Karl held one arm wrapped around his waist, and Francesco had no choice but to keep him by the shoulders in turn. It was the only way for him to walk for now with that fucked up ankle. He ground his teeth, not wanting to let it show that it hurt.
"Mouse," Karl called.
They were walking in front, so everyone was forced to move at their own pace. That was more reason for Francesco to feel like a useless piece of shit.
"What?" Mouse asked.
"You'll have to take a look at Cesco's ankle once we get to our new base."
"Sure." The redhead kept his voice even, not letting any emotion show, and Francesco couldn't help wondering what he was thinking.
Most probably that he was a stupid retard who got fucked because couldn't hold his own. Anything Mouse thought of him now, he deserved it.
"Does it hurt badly?" Karl asked in a much softer tone.
Francesco grimaced. "Stop pretending that you care, asshole."
"Fine, if you're such a bitch."
Karl had to know by now how grating that word was for him.
"I'll have to carry you again."
Francesco wanted to protest but he could tell the others weren't happy about moving so slowly. There were murmurs and looks back, and everyone feared another attack. So, he said nothing as Karl hiked him over one shoulder and patted his ass. When he had been unconscious, Karl must have done the same thing. Just how strong was that fucker? He still had room to grow, but he wasn't some skinny fuck.
***
He was exempted from the duty of putting together their shelters, so Francesco wandered off to the river, where he found a ledge to rest on. He pulled off his sneaker and winced at the size of his swollen ankle.
"Hey," someone called softly.
He raised his eyes to see Mouse coming toward him. He quickly looked away. "Keep your pity for someone who cares."
The redhead came closer and sat by his side. "What happened?"
Francesco hanged his head low. "What do you think?" he spat. "Just what you warned me of. Karl fucked my ass."
For a few moments, Mouse said nothing. Francesco whimpered when smooth hands rested on his injured ankle. He didn't say a thing while Mouse examined it.
"Is it broken?" he asked, fearing the answer.
His eyes met Mouse's magnetic gaze.
"Karl took nothing from you, okay?"
Francesco blinked. The last thing he needed was to cry in front of Mouse.
"You're not less of a man or whatever." Mouse leaned forward and pressed their lips together.
Francesco let himself drown into the kiss. Mouse's mouth was as sweet as ever, and this time, he dared using his tongue, too. A sharp pain coursed through his leg and he let go of Mouse's mouth to cry out.
Mouse laughed. Francesco blinked. His ankle hurt considerably less. He could even move it, so he began laughing, too. "What the hell, Ahab? What did you do?"
"Fixed you a little. Good thing it wasn't broken." His eyes shadowed. "Did Karl -"
"No," Francesco said. "That was my own stupidity."
"All right. It will heal."
They sat like that in silence. Their eyes met again, and Mouse's smile turned languid like his eyes. Francesco watched as Mouse licked his lips and then bit on the bottom fat one.
