Through means Purple really had yet to understand, the captain seemed to have seeped underneath his skin. He admitted to himself that perhaps it had something to do with the way Red held him in the middle of his stupid dreams. Maybe it was how they didn't hate each other anymore. Instead laughing and talking about everything that came to mind.
Sure, the maroon eyed irken could be the most annoying, stubborn asshole to walk this planet but he was also kind, honorable and even at times…down right irresistible. It was hard not to touch him. And sometimes Purple did. Just in small ways, lightly brushing finger tips over his shoulder or when their legs touched as they walked.
Which they did a lot. More than he had ever done before. And it was taking its toll. But, strict pride meant not complaining even when it did hurt. However, on their fifth day, Red stopped and had them set up camp in this little cave on top of a hill. It was surrounded by trees and was big enough to fit both of them with plenty of room left over.
Much to Purple's delight Red wanted him to show him how he'd fought that day during the war. Before they began he told the maroon eyed Irken that this was a serious technique. It demanded discipline and confidence.
Of course it became unserious in a matter of seconds. Red goofed off continuously, bumping into him, throwing him off balance. They lightly hit each other, yelled taunts and there may have been some jokes flying back and forth that weren't appropriate for what should've been a violent work out.
Purple threw another punch in the other Irken's direction, chanting to himself out loud. "Punch. Kick." He did so, expecting Red to dodge that one too, he didn't. He oof-ed and fell a bit backwards, seeming stunned.
Then determined, eyes narrowing. Purple finally caught the glimpse of a challenge in the other's expression. It sparked the competitiveness in Purple who smirked knowingly. "Don't forget to breathe." He told himself, noting the tensing of Red's shoulders and knew.
"Dodge." Pur yelled just as Red jolted forward reaching for the other irken to grab him, and failed. The fighter stood behind the captain now. "Kick."
So he did, aiming for the back of Red's knee. Saying his moves out loud though were giving the other an advantage, so he moved out of the way, spinning and grabbing Purple's foot. Yank.
Before he fell though, the violet eyed Irken dug his claws into Red's shoulders bring him down with him.
"Irk damn it, Red!" He laughed, struggling.
"Don't complain to me! Your claws hurt. But at least I landed on something soft. Even if it is small." Red teased, arms next to the other's head. Purple looked vaguely insulted.
"Oh shut up! We're the same height, moron!"
The air filled with their mixed laughter as they made rude jabs. It floated into their make shift sanctuary, tainted the danger that always hung there.
But, then their eyes met and all laughter died.
Red's breath brushed against Purple's lips and his lids closed. The realization that they were so close…that their bodies were touching. So much heat passed between them. It was like fires sparking, like acid that didn't hurt.
"Red…" The other irken breathed, not liking how weak his voice sounded suddenly. How needy. How stupid. This wasn't right.
Irkens didn't feel this. Irkens felt nothing. But, Purple was suddenly burning up for someone else. For someone with maroon eyes, and that musky scent kept tempting him.
"Pur…" He responded, realizing their lips were only a few millimeters away. Hesitantly, his antenna brushed slowly over the other Irken's, causing both their toes to curl in their boots and Purple groan softly. What were these urges? They were so primal.
Finally Red settled his mouth over the violet eyed soldier's. It was soft, gentle and lovely. But, Irkens were none of those things and soon it changed again. Their tongues twined, the ridges rubbing together. Purple ran his hands up the other's sides, sharp claws scratching at his uniform.
Their limbs intertwined, their bodies pressing together, trying to get closer. Needed to be closer. This thing suddenly transpiring between them felt like the epitome of what the instructors at the academy had been trying to discourage. This incredible feeling of losing yourself, of losing everything that kept you tied to the ground, of letting it go in order to belong to someone else.
Suddenly Red jerked away, crying out in obvious pain, gasping in agony. Purple shot upright, confusion prominent on his face but when the captain turned around he noticed the blue blood dripping from a perfect circle hole. Inside that hole would without a doubt be a screw like bullet.
Violet eyes widened with rage and alarm, wasting no more time he grabbed Red's hand and ran. As soon as they did more of the deadly bullets shot from trees, rocks, seeming to come from every direction. As did the Screw-Head war cries, their victorious screeches.
Mulch and dirt flew under their feet. They were forced to duck under bushes, broken limbs, fly over rocks and still the bullets kept coming. The assault never ceasing. Red surprisingly kept up, gritting his teeth against the pain that wracked him every time he moved. They left a trail of blood and curse words behind them.
They came to the edge of a cliff and Purple jumped, his hand clasped in Red's who closed his eyes but leapt anyway. They hit the ground and Purple kept running. Red did not. The violet eyed Irken was half dragging his counterpart over the ground.
"No. Come on, Red!" He yelled, tugging. "Get up!" The captain groaned. When had he ever been in this much pain before. Never before this had he just wanted to lay down and give up. The screw-like bullets were so deadly because their sharp tip point that was coated in a toxic fluid designed to burn, to spread like wild fire.
"Red! Get up, damn it!" Purple practically screamed, tugging on the other's arm. Red's eyes fluttered open. His vision was blurry, impaired from pain but he could see Pur's expression. See the panic, the fear and anger. He knew that the solider stood a better chance alone, without him to hinder him. Red's grip loosened.
"Go." He hissed gruffly, having to force the words out of his tightening throat. Realization came to Purple quickly and like a battering ram. His grip remained tight as ever.
"No. No. Red, you get your ass up off the ground. I am not leaving without you." Yes, it would be better for him if he did. Irken law dictated that he should respect Red's wishes and let him go, keep moving without him. But, Purple had never liked the laws. Plus, there was no way he was abandoning this Irken. Not now.
Red expected nothing less from Purple and when the grip remained steady on his own hand, he sighed shakily. Grunting from exertion and pain, he stood on unsteady legs and nodded, reaffirming their connection.
Purple took most of Red's weight on his own body, wary of how close the enemy could be, wary of the ever spreading toxin in Red's system and wary of just how weird it was for him to be so reluctant to leave the captain.
They ran.