17.4 The Trees

Hoping that the storm will quickly pass by, you begin making your way towards the tree line. The rain continues to pelt down against your soft skin as you increase your pace. Finally, you make it to the edge and take cover under a nearby tree. Panting softly, you lean back against its broad trunk. Rain falls around but is mostly blocked by the large branches and foliage above. Relieved to be somewhat out of the torrent, you relax further against the firm arbor. You've just begun to close your eyes when the sudden sound of footsteps catches your attention. Sitting up quickly, your back tenses as you wait in anticipation. A breath of relief leaves you a moment later when Seth's lanky figure appears before you.

"Hey." He smiles broadly upon seeing you and shakes his head, sending drops of water flying.

"What are you doing here?" You ask in surprise, though you're far from unpleased to see him.

"I went for a walk." He replies, stepping forward to share in your cover.

You shift over to make room for the young man. Something about his presence instantly puts you at ease. Perhaps because he's been so welcoming and accepting of you since your arrival. In fact, he's been a bit like a love sick puppy when around you. As if reminding you of this fact, he quickly leans against the tree beside you, standing unnecessarily close. A light blush spreads across your cheeks when his arm brushes against yours. It hasn't escaped your attention how well built and rather attractive he is. Trying to ignore these thoughts, you turn your thoughts back to the storm.

"I hope this lets up soon." You remark conversely, wanting to keep your thoughts diverted.

"What will we do if it doesn't?" Seth questions in a seemingly playful tone.

Your blush increases as you turn your face away from him. The last thing you need is a distraction like this. After all, you've just recently grown accustomed to being around the group to begin with. Pulling away slightly, you nervously clear your throat before replying.

"Just wait it out I suppose."

You can feel Seth's hazel eyes staring down at you but are hesitant to return his gaze. Anxiously brushing back your wet hair, you wait for him to speak. There's a long pause before you feel him shift around, turning his body to face you.

"You're pretty quiet." He observes thoughtfully, raising his arm up against the tree before leaning against it.

You give him a light shrug, suddenly unsure of how to respond. While you're normally happy to converse with the man, you've become somewhat anxious. This is the first time you've been alone with him, so far from the others. Something about this situation leaves you feeling rather nervous. Seth's casual stance should put you at ease but instead adds to your restlessness. You shift around slightly before finally looking over at the man a bit sheepishly.

"Just distracted I guess." You admit vaguely, unwilling to reveal your true feelings.

"Something on your mind?" Seth asks placidly as the rain continues falling around you.

A thought suddenly occurs to you after his question. He has been nothing less than forthright since you've met him. Meaning he might be more willing to answer some of the inquiries you've had since your arrival. The fact that the thought didn't occur sooner bothers you slightly. Regardless, you find yourself at an opportune time to ask them. The only question is, what is the best way to go about it. You slowly turn your gaze up to meet his somewhat confused one.

"No," You reply and offer him a small smile. "I mean it's not important."

He frowns at your confusing response and distractedly pushes back wet from his face. His light eyes look over you doubtfully as he tilts his head to the side.

"You know you can talk to me." He finally says, leaning forward slightly as if to convey his confidence.

You look up into his innocent gaze while contemplating your next move. A part of you wants to be honest for honesty's sake. However, you're still slightly unsure of how much the man would be willing to admit. After all, you couldn't get Kai to answer even half your questions. Sighing softly, you absentmindedly run your hand along your arm.

"Well," You begin falteringly, still unsure where you're heading. "I guess there are a couple of things."