"Matt, if you feel worse down here-"
"Zip it, Jack. I'm good."
He fell silent.
I spent the next half hour lying on my bunk and staring at the ceiling, arm curled around my queasy stomach.
The ship hit a wave and I sat up straight, heaving in a deep breath, trying to fend off my impending sickness.
I settled on resting my head in my hands and my elbows on my knees, trying not to panic.
"Matt." Jack's voice mumbled "you okay?"
"I-I don't..." my stomach was twisting uncomfortably.
"Hey." He said sharply "bucket's there. You can go up on deck if the wind helps any-"
"Screw that. Too many people." I groaned back. I'd prefer to save myself the embarrassment.
Jack didn't reply; he did, however, kick the bucket over.
I stayed deathly still, eyes squeezed shut; my abdomen was contracting in waves. I hated this. I couldn't have been unluckier to end up with commander Roberts who had absolutely no
empathy for anyone.Why make someone suffer through this? As if I was essential to this-
I convulsed subtly, shoulders rising and falling faster as I began to panic, throat closing into a gag.
Jack didn't move. He didn't speak. But it was safe to say he was submitted to two hours of listening to me get sick. I'd never been more relieved for a journey to be over.
CHAPTER 5
Theo
I spotted Jack pretty much as soon as I descended from the ship, sitting amongst other soldiers on the docks. He waved as I approached, Stryker having stayed behind to have a word with Johnathan.
“Where’s Matthew? Thought they made him come.”
Jack laughed openly “they made him come alright. Oh, here he is.”
My eyes followed Jack’s, landing on an incredibly pale Matt.
“Feeling a bit better?” His partner asked, though his eyes sparkled with amusement.
Matthew shuddered and sat next to him, hugging his stomach “not much.” His gaze found mine, who was surprised by the intensity it held. I had a vague feeling I’d overstepped last night. I tended to do that.
“Stryker seems to think you’re squeamish. I advise you to get out of here before I yack on you.”
I had a feeling it was an excuse to get me out of his sight.
“I’m not squeamish” I muttered instead of heeding the hint “and we’re not at sea anymore, you should be fine.”
“Doesn’t go away straight away.” Matthew breathed, grimacing.
Jack rubbed his back “you’re alright” he chuckled.He earned himself an irritated glare.
Stryker appeared next, stretching.
“What did Johnathan say?” I asked, mildly curious.
