17.3 The Barn

Shivering slightly, you quickly turn away from the house. Something about the leader makes you completely uneasy. Though it is quite far from ideal, you'd rather risk a night in a barn full of men than spend a moment alone with him. Grimacing slightly, you slowly begin making your way towards the half rebuilt structure. You can hear people talking and moving around inside as you approach. The noise quickly dies down when you hesitantly slink through the partially open doors. An uncomfortable flush covers your face when you feel everyone's attention turn to you. There are around eight men in total, all varying in age ranges standing around the barn's interior. Their faces are all unfamiliar and rather unfriendly. Feeling wholly uncomfortable, you awkwardly stand before the group unsure of where to go.

"Looking for something?" One of the older men finally speaks up after a moment.

"Umm.." You begin hesitantly and warily glance around. "I was told I could sleep here tonight."

"You can share my bed." One of the men quickly chimes, resulting in several of the others laughing loudly.

Your blush continues to deepen as you begin second guessing your decision. Your pistol is tucked in the back of your waist band and should be easily accessible. However, you'd rather avoid any fatal altercations. Keeping your back to the exit, you scowl in the direction of the voice before slinking off to one of the unoccupied corners. Since inadvertently splitting from Boyd, your gun is currently your only possession. Your mind drifts back to him briefly as you're reminded of your reason for being here. Once you gain whatever knowledge the leader is keeping, you'll decide whether or not to return to him. Until then, you're unsure how to feel about the whole situation. Could it be Boyd ran into this man on his way to the hangar? If so, why do you get the sense their time together wasn't quite amicable.

Your thoughts are quickly shoved aside when your peripherals catch someone approaching. Straightening up swiftly, you turn to face the individual. You're surprised to see the young, tattooed man stop to stand before you. Frowning softly, you give him a questioning look while waiting for him to speak. His cobalt eyes stare back at you intently, causing you to grow somewhat uncomfortable.

"What do you want?" You **** yourself to ask, unable to bear the silence any longer.

"That's my spot." He replies back curtly with the slightest hint of a drawl.

"I think you can find somewhere for one night." You sigh in annoyance, knowing it's the closest area to the exit.

The man cocks his head to the side, causing some hair to partially cover one of his eyes. His lean frame shifts slightly while he continues observing you for a moment. Finally, he shrugs before walking forward again.

"I don't mind sharing." He remarks casually and takes a seat near you.

"Well, I do." You quickly retort while hastily scooting away.

The man chuckles softly while stretching his legs out. Once done, he laces his fingers together and places his hands against the back of his head. You cast him another annoyed glance when his elbow encroaches on your space. He leans back against the wall nonchalantly then turns his head slightly to look over at you.

"You're welcome to leave." The side of his mouth curls upwards in a playful grin when he speaks.

"No," You reply through gritted teeth and reach behind you to pull your gun out. Keeping it in your hand, you gently lay it on the ground beside you indicatively. "You can leave."

The man grins again and looks back forward indifferently. He leans back further as he seems to make himself more comfortable. Exhaling in exasperation, you know he's called your bluff. Despite the frustration he brings, it's hardly worth wasting a bullet.

"Just stay on your side." You grumble irately while putting the gun back away.

"You know I'm doing you a favor here." He remarks in a low voice.

"A favor?" You repeat skeptically, giving the man another doubtful glance.

"Mmm" He mumbles lightly, his blue eyes locking with yours again. "Or would you rather someone else try joining you?"

A slight shiver runs down your spine at the thought. Your expression softens marginally as you consider the sincerity of his actions. You find it hard to believe a stranger would be acting selflessly towards you given your previous experiences thus far. It's been a long time since you've encountered someone willing to act without expectation. Still, you're unsure why he would feel the need to lie. Your attention is drawn away again when you see a figure walk by. One of the other men walks by, scowling when he sees the young man beside you. Regardless of your unwanted companions intentions, his presence at least seems to be providing some protection.

"I don't entirely trust you." You begin, keeping your voice low. "But I suppose you might be right."

The man throws you a somewhat smug look in response. You bite your tongue, deciding it's best not to continue treating the man hostilely for the time being. You continue sitting in silence, listening as the other men around continue moving around. Eventually, the noise begins to die down as the night grows later. The man beside you has also remained wordless as he languidly stretches out. At some point the lights in the barn begin to wane. Frowning again, you glance over at the man warily as the last light is finally extinguished.