I clung to my knee, immediately rolling up my pants to access the damage. It wasn't that bad, a minor scrape, but it still hurt. I went to lightly touch it only to draw back quickly, releasing a hiss.
Turning my attention over to a unconscious Jackson, I crawled over, careful not to touch my knee. He looked peaceful, if it wasn't for how we met we could have been aquantinces or friends. I lightly poked him, pausing to see if I stirred a reaction out of him. Once nothing happened I continued to poke, each poke becoming faster and more forceful then the other until he finally made a noise.
"Ughh"
I froze, finger in the air ready to poke him again, as I watched his next move. He seemed to be tired as he went to get more comfortable, which annoyed me.
"How could he be so clueless to his surroundings?!", I hissed under my breathe, continuing my poking rampage.
"Stop..", he grumbled.
He seemed to get annoyed by the way his eyebrows arched then curved downward, in an angry expression. He hissed as he flew out one arm, wacking me on my butt.
"Oof!"
"Ow.."
I looked over to see a smug look on his face as if he won, which quickly relaxed as he was diving back into sleep.
Giving up on my poking method, I crawled back over to his side, this time shaking him slightly. The longer I had to shake him, the quicker my arms worked.
"You little.." , he boomed, voice deep and raspy.
I paused, face suddenly feeling hot before a arm wrapped around my waist pulling me down towards him.
"Eep!"
He made a growl like sound deep in his throat as he nuzzled in between my shoulders and neck, waist area pressed tightly into my back.
Cautiously I spoke up, slowly, "U-uhm? Jackson?" I waited for a couple seconds awaiting for his response.
"Sleep. We'll be here for a while." , he mumbled against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine and my face getting hotter.
"This wasn't supposed to happen", I whispered.
Complying to his demand, since I had nothing better to do, I used one of my hands to remove his arm supporting his head, leaving his head to lightly come in contact with the floor. I lifted my head above the ground to move his arm between the space before laying it back down.
Sighing in content I snuggled up further into him craving warmth before focusing on my form, making my antlers and tail disappear. Yawning, I closed my eyes to hear the gentle breathing produced from the both of us, ushering me to sleep.
I awoke to the feeling of Jackson stirring. Leaving me grumpy that he was wanting to get up now of all times.
"Hmngh" , I grumbled, lifting my arm to grip onto his. I was not about to sleep with my head on the cold, uncomfortable floor.
I could hear him chuckling as he readjusted his arm for my comfort. Sighing in content I quickly dozed off once again.
My eyes fluttered open to Jackson trying to remove his arm again. Before I could protest I heard the cage being unlocked.
Quickly sitting up staring wide eyed at the man, and a teenager? Shifting my gaze over to Jackson, who was already scowling, probably from the event that took place earlier, and already on his feet.
I grabbed onto his shirt as I attempted to get up, still not fully awake. He looked down before his face softened as he reached down to help me up.
Once on my feet I mumbled, "What's going on..?" , as I rubbed my eyes.
"Somebody's interested in you two", the man chuckled as he swung open the door.
I stiffened, fully awake now as I looked at him. I took in my surroundings and saw that the door we came in from was slightly cracked. I smirked.
"That's a real shame.." , I mumbled trying to play off the sleepy act.
The man chuckled again as the teenager shifted uncomfortably.
Sighing, I stalked closer, attention on the ground as if I was upset. Right when the man moved to grant me access to fully leave the cage that's when I made my move.
Quickly shifting into a hawk, I flew towards the door. Upon inches of escaping, the door flew open, revealing Alex from earlier, making me veer off course, crashing into the door.
I groaned as I shifted back, chanting curses while I rubbed my nose. I didn't get long to breathe before I was being gripped by my hair and hauled up on my feet.
"O-OW!!", I yelled coming face to face with the unhappy man.
At this he gripped my hair harder and yanked it, making me see stars before releasing me. I fell to the floor, vision blurry with unshed tears.
The man cleared his throat before looking at the teenager.
"I suggest using a shock collar on this one, Boy. The other seems to be more, intelligent..." , he sneered as he looked my way.
I clenched my hands around my head, attempting to stop the pounding. Only to my dismay it didn't help.
"Can I buy one that you sell?" , the teenager spoke, shifting uncomfortably.
I heard footsteps get closer to me, causing me to flinch when shoes were in front of my eyes, head still looking down. Only for the figure to crouch revealing a concerned Jackson.
He lifted his arm slowly, lightly resting it on my head. I flinched again at the contact but leaned into the touch, trying to stop the pounding.
"Here you go, once you put it on take them and go.", the man's voice boomed, "Alex, come with me"
At that Jackson and I slowly stood up with me still rubbing at my sore head. I looked up to see the boy in front of me reaching out with the collar.
My eyes widened as I quickly went to take a step back, only to come in contact with the door. The boy took the opportunity and managed to get the collar on, tightening it enough for me to be able to breathe but not get off.
"Follow" , he spoke, before shoving me aside to open the door.
He walked out quickly as if he wanted no part in being here. Jackson walked up next to me before reaching for my hand. I looked at him questionably before taking it and walking out together.
I could use all the comfort I could get at this point.