10.1 Bound

After several days of quashing down your growing feelings of guilt and conflict, you find yourself at the time of decision. Increasing in impatience, James made the executive decision to move up the date of departure. After quickly scribbling the remaining details on the map, you were required to make an exact replica. With the map seemingly complete, Boyd was unwilling to let you depart with what he knows as the only copy. Once a replica has been made it is finally time for you and James to begin your false exploration. Given the nature of your supposed trip, you had **** but to pack light. As James loudly explained the evening before, you should only be gone for a night. A large knot has formed in the pit of your stomach as you slowly begin gearing up. James gives you a subtle wink as he hands you your satchel.

Trying to ignore this, you shakily secure the item around your increasingly slender frame. Thankfully your apprehension for the upcoming journey has distracted you from the growing lack of food. It should be of no surprise to you that James is in a rush to leave this place. During the small moments of free time you had during the process you managed to take a look at Boyd's long term project. Your secondhand plane knowledge gained from an ex had been the main reason you sought out this place. However, upon arrival it had become disappointingly apparent that your slight knowledge would be of little use. After a quick examination of the remaining aircraft your suspicions were confirmed. You're far too distracted by the current predicament to recall enough information to assist in its repair.

Deciding that moving forward is your best course of action, you begrudgingly begin to accept the inevitable trip. After all, you find yourself growing curious to learn more about the previously happy-go-lucky man you've become increasingly entangled with. Steeling your nerves, you cautiously follow James through one of the hangar's side exits. Despite the early hour, you're met with a slightly suffocating heat. Exhaling deeply, you fidget with the strap of your satchel while glancing at the man warily. After a momentary pause, you somewhat loudly make a big deal of handing him the altered map. The start of the false map has been depicted correctly enough for you to safely make your way forward. The real copy is tucked securely under the padding of your boot, a hiding spot James cleverly thought of a few days ago.

"Shall we?"

You startle visibly at the sudden sound of the man's voice. Blinking rapidly, you absentmindedly nod in affirmation and begin forward. The scattered, distant sound of the forest's remaining insect population is the only noise that follows for sometime. It's almost as if neither of you dare speak in fear of reprisal. Eventually, the sun begins slowly ascending in the sky, bring forth an increased wave of heat.

"Will this summer never end?" You hear yourself lamenting while brushing damp locks of hair from your eyes.

"Given the consistent increase in temperature," James replies, his breath slightly ragged with weariness. "We'll likely continue seeing hotter summers and colder winters."

Your footsteps falter as you turn and give the man an apprehensive glance.

"Well, isn't that wonderful." You state sardonically while moving to stand beneath the shade of a nearby tree. "Let's hope we can make it to a shelter before then."

James wipes his brow after joining you beneath the marginally cool shade. He lets out a deep exhale before leaning back against the large trunk behind him. Tilting your head slightly, you look over him. A somewhat determined expression rests across his otherwise tired looking face.

"Anything is better than being complacent." He comments softly, while focusing his gaze on the forest ahead.

"Right." You mumble unconvincingly, still somewhat trepidatious about the impending journey. "I'm just glad to be away from that disagreeable asshole."

You catch a brief look of what could be regret flash across James face. He lets out a deep sigh before rubbing his hand across the back of his neck.

"He's not all bad." He admits somewhat begrudgingly while avoiding eye contact. "I mean, I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him."

Raising a brow quizzically, you shift your body over towards the obviously torn man. When he remains silent, you decide not to press the subject.

"We should keep moving." You comment cautiously, keeping your eyes fixed on James' rigid form.

He nods tensely before brusquely straightening up and stepping forward. You quickly follow after him, struggling slightly to keep up with his long strides. As you make your way deeper into the forest, the sharp rays of sunlight forcing their way through the overhead foliage grow more sparse, providing marginal relief from the heat. Exhaling slowly, you feel your muscles protesting with each continued step. You had grown somewhat complacent during your time at the hangar. Additionally, the lack of food has only added to your fatigue, causing you to grow rather sluggish. You hear James scoff in annoyance when he looks back to see how far behind you've lagged. Panting lightly, you shakily place a palm against a nearby tree to steady yourself. A moment later the man is at your side, seeming somewhat put off by your fatigue.

"We can't stop again." He mutters irately and roughly pulls you away from the tree.

Gasping out in slight protest, you stumble slightly as you're dragged forward. Now that you've left the marginal comfort of the hanger James has grown even less patient. It seems his sense of urgency to progress forward has overtaken any sense of logic or reasoning. Your breath becomes shallow as you're **** further into the forest's depths. Eventually, even he can no longer continue and reluctantly comes to a stop. Inhaling deeply, you wince as a deep stitch your side makes itself known. When James hands you one of the water skins, you take small slow sips of the still cold liquid. After a moment you wearily lower the flask from your mouth as drops of water run down its sides. Glancing up, you see James' tense gaze is fixed heavily on your flushed face. After swallowing softly, you hastily wipe the back of your hand across your wet chin.

"What?" You question warily while still trying to catch your breath.

James continues observing you for a moment before walking over. Your frown deepens as he wordlessly approaches. Shirking back slightly in apprehension, you watch the man cautiously. His expression is a mix what appears to be conflict mixed with irritation.

"It's a long journey." He begins somewhat reluctantly while casting you a sideways glance. "Are you sure you're up for this?"

Raising an eyebrow in a query, you unexpectedly find yourself at a loss for words. Initially, you might have reacted defensively, if not accusatory. However, given your current state of mind, the thought of splitting ways is almost agreeable. However, there are many pros and cons to traveling with a companion. Glancing over at James' much larger physique, you can't help but think of the plethora of pros. Despite this, a nagging voice in the back of your head is constantly reminding you of your previous success moving about solo. Pursing your lips thoughtfully, you find yourself at a crossroad far earlier than you had anticipated. After stealing one more glance at the man, you're confident in your decision.