It was his fault. Somehow it was always his fault. Helping Forest recover from his fevers was somehow wrong. As was helping him bathe, or going out with him to the garden to pick food for everyone. It was his fault Forest liked his company, asked him to help with these things.<i>Forest ain't like that. Don't be such a little slut, you're gonna get us kicked out. Stop flirting. Stop talking. Stop. Stop. Stop. <br/>
</i><br/>Tired of it. Tired of Mason. "I don't know what the bloody hell is stuck up your arse but get it out before you open your mouth in front of me again," he snapped, turning to walk away. He didn't need to listen to Mason's incessant bitching. When had he gotten so mean? Or had he always been this way, and Lex had just shut his eyes to the man's awful behavior because, well, what other choice did he have? They had been alone together for so long. There hadn't been anyone else.<br/><br/>Walking away... Mason hadn't liked that. Lex was made privy to this information far too late. The moment Mason's fingers wrapped around his throat, he panicked, desperate fingers clutching at Mason's hand, trying to tear it away from his neck. "FUCK.... OFF!" he gasped, clutching at Mason's finger, ready to snap it back, break it if necessary.<br/><br/>Air. Forest had pulled Mason away, leaving Lex sputtering and coughing as oxygen whooshed back violently into his damaged throat. His face was beet red as he looked on, watching with an open mouth and watery eyes as Mason and Forest threw punches at one another. His fingers massaged at the tender spots where Mason's hand had grasped him tightest.<br/><br/>Wallis ran up, looking ambivalent, eyes scanning Lex for instructions. To interrupt? Or let the two beat one another bloody? From Lex's vantage point, Forest seemed to be winning, and he was more than willing to let Mason feel like the weak one for once.<br/><br/>"I don't care if farm boy shatters that twat's stupid fucking face," Lex hissed at Wallis, turning away. He could let Forest beat Mason down into the dirt, but he didn't have to watch it. Continuing to tenderly rub at his sore neck, Lex stalked off, seeking the comforting and peaceful shade of the peach trees. Away from the fighting. Away from the yelling and blood. Away from Mason.<br/><br/>His breathing was ragged as he settled himself against the trunk of ripened tree. The branches were densely packed, offering Lex a nice spot to rest and hide away from the too-intrusive sunlight. What was the point of always trying to placate Mason if he was rewarded with nothing but passionless sex and ire? What the hell did Mason expect him to do, run away from Forest at every opportunity? Aside from his little games in the kitchen days and days ago, Lex hadn't flirted with Forest at all. At least not anymore than what would just be considered friendly. What made Mason so damn barmy?<br/><br/>He wondered if telling Forest the truth would make things better or worse. Mason was convinced Forest would throw a fit if he knew what Lex did with him and Wallis in the shadows, but Forest didn't seem like that kind of man to him. Lex sighed, rubbing at the built up water at the edges of his eyes. Coming to the farm was supposed to make things better. They were supposed to be happier here, and yet all Lex could feel was anger and bitterness as he sat, watching leaves dance with the gentle breeze.