The Runaway Maverick

Chapter 5 -Cato

Green. A mellow emerald shined to sparkle reflected a crease of wonder in its gleam. As this stranger stared into my eyes with such longing. I couldn't help but ponder the reasons for his actions.

I mean, I had just threatened him!

The chills that riddled my body soon subsided into softer shivers as I warmed in his arms. The boys- no mans green gaze was calm with bewilderment?

Breaking from his intense glower I found myself tracing the lines of his face. His jaw was sharp and his nose broad: definitely more attractive then anyone had been in my village.

His hair was a wild brown flipped onto one side. Deep ribbons of a darker shade streamed his fringe as it brushed over his brow. I couldn't tear my eyes from his face. What was this feeling?

"Are you alright?" a low husk hummed in my ears as I watched his rosy lips move. I could barley move or speak but I forced myself to respond

"Yes t-thank you " a deep set blush flooded to my cheeks as I felt his gaze be drawn to my own lips.

Well this is awkward.

Inwardly cringing I drew all my strength from my body into tugging myself from his arms to lean against the rock face. Strangely I felt his embrace tighten but soon release. What the actual fuc-fudge is going on?

Trying to speak I felt the dry roughness of my throat strain against my vocal cords and as if on cue the man passed me a small flask motioning for me to drink.

Weakly I took long gulps savoring the icy cold of the water. I had long run out of the resource so this was a saving grace.

"What were you doing out so deep in the mountains in this season?" the stranger inquired. His glare never once moving from my face.

Licking my lips I wonder if I should lie or be honest. I mean he did just technically save my life and didn't you know... kill me for attempting to attack him.

What should I do?

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Unknowns prov:

I could see the cogs turning in her head as she debated as to whether or not to be honest with me. The only issue was I didn't mind if she refused to tell me as long as continued to speak...

oh her voice was like melted gold even with a rasp from dehydration. I couldn't get enough of it.

When she had moved earlier on to lean on the wall I found my self subconsciously gripping her frame tighter. I didn't want to let go. It felt as if- as if she was mine.

Unusually I just wanted to hug her and hold her so tight she could never leave. Inside all I could do was refrain myself and cringe at my own logic. This is ludicrous!

That alone made me think: What the f**k was I doing?

Signing as the silence continued to stagnate the air I decided I would introduce myself. There's nothing wrong with being civil, I reasoned, even if an enchanting nymph tried to kill you.

I could easily overpower such a frail girl if I had to.

"While you figure out what you want to tell me allow me to inform you of my name at least." Sticking out my hand to shake hers I spoke-

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Jessie's prov:

His sudden introduction startled me.

"The names Cato"

As I responded to his hand gesture I couldn't help but wonder about the origin of his name... it was so unusual?

Instinctively with slight hesitation I told my own "Jessie, but call me Jess".

My voice had come out weaker than anticipated and I noticed a small shiver of reaction from him to my words.

Strange.

Meeting his intense gaze once again, I could infer from his eyes that he meant no harm. In all honesty I knew I shouldn't be here,-be here talking to this oddly attractive stranger. But

Goddammit now I feel horrible for threatening him...

"Sorry"

"Huh? Sorry for what... Jess?" As my name left his lips I could refrain the small smile that played on my lips. It had been so long since I had heard my name from another. Let alone someone so hot.

STOP THINKING LIKE THAT JESS!

"Sorry for ya know... pointing my knife at you I was just so desperate and I didn't know what to expect when entering the cave." I watched his movements as he processed my response.

Finally his lips began to move "I would have done the same but I'm not going to reject your apology so thanks I guess?"

Silence.

Ugh this was so goddamn awkward. Yet again I could feel the cringe of the wordless atmosphere. I presume since I've been on my own for so long I wasn't exactly sure how to converse with anyone with more than a few words.

"I get you were freezing to death, I get you were thirsty, I get you were tired but what I don't understand is why you would come so far North when your of clear southern decent?" his words were soft, almost as if he was scared to frighten me away, but I couldn't help but notice his suspicion.

"Its a long story and I don't particularly know you very well..." that was all I could muster in response.

God I'm a disgrace.

He had just saved me and here I was hesitating to tell someone who clearly meant me no harm even a little of the truth. Fa would be ashamed.

Fa. I couldn't avoid the small sadness the filtered into my eyes but I hope Cato didn't notice it. Things didn't need to be anymore awkward than they already were.

"You don't have to tell me. I can already tell something bad happened and It wasn't a choice?" he looked into my eyes yet again awaiting my acknowledgement.

I nodded.

" Its fine if you don't tell me. For now at least but I'm going to ask again sooner or later." Now this confused me. What did he mean again? This was only a brief interaction but I could feel an unknown intent behind his words.

"Clearly you have no idea where you are or where you are going so I've decided to serve as your guide. I have lived in these mountains all my life and I'm probably the best chance you have at living for longer than a day out here"

Well s**t.

I didn't want to argue and just nodded. I felt I could trust him...

"Always follow your gut Jess" Fa's words rung in my mind once again as I reflected on one of his many lessons.

"Okay. I guess I need to tell some of the truth then if we're going to be stuck together for a while..." God I hope I was making the right decision.

"Well it kind of all began a couple weeks ago-"

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Okay well this is chapter 5 and I have got to ask what do people think of Cato? Any ideas?

(The image is to show his eye colour)