speak friend and enter [softbois Day 2]

While sleeping, the carriage provided some warmth, but the cold still managed to bite through the layers of fabric I’d cocooned myself in. Is this how Mace felt when he was in his frozen jungle? I will never understand how showing kids murdering in deranged and near-inhumane environments could be entertaining. However, I’m still convinced that the citizens of the Capital do not see the Districts as humans. We’re only here to provide for them, worker bees that do the grunt work for their comfort.

What use is there to be angry about my situation, though? I can’t change the fact that I’m here; I can do my best to ensure I get out of here.

Being lost in the mines isn’t really helping me out.

The carriage had dropped us off at the mouth of the mines, and it was dark even at the mouth of the mines. The overcast didn’t shed much light on the mines, but they had agreed to stick together, hoping to find items to scavenge and get more resources. Yet I found myself alone, my little buddy, who I still need to name, perched on my shoulder. He’s still chirping, which is good. No carbon monoxide or other fumes that I have to worry about. Yet, being stuck underground in complete darkness is not helping my psyche.

“Rhys? Garnet?” Calling out to my allies in hushed whispers, not wanting to bring attention to myself. Being alone is starting to freak me out, but I’m also alone. No one, or any inhumane creature, is attacking me. I have a chance to stay alive right now. I can’t handle being stuck underground; I can feel my heartbeat racing as I continue to wander, my hand never leaving the wall so that I can find my way.

Where are my friends, though?

Holding someone in an embrace like this felt… good. The heat of another person emanating into me was almost intoxicating in the bitter cold. I might have held onto it too long, but wasn’t ready to let go. I’m unsure if it was because I was no longer alone deep in the earth where the sun could not penetrate or because of other feelings. Did holding Rhys in a moment of panicked relief remind me of holding Mason in my arms? Did something else bloom in my chest?

“Alright, buddy… Alright,” Rhys mumbled into my shoulder. And that’s when I realized that I was still on top of him after throwing him down on the ground. I try to get up when I hear another voice from the darkness, which causes me to freeze in a push-up position over Rhys. That is until I realize the familiar voice is painted in humor.

“Should I give you two some privacy?” Garnet asked as he tried not to trip over us.

"AH!" Rhys yelped from underneath me. "Where'd you come from? Where'd you both go? Don't do that again, please..." I couldn’t help but chuckle as I pushed myself up, pulling Rhys.

"You know, that was kinda warm in all this cold. We should probably do that again..." Rhys said, giving a slight chuckle. I felt the blood rush to my cheeks, and I was suddenly grateful for the dark that hid my face. I take a moment to settle the once again puttering in my chest, but at least this puttering was because of a warm feeling.

“I thought you two were right behind me,” I stated as I pulled the rope from my bag after composing myself. “But now that we’re all together, I think we should be tied together.” I started feeling out for the others, figuring that we wouldn’t get lost again if we were tied at the waist.

“Garnet, how are you doing?” I asked as I started to tie the rope around his waist.