Lukas kept moving for as long he as could, he knew this forest and what areas to avoid; where the hills climbed steeply or valleys plunged low. But his body was beaten and exhausted and once the adrenaline of the escape was gone he felt every inch of it.

“Hold up a moment,” he gasped as he slumped against a tree. He was half afraid that Wilt would just keep walking, but his legs just refused to take even one more step.

“Here, drink this,” Wilt offered Lukas his water skin. “It’s not safe to stop yet, once they realise the fire was a distraction they’ll be after us.”

“You set the fire?” Lukas gaped allowing a dribble of water to run down his chin.

“Yep, and I also nailed your hangman’s box to the platform.” Wilt grinned with pride. “That guard looked so stupid when he couldn’t understand why it wouldn’t kick over.” Lukas just stood dumbstruck. “It shouldn’t be too much further, ready?” Wilt asked as he crouched down to tie his shoe lace. Lukas tried to straighten up and promptly buckled over and crumpled to the ground with a loud oof.

“Umm, slight problem,” Lukas felt a flush rise in his cheeks.

“Right then, only one thing for it.”

Here was the moment Lukas had been expecting, he was about to be abandoned again, like always.

“Hop on,” Wilt crouched in front of him. Lukas started to refuse as his blush ran deeper but Wilt wouldn’t hear it. “No time for your provincial modesty.” Unable to see another option Lukas climbed on to Wilt’s back. Despite his embarrassment Lukas was grateful to be off his feet, and there was something incredibly comforting about the strong rhythmic heartbeat sounding against his ear.

 - - -

Wilt was glad to be facing away from Lukas, his cheeks felt hot and he could fell the stupid grin stretching across his face. Now that he was so close though, the silence was more noticeable and becoming awkward, but Wilt couldn’t figure out what to say. He considered leading with a joke but ‘how’s it hanging?’ was probably too soon. It might also be a touchy subject to ask how his day is going.

“Maybe I could ask what his plans for the future are… now that he is an escaped criminal; maybe not.” Wilt debated with himself, in barely more than a whisper, as the awkward gap continued to grow. “Argh I can’t stand it anymore, I’ll just ask the next thing that pops into my head,” Wilt decided resolutely.

“Umm, so- what’s your favourite colour?” Wilt asked and then instantly regretted asking such a dumb question. Lukas didn’t respond. “Ugh, well my favourite colour is, umm well, I suppose I like green,” Wilt started babbling in a panic when a soft snoring sounded in his ear. A sense of relief washed over him. “I guess it was only to be expected after what he has gone through,” Wilt concluded.