12.2 Discord

"Really?" You scoff incredulously while wrenching out of his grasp. "That's what's on your mind right now?"

The man's expression shows little remorse as he shrugs uncaringly. Your already red face grows hotter as an angry flush comes over it.

"You can't tell me you're not thinking the same thing." James replies, his voice a mix of impatience and provocation.

A scowl quickly spreads over your face despite your self-admitted agreement. While your mind has little desire, your body tells a different story. The smoldering resentfulness felt is only exacerbated by the unwanted sense of desire. Still, you have little desire to admit such things to him given your current circumstances.

"As if," You retort bluntly, angrily brushing back hair away from your face. "You're the last thing I want right now."

"That's not the impression I get." James smirks lightly, reaching forward to tuck one of the loose strands behind your ear. "I mean, you all but begged to join me."

"Oh," You can't help but laugh in surprise while shaking your head. "And you think that's because of what? My longing desire for you?"

The man shrugs casually before moving to unbutton his shirt.

"I'm not changing my mind." You quickly exclaim, taking a step back defensively.

"Relax," He responds somewhat irately and continues to remove the garment. "It's too damn hot out here."

Exhaling softly, you give a small nod of understanding. Your own shirt is clinging uncomfortably to your warm skin. James' shirt comes off a moment later, revealing his lean but muscular form. Quickly looking away, you absentmindedly tug at the collar of your flannel. The thick material is far from breathable, leaving you unpleasantly warm. You hear the man let out a content sigh while running his hand through his disheveled hair. Sleek skin brushes against your fingers as you continue fidgeting with your shirt.

Unable to stand the discomfort any longer, you briskly walk past the man and grab your satchel. Somewhere in its depths is the remains of a shirt once used to bandage some of your wounds. There's just enough material left for you to use now. Keeping your back to the man, you begin undoing your buttons. You hear him shift around but he remains silent as you slip the stuffy garment off. Using the strip of cloth, you quickly wrap it around your bosom then tie a knot to keep it secure. A warm breeze blows past, feeling unexpectedly nice against your flushed skin.

When you turn back around you see James has not taken his eyes off of you. Shooting him a somewhat disapproving look, you reach back into the satchel. His brow raises slightly when you pull out a small pocket knife.

"Are you going to stab me?" He asks in a slightly amused tone while folding his arms over his abdomen.

"That is tempting," You reply and reach down to pick up a small branch. "But, no."

After moving to sit near the fire's glow, you begin breaking off its extensions before using the knife to start peeling back bark. Despite his selfish tendencies, you're **** to attempt another journey unaccompanied. You can only hope that with time his impatience and temper will subside. Until then you'll have to do your best to ignore the tension. James eventually takes a seat a couple of yards away, watching silently as you work.

"That's an awfully big stick for such a small girl." He remarks after a moment, unable to hide a coy smile.

"Have you tried hunting with a spear?" You question doubtfully while trying to avoid looking at him for too long. "You want all the reach you can get."

"Can't say that I have." He admits and holds his hand out expectantly. "I prefer a gun."

You pause for a moment before hesitantly handing him the makeshift weapon. Firelight glistens off his shoulders as he runs his hand along the now smooth branch.

"Not bad," He says after a moment and slowly stands up. "Weight’s a bit off though."

"It'll be good enough for hunting." You change the subject in an effort to avoid further conflict. "Then we can save the gun for protection."

"You scared to shoot?" He asks in a low voice while moving over to hand you back the spear.

"Hardly." You scoff somewhat haughtily, turning to look up at the man. "We should just conserve bullets."

James tilts his head slightly as his sharp eyes take in your confident expression. A small grin tugs at his lips before he moves to sit beside you. Prickling slightly, you turn your attention back to your work. Unfazed by your cold shoulder, he begins making small remarks and suggestions as you continue carving. You do your best to ignore the unwanted advice but eventually find yourself growing hot headed again.

"If you don't shut your mouth," You finally snap after another ill-advised suggestion. "I'll do it for you."

James lets out a deep laugh before smugly quipping, "I'd like to see you try that."

Brusquely placing your tools down, you twist around to face the man head on. A hot flush has covered your already warm face, the discomfort only adding to your anger.

"Don't think I won't." You retort irately, leaning forward to jab at his chest.

You only meant to push him away slightly but misjudged your ****. Your hand slams against his torso, echoing slightly against the otherwise silent forest. James' brow raises as he swiftly moves to grab your wrist.

"That wasn't very nice." He remarks, leaning forward to twist your arm behind your back. "I think you owe me an apology."

"I am sorry," You **** out through a clenched jaw while struggling to free yourself. "But you've been nothing but a pain since we left."

"Really?" He demands sharply as his grip tightens somewhat painfully. "Then why did you stay?"

You fumble slightly at the question, somewhat distracted by the proximity of his body. His arm presses against your side, sending a shiver across your flushed skin.

"I..." You begin hesitantly, trying to think of a sufficient lie.

"Well?" He replies expectantly, his tone growing increasingly impatient.

"As much as it pains me to admit," You finally speak, deciding the truth may be the best resolution. "We need each other. You know you can't read the map as well as me... But I also know I won't get very far without you."

"See," James smirks lightly, his face mere inches from your own. "Was that so hard to say?"

"You're really not helping." You mutter bitterly, annoyed both by his constant jabs and the inexplicit desire you're currently experiencing.

The hand around your wrist loosens slowly and you gingerly pull your arm away. James shrugs before offering a half-hearted apology which you begrudgingly accept. Aware of the long day ahead, you suggest retiring for the night. You feel unexpectedly torn when the man sets up his makeshift bed several feet away. Obviously you should be relieved he's respecting your boundaries. However, you can't help but feel slightly disappointed. Trying to ignore this, you focus your thoughts on what to do when you reach the long abandoned campgrounds.