CHAPTER THREE

By the time he was awake with open eyes, night was creeping on to the island. His eyes were leaden with weariness and fatigue but he finally found the strength to slowly open them.

They met with Jack's gleaming gaze in the dark.

The Chief had his back resting against a big rock across him. He realised he was laid on a bed of flowers and leaves. He tried to sit up but Jack came to him and insisted that he simply lie down.

"You collapsed. You almost fell into the fire! Jolly good timing I had! And I had the Littluns make you a bed. You sleep too much, I ditched hunting to watch over you." He chuckled at his words. "Feeling any better?"

"No." There was no room for lying.

"How do you feel then?"

Ralph scrunched his nose in discernment then he carefully picked the best word.

"Broken."

"Can I make you feel better?"

"Are you willing to stay here with me?"

"Am I not doing that already?"

Ralph suddenly gave out a hearty laugh and Jack grin at the sound of his pure laughter.

"Nothing can help. My bones seem to be dislocated. Hopefully it's just a crack. I think my body's tattooed with bruises and wounds. I'm broken in that sense, at least." Ralph roughly retorted.

"Want me to kiss the pain away?"

"What? No! You're not Mummy!"

"You can't take a bloody joke, can you?"

They laughed again and the cave walls resounded their joyous moment in the dark.

"I love your laugh, Ralph."

"I love your eyes."

He was unconscious how blue and bright his eyes were in the shadows. And Ralph was unconscious that the compliment he gave sent the Chief's cheeks burning.

The silence followed. The roaring ocean crashed through the rocks and the wind howled with an icy breath. Little stars beamed from the black sky. The moon was hidden in crisp thin grey clouds. Fire was indistinctly crackling a few feet below the cave no one else but a couple of Bigguns could entre.

Jack's eyes gleamed no more, now concealed in sleep. A soft snore occasionally slipped Ralph's tired system. Hours later, Roger appeared by the entrance, illuminating the cave with a faint torch. He discovered his sleeping Chief and locked up in an embrace with the battered Ralph. He smirked at the sight as a sinister thought dawned upon him.

Jack was out of the way tonight.

He would be in-charge. All night long.

And I like my Roger as evil as possible. XD Hope you're enjoying it so far! Reviews and faves are highly appreciated and forever loved!