[center][h3][color=lightsalmon]Nessarose[/color] & [color=e7d5e3]Holden[/color][/h3][hr][hr][img]http://i.imgur.com/hWDrGnD.png[/img][hr][hr]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/zRk4EMo.gif[/img]   [img]http://media.tumblr.com/52794da94ce0bd70c4f4bcf30e3d286c/tumblr_mjoe9yYXiv1qb8l3po5_250.gif[/img][/center]
[center][b][color=e7d5e3]Location;;[/color][/b] The Oak Tree behind the Pink Cabins, a bit on the outskirts. →  The Main Hall near Intro time
[b][color=lightsalmon]Interacting With;;[/color][/b]  With each other ([sub][@HalfOfLancelot][/sub]) ([sub][@lovely complex][/sub]) 
By Text: Gateway to Vitamin D ([sub][@Fabricant451][/sub]), Girlateers5lyfe ([sub][@Undine][@Altered Tundra][/sub]), Sassy Boy ([sub][@flightless-angel-castiel][/sub]), My Brother Bear ([sub][@HushedWhispers][/sub]) 
[/center][hr]
At this point in time, feigning disinterest - a normal thing when it came to Holden - couldn’t come harder. Nessa’s pep and cheer, for all that loudness, wheedled itself into parts of Holden he hadn’t realized cracked under the duress of sunshine and smiles. For a better point, Holden could deny any willingness on his part. No matter where he settled, she’d find him, plop down next to him, and chatter on. Whether he listened or not, she kept talking until finally he did.

If only he could call her persistent, but at some point, she must have given up trying to catch his attention. He didn’t see the appeal of talking to air or pretending like someone listened, like they’d silently offered a head to cry on. However, the more Holden took to noticing her presence, the more he realized how much these - he called them - “therapy sessions” dropped the weight from her shoulders. He remembered joking about having her pay some kind of hourly wage as compensation. The next time he had to seriously refuse any offered money she gave him, smiling about how he finally started talking. Sometimes Holden underestimated exactly how deadpan his delivery came off.

From then on, anytime Nessa would mention his lack of silence, Holden would clamp down for a good few days. After a few years of this on and off thing, it seemed she took whatever he said as moments to cherish rather than point out. At least, that’s what Holden had hoped for.

Upon her approach, Holden turned from leaning against the bark of the tree to face Nessa’s branch. The beat of a current pop song still hammered in his ears, though he made certain to leave the closest ear open to whatever Nessa had to say today. It’d been a long summer; she’d no doubt have a long-winded story to tell. Time much better spent than hearing counselors drone about future activities, nonsense, and drivel - not to mention the many attempts to swipe his music.

Once she began talking, though his eyes remained low and watching the steady rise and fall of his phone’s sound monitor - the little bars jumping to the music reminded him of dancing - Holden’s mind grasped onto whatever came out of Nessa’s mouth. He smiled. Nodded appropriately. And occasionally, he’d lift his chin up to tilt his head at a confusing sentence, though he doubted Nessa could tell while still full steam ahead. He smiled wider, nonetheless.

“[color=e7d5e3]Don’t dwell on failed opportunities,[/color]” Holden offered, looking back down at his phone, “[color=e7d5e3]nor on the looks of others. Don’t doubt yourself just because someone’s subjectively prettier than you; that’s not how attraction works.[/color]”

Not one for knowing many of his fellow campers, Holden couldn’t exactly wrack his brain for exactly who Nessa mentioned. Nor did he quite know this Nathan individual or his supposed twin, Nicholas. He… would be lying if he said he cared who they were. Of all the things that would go first in his short term memory, those mentions would likely be among them. Not that it meant Nessa’s words lacked in importance. Holden just doesn’t find himself good with people, if he even remembers people exist beyond his own reality.

“[color=e7d5e3]If he doesn’t care for you beyond your mistake, then he doesn’t matter,[/color]” Holden tried, though no conviction held in his own words - he knew how people could be when they fancied someone. “[color=e7d5e3]Not that you’ll heed that particular advice; I don’t expect anyone to until after everything’s been said and done.[/color]”

Admiration was all Nessarose had for her dear friend Holden. Although they never outwardly discussed where their relationship stands, she believed his words to be a calm current gently swaying her small, wooden boat back to shore. If only he showed more people than just her his insight and care. She would be lying if she didn’t feel giddy and lucky. Giddy for being able to share stories with him, regardless if he cared about them or not, and lucky for being the one person he shared words to rather than grunts. He was a mysterious man and she absolutely cherished these moments with him. Meeting with his gaze for a brief moment, Nessa ran her finger on the bark of the tree, her youthful chestnut orbs filled with intrigue and need. It was as if every word he said, she captured it and held it close so it wouldn't float away. 

He had told her not to dwell on the morning incident and to not doubt herself-- beauty and attraction were subjective. His advice caused her to look down at her outfit and then at her hands, examining herself and contemplating his words. Perhaps he was right? She cared too much about what Nathan thought about her, when she had no idea what was on his mind. [i][color=lightsalmon]I could be his type, can’t I? I mean, sure, he’s two years older than me but… I’m not so bad, am I? I shouldn’t cut myself short… I failed to make a good impression the first time, so I’ll need to make a better one! Why brood on something beyond me? As much as I want to know what he likes, I can’t assume his thoughts. I’ll need to keep trying. I want him to see me. I really do. But he will never if I keep doubting myself.[/color][/i] 

Her heart dropped when she recalled some of Nathan's words from earlier:
[indent][color=808000][i]Sorry but I do not believe in making wishes and having them come true by this plant.[/i][/color][/indent]
That sentence stood out the most to her. He could have accepted the flower and throw it away behind her back, but no, he revealed to her a colder side to him. Wishing wasn't so bad, was it? It was a sweet sentiment that brightened people's moods, whether or not it came true, it gave them hope. Yet, he didn't accept her kindness... he really didn't like her... Again, the doubt was pouring into her tiny body until Holden's voice ringed inside her mind once more, saying exactly the right words that she needed to hear.

Fumbling with her fingers, she sighed in agreement, "[color=lightsalmon]I know... but the thing is, I don't know how he feels. And I feel like you already know that when people want to know something... they just can't let it go.[/color]" Her voice trailed off for a moment or two. Looking up from her hands, her expression held a serious determination, "[color=lightsalmon]I don't want to let it go. Not until I'm rejected. As far as I know, I still have a fighting chance. Sure, the end result is pretty scary but... if I don't try, I will never know.[/color]"

Her face flushed pink at the thought of Nathan's smile and the distant memory of him bringing her to the camp infirmary after she hurt her knee, "[color=lightsalmon]I really like him, Holden. I don't know why and I know I'm only 16 but...[/color]" Sighing to herself, she felt her phone vibrate like a mad man, "[color=lightsalmon]I guess unlike him, I do believe wishes can come true.[/color]" Grabbing her phone, she gestured to Holden that she had a bunch of texts she needed to answer, and went about messaging everyone. 2 messages from Hana. 1 group message from Jess. 1 message from Kitt. 1 Group message from Adielle. 1 Message from Nicholas. Man, this was a lot. 

"[color=lightsalmon]Give me twooo minutes! This may take sometime.[/color]" Nessa apologetically expressed to her friend who was staring at his phone, his headphones having faint music blaring out of them. When she looked over Hana's text, a childish grin fell on her face. Her message from before was simply telling Hana that she should enjoy the great outdoors more, but the response she got back was even better! The young girl had totally forgotten about the "Vitamin D". 

[quote][center][b]To: [color=plum]Hanabanana[/color]
[color=lightsalmon]Blue skies are coming!!! Put them under my cloud, pretty pwease.[/color]
[/b][/center][/quote]
Looking down at the group message, Nessa wondered if she should inform her closest ladies about the incident... maybe, she could avoid talking about her crush and listen to their news. She wanted to talk to Nicholas about it before she told anyone else.

[quote][center][b]To: [color=hotpink]Girlateers<3[/color]
[color=lightsalmon]I love you guys! My life is boring, blehk! Lets set the world on fire >:D[/color]
[/b][/center][/quote]
Her big eyes grew warm when she read the message from Kitt. Both Jess and Kitt were like her mothers at camp, while Nicholas and Holden were her fathers. There were so many people she cared about here. 

[quote][center][b]To: [color=palevioletred]Kittkat bar[/color]
[color=lightsalmon]Sending virtual hug. Loading.... hug sent! More hugs will be given at intros xoxo.[/color]
[/b][/center][/quote]
Staring at Nicholas' text, the dirty blonde girl contemplated her words, rather than say something impulsive and weird.

[quote][center][b]To: [color=0ef288]Brother Bear[/color]
[color=lightsalmon]Can we talk soonish? Maybe tonight, since I'll be hanging out with Jess and Adi.[/color]
[/b][/center][/quote]
If she was going to take her chances with Nathan, she might as well talk to Nicholas about it... somehow. Taking a deep breath in, relieved she finished texting everyone, hoping to God she didn't forget anyone, she brought her attention back to Holden. 

"[color=lightsalmon]This is Nathan's last summer. I don't need anything to come out of this, but I'm going to confess to him before he leaves. I need to do this... for me.[/color]" Passion was written all over her face, as she fixedly stared at her friend waiting for his response.

Having obligations to reply to multiple people.

Dreadful.

Holden tapped the wayward earmuff back into place, breathing in the sound of [i]A Thousand Miles[/i] to help further ground him. With the volume low and his mouth only forming the lyrics to the song, Holden picked up immediately where Nessa left off. An absentminded shove to one of the muffs, without even the most minute signal that he continued listening, Holden returned to the real world in time to hear Nessa’s finish off her confident filled ramble.

“[color=e7d5e3]Don’t hide yourself behind standards,[/color]” Holden said, starting to shuffle off of the branch. He landed neatly onto the patch of grass beneath the oak, not bothering to look up. If anything, Nessa listened to every scarce word that Holden uttered. Honestly, he’s sure anyone would, but he wouldn’t admit it felt best that Nessa took it with such gratitude. “[color=e7d5e3]There’s always a chance for anything. If you start a relationship off with a mask firmly on your face, there’s nowhere for it to go but six feet under.[/color]”

The words, however thoughtful and given the air of flippant reassurance, Holden meant everything by it. He may not have coined the term for fiercely protective, but some things and some people needed to be held close. Nessa, with her wide eyes and cheerful assurance, seemed to need that in people around her the most. Or, at least, that’s what Holden felt most concerned about - he just showed that concern in different ways. Usually in blank stares and non-committal grunts. However, he at least knew when to speak when it came to Nessa. Everyone else, however, he might as well be trying to grab water.

“[color=e7d5e3]You are who you are. If who you are isn’t who he wants, then,[/color]” Holden shrugged as he looked up at Nessa, his lips pulling a shrug of their own, “[color=e7d5e3]fuck him.[/color]” He’d said with such nonchalant gumption that Holden couldn’t keep the air of vanity from him as he turned to walk away, knowing Nessa would catch up to his saunter as soon as she could.

[sub]”[color=e7d5e3]I am definitely a lot cooler in my head. Probably not even.[/color]”[/sub]

As Holden strolled off, the doe-eyed girl praised him out loud, but possibly not loud enough for him to hear, "[color=lightsalmon]You’re so cool.[/color]” This was a successful session. She learned so much and had a lot to think about! Pushing her bottom off her branch, she quickly grabbed a hold of it like a monkey and swung around for a moment. Letting go, she dropped to the ground. The reason why she chose to hang off the branch first was to lessen the impact of the drop, since she was rather small and kind of high up. As she scurried to catch up with her comrade, who was wiser than he probably believed, Nessa repeated his words in her head, especially the last bit: [i]If who you are isn’t who he wants, then, fuck him.[/i]. 

[hr][h3]Close to introduction time: 3 minutes prior.[/h3] ([sub][color=ed1c24]Note:[/color] for time purposes, probably don’t write that Holden and Nessa arrived while everyone’s scenes are wrapping up-- they're walking on camp grounds to the Main Hall during these scenes.[/sub])

The two walked in, relatively quiet, while mostly everyone was seated and chatting. Nessa had a bounce to her walk while Holden kept to himself, music in his ears and a distant expression on his face. Standing next to each other, they looked like the polar opposites in terms of demeanor. Someone who welcomed interactions and someone who preferred to be in his own world. They made their way to their table, Nessa choosing to sit next to Holden since they walked in together. Plus if Nate was in the room she would want to avoid him.