I woke up, washed my face with the hotels soap, and threw on my soft black shorts with a red t-shirt.

Now it's just to sitting on my bed, waiting for Nash, who was out like a light on his. I'm starving and I just can't stand to eat the pastries anymore.

I'm hoping Nash will take me to get food. But I don't even know how to wake him. Or if I should.

I glanced at him, he didn't appear to be resting well. He looked a tad bit uncomfortable, a frown tugging at his lips every once and a while.

In a split minute, he gripped the white bedsheets, wincing before he sighed. His eyes fluttered open and he pressed his face into his pillow.

"Good morning." I smiled, hoping off the bed to approach him. His blue eyes shot to me, they didn't look friendly now.

"What..?" He whispered, a grouchy tone took over. I bit my lip and looked away."I'll let you wake up first.." I tried to stay calm, I don't want to provoke him and start a fight so early.

Then I may never get my food.

"No, what do you want?" Nash pushed his body up from the bed by his arms, his veins growing much more visible as he did.

I couldn't help but stare, raising my head only to meet his cold stare once again."Bree, just tell me."

"Food.." I blurted, my cheeks flushing red as he furrowed his brows."Are you.. Asking?"

That is so embarrassing.. "Use a full sentence gosh.." Nash snipped, breaking our eye contact to lean up from the bed. Why is he so rude?

I huffed, scowling at him."I'm starving Nash. But I can't leave, I'm scared I'm gonna go get some breakfast and I'm gonna get beat up trying to get some pancakes..!" I ranted, Nash's eyes staring up at me as he placed his elbows on his knees.

"Can you please get up and take me to a store at least?" I begged, placing my hand against my chest as my beaded bracelets clinked. Nash's eyes migrated toward them.

Is he even paying attention to what I'm saying..? Nash pursed his lips and sighed.

"Okay. Get my keys." He broke his silence, standing up. I always forget his height until he's back to towering over me..

I backed up before nodding, stumbling over to the table. I snatched them up and turned to him.

He stretched his arms above his head, his shirt raising just a bit. He groaned, sighing as he brought them back down, cracking his knuckles. I examined the tattoos crawling down his left arm before glancing back to his face.-

I broke my stare, glancing at the door. I hate that... He stole, he's probably hurt people, innocent ones.

He grabbed his shoes, looking at me."What do you even want? Are you serious about pancakes..?" He asked, slipping on his black tennis shoes.

I shrugged."I'm fine with going to a store and just picking up a few things like I said." Nash finished putting on his shoes, rubbing his tired eyes.

"Okay.. You look much more decent than me. But you did wake up long before.." He yawned, approaching me. He kept a safe distance as he put his hand out for the keys.

I placed them in his hand, his rough fingers brushing against mine. I smiled, starting to the door.

"Just be quiet.. It's 9 AM and people don't like to be woken up.." Nash warned and I nodded, slipping out the door.

-

I sat in the passenger seat as Nash fixed his hair in the rear view mirror."Are you having trouble getting used to it still?" I asked, watching his eyes glance toward mine.

They were sharp and cold. I don't like how he is acting today. It isn't my fault he didn't sleep well, or he woke up from a nightmare.

"I guess." He shrugged, waiting for an opening in the traffic."I've had unstyled, messy hair for a long time now," He began, looking away from me again.

"But I do owe you a thanks because it does feel a lot better.." It felt like he forced that out of him, but something about that made me smirk to myself.

"Go ahead, say it." I crossed my arms as he furrowed his brows. I could tell when it clicked and he groaned under his breath.

"Thank you Bree..!" I could feel his sarcasm dripping off of his tongue. I started to snicker, meeting his eyes again.

They finally began to soften."You know you mean it deep down." I teased, resting my head against the window.

"If you say so.." He sighed, taking an opening in the traffic.

He kept his eyes strictly on the road now, but I could see his eyebrows tugging downwards. I couldn't help but wonder what was on his mind now?

Whatever it is has him questioning it. He parted his lips for a moment before pinching them back shut."I can feel you staring.."

Oh, the grouch is back... I looked away, keeping my arms crossed as my cheeks heated up.

At least I'm gonna get some actual food.

-

We stood in the store, Nash stayed behind me while I looked around. I picked up some instant cup noodles, soups, a few other things, and right now I was looking for those little deli sandwiches.

"Nash, what do you want to eat?" I asked, glancing at him. He was staring off somewhere, he looked deep in thought and so tired at the same time.

I bit my lip. I feel guilty for dragging him out now. But what can I even do..?

"Nash." I tapped his arm, but that scared him causing him to jump. I flinched back myself, looking up at his eyes."Uhm, what..?" He cleared his throat, turning to face me.

"What do you want to eat?" I gestured my hand toward the deli sandwiches, but he scanned down the options before shaking his head."No thank you."

"No thank you to just those? Look at anything, you need to eat too. You're driving." I pointed out, to which he shook his head again.

"Dude, you could literally pass out from your sugar being low if you don't eat. You need to eat too." I reiterated, making eye contact.

"Please just find something to eat." I begged and Nash sighed. He slipped past me and grabbed up a ham and cheese."Happy?"

I nodded and reached out to take it."I'll carry this stuff." He took everything from me, motioning me to start walking. I pursed my lips.

He is really stubborn.. Nash's eyes panned around as we walked toward the register, I've never seen someone more paranoid..

I just wanna pluck his brain so badly..

Once again though, he just began to stare straight ahead. This time it was at the door.

"Nash..?" I whispered, stepping a bit closer to him."Yes?"

"Are you okay?" I looked up, his eyes finally flickering over to me."Why?" He furrowed his brows, he was still speaking so simple and harsh. At least he was direct though, not beating around the bush.

"You're staring at the door and just looking around, are you really that paranoid..?" I rose my brow, but as soon as the words left my mouth, he began to slow down.

"They can come at any time you know. That's why I just slept, ate when I could, and ran when they saw me. But it's different now, you're here." He sighed, but my heart dropped into the pit of my stomach.

Nash stopped and kept his eyes on me. I must've shown how uncomfortable that made me.

"I don't want to die..." I whispered, my voice cracking which Nash turned to face me, concern washed over him instead.

"Oh shoot- Bree..." He paused, leaning down to my level."We are probably going to be fine, I'm just paranoid and tired. Let's just go, are you sure you just want this?- You can grab more?"

I could feel the way he was trying to make up for scaring me. It didn't really do much, but I do appreciate it..

I just felt terrified now."When they find us, are they gonna shoot again- oh gosh, will they aim for me??" I began to panic, gripping my shirt tail.

Nash shushed me."You can't talk about being afraid you'll get shot at 9 AM in a grocery store Bree..." He warned, leaning back up."I have gotten away plenty of times, I have been shot up a rare amount... Now come on."

I nodded my head with stiff hesitation, following him with my eyes fluttering around.

I began to stare at the door too.

-

Once we finished checking out, after a long wait behind people just getting their groceries we left the store.

I don't know why, but the fresh morning air helped knock the reality into me more. I checked around me. I think we're safe..

"Hey, Nash!" I jumped out of my skin, grabbing for Nash's arm. He jolted, more startled by me than the man calling his name.

"What are you doing out? Usually we don't see you even when you aren't playing cat and mouse." Mich walked up, crossing his arms. He looked at me then Nash.

Nash shook my hand off of his wrist."I'm sorry I scared you both." Mich apologized, the woman from the auto-shop approaching behind him.

"We just needed food- well she did." Nash explained, nodding his head in my direction.

"Michael, I'll put the stuff in the car, k?" She chimed, smiling at me momentarily before walking off.

"Doing your casual grocery shopping?" Nash continued the small talk and Mich nodded, paying attention to where the woman went.

"Enough of that though, you know I don't care what you are doing and Isabelle prefers when I don't come yelling at you." His attitude changed as he turned back to us.

Isabelle, didn't Nash call her something like Ziggy? It must be a nickname...

"What is Xian doing?" Mich seemed to be annoyed while asking, but Nash was caught off guard.

"Mich, how would I even know? I have been out like a light for hours, avoiding him.." He groaned, placing his hand over his face.

"Well, besides Coal you are closest. He's doing something again and we both know what happened last time. Just, if you see him, maybe deter him. He's reckless.." Mich warned, uncrossing his arms.

"Now you two go have a nice rest of your day, I'm gonna pretend I'm not involved in any of this and enjoy a nice lunch with my family." Mich smiled, waving a small goodbye. I returned it before I glanced at Nash.

"Are Isabella and Mich dating..?" I asked softly and Nash shook his head."They've been married for like 9 years now. Coming up 10." He explained, unlocking his car. He set the two bags into the back as I furrowed my brows, glancing at Mich and Isabelle.

They seemed so normal..

"How are they involved in this? They act so regular?" I inquired more, I feel so curious of these people. They aren't who you would expect to be involved in this.

Nash began to laugh under his breath."Oh, you don't even know." He smirked, closing the back door and leaning against it.

I squinted my eyes at him."Can you tell me more..?" I begged, looking up at him and cupping my hands.

Nash lost his smirk, falling back into his sour attitude and sighing. He motioned me to follow.

He started to the drivers seat, and I quickly followed to the passenger. He shut the door and I did the same.

"Well... Mich can get you in contact with anyone. And when we borrow cars and stuff, he sells the parts. He's normal because it isn't suspicious work. No one questions the mechanic with a sweet wife and simple life." He explained, starting the car.

"You steal cars?"- Nash rose his hand, putting an end to my questions."Please. I just wanna go back to bed.." He groaned, putting the car into reverse and turning around.

I just fell into my own thoughts, crossing my legs overtop of each other. I shouldn't be surprised, didn't he mention this before to an extent? That he steals cars?

He really is't a good guy to get caught up with...

Gosh, what am I doing here?

-

Nash and I got back to the hotel, but we didn't speak. I gave him his food and he ate a little before just laying down and sleeping.

I just sat at the island, eating my instant noodles that I had for dinner. They were chicken, but tasted like cardboard. I hate this, I don't even have a phone to scroll through. I'm just bored.

I glanced at Nash as he tossed and turned, groaning. We didn't talk in the car. We stayed quiet the rest of the ride and an unusual tension laid heavy in the air.

I don't know how to break it at this point.."You know, maybe you should stay up and go to bed when it's like 10?" I suggested, watching his eyes flicker toward me. They fell half shut as he groaned, slipping out of bed.

He walked to the bathroom as I just stayed put. Guess he's bound to stay grumpy. Well, maybe this is just him?

I don't know. I just hope he gets out of it otherwise. He was nicer when I was freaking out in the backseat.

Nash came out of the bathroom, ruffling his hair back as he slipped his shoes on. I furrowed my brows as he grabbed his keys.

"Where are you goin'?" I asked, Nash just glanced my way before opening the door."Nash-"

"It's none of your business." He shut the door behind him, all that was left in the room was the buzz of the TV. I stared at the door absorbed by the shock.

Did that really just happen..? Is he leaving me? Is he actually going to ditch me? He doesn't have his stuff up here, oh my gosh he is going to ditch me for dead!

The phone may be on the nightstand but that doesn't make any difference. I don't trust him- Did I set him off? Was it last night when I left to get snacks??-

I jumped up from the barstool and ran to the door, yanking it open. I ran out of it, and down the hall. The concrete floor chilled my feet as I began to breathe heavier.

I ran down 2 flights of stairs, I could feel my body starting to get exhausted. My legs pulled with every step, it felt like a fire was lit inside them. But I didn't stop. I can't stop.

Please don't leave me, I don't want to be alone- I don't want to die! I can't do this, I don't know what I'm doing, I looked down the other side of the hall, seeing if he possibly went the other way-

I caught my foot on the railing for the stairs, intense pain filling it as I yelped. I accepted my fate as I closed my eyes, bracing for the inevitable impact.

But instead I felt hands grip my arms before pulling me close. I fell into Nash's chest as he slammed into the wall and railing.

"Mmph.." He groaned, holding me up as I stabilized my okay foot on his shoe. I kept my head against his chest for a moment, holding my breath as deep as I could to not cry the way I wanted to.

Nash's arms wrapped around my torso as he lifted me up, throwing half of me over his shoulder with a quiet groan. I gripped his shirt and gritted my teeth as he finished down the steps.

He was stiff, tension filling his arms as he tried to hurry up but I still clung to him.

He sat me down on the bottom one with careful precision, even if he was uncomfortable. My hands slipped off his shoulders and down his arms before the step. I kept my foot in the air as I hissed out my teeth.

"Why did you chase me?" Nash stared at my foot, crouching down and grabbing it. His eyes scanned across.

"You might've fractured it or at the very least, bruised it very badly..." He met my eyes as I gulped.

"Your pinky toe to the middle are really busted. They're bleeding. That may be the worst area." He explained, a flash of concern washed over his face before he wiped it off.

"I thought you were leaving me.." I whispered, watching his gaze harden. But soon, it softened as he looked back at my foot.

"Why would I desert you? You're not very inclined to make it on your own." Nash was blunt, placing my foot onto the ground.

I stared at the ground, biting my cheek."I just didn't know. I'm scared. I don't know you.." I shrugged as Nash crossed his arms.

"I'm gonna go get my jacket and clothes like I was intending to. You stay here." He went to walk away but I grabbed his wrist.

"What if they come..?" I stared up at his face. Nash stayed still, not uttering a word until he pulled his hand away.

He glanced away as his breath hitched for a moment, but he closed his eyes and slipped his hand into his pocket.

"Bree.. I'm going to be a minute. My car is parked really close.." He shook his head, starting to walk away. 

I felt defeated as my hand fell back to my knee. All I can do is pray they won't come here..

I can't imagine how that would even go, would he rush back for me? Can I even walk?

I stared at the door, I must look like a lost puppy to anyone else. I gulped, intertwining my own fingers. I ran my thumb over top of the back of my hand.

It's okay.. I'll be fine.

"Alright, come on..." Nash approached and looked down at me. He held his jacket, along with his other clothes in a bag.

I tried to make eye contact, but he stared away, even going as far to turn his head."We need to get back upstairs."

I gulped and attempted to stand up. I put a little weight on my good toes, that was okay... I tried to place my entire foot down."Agh-..!" I groaned, retreating to my good foot.

Nash finally looked at me, a frown tugging at his lips."How are you gonna walk up stairs if you can't put that much weight on it?" He asked as I rose my head.

We stared at each other as I waited for him to answer his own question. I glanced to the side as I pursed my lips. Come on, Nash..

"What..?" He furrowed his brows and I sighed."Help me, please?" I leaned against the wall to keep my balance as I waited.

"Are you sure you can't walk?" He asked and I pointed down at the blood left from my foot.

He seemed so reluctant, I don't understand why though. What's so wrong with me..?

"Okay.." Nash's voice fell weak as he approached me. I grabbed his tattooed arm,  he wrapped it around my waist slowly.

"Hold my bag.." He shoved it into my hands. I furrowed my brows, I don't get why I need to do that..?-

As soon as I went to speak, Nash swooped me up into a bridal carry. He kept his eyes away from me as he started up the stairs. I remained quiet, holding the bag close.

I could smell cologne coming from it. Just like the blanket. It does smell good.

Nash still felt tense and awkward even when carrying me. I just tried to not pay attention. We have 2 more flights of stairs before we got to our room anyway.

"I'm sorry I scared you." Nash sighed, finally breaking the silence. His voice was getting softer and less rude, way better than how he was earlier..

"It's fine." I looked up at him, but still he wouldn't meet my eyes.

"I'll get you ice and bandaids. I have 3 bandaids in my bag, we'll make a cast.." He suggested as he started up the second flight of stairs.

"Thank you.."

-

Nash gave me ice wrapped in a wash cloth, I just sat there icing my toes. I did the buddy system of binding them to my good one.

I laid in my bed now, watching the TV. There was absolutely nothing on. Mostly news channels and out-dated sitcoms. I chose the sitcom of course.

Nash was out on the balcony. I'm honestly curious of what he's doing but I'm giving him space. When we got back, the room was filled with such a strange tension.

I still can't find a way to cure it. It's just so thick you could cut it...

Nash slipped back inside, I could smell the cigarette smoke on his as he walked toward his bed. I furrowed my brows and cocked my head to the side.

"You're 20 right? How did you even get cigarettes?" I asked, Nash glancing my way. He reached into his pocket and grabbed his wallet, walking up to me.

"To you I may be 20 year old Nash, but to the average gas station worker I am William Henderson, a 25 year old mechanic." He handed me an ID, it had his picture but a different name, birthdate, and I suppose other details.

"William Henderson is your alter ego? Dude that is such a non-threatening name." I laughed and he shrugged.

"Gets the job done, don't need to be threatening for these." He took it back, stuffing his wallet into his pocket.

"Why do you smoke?" Maybe I shouldn't be asking all this, but I can't help but be curious.

He turned his back to me."Uhm... I don't do it often, I'm not hurting you." He stretched his arms above his head. He groaned under his breath as I paid close attention.

"Okay.."

He crawled into his bed and turned off the lamp, leaving the room dark.

I sighed and crawled back into my sheets. I guess we have to sleep now, no more questions..

"Goodnight Nash."

"Night.."

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