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Quin

Quin leaned awkwardly on his lone crutch.

Great. now it looks like I’m a helpless invalid to every one in this cave.

But everyone had the politeness to look away, and pretend they didn’t notice. Even though they did. Everyone but Basil. He sat staring at Quin’s empty pantleg. It’s not contagious if that’s what you’re thinking. His cheeks flushed. It must look pretty awful if he’s looking that hard. Quin looked down at the pantleg that swung when he moved. I guess I deserve it for being a coward, but I wish Mama and I had switched places. He glanced up at Qatar. Even the back of his shoulders seemed angry. A lot of people would like it better. 

Out of the corner of his eye he saw someone move. Leytera slipped out from under Yila’s blanket and started toward him. Oh, no.

“Can I help you to the fire?” she asked quietly.

Quin felt his red cheeks deepen to scarlet.  I bet she saw that. He wondered if his ears were red, by now and dropped his eyes.

“S-sure.”

He glanced around. Not too many people were looking. she slid one little arm under his. He was surprised at how strong she was, for being so small. That’s right. Not everybody is as weak as me.

At least his cheeks couldn’t get any redder.

It felt so good to have something to lean his right arm on again that he didn’t notice how much weight he was leaning on her. She walked slowly and evenly, just the right pace.

“Thank you,” he said, as he eased into a sitting position on a rock.

“Can I get you something? A blanket perhaps?” Leytera said.

Quin looked up. Qatar’s clothes were still very wet, and he was shivering, even though he was trying to hide it. Quin clenched his teeth so they wouldn’t rattle with his shivering and said,

“Thanks, but I think he needs it more.” he nodded at Qatar. “But he might bite your head off, if you go near him just now.” he added in a lower voice.

Leytera started and looked toward Qatar fearfully. Quin smirked. “Not literally. I mean, he’s a little ruffled up now; he doesn’t like feeling dumb, and I don’t think getting wet was intentional.”

“Ok-ay…” she didn’t look like she liked the idea of offering someone a blanket they wouldn’t be glad for, and Quin couldn’t blame her. “I could do it, if you don;’t want to–” he realized how ridiculous that sounded, after she had helped him sit down. “I mean,” he stammered, “I’m his brother so I’m used to it.”

great. That was good. He could feel himself blushing again.

“No, that’s fine. I’ll give him one.”

Leytera started away, and Quin couldn’t help but add, as she left, “then could you–could you come back?”

That was a stupid thing to say.

 

@denali-christianson

change anything, ofc! And I think your idea on their relationship is good! (Except I’m disgruntled, b/c Leytera fits so much better with Quin than the girl I’ve got him with… 🙁 )