Nym hummed softly when she heard him talk, or more accurately, felt the rumble of his chest as he spoke. Sleepily, she nodded, though didn't attempt to move farther than that.
Something told her that she should be moving, to get away from him before she fell back asleep against him. She refused to though. It was more than comfortable here. A growl of hunger from her stomach demanded her to move and get food, but she just sighed quietly and ignored it, asking quietly, "How did you sleep?"
The moment was slowly fading as she woke up, much to her dissappointment, but at least she was still laying here. Against the very person she should be extremely far away from. They would have to leave soon before they lost any more of their precious headstart from whoever chased them, and the worry only registered slightly in her mind.
He knows he shouldn't be thinking much about it, but he couldn't help getting over how mellifluous her hum sounded. "Great," He spoke in a whispering tone. Slowly, he reached over with his other hand, then gently patted Nym's head.
The sleepy feeling still lingered, although he was becoming more aware of his surroundings and let his thoughts run around in his mind. Rael tried to stretch his right arm only to end up wincing once he began to feel sore.
At first, he just nodded in response to her question, still trying to recover from the brief sharpness of pain. Images from the dream he had flashed in his mind, yet he forced his gaze to flicker down at Nym. "I slept better than I did in years," He lightly chuckled. "I am happy you slept well too."
Turning his head, he looked over his shoulder to check the time. Just a few minutes passed by, yet that meant the time they had to get ready was flying by too. Every moment counts for them. He should get started so they get closer to the border.
"How about I get up and get ready for the day, and you can relax for a few more moments?" Rael suggested. "I think I packed some snacks you could have. It's going to be a long ride."
(IM SO SORRY IVE BEEN GONE FOR SO LONG AND IM EVEN MORE SORRY THIS IS SO SHORT AAAAAAHHHHHHHH IM SORRY)
She hummed, happy that he slept good, and happier even that she had slept soundly too. "I would like that…but I should get up," Nym added, yawning and finally, slowly pulling away from him, sitting up on the bed, "I can't let you do all the work, you are hurt after all."
Usually, Nym looked put together and wide awake, but in the moments after sitting up, it was clear she wasn't quite as put together in the moment. Her hair was a mess, tangled and wild, and there was still sleep in her eyes. Even her clothes were more wrinkled than before, as she had just slept in them. She looked human in the moment, less like a murdering spy.
(Oh no it's all good! Welcome back and I appreciate the response. :D )
Once Nym had gotten up, he went over to his end and stood up. His hand was placed on the right side of his abdomen. It still ached, possibly more than it did yesterday, but he did nothing about it except shaking his head and letting out a sigh.
Rael turned to look at her, a gentle smile swept across his face. His eyes scanned her, taking in each detail that laid right before him. With his head tilted to left, he just simply stood there for a moment. He could feel his cheeks warming up a little, but he did not mind it at all.
"I will be fine," He reassured, finally saying something after a while. "A few bruises will not get in my way. I cannot let that bastard have the final win in end anyhow."
Lifting up his shirt, he gazed down at the bruises. They were still a bright red, but he could tell that they were gradually getting darker. Using his other hand, he lightly touched one of them. Suddenly, he pulled his hand away, let his shirt down, and winced a little.
After mumbling a curse, he said, "Don't worry, my Bella. Everything will be fine in the end." Then he pulled the duffle bag onto the bed and opened it. "If you're awake now, should we get to work? Or do you need a moment or two?"
Nym rubbed the sleep out of her eyes before she turned to look at Rael, feeling ever so embarrassed as she found him staring at her. A soft blush covered her face as she took her time to briefly study him as well. Following his hand, she watched as he tugged up his shirt, revealing the nasty bruises.
"I know it'll be fine in the end, it has to be," She finally spoke again, standing up before shaking her head, "I'll come help in just a second, if you can manage. First I want to see if this place has a brush, maybe a spare toothbrush… something to make me feel more human."
Offering a barely-there smile to him, she slowly made her way to the bathroom, flicking on the light. She cursed as the bathroom lit up brightly, blinking to try to recover from essentially blinding herself.
Rael rummaged through the duffle bag, making sure that they had everything needed. Biting the inside of his cheek, he looked through before glimpsing up at Nym. Seeing as she was staring at him, his eyes lit up. He sighed lightly, looking into her eyes.
"You don't feel human already?" He asked. "I bet you look more human now than you did months ago." Not saying anything else, he just nodded in response. When she walked over into the bathroom, his attention went back to the bag. He took out the first aid kit then laid it on the bed. Hearing her curse, he chuckled and shook his head.
Setting aside the kit, he pulled out a comb. It was probably one he always kept just in case his hair would get messy, but maybe it would be helpful. Strolling over to the bathroom, he knocked on the side of the door. He held out the comb and said, "Here."
Shielding her eyes with her hands, she tried her best to check how bad she looked in the mirror. Her hair was a mess, but she had definitely looked worse. There wasn't any blood at least, and she didn't have any visible bruises, both were things she was happy about.
"Hm?" Nym looked away from her reflection as she heard Rael knock on the doorframe, reaching out to take the comb. "Thank you, I'll be out in a few minutes to help." She glanced up at him as she grabbed the comb, a small but thankful smile appearing on her face. It was brief, but she hoped it showed her appreciation more than she could say.
Turning back to the mirror, she started to comb through her hair. She started at the ends of her hair and worked her way up, mumbling threats at any tangles that she couldn't get out immediately.
He nodded then walked back over to the bed. Again, he pulled up his shirt to look at the bruises. Mumbling a few curses, he shook his head. It has only been a day since he got hurt and they escaped, he still couldn't believe it. All he wants now is to just get to the border, that's all they have to do, along with not getting caught. Sounds easier said than done, but he believes they will do it.
Rael sat the bag down and pushed the first aid kit aside. With his hands on his hips, he thought about what he needed to do before they got on the road. Some things were in the car, but he doesn't really need to worry about them. His eyes lingered around the room before they settled on the framed picture. Staring at it, his brows rose as he tilted his head to the side.
"Oh spirits," He mumbled to himself, rubbing his eyes. Another yawned left his lips. Turning around, he fell back onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling.
Nym sighed in relief when she finally finished brushing out her hair, admiring just how long it had gotten in her time in this country. Months and months of time here, and she hadn't bothered cutting her hair, letting it grow past her shoulder blades, longer than it usually was. She made a mental note to remember to cut it soon, but for the time, she simply started braiding it back, taking her time to make sure each plait was even and tight.
"So," She started as she finally stepped out of the bathroom, twirling the comb in her hands while she walked to the bed, "How far do we have to go today? Any ideas on how many people now know that we're fugitives?"
Setting the comb down beside Rael, she turned and surveyed the room, making a mental check of what they had to bring to the car and roughly how long they could risk staying here before they needed to leave.
As he laid there, his mind drifted off into thought. Rael wondered what really would happen when they get there. It bothered him when he could not imagine possible outcomes, not even one. A sigh left his lips as he glanced over at Nym.
Reaching into the bag, he pulled out a small notebook which included the itinerary. Rael opened it up and quickly skimmed it. After looking at it, he held it over so Nym could take a look at it. "We should be covering more distance today compared to yesterday," He replied. "We'll continue on 78 before using the exit towards Sein. Once we're an hour out from Sein, we should be done for the day."
For a moment, he paused to answer the next question. Gradually, he had sat up while using his right hand to helping him. He bit the inside of his lip as he pondered. "Well, there are only two possibilities I see," He sighed. "Either only a handful of government officials know or most people in this country know. Guess we will have to figure it out ourselves."
Taking the notebook from Rael, Nym glanced over what he had written. It was definitely a longer haul, but that meant they would hopefully be getting farther ahead of whoever was chasing them. Sein was much closer to the border than where they were, and that was all that mattered to her.
"Either way, I don't really want to find out." She hummed in reply, handing the itinerary back over, "I suppose you're starting the driving today? Unless you want me to take the first part?"
Looking over at him, she started looking around the room, checking what they had left to bring back to the car. Her eyes locked on the picture after a moment and she sighed. She didn't want to take the picture out of it's frame, but it would save them space in the car, and be easier to carry. Either way, she knew it was Rael's choice, seeing as it was a picture of his family, even if she was the one that had brought it with without his input.
Getting the itinerary back, he mumbled a thank you. He held it up to his face, glossing over the details again then shoved it in his pocket. Might as well have it on him for the rest of the trip. If anything were to happen, he will either give it to Nym or just destroy it somehow. Yet getting caught was not in front of his mind for he believed that thinking about it too much will make it a reality.
He nodded. "I'll drive out to the midpoint, and then we will go from there. We might get there around noon at best. You can drive the other half if you want or I can."
Rael sat up on the bed by using his elbows to get up, and although he kept feeling pain again from the bruises, he simply just bit down on his bottom lip. Looking up at Nym, his eyes followed over in the direction she was staring at: the picture. All this time he hasn't said anything about it. He still wonders why she even brought it with them. Eventually they will have to take the photo out and fold it. A long sigh left his lips as he looked at his mother then at his younger sister in the photo. He chuckled as he glanced away, blinking rapidly for a moment. "Funny how that boy never imagined what would happen in twenty-three years. Before it was taken, he fussed about how his half-brother can reach the ceiling and he cannot. Then said half-brother promised that he will help him touch the ceiling if he sat down with his mom and sister to take the photo."
Without saying much else, he stood from the bed. Gently, he placed his hand on her shoulder so that he wouldn't bump into her. Letting his hand drop, he turned around and opened up the first aid kit.
Nym's eyes didn't leave the picture as he spoke, and she could almost imagine what he said happening before the picture. Rael seemed…at ease in the picture. Young, yes, and hyper in a way that all children were, but it suited him. She hoped that he still held that look at times, it really did suit him, being at ease.
"Did the boy's half brother help him touch the ceiling?" She asked quietly after a moment, "I should probably have asked if you wanted me to bring the picture with…It wasn't something I exactly thought through."
Even if she had good intentions behind bringing the picture with, it could've easily been a mistake if Rael was as sensitive about family as she was. Rael's hand on her shoulder pulled her from her worry though, and she snapped into reality, glancing at him as he passed by. Shaking her head, she turned to a new topic, "Anyway, I can start packing things into the car, if you want. That way we can get out of here soon. And hopefully get something to eat."
No matter how difficult talking about it would be, Rael was not able to hold back a smile as he stared at the picture. A soft chuckle left his throat following with a long sigh. While doing his best to recall the memory, he bit the inside of his cheek. He rested his hands on his hips as his foot slightly tapped against the floor. Another small laugh came from him as he nodded. "He did, but he instantly regretted keeping his promise, because the little boy made him do it again three more times," He recounted, softly smiling.
Walking over to the picture, he went back over to the bed. There was no way the photo could be kept in the frame from now on; it'd be a waste of space, and he worried that somehow it could get them in trouble. His eyes flickered over towards Nym, giving her a reassuring look, before staring back at the picture. "It is okay, there is no need to be worried or anything," He said, while taking apart the frame. Carefully, he removed the photo then folded it. "I do not think I will be able to keep this on me. You cannot bring pictures to hell, and I do not think these prisons will not let me anyways. It would be nice to hang them up in a safe and warm home though."
Another long drawn exhale left through his lips as he tucked the folded photo in his jacket. "Okay. Let's get out of here while we still can." He patted her on the shoulder before picking up the pieces of the frame and throwing it away. Next, he took the other things that laid around the room then sat them on the bed. The bag with the first aid kit was moved towards the pillows. Reaching into his one pocket, he pulled out the keys and placed them near Nym. "You can start getting ready. I need a moment to look at these bruises."
(I…I'm quite sorry for this being so late…)
Nym wished she could promise that he would have a chance to hang it up in a safe home when they got to the border, but truthfully, she couldn't promise that. There was no guarantee that they would make it there, that Rael would be allowed into the country, or even that there would be somewhere safe to put the picture. But she hoped there would be. And she hoped that Rael would be the one that could hand it up somewhere safe from the war.
Clearing the thoughts from her head, she nodded, watching him lay everything on the bed. "Take as long as you need, I'll get everything into the car." She scooped up the keys and glanced at him, making eye contact before turning back to her task and grabbing the start of the items. It wouldn't take long to get everything into the car, considering there was so little to pack in, but she hoped it would allow Rael enough time to check over his bruises before they had to get going again.
(No worries! Sorry mine is very late.)
Without saying a word, he gave a nod. His lips thinned out while his hands slightly trembled, holding onto the handle for the kit. He waited till Nym left before he began to treat his bruises and whatever else that needed care.
Rael took a moment to relax before starting to treat himself. He took his shirt off and threw it to the right side of the bed. Staring down at his badly bruised chest, he slowly buried his face into his hands. For a few minutes, he just stood there while taking a few deep breaths. Dropping his hands down, he went back working on treating them.
There wasn't much he could do except for putting on some ointment, taking pain relievers, and applying some bandages, but it would have to do for now. At the least he won't have to look at them first thing whenever he takes his shirt off again. He put everything back into the first aid kit then put on his shirt. Glancing down at his watch, he checked the time as a long sigh drew out from his lips.
(That's alright!)
Wanting Rael to have time to take care of himself, Nym took her time with a load of things, walking slightly slower than she normally would, taking care to check her surroundings before unlocking and loading the car, even doing a very quick check underneath the car for anyone or anything waiting to hurt them. Thankfully there was nothing, though it did mean her job took shorter than she liked. She sighed when she realized she would have to disturb Rael's privacy and go back up to the room, but she turned on her heel and went to do so anyway. She glanced around as she walked, taking in the sights of the country. Soon she wouldn't be able to. The border of Outhila looked much like Bajhe, but the further they would get into the country -if they did- the more the looks would change. Just like every country.
Shaking her head from her wandering thoughts, she got back to the door to their room. Knocking first, she called out softly, "I'm coming in Rael," She unlocked the door but took a few moments to open it, giving Rael time to prepare for her coming back in, "Just have to grab the other load, then everything should be packed in and we should be ready to go."
As the next couple moments passed by, Rael sat down on the edge of the bed. His mind went over the plans for today, along with possible scenarios that could possibly happen. While he cannot predict the future, he still overthought every possible detail that could think of. The itinerary for today was pretty straight forward. When making the plan, he tried avoiding any major highways that lead to any big cities or towns, especially ones that are practically built around military bases. Then are the roads with soldiers checking every car before letting them go, which he also did his best in avoiding while planning. Unless the government added a few more stations, then they should be good to go.
Hearing the knock at the door startled him. He jumped up then turned to face the door. A second after, he heard Nym's voice. "Okay," He said back. Quickly, he adjusted his shirt before looking back at her. Rael took the first aid kit then walked over to her. "It's alright, I'll take it over to the car."
Nym stepped only a few steps into the room, instinctively scanning the room even if she didn't need to. "Do we need to check out before we leave?" She asked, looking up at him once she was satisfied that they hadn't left anything behind. "Also, who's driving?" If she was given the chance, Nym would gladly drive, at least until they got to a temporary stop. Rael clearly needed time to rest, and driving would keep him from doing so.
Leaning against the wall near the door, she waited for an answer. They needed to leave soon, both to stay on track, and to keep from staying in the same spot for too long.
Right….Checking out. Rael took a deep breath then slowly nodded in response. Turning in her direction, he held out the car keys. "I can go check us out and you can start the car," He offered. "It shouldn't take too long for me. I'll be back in a few minutes or so."
Fixing the baseball cap on his head, he took out the room key then headed over to the checkout. On the way there, he noticed two people passing by tipping his cap, he kept on walking forward till he reached the door.
Rael kept his eyes straight forward. He did his best to act normal, hoping that no one would detect him being suspicious all while hiding himself. Setting the key down on the desk, he slid it over to the lady and walked right out.
"Are you ready to go?" He asked as he ambled over to Nym. "The weather seems fine right now. We should be on schedule too."
(I'm so so sorry about the late response…I didn't realize my response didn't go through when I initially did)
Nym took the keys without complaint, starting the car as he walked off. She watched him through the rearview mirror as long as she could, admitting to herself that she cared about what would happen to him if someone found out who he was. She settled into the driver's seat, mostly just to sit down again, keeping the door open so the fresh morning air could circulate through the car.
"I'm ready whenever you are. We should get going anyway, we've been in the same spot for too long." She was relieved to see him again as he came back, though she didn't move from where she sat. "I'll drive for now, if you're alright with that. You need some more time to rest. At least for your mind to rest, even if there's not much more to do for your injuries." Nym looked up at him as she spoke, looking about as calm as she could in the situation they were in.
(It's alright. I appreciate the response.)
A small gap between his lips formed. He hesitated for a second. The urge to argue and get the keys was strong, yet he knew it was for the best. Relaxing his jaw, a long exhale left him as he looked around. His left hand rested on top of where his bruises are. There's nothing else he could do besides sitting and relaxing, especially if anyone were to find them.
Rael opened the door to the passenger seat then got in. After putting on his seat belt, he looked over at Nym. He gave her a nod. "Alright. Drive for as long as you can. I can switch with you whenever; don't feel burdened or anything."
She smiled slightly when he didn't kick her out of the driver's seat and settled in before he could change his mind. Nym bucked and waited for him to do the same before she backed out and made the way onto the road. "I will. In the mean time, get some rest." Glancing down at the gagues, she noticed they didn't have much gas left. If they were going to get far, they needed to get some more. But there was enough to get them at least another half an hour away from the city. Putting more distance between them and the people chasing them sounded like a good idea.
She settled into driving only a few minutes after they had left the motel, relaxing in the monotonous action. It had been years since she had last been able to drive without it being part of some excersize or training, and she was ready to soak up every moment of it.
"I will do my best," Rael said in a quiet tone. Not a surprise that he immediately was thinking of driving instead. The idea just jumped back into his train of thought. Yet, in the corner of his eye, he noticed how Nym had a small smile on her face. The sight of it is what made him calm a little, putting whatever anxiety was rising within him to rest. Maybe he will be relax in the time that she is driving. Maybe it is possible.
Whatever relaxing means, he is pretty sure that he is not doing it. Sadly his mind was too wired for him to close his eyes. After a few minutes of shutting his eyes, they would quickly open before he tried again. Then he could not really recline into the seat or slouch down. It felt unnatural to him, not to mention the fact that any small movement was still giving him a little bit of pain. Eventually he just decided to look out the side window, watching the things as the car drove by them. Every now and then he would glance over at Nym to see if she was alright before going back to staring out the window again.
(Not sure how up to the idea you are, but maybe we could have them encounter some of their pursuers when they stop for gas? Either something that is an actual fight or maybe they just see them and get the hell out with some information that they are being followed?)
Driving calmed Nym's worried mind, and she didn't notice the time passing. It was only when she glanced at the gas gauge that she realized how far they had driven. There was barely anything left in the tank. Looking over at Rael, she let him know quickly, "Sorry to bother you, but we need more fuel. Do you know the closest place to stop?"
She didn't want to bother him, considering he looked like he was still trying to relax even after so long. But they needed gas. Before they ended up stranded on the road with an empty fuel tank.
There were exits every so often, but Nym didn't know the country well enough to guess where they could stop. She recognized city names, and occasionally saw signs that were written in Outhilian. It was a strange pang that reminded her of home, of a time that the countries had gotten along well enough to need signs in both languages. That time was long past now, but it reminded her heavily of why she was in Bajhe and why she needed to leave.
(I'm totally down for that! What if they see the pursuers, try to leave, and then end up in a car chase where they have to change plans then maybe wind up in some random village? I do love the idea of them potentially getting into a fight.)
Rael glanced over at her. Leaning over, he took a look at the gas gage. Sitting back into his seat, he waved her off. "Don't worry, you're not bothering me," He reassured. "If something is wrong or you need me, just let me know."
They had already passed an exit that would've taken them to a gas station in a few kilometers, but there was still enough gas to take them to the next. His eyes flickered straight ahead, watching for the upcoming road signs.
"Take a right at the next sign for Juro. It should be coming up soon," He said. "Then within a couple miles after that there should be a gas station. Juro is a small town village so there shouldn't be a worry of soliders walking around."
Even after all of this time, he did not relax. He couldn't. Maybe if he lives on after all of this he could learn to, but for now, he has to focus on the current matter at hand. They've got to get out of here, and they're gonna need a full tank of gas in order to do so.
(Perfect! Then that'll be the plan!)
Nym nodded, following his directions. At the sign, she dutifully turned right, and on they continued on a new road. Juro came into view a few minutes later. Nym figured he had been a little lenient with calling it a village. They passed several homes and shops before the gas station came into view, and there were enough others in sight to call it a town easily.
She parked the car next to one of the gas pumps, shutting it off before glancing over at Rael with a hint of a smile, "Am I filling it up? Or are you going to?" She toyed with the keys in her hand, waiting for an answer. After a moment, she sighed, tossing him the keys, "Actually, you can fill up. I need to pee. I'll be back here in just a few minutes." She wasted no time in unbuckling and getting out, shooting Rael an assuring smile as she stretched out her legs, deciding a few more moments before going in couldn't hurt.
Whenever was the last time he was in Juro, it surely isn't the one he remembers. Or maybe he had gotten it confused with another place. Either way, he went back to staring out the window and occasionally looking at Nym to see if she was okay.
Rael's mind just wandered off a little while before they arrived at a gas station. It is not really something that happens in his own control. His eyes scanned the place, looking at the sign for gas prices, at other cars, and inside the gas station. It took him a while to snap back to reality until the keys landed in his lap.
Looking down at them for a second, he glimpsed over at Nym. "Okay," He said, "Be safe." Picking up the keys, he got out of the car. The first few seconds standing he spent stretching before going to the other side to start filling up the gas tank.
She kept her head down as she walked into the convenience store that was connected to the gas station, thankful that there weren't many people around. Pushing the door open, she didn't dare look towards the worker, finding the sign to the bathroom and heading straight there. She dealt with her business quickly, then used the extra free time to check her appearance in the bathroom mirror. In her opinion, she didn't look horrible, especially or the situation. Nym pushed a few stray hairs out of her face, then headed out of the bathroom.
At first, she was going to head straight back to the car, but soon after, the food and drinks that were on display caught her eye. Browsing the selection didn't seem like it would be too bad of an idea…Nym wandered down one asle with no real purpose than to see what there was. In the background, she could hear faint music playing through the store and the hum from the coolers of drinks, but nothing else.
Rael did everything in his power to act normal. Long ago he learned from some government officials that it is always the ones who keep looking over their shoulder who get caught with something. So here he is, leaning against the car with his hand on the gas pump. His eyes stared forward at the screen, watching as the numbers went up. Tension rested in his feet. His mind fixated on the sound of his heart thumping. Despite the soreness from his chest, he remained calm and relaxed.
The gas station was not busy; far from it actually. There were only two other cars getting gas while another two were parked in front of the convivence store. From where he stood, he really could not tell where the owners of these cars were nor could he tell who else was in the convivence store. His foot began to lightly tap as he heard the gas pump make a ding sound. With caution he removed the pump from the car and paid for the gas; they should able to get further now with a full tank.
His movement as he dragged his feet to the driver's side were strained. Quickly, he glimpsed over at the entrance to the convivence store. A suspicious feeling ached in his stomach. Shivers ran down his spine. Rael yawned as he got into the driver's seat. He put the key in the ignition then swiftly turned it.
