Renegade Runaways :: Chapter Eight

The seven of them sat quietly, almost awkwardly, around a campfire. Tension between couples hung heavy in the air. Darkness surrounded them, leaving each of them to a world of lost thoughts. The fire crackled, providing warmth that was lost when the sun disappeared. Hope shivered. She loved fall, but she wasn't prepared for the chilly Autumn nights that fell upon them. The altitude didn't help. She raised her eyes from the glowing flames to see Bo staring at her from across the fire. She stared at him for a silent moment, before tearing her eyes away and looking at the stars instead.

"I'm exhausted." Marlena announced, "I'm going to head to bed."

Hope watched her disappear into one of the three tents. She shivered again.

"I'll take night shift tonight," John announced, mainly talking to Steve. Aiden was sandwich uncomfortably between them, eyes darting back and forth between Bo and Hope.

"Sounds good." Steve nodded, "BoBo?"

"I'm gonna stay by the fire for a bit." Bo replied. He was lying on his back staring up at the stars.

"Well, goodnight everybody." Steve acknowledged as he walked to an empty tent.

Kayla watched him go.

"You okay?" Hope whispered as she touched her sister-in-law's shoulder.

Kayla rolled her eyes, "I'm fine. You want to go to bed? "

Hope shook her head, "I don't think I'll be sleeping much tonight."

"Do you need anything?" Kayla asked as she stood up.

Hope shook her head again, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," Kayla half smiled and then disappeared into the same tent where Marlena had.

Silence fell over the fire. John sat on a rock, whittling a stick of wood. Hope watched him work, shivering occasionally. She moved closer to the fire.

Bo watched her try to hide the fact that she was cold. It was typical behavior. If he hadn't of been so upset with her, he would tease her for trying to be tough. Regardless of his resentment and hurt, his instinct was to take care of her. She was his wife, whether it was on paper or not. He pushed himself up on his elbow, wincing at the pain in his ribs.

Hope looked at him, wanting to help, but afraid to offer. She shivered. She had never been at such a loss for words around him.

"Come here." Bo demanded softly.

Hope stared at him questioningly.

"Just come over here." Bo repeated.

Hope approached him slowly, confused.

Bo patted the spot beside him, "Lay down."

"Bo?" Hope questioned, crossing her arms across her chest for warmth.

"You're freezing Hope," Bo replied, "Now, lay down."

Hope bit her lip, "Bo, you don't have to do me any favors."

"Are you gonna argue with me and freeze?" Bo asked, "Or are you going to lay down and warm up?"

Hope surrendered and did as she was told. He knew her too well. As she felt herself being pulled close to his body she instantly relaxed. He spooned her, and they fit perfectly together. Her heart swooned. She'd missed him. She'd missed moments like this. Despite the fact that she moved on, a day never went by where she didn't think of him.

Bo clung to her, draping his arm across her abdomen. His body came alive next to hers. He inhaled the scent of her hair and almost smiled. He was hurting, but holding her was soothing both physically and emotionally. He almost felt as if he couldn't get her close enough. Thoughts of her are what got him through the long days and nights of captivity and torture. He enjoyed being close to her again. His eyes drooped, but he wasn't ready to fall asleep. He wanted to take in the feeling of holding her.

Aiden stared at them begrudgingly. He longed to be the one holding her. He couldn't believe he'd fallen into this mess. He couldn't believe Bo came back. Stephano had assured him Bo Brady was long gone. Stephano would find them soon enough, and Aiden couldn't wait.