Silence

Thane

Even though he's still upset, when he feels Valen's small back pressed up against his, he can't help but slightly relax. Warpers... they're willing to kill everything as long as it means keeping the City safe but why do they feel the need to use such extreme measures?

What has scared them to this degree? Thane narrows his eyes, deep in thought, and subconsciously leans against the small back. The contact brings him out his thoughts and throws him into a whole new train of thought.

Was there some way to get this little guy and the others to safety? Even if they try to run, they wouldn't make it far enough before the Warpers are activated but, there's no way to make it to the base in time.

Maybe he can send them away and head to the base all by himself. Maybe, just maybe... he might be able to make it there in time and keep it from happening. He grits his teeth in anger and determination before he hears "Why are you getting angry again?"

Thane pauses and frowns. How could he tell I was getting angry again?

~~~~~~

When I feel Thane slightly turn, I smile and say "I can feel it when your body starts to tense up. So, what's the plan?" Thane sighs and pulls away to turn and look at me before saying "The plan is for you and the others to load up in the truck and get as far away as possible. I will try and make it to the base."

Thane's intense, ice-blue eyes stare into my grey eyes, wanting to say more but he was holding back. I smirk at him and say "Well, you should know that won't happen. No one is going to let you travel to the base alone. We'll give it all we've got or die trying."

I stand up and brush my hands off before reaching my hand out with a knowing smile. Thane looks up to me with confusion and says "Are you stupid or mentally challenged? Why put your life in danger?"

I slightly frown, isn't that the same thing? I keep my hand out and say "Die today or die tomorrow. If we run, we'll forever be stuck out here. Fighting to make it to the next base is worth the gamble. I need to return home, no matter what. And... I need to find someone and kill him."

Thane looks at me with mild shock before slowly reaching up and taking my hand. Thane looks down to our hands with a frown and asks "Why are you so small..." I pull him with all my strength but he still helps as he comes to his feet and towers over me.

He looks down at me with that same frown as I step back and try to pull my hand away before saying "Let's stop wasting time and go." but he doesn't let go! I jerk to a stop and stumble before looking back to him with a frown of my own.

I shake my hand, trying to shake him off but he effortlessly holds on and asks "I asked... why are you so small... and..." My frown bleeds into uncomfortable confusion as I try to pull my hand away again and say "Dude, let my hand go. You're being weird."

Thane ignores me and slightly tilts his head to the side as he starts looking me over and asking "Do you hate me...dislike me or something?" The question throws me a little as I slowly shake my head and say "Uh... no? Where is this coming from? We need to start moving before it's too late."

I try to pull my hand back again but Thane pulls my hand, jerking me forward a few steps before coming face to face with him. I quickly turn into a turtle, pulling my head back as far as possible while looking up at him like he's done lost his damn mind.

Thane ignores my obvious discomfort and asks "Then why are you trying to always run away from me?" At a complete loss, my eyes dart back and forth in confusion as I say "Uh... I stink...?" I say starting to sweat.

Is he getting suspicious? No, that can't be right... I haven't done anything, right? I start to replay all the times we've been together but I really can't think of anything as he says "You don't stink at all. In fact, I'm more comfortable when you're close."

I'm pretty sure I look like a confused, constipated frog right now with multiple chins but when something hits the back of my head, I fly straight and knock heads with Thane. He releases me as both of us reach up to our heads in pain.

The little monkey moves to my shoulder with a toothy grin and flips Thane off. I hold my head and do my best not to laugh as Thane glares at the monkey. I try to keep a straight face as I say "We need to go, Thane. Now."

His eyes dart to me before looking back to the monkey and saying "Let's go." I turn around and quickly walk back to the others as I try to understand what just took place. Was he really just wanting to be friends? Guys do seem to be physically close to each other, throwing their arms over their friends' shoulders, laughing, and sharing food.

Maybe it's just me... I quickly shake it off as Thane and I make it back to the others. Thane yells "Gather around!" Everyone, including Titus, walks over as Thane says "Valen and I are going to try and make it to the next base. If you want to leave, now is the time. If you leave now, you may be able to make it out."

The others all give us a knowing smile before saying "What are we waiting around for? Let's go!" I smile and turn to give Thane a knowing look. He looks over to me and smirks before we all quickly load up.

Before taking off, I turn to Titus and Cruz saying "Take the main road. We'll keep them off the truck. Just floor it, got it?" Cruz looks like he wants to argue but Titus slaps my back and says "You got it!"