Darkness Descending

Chapter 7

It had taken weeks for Samuel's leg to heal enough that he could move around on it without shooting pain going up it. During which, Sam despite being constantly lectured by Harrison kept trying to get up from the couch. It turned into a daily routine that was Oliver and Richard leaving for the forest to train or going to the city to get supplies. Meanwhile, Samuel had made it a goal at trying to make a break for the door after waking up each time. This final time Sam was well enough to actually be up and moving however due to this it hadn't come as a surprise to Richard and Harrison when the small male announced that they were going to be leaving. Richard said while he and Harrison were leaning against the wall near the door" I suppose this is farewell again Samuel and for the last time, stop by once in a while." Harrison gave a small wave as Sam tugged the front of his jacket as he said:" I'll try no promises like always let's go, Ollie, we've wasted enough time." Oliver didn't even have a chance to respond because Sam tore off into the trees Oliver let out a sigh following after the smaller male even though he could hardly see in the dark. "Sam wait up I get you're wanting to get this done with however you just started moving around recently and I can't see a damn thing." The taller male ended up colliding with Sam who quickly steadied Oliver frowning as he did so.

Oliver asked, after giving a quick apology" hey Sam no offense you don't have to tell me, but how did you meet those two?" Sam opened his mouth only to turn away lowering his head a bit as Ollie spoke in a quiet tone" they mentioned you were captured, but how-" He was cut off by Sam as they started walking again the dishwater blonde haired male spoke in a hushed defeated tone" I don't want to talk about this Oliver." The hazel-eyed man stared at his friend never had he heard such a defeated tone in the smaller's voice it shocked him to his very core. Only now after they were further away from the place did he truly see his friend even in the dark it was clear Sam wasn't alright. The smaller must have been figuring that Oliver was too dense or the darkness would mask the way he carried himself. Oliver took in a sharp breath seeing Sam was hugging himself his head low with silent tears running down his cheeks a faint tremor running through his thin body indicating he was silently sobbing. That did it for the dark brown-haired man though knowing his friend hated to be hugged let alone even touched. Oliver wrapped his arms around the thin man holding him close as they lowered themselves to the ground Sam had gripped Ollie's shirt pressing his face against the hazel-eyed man's plain navy blue shirt.

"Sam I know you don't like making any noise a lot of time, but please you'll hurt yourself if you continue holding yourself back." Oliver tried to keep his tone calming though it had wobbled a few times though not a peep came out of the smaller male. Letting out a silent sigh Ollie tried to think of what to say as Sam tried his damn hardest to keep silent. Something finally came to the older man as he softened his voice to a reassuring and comforting tone" you've done so much for us I'm sorry I never fully realized. You can rest now stop fighting even for a minute you don't need to hide anymore because I'm here and I promise I'll help you from now on. I won't let you fight this all alone the strain of everything will not help you so just rely on me even if it's for a minute that's all I ask." Sam broke down into loud sobs burying himself against Oliver's side his face against Ollie's shoulder while Oliver just held him. Gently running his fingers through the younger's greasy looking yet surprisingly soft hair Oliver continued telling Sam how much he was cared about, and how he no longer has to fight alone. When the crying finally died down it had left the younger leaning against older's somewhat bulkier build emotionally drained. Oliver smiled a bit relieved that the younger had managed to let go of years full of sadness and most likely pain that was suffered in silence. He gently pulled the shorter man away from him only to get a small whine for it however Oliver knew Sam wouldn't want to lay moping around for long. So Oliver took his sleeve wiping the tears off the other's face before smiling a bit as Sam gave him an annoyed look after he pulled the sleeve away. Samuel stated as they got up" I don't need to be babied Oliver so knock it off and let's go." The shorter quickly went ahead a small smile tugging on the corners of his lips appreciating what happened though he'd never admit it.

Oliver watched as Sam walked ahead knowing that he was feeling better due to the fact Sam's head was raised and he held himself up with a confident posture. Sam's back was straight and his shoulders held back even though it wasn't by a lot it was a little further back than usual. Oliver spoke silently to himself" looks almost as if someone just forced him to drop a one hundred pound weight he's been carrying for years now." Oliver asked, carefully watching the other's reaction as they walked" Sam were you about to be killed why you befriended those two? I want to know that they're not lying to me that you were in that much danger when for the village." Sam paused for a brief moment tensing before continuing when he spoke in a hushed yet defensive voice" I thought I said I didn't want to talk about this." Oliver got the hint of a silent, 'yes, please stop asking' in that statement in which Oliver gave a small nod falling silent knowing he'll speak when he's comfortable not before then. There was a growl that came from nearby when Sam quickly grabbed Oliver's arm taking off in a sprint having no weapon on him. Seeing the panicked movement from the younger Oliver decided to follow his friend's lead as they sprinted as if their lives depended on it. Breaking out of the forest they reached a river in which Sam shouted, as they were approaching quickly" jump I swear to god fucking jump or we'll both regret it!" Oliver did as he was told since he had reached the edge first colliding on a sandy riverbank. He had sat up with Sam sent up a spray of water as he had missed the bank and landed in the water. Struggling to the surface Sam broke through being grabbed and pulled to the bank. Samuel scrambled onto the bank soaking wet before the two turned seeing a bear in which the younger quickly shoved the older up the bank shouting" get your ass moving Ollie they can fucking swim so stop standing there!"

The two managed to escape as the bear was going to cross the river when the two finally slowed down Sam was gripping his chest gasping. Oliver stood next to him waiting for him to recover knowing about Sam's poor health when it came to his lungs leaving the poor man gasping for air if he pushed himself too hard. When Sam's breathing evened out Oliver frowned seeing he younger shivering slightly. "Let's find somewhere to stay for the night so we can rest and you can dry off we don't need you catching a cold." Oliver's expression was that of worry as he spoke looking around at the clearing they were in before shaking his head knowing this wasn't the best spot to stay. Sam stated, clearing his throat with a cough" no we need to continue on it's still about a day away from where the treasure is we can't stop now." Oliver sighed a bit before he shook his head and said" no Samuel it can wait, unlike your health we both know you may act like you're fine. However, I've seen you in the winter you can hardly breathe it always looked like you were struggling. It may not be winter right now however it's cold enough that I can tell you're doing your best to hide the pain after running while being cold." Samuel turned his gaze away giving a small grimace in pain he knew that Oliver was right it felt as if icicles were forming in his lungs when he was forced to run in the cold weather. It was rather painful even taking a breath of air however he usually kept a brave face to keep others from worrying. He gave a small nod getting a relieved look from the older man as they went in search for somewhere more secluded to keep from being found. They found a valley not too far away in which Ollie had Sam lay down as hazel-eyed man went to search for sticks to make a fire. When returning Oliver couldn't help to chuckle as he saw Sam curled up next to a tree Oliver got the fire started before laying down on the other side staring up at the stars. Tomorrow would be the day they get to the treasure he was a bit anxious about that not sure what all awaits yet Sam knowing what goes on makes him relax enough to get some rest.