Courageous Compassion | Illinois x Reader |

No turning back

My eyes fluttered open and what first came out of my mouth was a quiet groan. The wound on my forehead was sore, giving me a big headache. I rubbed my temples to calm down the pounding of my head. I tried to keep quiet while doing this, but every time each pound came back, I couldn't help but make out a little groan. I was unaware that I had accidentally woke up Illinois.

[Illinois] You okay?
[Y/N] Yeah. I'm good.

I sat up from my side of the tent, still rubbing my temples.

[Illinois] What's wrong?
[Y/N] Just a massive headache. I should be good in a little while though.

Illinois day up and dug into his satchel. He pulled out a container of pills and a water bottle.

[Illinois] Here. Tylenol and a cold water bottle should it calm down.

I opened the container and got out a pill. I plopped it into my mouth and washed it down with the water.

[Y/N] Thanks.
[Illinois] No problem.

After a few minutes, my headache calmed down a little and I stretched my limbs. I walked out of the tent, the sun now barely rising. Illinois came out soon with a limp.

[Y/N] You okay? It's probably best that you should rest some more. Don't want to put too much pressure on your leg.
[Illinois] Well when you got injured, you didn't rest.
[Y/N] True. But still, it'll be a while before we reach that temple. By walking, it'll take us about 3 days to reach it.

I looked around the campsite. There isn't any vehicles nearby. But how did they came here before us?

Then a noise could be heard from behind the house.

[Y/N] Maybe some horses could be some use.
[Illinois] Sure.
[Y/N] Rest a little more. I'll go find it.

He nodded as he sat down.

I walked behind the house to see an agitated white horse. It started to whine and neigh as I came closer.

I held out my hands and began to calm down.

[Y/N] Shh. Calm down. Shh shh.

The horse began to become more calmer and I walked slowly towards. I became close enough to it and patted it gently. It calmed down and I patted it a bit more for it to become more comfortable.

I grabbed their reign and began to lead it back to where Illinois is.

[Y/N] Well, there is only one horse. Seems like we have to share. Which is unusual. How can 5 to 10 people get here?
[Illinois] Maybe some bailed out and took the other horses.

Illinois saw the horse and smiled.

[Illinois] Wow. A thoroughbred. Their one of the fastest horses. And a rare coat. Bet that was Scarlett's.

He got up and walked towards the horse, gently caressing their forehead. It neighed in comfort.

[Y/N] Need help getting on, or do you need a boost?
[Illinois] Shut up. I'll be fine.

We both chuckled as Illinois attempted to climb up onto the horse for both his height and wound.

[Illinois] On second thought-
[Y/N] Yeah, yeah. I got it.

I cupped my hands together and he placed his foot into my palms. I lifted him up and once he was comfortably on the saddle, he held out his hand and lifted me up. I sat side saddled and held onto him.

[Y/N] So, do you know where we are?
[Illinois] Not really. But I think before, I heard a train nearby. So we should go on the side of the tracks.