15.1 Adam

"Oh, um..." You hear Adam mumble after everyone has pulled a blade. "I guess that's me."

"You'll be fine." Sam tells him reassuringly before handing him the safety kit. "Change her bandages tomorrow, after a day or two you can start catching up with us."

The young man nods apprehensively then glances over at you. His light green eyes lock with yours for a moment before he quickly looks away. It seems that Sam is eager to utilize the last several hours of sunlight as he and Dane leave a few minutes later. You hadn't anticipated being left alone with a stranger suddenly. It seems as if the man hadn't either as he begins pacing around anxiously. It makes you feel slightly better to know your escort is likely more nervous than you are. When you clear your throat softly the young man startles visibly.

"So," You begin casually, deciding you might as well use this advantage to gain some information. "How did y'all meet?"

"What?" Adam asks distractedly, still rather jumpy.

"You and the others..." You state slowly, raising an eyebrow quizzically. "How did you meet?"

"I- umm.." He stammers, his footsteps faltering slightly. "Camping."

His answer is rather unconvincing but you decide to let it slide for now. Instead, you give him a soft nod before falling silent again. You might be able to use the man's nerves against him if you're smart.

"I hope my leg feels better soon." You remark, sliding your leg up to examine it. "How long will it take us to get to our destination?"

When you discretely glance up, you catch a light frown over the man's face. After running your hand down along the bandage covering your leg, you turn your head up to face him. You give him a questioning look only to be met by silence. It seems like whatever this man is hiding will be harder to pry out than you thought. Deciding to switch tactics, you let out a deep sigh. Reaching up you graze a hand along the collar of your flannel while leaning your head back.

"Do you have any water?" You ask, running your hand up the side of your face and across your brow.

Adam's eyes widen briefly before he quickly turns and begins rummaging inside his backpack. While his back is turned you quickly unfasten a few of your shirts buttons. You catch the man's eyes swiftly glance across your chest after he turns back around. His face turns slightly flushed when he hands you a flask. You give him an appreciative smile before unscrewing it's cap then raising it to your lips. Cool beads of water run down your jaw and trickle down your neck as you graciously drink from the container.

"Thank you." You reply after wiping your mouth and hand the item back to the man.

"No problem." He mutters softly while quickly repacking the flask.

"It's so hot." You comment, fidgeting with your collar again. "I feel like I'm melting."

Adam's gaze hesitantly returns to your torso as you begin unfastening another button. When you're done, only a few buttons remain clasped, barely holding any material over your frame. Letting out a sigh of content, you lean back against the palms of your hands. Looking up at the man, you give him another soft smile.

"Aren't you hot?" You inquire innocently, your eyes tracing over his slightly damp shirt.

"I'm fine." He quickly snaps, quickly tearing his gaze away.

You shrug lightly before stretching your legs out. While your bandaged leg is mostly covered the other one is completely bare. Your tan skin is slightly slick from sweet, glistening in the sunlight. When Adam begins pacing again, you lean your head back further and close your eyes. After a few more minutes of pacing around, the man finally stops before hesitantly taking a seat a couple of feet from you. Slowly opening your eyes, you look over at the man lazily. His expression is slightly clouded and brow furrowed. The younger man can't be much past his early twenties. Despite this, a weary look seems ever present on his otherwise youthful face.

It should be of no surprise that the event has also taken its toll on him. Though you feel somewhat guilty, your self preservation spurs you forward.

"It's been such a long time since I've been around other people. " You lie, reaching up and timidly running a hand through your hair. "I'm glad you at least seem nice."

Adam finally turns to look at you after the remark. You catch another frown cross his face in your peripherals before he speaks.

"You don't have to worry about me." He says, sounding slightly confused. "My job is to stay here until you're well enough to leave."

It strikes you as somewhat strange that he would phrase it this way but dismiss that for now. Shifting over towards him slightly, you look deeply into his eyes.

"I know you'll make sure I'm safe." You remark in a confident tone, placing a hand over his.

You feel him stiffen at your touch before relaxing slightly. He casts you a wary look before pulling his hand away.

"I don't have much of a choice." He mumbles under his breath, just barely audible enough for you to hear.

Stifling a reaction, you instead turn away while running a hand along the back of your neck. Pretending as if you didn't hear him, you instead begin feigning pain in your back. Letting out a small gasp, you squirm around as if in discomfort.

"Are you okay?" Adam asks in concern, returning his attention to you.

"My back hurts," You reply in distress before shrugging off one of the sleeves of your shirt. "Will you take a look?"

When you glance over at the man you see a slight look of conflict over his face. After a moment he apprehensively nods in agreement.