Wrangle (Pick/Rome) - In the wilderness

                                    

                                          
Author's note:  Part 11/??
Rome's POV
The phone was back in Rome's pocket but the urge to pull it out and call Pick again was strong. The older male was right, he needed to save battery until the Park Rangers found him. He decided to scroll around the glade and look for the best place to wait for a rescue. He found a nice shade under the tall tree with a good view of the glade and hidden enough not to be spotted at first glance. Rome sat down, taking a sip from the bit of water that remained in his bottle. His stomach growled, but he was hesitating to eat the only granola bar he had. Leaning back to the tree trunk, he dared to close his eyes for a moment. The image of Pick popped up right away with all the grumpy comments and hate glares towards Din. Rome opened his eyes, sighing. They wrangled about Din for a pretty long time. Rome refused to believe his senior had ulterior motives and took Pick's opinion as simple jealousy even though the older didn't admit it. How he regretted not listening to him now. Rome let out another long sigh when he heard the branch crack somewhere in the woods. He perked up, listening. Another sound echoed through the forest, making Rome shiver. The fear took over his enter body. Theoretically, he knew the sound could come from an animal, but the paranoid side of him believed that Din had found him. 
Pick's POV
Pick observed the Park Rangers discussing something while looking at the tablet screen. The conversation seemed serious, and it made him uneasy. 
"It will be fine." Porsche patted his shoulder. Pick nodded absentmindedly continuing to watch the rescue team. Emma was tucked to his best friend's side, quietly observing the team too. 
"We located the signal from your friend's phone. It's weak but we can send the team for him." One of the Rangers informed them. Pick felt like half of the weight was lifted from his shoulders, hearing the news. 
"I am going with you." Pick announced. The officer looked him up and down, frowning.
"Look boy, I know you are worried for your friend, but let this on us." 
"I think you don't understand. It wasn't a question." Pick glared at him. The Ranger didn't seem shaken by his attitude, probably used to a similar treatment. 
"I can't take you. You will be a burden to the team." The man continued. 
"I can keep up with you. I won't be a burden." Pick was desperate. 
"And Rome isn't my friend. He's my boyfriend." He added. The tall male's face softened.
"Okay, but only you. These two have to stay." He agreed. Porsche and Emma tried to protest but the Ranger didn't budge. 
"Thank you." Pick beamed, running to get his backpack. The officer shook his head, watching Pick hurrying back. 
"See you later." Pick addressed his friends.
"Bring him back in one piece, P'Pick." Emma pleaded.
"Take care. See you soon, bro." Porsche joined.
"Let's go, youngster. We have to bring your boyfriend back." The Ranger walked towards his team, and Pick followed him determined to bring his Rome back.