17.3 The Camp

Wiping rain from your face, you decide it makes the most sense to just head back towards the camp. You can always fetch more water once the storm has cleared. It's not like you had much else planned for the rest of the day. Though you're happy to be with the new group, you can't help but feel rather restless. There are only so many menial tasks that can be completed in a day. Not to mention these tasks no longer seem as rewarding as before. There's nothing you hate more than feeling useless and that has been hard to ignore as of late. Trying your best to dismiss these thoughts, you hurriedly make your way back. Your clothes become completely soaked in the torrential downpour before you've made it half way back. By the time you reach the camp, you're shivering and slightly out of breath.

Wet locks of hair fall before your eyes and further obscure your vision. Anxious to get out of the storm, you hastily stumble inside the nearest tent. Shaking water from your head, you let out a deep sigh before pushing your hair away from your eyes. Your face immediately turns flushed when your gaze lands on the half naked figure before you. Kai has an eyebrow raised quizzically as he slowly finishes removing his damp shirt.

"I'm sorry!" You quickly stammer and turn back towards the exit.

"Wait," The man calls out in a concerned tone, causing you to glance back at him. "You're soaked."

"Umm, yeah." You mumble sheepishly, eager to get away from the slightly uncomfortable situation. "I meant to go to my tent."

"Do you have other clothes?" Kai questions skeptically and walks over to a small chest over to the side.

You watch curiously when he opens it and begins rummaging around its unseen contents. A moment later he’s pulled out a faded tee shirt. When you slowly shake your head 'no' he tosses the garment to you. The material feels soft against your skin, making you eager to replace your old clothes with it. You give him a nod of appreciation before turning to go again.

"You might as well stay." You pause in surprise at the suggestion as the man continues to say. "At least until the storm lets up."

You continue facing away for a moment as you contemplate the offer. It would be a shame to get the clothes you were just given wet. However, you're still slightly wary of being alone with one of your new companions. Though, you're sure if they meant you any harm you'd be more aware of it by now. Exhaling softly, you finally turn around and give him a small shrug.

"Sure." You reply, noting that he's also pulled out a new shirt for himself as well.

You try to avert your gaze when he pulls it over his athletic frame. When he's done, he turns away to give you some privacy. Biting your lip, you hesitantly fumble with the buttons of your flannel. Cool air brushes against your wet skin after you peel the damp fabric off. A moment later, you're changed into the oversized tee shirt. Even though it's fairly large on your small frame, it doesn't provide quite as much coverage as you'd prefer. You're still tugging down on its bottom hem when Kai turns back around. You're relieved when he keeps his eyes on your upper half.

"So, how'd you end up getting caught in the rain?" He asks casually while you wring water out of your messy locks of hair.

"Ironically," You reply honestly and wipe your now wet hands on the sides of the shirt. "I went out to get water."

A soft smile spreads across the man's face as his blue eyes look over your face. You feel your blush beginning to return and quickly look away. Clearing your throat, you absentmindedly begin tugging at the shirt again. You can feel the man's piercing gaze fixed on you while he steps forward.

"You don't have to be so nervous." He remarks, his tone calm and even. "I want you to trust me."

"Trust you?" You repeat, looking up at him in confusion. "It's not that I don't trust you. I just..."

"I understand." Kai responds affably while reaching forward to pull a leaf from your hair. "You don't know me well enough yet."

The unwanted blush continues when his fingers brush through your hair. You watch distractedly as he tosses the leaf aside. An unexpected and somewhat uncharacteristic shyness has come over you. Something about Kai's close proximity and touch has left you slightly disoriented. The smell of rain mixed with earth permeates the air as the storm continues around. Exhaling again, you **** yourself to stop messing with the hem of your shirt.

"It's not just that." You find yourself unexpectedly admitting. "I think I have a hard time trusting anyone now."

"I don't blame you." He replies suddenly somber and almost angry. "This destruction has brought out the worst in some."

Frowning, you want to question the man but find yourself somewhat apprehensive. His unanticipated shift in demeanor has left you somewhat on edge. While you don't think his irritation is directed towards you, it still makes you wary. Thankfully, his expression relaxes after a moment and he lets out a deep sigh. Seemingly absentmindedly, he places a hand on your shoulder while looking down at the ground. Goosebumps quickly spread across your flushed skin at the unexpected contact. Blushing further, you hesitantly glance up at his distracted face.