STATIC → newt , tmr [EDITING ; VERY SLOW UPDATES]

chapter iv

A sign of hope came when Tiago saw footprints in the sand. He knew there was a possibility it wasn't Jorge, but he also knew that the chances of that were low. His leg was starting to ache again, he was getting dizzier with each passing minute. He couldn't focus properly, having to blink his eyes into focus every few minutes. He needed water, and he needed it very quickly.

When he heard voices carrying along the wind, Tiago thought he was dreaming. He blinked his eyes open properly, looking around for the source. He could see a pile of rocks a few hundred meters away, an obvious shaded area. On closer, squinted inspection, Tiago saw figures. Six. It had to be them. It had to be.

"Jorge," he called weakly. "Jorge!"

He suddenly couldn't breathe. His throat was so dry. He had to keep going. He couldn't stop now, he was so close. He could see the city behind the rocks, in the far distance. It was a direct line to get there. He knew it was Jorge, there was no way it couldn't be.

Tiago limped as fast as he could. He felt the bandages loosening around his leg as he hobbled, calling Jorge's name all the while. He had no idea whether they could hear him or not, and he didn't have the chance to find out when he blacked out again.

― ➶ ―

This time the sun shone directly into his eyes when he opened them. He blinked wearily. His shoulders felt lighter. His leg still throbbed, making him groan in pain and place an arm across his eyes.

"Tiago?"

Tiago removed his arm immediately. He was surrounded by people, but he could only focus on one face. Jorge.

As well as he could, Tiago reached up and tugged Jorge into a hug. He could feel the older man laughing behind his shoulder as he hugged him back just as tight.

"God, I thought I'd never find you. I've been walking for hours."

"I can tell." Jorge pulled away to look at his face, gripping it tightly between his hands. "You must be thirsty." He turned and reached behind him, then handed Tiago a bottle of water. It was warm, but he chugged it down in one go. "Where's Brenda?"

"And Thomas," Minho jumped in.

Tiago shook his head as he pulled the water bottle away from his lips. "I-I don't know," he said honestly. "I think they were headed for the tunnels. I don't know if they made it, but if they did, they're going to the city. Marcus, right?"

Jorge smiled softly at him and nodded. He ruffled Tiago's hair. "I knew you were a smart kid."

Tiago grinned up at him and tossed the empty bottle to the side. He reached a hand out for Jorge to help him up, but the man shook his head. Tiago pouted and slumped back down against the backpack still on his back.

"No, your bandages need to be changed. Got a med-kit?"

"In my bag."

He leaned up so Jorge could pull the bag off his back. He leaned back down against the sand, staring up at the roof of rock above him. He could feel Jorge pulling the bandages off his injury, prompting a wince from him.

"That's nasty," the blond spoke up from next to his head. Tiago turned to face him, looking him up and down. Then, with a sudden realisation that he'd only seen six people and not seven, Tiago jolted upright. He let out a yelp when he hurt himself, which only made Jorge chuckle.