried to shove his hand back.

„I didn't ask for your opinion. Just take it already“, he forced his weapon back into her own hand.

Wow, he wasn't willing to go because he didn't have anybody in the real world to rely on (which was the same for (Y/N)) but unlike him, she wasn't allowed to stay. A bit hypocritical? Yes. But also immensely sweet and caring? Definitely.

No wonder her heart skipped a beat on a normal basis when she was with him.

Taking the knife and placing it in her own pocket, she directed her gaze (to deny him the view of her beet-red face) onto the ground and continued forward. A low chuckle escaped his throat; seemingly satisfied with her obedience for now.

He patted her shoulder before bringing her closer to his body in a kind of side hug. „Wasn't that hard now, was it?“

At that moment, she was so glad his ears weren't good enough to hear the assault her heart committed against her ribcage. „Kinda.“

It would be really nice if they could stay a little longer like this. Not only for now but also maybe in the near future. Although, (Y/N) had absolutely no plans on ever confessing to Frank what she truly thought about him. Too huge would be the heartbreak if he denied feeling the same. With that mindset, that dream of hers would never come true. But at least she could stay close to him as friends and it was enough for now.

Perhaps, she wouldn't be alone for Christmas this year.