15.3 Sam

"Guess it's me." You hear Sam remark after the other two men drew a blade each. "That's probably for the best."

You feel a small sense of relief at this news, as he seems the most agreeable of the bunch. He instructs the men to head out once they're ready. It's still relatively early in the day, making you question the distance of their destination. You're also confused by their urgency to get there by a certain time. Not to mention the talk of a search party being sent should they not arrive in time. Your thoughts are interrupted when Sam moves to take a seat near you. He wordlessly hands you a flask of water, which you graciously accept. You tilt your head back as the cool liquid runs down your dry throat. Sighing deeply when you're done, you hand the item back.

"Sorry for holding you back." You apologize, genuinely feeling guilty for your current state.

Had you been paying closer attention you might have avoided the injury. You feel Sam's eyes on you while you keep yours cast towards the ground. In your peripherals you can see him set the flask down before he leans back against the palm of one of his hands.

"Don't be sorry." He remarks placidly, his voice is low and soothing.

Though you have little reason to, you strangely feel as if you can trust the man. For the time being at least. Exhaling softly, you tentatively look over at him. His shaggy hair has grown somewhat messy as it's tussled by the light breeze. He absentmindedly pushes it back while looking ahead contently. His calm demeanor leaves you feeling unexpectedly anxious. You're unsure how he can remain so level headed. Surely he has as many questions as you do. You clear your throat softly before speaking.

"Where is it we'll be going?"

Sam glances at you, tilting his head to one side thoughtfully. His cool expression makes it hard for you to pick up on any specific emotion. He sits up straighter before reaching into one of his pockets. You watch carefully as he pulls something out before tossing it to you. Jumping in surprise, you reflexively catch the item. Frowning, you glance down to see a slightly expired protein bar. Giving him an appreciative nod, you tuck the food away for now. Though you're sure you should eat, you're far too distracted to do so now.

"We're going somewhere safe." Is all the man replies before standing up.

You decide to remain silent for now, wondering how you can encourage him to be more open. If it's an issue of trust, you're not entirely sure how that can quickly be overcome. Sighing again, you eventually pull the protein bar out and absentmindedly nibble at it. It's grown rather stale but is still edible. When you're done you hesitantly move to stand after noticing your legs are growing somewhat numb. Sam is at your side in an instant, sliding an arm behind your back for support. Blushing lightly, you gingerly place a hand on his forearm for balance.

"You shouldn't move around too much yet." He warns, allowing you to lean your weight against him.

He's relatively tall, making it slightly awkward for you to find a good position to stand. Though he's fairly slender, you can tell he's kept in good shape. Lean muscles flex against your side as he helps you take a few steps.

"I just need to stretch a little." You reply quickly, trying your best to keep up with his long strides.

After a few minutes he begins guiding you towards one of the nearby trees. You feel yourself stumble slightly and reflexively reach out. Your blush deepens when your hand connects with the man's chest. He tenses for a moment as your hand awkwardly slides down his torso as you try to pull away. His figure is definitely more fit than you had initially anticipated. You're not sure why this makes you feel suddenly nervous. Trying to regain your composure, you're slightly relieved once you're back on the ground. At least you'll be less likely to fumble again now that you're steady. You lean back against the trunk of the tree, grateful for the marginal relief its shade offers from the heat.

When Sam moves to walk away again, you feel inexplicably compelled to speak.

"I really don't mean to pry." You begin hesitantly while fidgeting with a lock of hair. "But, if I'm going to join you, I need some information."

The man frowns softly as he seems to consider your request. Eventually he sighs audibly before running his hand along the back of his neck rather sheepishly. You sense there's something he's considering telling you, but for whatever reason can't bring himself to yet.

"You've been out in the wilderness since the event..." Sam finally speaks haltingly, while absentmindedly running a hand along the back of his neck.

"Right." You confirm after a moment of silence, wondering what he's getting at.

"Right." He echoes as if not really hearing your words. "Well, a lot has changed."

You raise an eyebrow questioningly while obviously glancing around the destroyed landscape. Based on his tone you get the sense he's not referring to the physical aftermath. Remaining silent, your gaze returns to him while waiting for him to continue.

"We're not supposed to speak about it with newcomers." He admits softly, his typically melodic tone turning somewhat remorseful. "Not before they arrive at least."

"Arrive where?" You can't help but ask, **** for the man to get to the point.

"It's..." He lets out a long sigh before looking down to face you. "It's complicated."

His once happy expression is now completely replaced with discomfort and what might be sorrow. Despite the internal nagging, you can't help but feel sorry for pressing him. Clearly the topic is not an easy one for him and you're surprised to feel a twinge of guilt for even brining it up. Biting your lip, you gently place your hand on the side of his leg. It's slightly awkward, however, you doubt your ability to stand again. Thankfully, you're rewarded with the slight flicker of a smile before Sam's face turns sullen again. He seems to think for a moment then silently crouches down beside you.

"Can I trust you?"