---

How dreadful was this? One of the most lively and social person ever to grace Camp Liberty's grounds was pretty much all on her lonesome. While everyone, including her big bully of a stepbrother, was probably all hanging out with their teams. As for Adielle? She was in front of the Green Cabin, waiting for a text back from the other two members of The Girlateers. Why was Adielle even waiting? She usually did something. Man, this sucks for sure. Adielle needed to be by somebody. She hated being all alone. "What a waste." Adielle pouted, arms folded across her chest.

And then a ping from her phone.

Adielle slid the screensaver, and saw it was a text from Jess in their group chat with Nessa. "About time!" Adielle smiled widely, reading what Jess wrote. "Oh she has no idea how much I would LOVE to see that. In fact, I would pay to see that happen." With the same gleaming smile, Adielle began typing.

To: The Girlateers
The meanie is in the Main Hall most likely.
and yes we do! Cya then. xoxoxoxo <3

After hitting send, Adielle felt invigorated. Whatever feeling of disappointment she was feeling before seemed to have gone away in the very moment she had read the text sent by Jess. That doll always seemed to bring a smile to Adi's face. So, with that new attitude, Adielle made the journey to the Main Hall. Maybe she might see her friends there. Lord knows that she had a thing or two to say to Eli.

---

"No, Ash, I don't think I can beat you." Jackson said, that serious tone of voice still remaining. He kept his bluish-green eyes on Ash for a moment, not saying anything for a moment or two. "I know I can beat you. I have been training all year. I've improved my stamina and I'm fifty percent faster than I was last year. The reason you beat me last year was because I didn't take you seriously. That won't happen again! This time I WILL win. And, as I said, when - not if - I win, you and I will have a fucking lit-as-fuck date." Jackson, by this point, got unreasonably loud and a finger pointed at Ash "It will be something straight out of a Katy Perry music video!" Jackson said confidently, then his finger went away from Ash's direction and onto his chin. "Now that I think about it, probably T.G.I.F. or Teenage Dream. Yeah, those two seem more likely than, oh let's say California Girls or I Kissed a Girl. Yeah, those last two aren't really what I had in mind." There he went again, lost in thought again.

The truth of the matter was that, despite his boasting about how he really wanted to beat Ash in a race and date her, the truth of the matter was that there was a lot more than he was letting on. Yeah, winning felt really good, and maybe that was half of the reason why, at the start of each year he has been at Camp Liberty and had known Ash, he challenged her to a race. However, most don't know this, not even Tate or anyone on his team, but Jackson has the biggest crush on Aisling Hawthorne. Some would call it an infatuation. They would say that the only reason he's into her was because she was the first person to see, even if just a ltitle bit, something past the obnoxious surface that Jackson had. Or if not see past it, then just have a high tolerance for it, and seemed to understand him in the way that most didn't. Even as much as they have fun together, not even Tate knows the parts of him that Ash seemed to get.

For once, Jackson had actually gone deep in thought. He didn't even see that Ghost(everyone called that since there were too many fucking "Alexs" at the Camp. Seriously, why did everyone decide to name their child Alex?). When he did finally realize that Ghost was there, Jackson shot him a look that he always did. It was that kind of look that said I'm going to win this year and after I do, I'm going to rub it in your face, bucko! Of course, that was the mental image that Jackson was trying to send Ghost's way. In truth, he said something like, "Yoo Ghostie! Nice of you to finally grace us with your presence. I bet you were sleeping, huh? Lazy ass." Yup, that's Jackson - always speaking before thinking. A+ job dude.

---

Eli found himself sighing internally quite often. He didn't mind Jackson being loud. The guy couldn't control himself. As annoying as he was, that wasn't an issue. Even Ash being Ash wasn't an issue. She was surprisingly comforting in the way she was with that knucklehead. Or even how quiet the new kid was didn't set Eli off. None of them were really the kind of people that seemed to get a reaction out of him that would make him want to knock them silly, or something like that. Truly, the only person that did that had been absent until just recently.

God how Eli loathed father

He just couldn't have spared them until Introductions, could he? He just had to show up at the last minute as if he was some hero. Eli wouldn't usually be feeling this way because he preferred not to show his anger in any way. Usually he was quite skilled in staying placid, but when it came to Alex - or as most called him, Ghost - there seemed to be something in him that just couldn't remain calm. It was like all Ghost had to do was breathe, and Elijah Nelson would act negative internally. Even though most of the time it didn't show outwardly, it could be noticeable in the slightly furrowing of his eyebrows. If someone paid attention to those details, then surely they would have noticed Eli's disgust with the titled "Ghost of Grey"'s arrival. It would become even more evident when Ghost started speaking. Even after Jackson talked to him briefly, calling him a lazy-ass, Eli chuckled again. Unlike the time previous, he forgot to muffle it. Whoops.

"You finally woke up, I see." Eli commented, his glaring, sapphire orbs on Ghost. "Welcome, Alex."

---

Ah, work, work, work

King had turned to unpacking a little bit, because even if he wanted to rush out and cause some mischief he was still tied to the reality of responsibility. Clothes upon clothes stacked on his claimed bed, prepped to be put into one of the many dressers that line the camp, and all the while King hummed a forgetful tune. He hadn't expected the ruckus to come to him, for some reason, and when the doors burst open he audibly gasped and grasped his chest. At the sight of Alex, however, his panic turned to warm happiness and he rose to greet her. She wasn't the last visitor, however, as just as she peeked in Jess did as well and another familiar blonde who King tried and failed to ignore.

Of course, though, just as he did that he also found his sister mysteriously gone. Great. Astrid had probably gone to flirt with the enemy again. Hateful thoughts towards Aiden Philips grew with that very idea, burning through his mind like a storm. Aiden had a smile that could start wars and the mouth that could summon storms and King did not like him at all. Well, that could be considered a lie, but during the summer it was his job to hate Philips. That's what rivals did, that's how the story went. That's just how things were in this fantasy world of theirs. They were stereotypes after all, of the perfect summer teen movie. King shook away the brotherly urge to hunt his sister down because he really shouldn't control her likes and dislikes, and instead he turned his attention to the pretty ladies hanging out in his doorway.

Alex and Jess. Alex and Jess. King's heart surged for a moment over the thought of this being his last first time seeing them after the long school years that none of them shared.He pushed away the thought again; it was still too early to be sentimental.

"Hellooooo ladies~. Jesus--" King couldn't help himself, couldn't help the smile pressing wide against his lips or the way he rushed forward to bring them both into a strong-armed group hug. The smell of summer and places he had yet to visit lingered in their hair and he soaked it in with a loud sigh and then fell back to rub the back of his head sheepishly. The sunlight that drifted in behind them caught his gaze for a moment. It was literally golden, shining off their shoulders like a shower of magic. Beauty settled behind them and King took it all in with wide eyes and a faltering smile. He hadn't expected to be thrown so off guard by others, but here he was, breathing in and out as if winded and feeling all to emotional and emotionless at the same time. King's hands rose suddenly to grasp Alex's left shoulder and Jess' right, and he squeezed reassuringly for himself and himself alone.

"I've miss you guys-- God you don't even know how much." He smirked his usual King-smirk and pushed them gently out of the cabin's shade, closing the door behind him so he too could bask in the golden sunlight and breathe that summer air. "What's up? How was your school year? Did you miss me?" He took up a confident stance and leaned forward, eyes twinkling mischievously.

The adorable blush on Audrey's face and that pretty smile after she'd been complimented reminded Sierra of why she'd been so curious about girls for some time now. She clearly knew she couldn't live without boys (and what only boys carried that they could anatomically offer her), but there had been a lingering curiosity about what it would be like to experience intimacy with a woman at least once. There was something about their gentleness, their sweetness and the passion and intensity with which they did things that made the dark side of Sierra's mind wonder...

Maybe Sierra would get her chance to explore 'the other side' while in this camp.

Sierra watched as Audrey walked over to a nearby couch ('Damn, Audrey. Who knew you had such a cute ass?' she smirked) and magically produced two wireless Xbox-360 controllers. Audrey handed Sierra one of them, and took the opportunity to softly mutter in Sierra's ear: "Thank god you showed up whenever you did. These guys were boring my eyes out," while adding a little chuckle at the end of her words.

Sierra couldn't help but join Audrey in her chuckle with one of her own. What she'd said was true, after all. The small time in which Audrey had stood up to power on the console had given Sierra a chance to observe the other players in the room, and the scene was cringe-worthy. All of the others were guys, and they were playing with such lack of passion, emotion and enthusiasm that made Sierra shake her head in disappointment.

'And they dare call us gamer girls fakes… Oh, well. It won't be long now for me to show these lousy boys who’s got the real skills here. Step aside, fellas: The Nightingale has arrived, and she's here to kick some ass.'
After setting up the console, Audrey sat back down on the couch and patted the spot next to her, motioning for Sierra to sit down. "So, you're going to beat my ass, you say?" Audrey asked teasingly as she hit the start button on her controller and skipped through the all of the ads until the game was finally starting.

Sierra gave Audrey a Cheshire cat grin. "Of course I am! The Nightingale didn't win the Gaming Nationals' Action category for being a bad player," she teased, proudly reminding herself that she, a simple gamer girl from the smallest state of the country, had kicked the asses of the most skilled gamers in the country and had come on top. Her face and gamer tag had been plastered all over the most important gaming magazines and news sites, and apart from the juicy $250,000 she'd won she was also getting offers to promote games, gear and accessories. If she maintained her current status and continued to save up the money, Sierra's college and future house was pretty much paid for.

"Let's see about about that." Audrey said while starting the game and not even giving Sierra a moment to notice. By the time she did, Audrey already had a small advantage over her.

"You sneaky, cheating bitch!" she told Audrey playfully with a giggle, taking a moment to lightly punched her friend's arm before shifting into game-mode. Sierra's gaming face was a hilarious sight: her neatly-plucked brows were furrowed together, her teeth were bared and her green eyes screamed determination as her fingers furiously pressed the buttons. Whenever Sierra played, her senses shut down, and the only thing that mattered to her at that moment was her game. "So, any pieces of eye candy I should be looking out for?" Sierra asked Audrey, half genuinely curious and half hoping it would distract her from the game long enough for Sierra to get revenge for Audrey taking that small advantage earlier.

---

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.

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

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.

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

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 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.

Her heart dropped when she recalled some of Nathan's words from earlier:

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, "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." Her voice trailed off for a moment or two. Looking up from her hands, her expression held a serious determination, "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."

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, "I really like him, Holden. I don't know why and I know I'm only 16 but..." Sighing to herself, she felt her phone vibrate like a mad man, "I guess unlike him, I do believe wishes can come true." 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.

"Give me twooo minutes! This may take sometime." 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".

To: Hanabanana
Blue skies are coming!!! Put them under my cloud, pretty pwease.

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.

To: Girlateers<3
I love you guys! My life is boring, blehk! Lets set the world on fire >:D

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.

To: Kittkat bar
Sending virtual hug. Loading.... hug sent! More hugs will be given at intros xoxo.

Staring at Nicholas' text, the dirty blonde girl contemplated her words, rather than say something impulsive and weird.

To: Brother Bear
Can we talk soonish? Maybe tonight, since I'll be hanging out with Jess and Adi.

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.

"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." 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 A Thousand Miles 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.

“Don’t hide yourself behind standards,” 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. “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.”

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.

“You are who you are. If who you are isn’t who he wants, then,” Holden shrugged as he looked up at Nessa, his lips pulling a shrug of their own, “fuck him.” 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.

_{”I am definitely a lot cooler in my head. Probably not even.”}

As Holden strolled off, the doe-eyed girl praised him out loud, but possibly not loud enough for him to hear, "You’re so cool.” 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: If who you are isn’t who he wants, then, fuck him..

---

(_{Note: 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.})

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.

Cassie wasn't the most hardcore gamer around. She played plenty, sure, but she didn't think of herself as amazing. Usually, watching others play a video game wasn't so cringe-worthy to her, because she got not being that great. But, the one person playing was not that good, and it was very cringe-worthy for the red-head. She had spent endless hours that she wouldn't admit too playing Black Ops and the one player was making very poor choices; obviously, he hadn't played much. It was one of those things where Cass really wanted to step in but she also didn't want to come off as a know-it-all cunt-nozzle that was controlling, so she simply watched with her hands in her pockets and clenching her fists in the small space the fabric allowed. Another factor fitting in with her beginning to rock on her feet was boredom; right now, she was just exploring, she didn't actually want to play anything, so she decided going back to main hall would be best. After all, she was new, she should probably showcase her shininess to anyone who came in. Even, this was getting harder to watch, so time to exit, stage left. Or right. She wasn't a theatre nerd, she didn't understand the difference.

However, before she could turn tail and leave the disaster happening on the TV, a loud shriek pierced the air. It made her turn towards it, wondering what could make that sound. Oh, a pretty girl could. Her boredom was gone now, interest peaked. She noticed one of the girls produce two wireless Xbox-360 controllers from out of no where, like magic or something, and felt her lips twitch upward. So no one could take the console before the other girl got there - that was smart. Admittedly, she was interested in not only the game the girls were playing, but the players themselves. They were quite pretty and they could game on top of it? Certainly Cassie didn't need those thoughts at this very moment.

Also, their obviously close friendship caught her attention. She wouldn't mind gaining a friend like that this summer. It was why she was here, wasn't it? To make new friends? She almost grumbled to herself but remembered she was in public, glancing around. She had some control over herself, at least. She slowly moved closer to where the two girls sat; the one looked vaguely familiar, and Cassie couldn't put her finger on where she had seen her before. It was sort of annoying her since she couldn't figure it out. She stood slightly behind the couch they were on, at the corner, not that noticeable to them unless they looked over their shoulder. Instead of watching the screen, however, she was watching the girls, because the one just looked so familiar. It was pestering the crap out of her. Thankfully, she was close enough to hear the one girl announce she was the Nighttingale. She gave a soft gasp, recognition slapping her in the face. She felt like such an idiot, that was why the one girl looked familiar.

"You're Sierra Jameson!" she accidentally said out loud. That was supposed to be in her head, it totally was. Now, her face felt hot, because she interrupted their conversation, especially after Sierra had asked a question. Now Cassie was jumping in by accident. Damn her and her loud mouth! "I'm, uh, sorry. Continue on. I'm just watching if you don't mind." she mumbled, eyes flickering back to the screen; she wasn't usually this nervous or shy, but... these girls were pretty, and she had been noticing the soft curves of girls lately, had been finding herself a bit more nervous around ones she found quite pretty. And, she hadn't meant to interrupt them, so that was a bit embarrassing; she didn't want to upset anyone on her first day here. What a great first impression, her loud mouth having taken over for her.



Despite the stupid, nagging fear in the back of Will's mind that that amount of water could drown him without even caring to get his name first, it was a beautiful sight. The trees around the lake, the lake itself, even the grass seemed pretty out here. It was different from his hometown; it was more... vibrant, more alive feeling. Perhaps it helped because he didn't feel like the lingering pressure of his family's status was looming over his head. Out here, he felt... free. Like he could breath now. Which he did. He took a deep breath and turned away from the lake. No need to freak himself out before he went back to the main hall, what a great first fucking impression that would be. Honestly, he didn't care if he got to know anyone here well or not. Will wasn't one for getting close to anyone; after all, he was moving on after this summer. The biggest reason he came here was to give himself a chance to be far away from his family, and to be able to run free after this whole experience. The only reason he was going to stay during the summer was because his parents would be checking in and he knew they would be. He didn't expect too much to come out of this summer experience. Now, that didn't mean he wasn't slightly excited; he did like experiencing new things and this was definitely new for him.

He moved on, into the main hall. By the time he got in there, most of the loud entrances had been made. He missed out on the "fun." The main hall was growing more crowded, not that it was extremely bothersome to him. He took a look around, eyes searching out a vending machine. He hadn't brought any of the snacky foods he legit stuffed in his backpack alongside things deemed necessaries and now he was regretting it, since there wasn't a vending machine in sight. Sighing to himself, he instead got a stick of gum from his pocket and shoved it in his mouth. It was better than anything, he just needed to be chewing on something. He moved farther into the main hall and found a seat in one of the corners of the room. Settling in to people-watch, because that seemed more interesting at the moment instead of introducing himself to anyone. Which, the people-watching was interesting; there were some obviously interesting types at this camp and that increased his excitement. He wondered if anyone had any good stories to tell; he wasn't expecting anything out there or that fascinating, but he was sure he could hear some good stuff. However, he didn't make a move to get up and actually go meet people. He'd wait till this introduction thing got officially started.



The little bit of attention Kitt had received upon entering and announcing himself was nice. He smiled when he noticed a few people go back to their own devices when he told them to continue on. While he knew it was them not caring, he could pretend it was because they were listening to him. That was funner than thinking the truth. His sweep of the room showed him none of his girls were here. Jess, Hana, nor Nessa. "Bitches." he mumbled as he passed by a small group of ladies, who looked at him with various expressions of confusion and offense. He rolled his eyes, waving his hand at them dismissively. "Not you bitches, seesh." he said with a eye roll, moving on before they could possibly throw an insult back. Not that Kitt would have given a shit anyway. He knew what he was about, not those cunts. He began to survey the room again, to find someone to poke at while he waited for his ladies to text back, when he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He whipped it, grinning down at the smart device when he saw it was a text from his favorite slut ever. Seriously, ever. He hummed to himself at her text, thumbs hovering over the lit screen. He was excited to hook back up with his bitches and catch up with them. He had texted them all somewhat over his school year but it was harder to keep up with people like that. But he knew each summer, they would all be loud and sassy together, like they never split up. It was what he loved about them; it was like they never parted. He was smiling as he typed a text back.

To: my fav slut hanananana
perfection takes time darlin! come to main asap. u'll find my sexy ass here waitin for boring intros to start

Before he could even put his phone back in his pocket, it vibrated in his hand. He rolled his eyes, thinking, Hana, you desperate bitch, I've told you I'm gay before. when he saw it was from Nessa. My other desperate bitch, aw! he didn't hesitant to type out a reply to her, because Nessa was his strange, little child he had adopted, and that he dressed up every chance he got. His own personal little china doll.

To: precious air-headed nessa
hug received! hurry up xoxo

He didn't pocket his phone just yet, because there was one other person he wanted to alert to his wonderful presence. Sassy bitches gotta stick together, right? Well, he and Jess did. Their sassy bickering back and forths was what he lived for, okay? He adored them and adored her. It always looked like they were fighting but for those who knew them well, they were only fucking with each other. You can only put so much sass together before it turned on itself, but their sass turned in a playful and teasing way. Even if Jess was ever forreal about one of her insults or what have you, it wouldn't make Kitt bat an eye. He just didn't get offended that easily and Jess was his boo thang so he wouldn't give a shit anyway.

To: sassy sidekick jess
bitch u need to know my fabulous ass is here. c u soon my sexy boo

This time, he did manage to pocket his phone, and continued his observation of the room. Someone of interest caught his eye; he was a little thing, being surrounded by the wolf pack as Kitt deemed them. Get it? Grey, grey wolves. The sassy boy thought he was funny, okay? He pursed his lips slightly, blue eyes taking in the obviously new addition to the camp, and to the grey team. Poor thing, he got put in one of the crappy teams. How tragic! And that outfit, God, someone help him. Kitt wanted to help him. The thing would be precious as hell if he dressed correctly. Kitt never talked to very many people in the grey team; he knew of them, and they knew of him. He may have thrown a few sassy comments their way but he did that with everyone. Today, he felt a bit bold, and like he wanted to get to know them better (but not in a super friendly way). Maybe that tiny thing was helping push him in their direction but also, Kitt was already bored, and he wanted to mess with somebody. Who better than the wolves? He enjoyed walking into dens and possibly getting bit, it was fun! So, he walked over to the little pack, noticing a red wolf was there too, but ignoring Jackson. He put on a toothy smile, stopping a couple feet from them and clapping his hands to catch their attention. "The wolf pack and all its glory!... plus Jackson." he said, shooting said red member a teeth-baring grin, "I see we have a new little pup - what's his name? He's precious." he teased, giving everyone a smile, directing it last at the little pup. He even bent over a little to be more at eye-level with the little pup, as he now deemed him, his smile not as feral or teasing as it was directed at him, more soft now, because the pup was just so darn cute! He didn't really care if he interrupted a conversation, or tensions that were occurring, he just wanted to ruffle some feathers and move on. He had a tendency to make sassy comments at everyone, it was in his nature, and the ones who had been here for more than one year should expect him to say something every time he wandered by, by now. That was Kitt Sanders for you, loud and proud and almost always out of line.

---

Uninteresting rhetoric, that's all it was. Aside Oliver's comment about Danny - that camp leader who didn't even look like he belonged at a camp. Legit, the guy looked like someone's father; probably old enough too. Eli paid him no mind, but the fool did have a good point. Introductions were going to start soon, and Eli hadn't seen Adielle arrive yet. The poor girl probably got lost or something. Yeah, maybe he should have helped her with her bags. He told her not to bring all of those bags, but she insisted that she needed it. Even if the car that her dad bought her had a lot of trunk space for it, the amount of luggage she brought was way too much.

Eli sighed, taking out his phone.

To: My darling step-sister
Danny Hill said to phone peeps. Seems like Introductions are starting. Might want to hurry it up.

Eli sighed again, placing his phone screen-down on his lap. Not even a minute later, it buzzed.

To my darling step-brother:
You're kidding me right!? I was waiting for those bitches Nessa and Jess for like ten minutes, and they never showed.

Based on that text, Eli had to assume that Adielle was a bit pissed. Why was she taking it out on him? All he did was inform her about what Mr. Hill said. If she wanted to yell at somebody, why not go on a texting rampage on Nessa and Jess?

Eli sighed once more. The people around him were beginning to annoy him. Added to Ghost and Jackson being their usual selves, but now his own sister was going after him for no reason. If that wasn't bad enough, that self-proclaimed queen Kitt had made his merrily way over to where Team Grey was. He wasn't even a wolf. Well, Eli can't say that since Jackson wasn't, but he was making himself comfortable. Then again, Jackson has a hard-on for Ash. So, maybe that's why.

To my darling step-sister,
Don't get mad at me because you can't find your little girlfriends. Just get to the main hall. I don't want the camp leaders to yell at me just because I can't locate my stepsister.

And with that, Eli pocketed his phone. Whether she responded to his text Eli wouldn't look at it. He had more important things to worry about, like getting Ghost to shut the hell up, and for Jackson to go bug someone else.

"Just do your part, oh great leader." The rhetorical tone in that last bit was so real. It really didn't matter to Eli if anyone caught that or not. Around Ghost, his usual demeanor wasn't exactly placid.

And just one moment later, Jackson and Ghost were in a headlock, well, more like Jackson was in a headlock. Eli shook his head in annoyance. Why did those two have to act so unorderly? Eli didn't understand, but it mattered not. Jackson would get out of it, and lightly punch Ghost in the stomach, most likely prompting the king to hunch over slightly. Eli smirked, as if satisfied with that sight.

"I'll have you know that I just recovered from a nearly-broken leg. If you weren't sleeping like the lazy sum bitch you were, you would've heard the wonderful tale." Eli heard Jackson tell Ghost, most likely in response to Ghost's earlier inquiry.

Eli sighed again, trying his best to contain his annoyance with Jackson and Ghost that only seem to be rising like the sea level. Great, now Jackson and Ghost will go back and forth again. Eli really couldn't handle much more of this. Why was it, with the arrival of Ghost, that his neutral state was taken away? What was it about this guy that made Eli want to forsake all calmness, and simply give him a good right hook? What was it about his jewish face that made Eli want to give into his DiVale blood, and wail on Team Grey's leader as if there was no self-control? Everything about him rubbed Elijah the wrong way; the way he spoke, walked, breathed, and right down to how he existed boiled the blood in Eli's body.

And then came Kitt. Just what he wanted, one of the sassy pinks to make his mood even worse. "That's Oliver, Atton." Eli purposely used Kitt's first name. His mood demanded it. "And yes, he's--"

"ELIJAH!!!!!!" A familiar voice shrieked through the noisy, background noise of the Main Hall. Eli looked up, and saw that familiar blonde. She was coming closer at a jog, rushing past people as she did so. Some of them gave her looks of general annoyance, but that didn't phase her, and some even said some stuff to her, but again, like the looks, it didn't phase her. Truly, Adielle wasn't phased by anything; and when she reached Team Grey's crowded area, Eli noticed her soft greenish eyes scouting Team Grey, and their guests from Team Red and Pink. "YOU!" she said. Adielle looked at Jackson.

Turning around, Jackson looked at Adielle. "Me?"

"You almost ran into me earlier. LOOK BEFORE YOU SKATE YOU WANKER!" Well that was a new one. Eli never heard that kind of language coming from Adielle's mouth,much less directed at someone else.

"Who are you calling a wanker you little bitch!" Jackson said, his face getting close to Adielle's.

"What was that you little punk!?" Adielle was gearing up to punch him.

Eli shook his head as he saw Jackson about to do the same. Unlike Adielle, however, Jackson wasn't waiting. His arm went flying, and Eli jumped from his seat as if instinctual. Before he knew it, Jackson's left fist had connected with Eli's right elbow as he blocked it. "Jackson, I know you don't think before acting, but there's no way I'm going to let you touch my sister. Apologize to her. Now." Eli looked Jackson dead-square in the eyes. Both of them had their eyes squinted. The air around them was so intense that metaphorical flames could be seen dancing around them, sparks flying from it too.

Regardless what was said, no one will ever lay a hand on Adielle. That's rule of thumb for Elijah Damian Nelson. Now, whether Ash or Ghost had any problems with how he stepped in, Eli frankly didn't care. Let them yell; let them order him to stop. No one was going to lay a single finger on Adielle, that much was certain. If Jackson was going to proceed, he would have a hard time because Eli was about to forsake every single rule he had to protect Adielle from harm.

---

Armed to the teeth with a pair of sunglasses and some sunshine in his pocket, Sunny moved through the masses of milling students to dispense whatever he could in one of the many Purple cabins on their side of the camp. He'd taken the time to stroll at a pace that allowed him time to stare at the vibrant green of the leaves shaking in the summer breeze, captivated by the nature surrounding him. Being a Seattle native, he didn't spend much time between the biting cold and the sprinkling of rain to enjoy nature. Even if he enjoyed the bustling city life surrounding him, it felt nice to take a deep, deep breath of fresh air not tainted by the exhaust of cars and the stifling currents of air picking up ever kind of scent and their mother. Of course, a city boy could only do so much when given free range over a large, expansive patch of land. Sunny went wherever he let himself be taken, most of the time and with little complaints.

Many individuals couldn't quite guess where Sunny came from (and a lot said California just for the fact that he radiated carefree happiness? He didn't know, really). Seattle's grunge and hipster style didn't set its teeth into Sunny's fashion sense - no overly large coats or scarves in the summer and certainly no beanies to cover that bright, cornflower yellow hair or thick rimmed glasses to cover his sunshine-in-blue-skies eyes. Most of what Sunny where highlighted his disposition, with bright colors and short sleeves. Honestly, he always looked prepared to throw everything off to reveal a pair of swim trunks before he dove straight into the waters. His mother called him a perpetual tourist, carrying a camera everywhere he went ("gotta find all the kodiak moments, mom!") and wearing dumb Hawaiian floral shirts with his dumb, dad cargo pants.

No one questioned that style though because it was so distinctly Sunny that it hurt. And it felt nice being able to walk out on a sunny day with a too large button up open and flowing to reveal the stark white tank top underneath and just about ready to tackle the day.

And that usually meant sitting around looking at everything, seeing everything, smiling at everything. On days where his calendar alerted him to events currently happening, that meant Sunny arrived late almost all the time. Well, actually, just pretty much all the time. Someone like him, who liked to stop and smell the flowers while also getting his nose into more than just sweet nectar (re: trouble, lots and lots of trouble that's not his own business) couldn't stick to a strict schedule if it smacked him in the goddamn face.

So, eventually, Sunny made his way back to the main hall, still armed with his signature beaming grin and his hands stuffed into his pockets. And, well, stepping into the large room immediately felt tense and Sunny's back straightened while his brows furrowed. His eyes darted around the room, lips puckered, in search of what set the air off into a burst of electricity. The sound came first, despite Sunny's eyes covering decent ground and he immediately moved toward the vicinity of people gaggling about, mostly greys but a few stray pinks and maybe a red found themselves in the mix.

With his camera raised, Sunny stalked toward each individual, setting himself up far enough away to get each one in the shot. The subsequent snap and pop of the camera's light would have caught anyone's attention of Sunny's loud enough smile wouldn't. "Damn, what a picture perfect family outing. Glad I could immortalize it for you all," he said, sliding onto the table where a few spots had been freed up. The Polaroid picture slid from its slot and into Sunny's hand, immediately waving it neatly before handing it to the closest individual, that being Ash with a bright smile. Who knows what she thought of him - he certainly didn't, but that didn't matter much. "Mostly grey kids," Sunny stated, "though I know your lots disposition of Pink, but that's what scissors are for and cute cutouts of some hot celeb in a magazine, you know?"

After his abrupt introduction, Sunny turned toward Adielle and Jackson, eyeing Eli standing between them. "So, uh what's got everyone in a tizzy this first day of camp?" his eyes caught Jackson's scrunched expression, brows furrowing slightly but not enough to determine anything beyond Sunny's neutral mood: happy sunshine ray of good times. Regardless of that, this course of action would maybe, possibly land Sunny with a black eye if he decided to step in himself. Or get yelled at by both Eli and Adi from the looks of their own expressions. Or both. Usually it was both. Most likely it'd be both.

He slid his gaze toward Kitt for just a moment before brushing his presence off - probably just came to start gossip or fault someone for wearing spring when they were autumn. Sunny wasn't one for stereotyping anyone, but if he had to, Kitt would be his go to choice; everything he did was the embodiment of pink's chosen plans of action.

Maybe it was the thrill of stopping someone from going gung-ho on another person, the potential of a fight he'd most likely lose. Or maybe it was the feeling afterwards of having been there to help someone. Or maybe it was the sense of some kind of righteous justice, things you read about in comic books that seemed awesome but were actually really dumb like standing up to a mugger wielding a knife with no form of defense but his bare hands. This situation was more like riling a bear up after he'd just pounce on two mountain lions already baring their teeth (get it? BARING) while a pack of wolves sat at his rear. He chose the quick moment between responses to shoot Alex a text (not the one beside him or the other one with a 'K'; the lady one with the prickly attitude and resting bitch face that could probably compete with Holden's, who stared lacking any amusement at the fiasco in front of him).

To: The Living Space Needle

so first off: HI I MISSED U!!!! second off: how quick can you get to the meeting hall? i put myself in an all out gang war west side story style and im about to get anita'd. . . you know that scene in the diner where? yeah. im about to get anita'd hardcore from the looks of it. be my doc bby don't let them have my innocenceeeeeeeeeee [ten crying emojis followed by a few poop emojis]

He didn't exactly know what he'd gotten himself into until he'd settled himself in the thick of it after trampling everyone's right to privacy by snapping their candid moment. Hostile, but still candid.

---

A smile spread across the twins face at the same time. Grinning like a pair of idiots they high fived in front of Raven before turning back to her to discuss the details of the competition. Both of them leaned in as if discussing a very secretive topic. Beckoning to Raven, Finn spoke first in hushed whispers. "Have you ever heard of the Skarsgård trials?"

Erik spoke up answering before Raven had a chance to talk. "Legendary events, heard of across the land. Far and wide, people come to see. The-"

"-Events are massive and quite the experience. Eating-"

"-Drinking-"

"-The more interesting køn" Erik hit him from across the table. "Idiot! You can't say that." Finn shrugged continuing to describe the trial to Raven. "We are the amazing hosts of the Skarsgård trials."

"We'll be continuing them on here at camp. With-"

"-Stakes that are life or death. Dead people everywhere!"

"True, true. So the first segment of the trial begins with the race. Around the lake, who-"

"-ever finishes first has to undergo the first punishment." Both of the boys visibly shuddered at the thought.

Erik laughed at his brother, "Not that I'm gunna lose to you, chicken legs." Turning towards Raven he explained the punishment in more depth. "If I win, 100% guaranteed, Finn has to switch shirts with me. Aaand if somehow Finn manages to cheat his way into first, I have to switch shirts with him." The twins smiled like their logic was not severely flawed. Then Finn started hitting Erik for saying he was going to lose the race.

At a brief pause in their fight Finn glanced over at Raven, "So, what do you think?"

---

Tis's head shot up as she heard her name being mentioned. Fauna. Her smile only widened as she heard her comment about her attire. "Most Bitchin' Californian you'll ever meet. I'm a choka charger brah!" Fauna, being the outgoing zero filter person she was, went straight ahead and introduced herself to the newest member of team green. It looked like Nicole was going to fit in perfectly well. And then Fauna openly admitted to going through everyone's stuff.

"Fau, dude, you can not just grunch through the gidgets shiz. You're gunna get grubbed one day and then BANG you're a hair farmer bailing out of a backdoor dude." Tis shrugged like her sentence made sense to anyone sitting there. Though the message was still clear. Stop going through other people's stuff. "And I swear if you crimped my style dude, we gunna freakn throw down more than an aggro clidro."

Having, hopefully, dealt with Fauna for now, Tis turned back to Nicole. "Boss, sir, mam, dude, brah, goofie-footed hodad, you can nic me what you want, due. N don't be fret about my lingo, most land-huggers don' comp." Ever since Tis was, well as young as she could remember, she talked like she did. She had probably picked it up from her father, or maybe the other surfers on the beach. Though not everyone that surfed talked like she did. Tis was more of a stereotype. She never bothered to try and change, it was fun, and it wasn't bad for publicity when she went to one of her competitions.

For a moment Tis was the one that was lost, as Fauna and Nicole began talking in another language. French? Italian? She couldn't keep up. Other languages just weren't her thing. Besides Spanish which she had to learn while she was in Mexico, but that had soon been forgotten. Perhaps Nicole would take interest in the twins, they were from Scandinavia or something right? Who knows, the three of them could hit it off. Or the twins could completely scare Nicole off.

Tis decided to introduce her to the clones at a later time, when she was little more settled in. That was, if Fauna didn't manage to scare her off before she had a chance. Fauna was off on a tangent, calling out to people around the hall. Several heads turned as nathan was requested. At least she had called another greenie, it would be good for Nicole to meet all of her teammates and get familiar with all of them. Thank god Fauna hadn't tried to call the twins over just yet. Tis waved at Nathan and beckoned for him to come over and meet the newbie. "Nat dude, come meet my gidget chick Neko, uh Nicole."

---

---

---

---

---

Welcome back to Summer Camp.

There wasn't time to respond to Ariel's question (and yes, Ash did notice her teammate's sudden change in expression when she received a text), or indirectly comment on the obvious hatred Elijah and Alex shared for each other. There wasn't time to give Jackson a comeback or to laugh at Oliver calling Mr. Hill a douche bag. There definitely was no time for Alex to get pissed at the appearance of cheeky ass Alton or "Kitt", who the hell cares what he wanted to be called. No one realized that the calm before the storm was put to an end and the Sky and Earth were about to crash into each other.

The moment Adielle, Elijah's sister, came flouncing in, the dominoes began falling and Aisling saw the scene unfold in slow motion. The Green team member shrieked with irritation as she pointed out Jackson's idiocy. Why did people have to be this emotionally heightened so early in the morning? There was this thing called 'think before you do or say' that not many teens seemed to get. When an earthquake happens, it can cause a volcano eruption or even a tsunami. Yet, no one grasped that the biggest walking disaster was Jackson and all one had to do was shake him a little and he'd shatter violently.

Rather than react, knowing well enough Eli was keeping a close eye on his sister, as Ash was with Jackson, the woman kept quiet and simply watched. Her unnerving calm demeanor altered into an incomprehensible darkness, far more anger consumed than any of them usually saw. Her face may have been stoic but her eyes burned blistering flames that would surely incinerate those that surrounded her.

Idiots. She was surrounded by the lot of them. This is why some people were driven to smoke or drink. The world was filled with fuckers that wanted to start shit. There were some people that were intimidating and tough, just for the sake of scaring people off, and then there were people like Aisling, who were truly unnerving and fully capable of breaking someone's spine if the situation allowed it.

There were so many wrongs to what was happening right now. One, Oliver was there and this would surely terrify him. He was the new kid and now he'd probably never come back to Camp Liberty because of all the damn teen angst. Two, it was happening in the Main Hall, right before Introductions were to start, where a camp leader wasn't too far away. Really now? Three, a fight in the Grey team area didn't read well for anyone... Nor was a fight going to solve their petty issues.

After the like-minded soul jumped in to defend his sister from the raging bull and said his words of peace, Aisling glanced at all those around her, expression still unreadable.

Suddenly, Sunny strode in, took a damn Polaroid picture and handed it to Ash, thinking his happy disposition would help the situation. Lightly tossing the picture at Oliver to hold, her narrowed eyes met with the bubbly man's stare and gave him a faux smile, "This has nothing to do with you."

Not giving anyone anymore time to do something that would make matters worse, she walked up to Jackson, with no fear whatsoever written on her face. Her death glare would shake those who met her gaze and if her eyes were a weapon, the piercing daggers would reach the heart in milliseconds. Standing beside Jackson, arms crossed, she teethed, while still respecting the hothead's dignity, "You can either walk on your own accord outside or you can kiss any possibility of romancing the fuck out of me goodbye. " She paused to let her heated words settle in. Her tone was venomous, yet non-confrontational.

Offering her hand, a gesture to show she wasn't going to leave him alone, Ash questioned, "So what's it going to be, Jackson? If you're punching anyone, you better know it's going to be no one else, but me."

While Jackson had every intention of smacking that shit, I'm-better-than-you, look off of Eli's face, Ash gave him an ultimatum: he can punch Eli if he wanted to, but if he did, he could kiss any possibility of having a shot with Ash out of the window. He grunted a few times. The first was silent, the second louder, and the third one was a flat-out yell with a twist. He said nothing. He shoved Eli out of the way, not paying any mind to anyone he ran into. He was angry, sure, but it was better than forsaking any kind of shot he may or may not have with Ash; though, as he went into the Media Room, obscenities of very colorful words could be heard. Such a colorful vocabulary could only be rivaled by Sailors out at sea. And it was clearly audible. Anyone with a proper sense of hearing could make out the words he was saying..

"Fucking hell motherfucking shit bag FUCK!"

Taking a deep sigh of relief as Jackson went off on his merry way, Aisling turned toward everyone who had no fucking clue how to deal with overly emotional people, "Eli and I won't always be there to stop him. I'm saying this as someone who doesn't want you guys to end up in the infirmary on your first day back at camp. Fucking think before you do shit."

After all was said and done, she gave Eli a thankful look as she walked pass him and his sister. Kneeling down to be at Oliver's level, her chocolate orbs softened, and a genuine smile was back on her face, "Why don't you and I get a quick breather before intros start?"

Kitt almost never lied. He was honest, to the point of being blunt, so when he had called the new pup precious, he really meant it. While he enjoyed ruffling a few feathers, but never to the point of actually spiting a person, just small teasing to poke fun, he hadn't exactly came over here to poke at the wolves with a stick, like he had previous years. The little pup caught his eye and he would admit that with ease. He wasn't here for someone like Ash or Eli or even Jackson, God no, the latter was someone he avoided because of how easily he might pop a vein. Unlike what many people thought here, Kitt did not like drama or fighting. Gossip was another story but actual seething words and swinging fists was not something that the sassy boy seek'd out to cause at all. So, while he could tease a few of the others like he always did with his snark and sass, the true reason he had wondered on over was for the new pup, to get a read on him. Contrary to popular belief, Kitt was actually very good at reading people. He might come off brash and uncaring, but in all honesty, he noticed things that many others just didn't and could respect those things.

Like how the little pup seemed so nervous, to the point that Kitt honestly thought of backing off. That was the thing about Kitt. He, for some reason, liked people to think he was just another sassy bitch. Maybe, by now, it was just natural to put on that front. He had been putting it up for so long, for reasons he may have forgotten or hadn't even had to begin with, he was just used to that being his first and lasting impression for some people. Like the grey wolves. People like Hana, or even Nessa, got to see the softer and understanding side he had, that only came out when he thought it was really needed. Because, once again contrary to popular belief, Kitt was a very caring soul, he probably cared too much. He knew it certainly didn't come off as such, and was usually okay with that, but seeing the little pup's reaction was making him rear himself back just a bit. He didn't want to actually scare or freak the hell out of someone. That was never his goal when he threw sass in someone's direction. He was looking for a reaction, sure, but usually that was annoyance or frustration. Things like anger or nervousness, though? He backed off once he started getting those.

When he caught the pup's eyes, his smile grew, almost becoming encouraging, like he did notice the younger boy's nervousness and was trying to let him know Kitt wasn't planning on pestering him like the others... yet. If he ever got the chance to be around the pup more and get the pup comfortable around him, well, that'd be a different story then. However, right now, he could almost sense something was off in the new pup and was trying his best to not come off so loud and intimidating, though that was hard for someone like Kitt. Oh holy mother, this kid had blue eyes that totally out-did his, no questions asked, no debates about it. The pup's eyes were a blue that made Kitt blink, almost in shock at just how blue and gorgeous they were, before they dropped down to the floor. Kitt had thought he had the best eyes at camp but then came little pup. He might be a bit bitter and jealous about that, yes, but he wasn't going to bring it up... until later.

He barely caught the words the pup uttered. His eyebrows furrowed a bit because while he didn't quite catch the words, he caught the tone, and the tone made him his smile become toothy. Oh, so puppy had teeth and could bite. He liked it. However, his attention was taken away when Eli, ugh, decided to address him by Alton. Hearing his first name was the sure way to get his smile to drop from his face, his eyes darkening a bit as he shot a frown in Eli's direction. A retort was already swirling on the tip of his tongue for when Eli finished speaking. Though, Eli didn't get to finish speaking, because that was when the show started.

When Kitt had originally approached the wolf pack and company, he had expected to get a few nips and biting words directed his way for just being himself. But, he hadn't expected to get a show, that was for sure. Any outside party would call this a show, be it if they meant a good or bad show, but if it was his choice, he wouldn't had wanted it to happen to begin with. Well, at least he had a story to tell Hana now, she would eat this up. First, it was screaming, that made Kitt straighten up and step a bit away, because it was easy to see the tensions were raising, and very quickly. To be honest, fights put Kitt on edge. He could hide his unease well, but he didn't like being near them, at all. The yelling brought back memories of his days in public school, kids being bullying assholes, and like hell he wanted those memories swimming forward at the moment. He didn't mind talking about those days, he was very open, but he didn't like being in a situation that reminded him. There was a difference, obviously. Uh-oh. Then there was a fist thrown by Jackson. See, that was why Kitt avoided that guy, he wasn't an idiot.

Kitt's eyes were locked on the fight, until a blinding light caught him off-guard. He hadn't quite been in the position to get the damage an unexpected bright light caused and his attention was brought back to little pup, Oliver he reminded himself, when he rubbed at his dry eyes. It occurred to Kitt then that the new pup hadn't moved a single inch until that moment. Again, Kitt was aware of his surroundings, and he was fairly close to where the pup sat, and he hadn't noticed any movement until his hands were shooting up to rub at his assaulted eyes. His eyes lingered on Oliver, ignoring the new sunny sun sunshine that joined the party, and it was obvious Kitt was picking up on something from the little puppy. Though, his attention snapped to Ash when she began to speak. He hadn't even paid a mind to Jackson storming off. He had noticed, certainly, but he didn't want to make accidental eye contact with the ticking time bomb that was ready to go off again. His run-on sentence of curse words made Kitt raise an eyebrow. And people considered him a drama queen? Ha!

"Oh, do not worry honey, that is someone I definitely avoid." he said, waving his hand at Ash, not in a rude gesture though some might take it as so, even though she might not even care about his well being. It was the truth, though. He rarely made comments towards Jackson because he could just sense what that hothead was capable of. He didn't need his pretty face to be marred, oh, a nightmare that thought was. At first, he watched Ash be motherly towards Oli. This wasn't the first time he had seen the supposedly attentive teen behave at someone like this, though it was the first time he had been close enough to properly witness it. Though, when the pup hopped up, he took a step back, looking at Oliver with both his eyebrows rose up. "Breathe, sweetie. There are exits, don't worry," he said, hands lifted up a bit, blue eyes taking in Oliver's newly standing position. Again, some people might take those words rudely, though he didn't mean them as such. Almost everyone was taller than Kitt, so he wasn't surprised to see the pup was a few inches taller, though it was a bit disappointing. He had at least expected to be taller than the little pup but alas, he was not. Kitt's blue eyes shot to Ash, an almost teasing smile coming onto his face. He had barely caught the 'thank you' the pup said to Ash, but he paid it no heed, instead focusing his attention on Ash. "Yes, where, mother wolf?" he asked, and while there was a teasing undertone, overall, he looked serious. What? He was bored, he didn't want to be near the tension either, and he was intrigued by Oliver. And a perk here was, he could poke at Ash a little too!

---

Descending from the flight of stairs that connect his cabin with earth, Theo made small cheerful hops as he went down. What could this experience bring to his insatiable appetite for activity and love of life was the thought that circled his mind as he pressed play on his MP3 before returning it to a pocket of his beige shorts. The sound of Enya went off in his ears as he immersed himself in his surrounding - an unusual music choice for a teen of his social background, nevertheless, he loved listening to spiritual soundtracks while exploring the outside on his own. The melody of the tune would only accentuate his emotions as he absorbed the fresh air with a cool breeze coming from the direction of the lake, the tweeting of the birds heard all around him, a clear blue sky without a hint of a cloud anywhere in sight intertwined with rays of sunshine gracing his face with warmth and coming down brightening up his smile even more. He promptly put his aviator sunglasses on to dim the sun a little bit, just enough so it doesn't bother him as he walks in its direction. As he walked towards the lake over which the sunny yoke levitated he would adjust his optics with a swift move of his index finger up his nose while looking around the campus for some points of interest.

The amount of people at the campus astonished him and relieving him of the burden that has troubled him ever since he first stepped out of that vehicle that took him to the camp - what will he do without his two favorite people, Kylie and Dean? As someone who practically grew up with Dean who was always around and getting used to Kylie whom he has been dating with for over a year, never having a day off in the relationship it seemed like quite a difficult task to enjoy his summer with both of them gone this time around. Frankly, even the vision of him enjoying anything with them not around escaped his mind. Nevertheless, the amount of people and potential new friends gave him hope. Not in the sense that he will forget about his best friend and girlfriend but find someone who will keep him busy just as much as Dean has for the past 12 years. Someone who would take his place to keep Theo's day interesting and active. Who knows, perhaps his new best friend is just down the road. The thoughts ran through his mind on repeat as he made it towards the silvery lake that was getting more and more saturated and blue as he got closer. "What a sight." - he exalted while taking a deep breath taking in the fresh water aroma carried by the wind that he came to enjoy quite a bit living next to the Pacific and the smell of ocean was so usual that he got used to it so much so it would completely go unnoticed for most of the day. Every now and then he would pick it up again and enjoy the few moments before the whiff that for some ironic reason reminds him of fish that he loathes is yet anew overcome by the scent of the city.

On the far right he saw a small wooden dock and two silhouettes sitting on the edge with their feet in the water, enjoying a good day. Theo decided to walk that way assuming the two have been here before, meaning they probably know a spot or two around the camp, right? Focusing on the road in front of him that arched to the right and around the lake, he would take a moment or two to look around every few steps hoping to find some interesting spot where he could potentially enjoy his days at camp when he has some free time. An odd tree trunk that laid in a small clearing was an interesting spot for reading books, not that he brought any. Or that he reads in his spare time, really. An even more fascinating spot was a small rock formation that rose about 5 feet above the ground it stood on with a surprisingly smooth surface on the top. Perfect for lying down and enjoying the day. The rock was covered by the pine trees surrounding it and hiding it from direct sunlight meaning the rock itself wouldn't be hot throughout the day and therefore probably a good option. He continued strolling along the road gunning for some good lazy-time spots and before he realized he was close enough to the previously noticed pair he could now tell both were males. "These two look just like me and Dean" - he thought with a smile on his face as he creeped on them from behind. Soon enough, one of the guys ran his hand down the other one's cheek in a romantic gesture which immediately broke his thoughts only to have him then add to himself out loud: "Okay, maybe not". As he laughed at his quick assertion he took out his phone and checked the clock realizing the introductions are half an hour away. With quick calculations he deduced that he should make his way toward the Main Hall right away with an easy stroll and make it just in time. On his way there he noticed masses of people that were a moment ago carelessly dispersed all over the area now slowly gravitating towards his destination. He upped his pace hoping to get there before a large crowd formed like the one he met at the reception desk. There's no way he's going through that hell again even if it means cutting back on enjoying the fine weather and landscape he found himself in. "Plenty of time to stroll around" he thought as he made his way past his cabin and marching toward the large structure that sat between the big parking space and the rest of the camp.

Making his way inside through the same doorway he came out of, he noticed a small stand to his right that somehow skipped his attention the first time. The stand had souvenirs of all kinds, from stones with the painting of the camp, wooden carvings and porcelan dishes with camp engravings on them to pens, papers and photographs of the place with similar designs. On the side of the souvenir shop he noticed a special box filled with flags with the colors of the teams. Immediately he inquired the person at the desk what those were for.

"It's so you can find your teammates easier" - the woman said with an unnaturally wide smile.
For reasons unknown, Theo thought this little gadget could come in handy as he took a piece in exchange for a few coins. Holding on to his flag that now appeared to bring him more attention from the other camp members than he originally envisioned, he made his way towards a large room where some ruckus was ongoing. He walked in only to notice a woman yelling for some reason at a scrawny fellow that looked pretty mad himself.
"Yikes. Drama. I should probably go." - Theo suggested, however his body that was now leaning into a more comfortable position disagreed. He inclined against a wall crossing his hands and squinting his eyes trying to focus on what was unfolding in front of him as the entire room packed with people stood in silence to witness the show. The two actors that were building up to the point where both were holding their fists in the air ready to strike which lasted for a moment felt like an eternity in slow motion that made Ted leave out a single sentence that would wrap up the whole event in a perfect summary: "Oh snap!". As he said it his lips curled into a smile attending his first melodrama on the very first day, only an hour after arriving. However, another person soon intervened, blocking the guy's blow who was going at it mercilessly completely void of the thought that he was about to strike a female with a seemingly disasterous force. Once things settled down and more people got involved Theo swiftly stood up and raised his purple flag now trying to find some of his teammates in the crowd that formed around the spectacle. Nonchalantly waving it in the air looking like a complete newbie, he could care less about the dismissing stares some of the people were giving him. For some of them the fun wasn't over apparently.

Before Alex was able to take in her friends and teammates' reactions to her entrance, she heard her name being called out from behind her. Trying to decipher the familiar voice as she slightly turned to catch who was yelling for her attention, the brunette was stopped short as she felt a weight practically barrel into her. Jerking forward, she luckily caught her balance with her dominant foot. She was probably only capable of managing that and would have fallen flat on her face if whoever it was that was attacking her wasn't extremely light and shorter than her. Shooting Richard a look of astonishment for the briefest of moments, Alex did a one eighty to finally see who had charged at her.

Green eyes immediately set on the strange shade of gold hair and perfect brows furrowed for just a moment in an attempt to figure out who this unfamiliar person was. Then Alex's pupils trailed down just the slightest and made contact with gorgeous gray-blue orbs. The taller girl's expression was visible in displaying her realization; a smooth, quick transition from surprise to elation.

"Jess!" Alex cried in exhilaration from the overwhelming emotion of seeing one of her closest (and few girl) friends after an excruciating long period away. "Oh my god!" she continued with her simple minded statements as she pulled the shorter girl into a tight embrace. Only pulling away when the two had successfully squeezed each other to the point their upper arms would be red right after letting go, Alex placed her hands on her friend's shoulders as she enthusiastically commented, "You're a blonde!"

Not long after, the brunette felt herself be pushed once more by a heavy force and would have toppled over this time if it hadn't been for the strong arms behind her keeping her upright. Letting out a little, "Oof," at the sudden hug from her other friend, Alex smiled into the shoulder she was being pressed into and ran a hand soothingly up and down the well defined back in a comforting gesture. Once Richard had let go of Jess and her, she subconsciously fixed her hair and clothes as she observed the tall boy standing in front of her.

Without complimenting on it, Alex took notice of his shy actions and the shine in his beautiful blue eyes that always reminded her that Richard was a good guy, even if he had a few people that would contest to that account. Without knowing it herself, she donned an expression of sentiment and melancholy at the thought of this being his last year. Taking a look to her side at the bubbly girl she loved, Alex realized it be both of theirs.

Focusing entirely on the present once Richard placed a hand on their shoulders and took the two outside, the youngest smirked back at the question before bringing a hand up to tap a finger against the bottom of his chin. "You're sweet," she commented foremost and genuinely before attempting to put the boy's doubts to rest (she knew he had his moments of insecurity). "Of course we missed you!"

The three of them began heading to the main hall for introductions, making conversation and laughing and enjoying being all together in each other's presence in general. Hearing her phone chime with a text message, Alex pulled it out of her pocket to read whatever someone had sent her. The range of emotions her face displayed from the short minute it took her to complete reading the message was probably entertaining to someone. Immediately her face lit up like always at seeing her best friend's name at the top of the screen. The fact the first thing he wrote was about missing her didn't help to contain the ever spreading grin on her face either.

As silly as it sounded, she missed him too... even though she had seen him less than a week ago for his graduation. Funny enough, it wasn't until she was surrounded in a sea of purple and white gowns did she realize how coincidental it was that Sunny's camp color was the same. And it wasn't until she looked at the photo they took together post-ceremony with her decked out in a nice, short dress of her own school's colors of blue and gold that she saw the coincidence there. Yes, it took the two airheads two years to realize that Alex had her best friend's favorite color associated with her school.

The girl's brow furrowed as she was finishing up the text though. Concern and rage quickly filled up the small body as Alex pocketed her phone, already planning to waste no time in typing out a reply when she could spend it getting to Sunny and making sure he was okay. Tsking, she turned to face her other two friends. "Goldfish just texted me telling me he's gotten himself into something again. I gotta go take care of this. But I'll see you two at the main hall, okay? Later!"

And with that, the brunette started speed walking the remaining short distance to the building. Pushing her way through a few lingering newbies at the door, green eyes scanned the vast area and all the campers milling about, some in groups and others by themselves. It took her a minute to track down the soft blonde hair peeping out from a crowd of shorter people. And he was in the middle of a circle. Exhaling heavily, Alex stormed her way to the crowd in attempt to confront anyone who was giving her best friend a hard time. However, just as she was reaching the group, some lanky weirdo she merely acknowledged was in the Red Team pushed someone and made his exit.

Rolling her eyes at his dramatic display, the girl finally managed to stand next to her friend, just catching the tail end of some gray member's scolding. Managing to catch a glimpse of who was talking, Alex repeated her earlier action. Ash. Man, she was always a bossy busybody who hung out with losers. Speaking of which... The diva took a look around the gathering and unconsciously made a repulsed expression. Everyone around her was some sort of freak that she disliked. Widening her eyes and taking a deep breath, she grabbed Sunny's hand, intent on dragging him away from the unsettling atmosphere that had settled.

Then she heard screaming and cussing from the direction the Jackson set off in and she adorned an exasperated and judgmental look. Okay, well it was way past officially time to get the hell out of that group of outcasts. Thankfully the second she looked up at Sunny and curtly said, "Come on, let's go," an announcement was made overhead that introductions would begin in five minutes and for everyone to take their seats. Naturally, Alex monopolized the sweet, pure boy all to herself by finding empty seats next to each other and having him sit next to her.

---

Em continued to wander by herself, even breaking out in heavy laughter when she read Alex’s response to her text. That girl had a problem with her and the problem was that Alex could not stand to be around her. Em had never done anything particularly wrong to her own knowledge but she’d pushed boundaries and poked at Alex’s buttons in a way that was so typically Em. Emilie had her competitive streak and with Alex it never felt like competition…it felt more like taunting. She knew she could be given as good as she got and that was the real thrill. However if that was how the blue wanted to play then Em would not give up. It was the chase and challenge that thrilled her and she was a stubborn thing.

Talking of blues she could spot a few mingling around but she didn’t move toward them and instead just texted quickly back to her best bro down at the lake that she’d be unable to join him. She didn’t want to be around Nicholas to be honest because she’d never truly clicked with him. She liked to think she clicked with a lot of people but she also had very high standards she’d liked to maintain and she wouldn’t let them shift easily. So she left the others to it and knew she’d see them in a bit. To be honest it didn’t even feel like long before they were being summoned and with the ball at her feet Em made her way toward the main building for the thing she’d been so nervous about last year. She hated being nervous because it made her feel weak but she was not going to lose this year. She’d give everything she could and would probably take a couple of others down. Of course she was nice, Em was a sweetheart but victory was her goal. She would not fall short. Metaphorically.

As she noted everyone was getting really cramped she looped back round to the cabins and stowed her soccer ball safely beneath her bed before turning back again. She was being a classic scatterbrain but she got to the hall eventually and glanced around endlessly for those who she knew. Those she’d missed. Her team. She’d missed Astrid and she kind of wanted to see King and Casper. She didn’t know whether she’d laugh at them or roll her eyes. Her blues and then there was the blue she’d been looking for. And she was with a purple of all people. To be honest though, she had no problem with Sunny. Except he was probably going to have to deal with Alex punching Em in the face in exactly five…four…three…two…

“Hey gorgeous, didn’t you miss me?!” Emilie asked enthusiastically as she sat down on Alex’s other free side and swung a long arm around her shoulder. “I got your text. So raunchy.”

The two best friends got to catch up with each other in the short span of time they had before introductions. Well, it was more like Alex demanding to know what specifically happened without any of Sunny's optimistic bias to see who she would have to confront if anything happened. However, it seemed like he wasn't directly involved or in anyone's ill will so eventually the brunette dropped it. Before they could discuss lighter matters, the camp counselor ceased all conversations by informing everyone of how to introduce themselves. Crossing her arms and leaning back into her chair, slightly slouching, Alex's face slipped into one of discontentment. She absolutely hated this at the very beginning of camp every year. Already familiar with some of those who return yearly, she had already placed her opinion on them and for anyone who said anything extra as a newbie, she thought of them negatively (like an attention seeking non-individual).

When the first person went, Alex's green eyes almost rolled into her head. Audrey always did think of herself a lot more likable than she really was. Placing the side of her head into her left hand, anyone could see the brunette was clearly unimpressed. We're really not intimidated the blue member thought to herself as she whispered over to Sunny, "I don't get why she says this every year when she knows my team's going to win... again."

As Audrey was sitting down and whoever was next was getting ready to go, a body took up the vacancy of the chair next to Alex, causing the girl to look up in puzzlement. Once she registered who it was, she groaned in displeasure, not even bothered to hide it in front of the cause. However, the naive girl believed that the blonde would simply just sit down and go through introductions without bothering her anymore than with her presence (which was already pushing it in Alex's mind).

Being completely taken by the feeling of physical contact around her shoulders and being slightly pulled into Emilie by said girl, the brunette had to catch herself so she wouldn't fall. Right after, she registered the smell of sweat and body odor coming from the girl next to her. Not wanting to get the scent on herself, Alex wedged her right elbow between her and the other before pushing Emilie with it to get some distance. "Ew, get off!" she practically hissed. "You smell like freaken shit," the angered girl added, unconcerned with buffering her words in a malicious attempt to embarrass the other girl to the few people around them whose attention they had captured.

Emilie wouldn’t say she’d expected Alex to take it well but damn she was already on form with the insults and she’d only been around for a few moments. However Emilie was good natured enough to just roll her eyes and ignored the minor pain from being shoved away. Blue team humour, right? They could fight like absolute idiots but Alex definitely adored her somewhere deep down. She totally just hadn’t realised it yet. “I don’t even smell so you can shut the hell up.” She chuckled with an over dramatic roll of her bright eyes. She knew that Alex loved to cause some kind of scene and Em was not afraid of it so she kept that polite smile on her face and gave a coy tilt of her head, letting her long hair brush against her shoulders. “You’ve still got a problem with me I see. Shock.” She scoffed and shuffled back toward Alex despite the initial rejection. She did feel bad for Sunny a little. Poor guy having to put up with Miss Angry Pants all the time. Then she leant a bit closer, wary that Alex would probably lash out. “Why don’t you drop the act for a bit, eh? I’ve only experienced it for thirty seconds and it’s fucking boring.”

She pulled back a little after her comment and turned her head to listen to the others who were now talking. Rambling about winning again. Gross. Did no one realise that they were top dogs around here? Even if her team could rip itself apart at the seams. Slowly she dropped her hands to the bench and shot Alex another look. That look she gave her when she paraded around in underwear. ”Now learn to shut your mouth for thirty seconds…” She murmured and brushed her fingers against the edge of Alex’s thigh – unintentionally of course.

God, Alex wanted to punch this girl's teeth out. No one cussed at her; she could verbally abuse whoever the fuck she wanted but no one got that right with her. Narrowing her eyes in rage, the shorter girl scanned the other's face, taking note of the dried sweat and plastered, fringed hair stuck on the blonde's face. Slowly her expression became one of disgust and annoyance rather than hostility. Shaking her head while slightly lifting up toward the ceiling, the brunette mouthed quite obviously, 'Why me?' She turned to face Emilie with an irritated expression before rebuking back. "If you know I hate you, why do you keep bothering me?"

Internally smirking, the cruel girl defaulted to a territory she was quite familiar and comfortable with: mentally tearing down someone else's self confidence. Taking on a more assured and accusatory tone to try and get an edge on the blonde and make her seem like she was right, Alex started on her tirade. "Is it because you don't have any friends? Is it because mommy and daddy aren't giving you enough attention at home?" Looking Emilie from head to toe with a judgmental expression, Alex gave a hum and quirked an eyebrow before simply stating, "I get why."

Turning toward the front all pleased with herself, the brunette noticed a set of twins doing their introductions... and that Emilie was silent. The pleased feeling she felt from the interaction lasted only momentarily when she spoke again, insulting and attempting to call out the prettier girl. Glaring to her side, Alex replied to the offense with what she believed was honest. "It's not an act; I actually hate you. Why don't you give the whole 'oh I'm so cute and lovable and happy-go-lucky' bullshit a rest?"

The girl would have kept going if she hadn't just heard something that only pissed her off even more, completely missing Emilie's last words. Slowly but surely, Alex's distress was climbing from all different sources. Apparently, one of the twins stated how he wanted to be on her team. When he had been on green! Team jumping onto the vicious, competitive Blue team was not an easy feat (although sometimes she did question how some of the members got into her team in the first place, like Emilie Parker). Purple, understandable; Pink, fathomble; hell even Red could stretch it to make sense. But not green, whose only purpose was to act like fucking children.

With the short moment he was standing, Alex's only memory of the bodybuilder was that either him or his twin was friends with Astrid but other than that, it was easy to say that the brunette wasn't impressed or pleased with what he had just announced. "Oh god, please, no. We already have enough burdens on this team," the diva mumbled underneath her breath, looking pointedly at Emilie, making sure she understood the blatant, disrespectful implication.

Probably as a reaction to that, Alex felt a hand on the side of her bare thigh, way too close to her butt. "What the fuck?!" she seethed, trying to keep her voice from raising. Slapping at the blonde's wandering hand, she pushed it off of her before bring her palm down on the other's own bare leg. A resounding smack could be heard and an angry red mark could be seen, even through the tan.

“Because it’s freakin’ hilarious, Alex.” She replied simply with the slightest shrug in her slender shoulders. She didn’t think she looked that bad today and she’d not broken a sweat when kicking a ball around earlier. Alex just clearly had it out for her but she’d been used to that since she came here. She wished she genuinely knew what her problem was because Em had been sweet to her as much as she could but hey, Alex could think whatever the hell she wanted. “And because you get the cutest little vein bulging in your forehead when I do and I want to know if it’ll ever pop. Because of me. Cute, right?” She said in a low tone that was purposefully sickeningly sweet. At least she could keep Alex’s gaze a little but god she looked angry. Emilie might have actually been scared but she was a lot tougher than she let on and Alex saw the best of her at all times. Em was never going to let her see her sweat. Nothing she said actually bothered her.

Well…not everything. She wasn’t too happy when her family was mentioned because Alex didn’t even know her family and her parents knew nothing but love in their household. Her brothers adored her and her mother and father would never let her go without. They’d been the ones up at the crack of dawn for her soccer games and to drive her everywhere when she didn’t have a license. Her mother had taken time off to look after her injuries and her father stayed up late to teach her the stars. “Is that what you do now? You take whatever bullshit you think will hit people right in the feels and concoct stories about it? That’s low. Even for you. Don’t project your family problems on me…” She sniggered, trying to push Alex further. “And as for my sweetness being bullshit, why don’t you give this whole persona you have a rest as well because it’s very hard to swallow. In an embarrassing way for you because it’s getting really see through. Like a window pane.”

The concept of the swap between green and blue team may have bothered Alex more than it did for Emilie but only because cogs were already turning in her head. They could always use more people in blue but she could also make Nate sweat. The two didn’t get on anyway and she could push it further by swaying the alliances. Oh how much fun. And there was a glimpse of the part of Em that did exist; the shallow and calculating side beneath the beaming sweetheart grin. “Oh you don’t need to look at me to confirm you’re a burden, honey. We already both know you can make that big decision for yourself.”

She wasn’t being mean to Alex but she had to give as good as she got. She’d been raised that way and even if Alex was the hottest girl at camp…Emilie would not cave to a smokin’ pair of legs and those eyes. “Calm down, I didn’t-“ But then the exchange happened so quickly and pained flared through Emilie’s thigh. She made no sound of pain though, biting down hard on her lip to not let Alex see her sweat. Or react. So instead she shifted and dug her nails ever so faintly in to the girl’s upper thigh. She wanted to fight dirty then Em would give it back.

For a girl who loved hearing her own name, Alex's temper only flared worse when Emilie used it for the first time in their altercation. Without meaning to, the brunette gasped at the words the taller girl gave on her physical appearance, bringing up a hand to her forehead in an attempt to hide anything if it really was there. Only realizing what she was doing a moment too late, Alex attempted to subtly bring her hand down and quell the embarrassed flush slightly coloring her face.

Pursing her lips, the girl was forced to listen to Emilie as she tried to compose herself from what had just happened. Once she quickly got herself together, she donned an expression of disbelief. Nothing the blonde had said bothered the other specifically, even if some of it was true, but the thing that irked Alex was how hard it was to crack Emilie. She wasn't one for challenges and didn't like to be met with people who could hold her own because she didn't know what to do about it. Thankfully, the girl was a decent observer of people and master in infuriating others. And she knew that nothing pissed off someone already in an argument more than completely disregarding their point and bringing up something irrelevant.

Having kept up her expression the whole way through, Alex responded with an exasperated, "Who talks like that?!" Once Emilie brought up how much she couldn't stand the other girl, the brunette buried her face in her hands, letting the taller one ramble the whole way through. Slowly lifting her head up after she was done, green eyes looked directly into brown and in an unusually serious tone, Alex replied with a matter-of-fact tone. "If you can't stand being around me, then please just leave me alone. I don't ever bother you; you come up to me."

No; she wasn't hurt or saddened by Emilie's comebacks, she was just so done with... everything about her. Rolling her eyes and sighing for the last time, Alex turned toward the front in baseless hope that the blonde would just shut up and let her be. Being proven wrong once again by a short, sharp pain on her thigh, the shorter girl shouted out an exclaim. Genuinely afraid that Emilie's nails would break skin or leave scars and forever mar her skin (she didn't put it past her), Alex took a hold of the girl's chair at the sides of the back and support and pushed it to the ground in a desperate action to get the girl's nails away from her body.

"God, you're such a fucking bitch," Alex threw at Emilie, tone showing repressed distress. Exhaling in slight panic, the pale girl grabbed her friend's hand and dragged him a few rows away to two empty seats, this time surrounded by others already sitting. As she made her way, she checked her thigh, real concern in her eyes.

This was oddly fun. As much as it may have bothered Emilie very deep down, she’d never let Alex see that. To let someone see you quake was to let someone see your weakness and there were only a few people at camp who Em would ever show that side to. It would just be oddly inconvenient if she unraveled in the blue cabin one night and Alex was there because it defeated her entire point of trying to build up walls to the girl. She would promise one thing from this entire encounter and that would be that she’d only push a little harder and prod a few more buttons. She didn’t know why she went for Alex specifically but it was something that had begun last year and she wasn’t going to tire. A whole few months away didn’t change a lot of things. She was still attracted to her and maybe that was part of it but usually she’d be a little bit different to this in her approach to a gorgeous face and a better body. It was a shame her attitude was so shit because it practically ruined it all.

Even Alex’s exasperated tone didn’t dampen Emilie’s mood and she just bridled a bit more in her seat and nodded along. Yes Alex, whatever Alex seemed like a suitable response to it all. Would that bother her more? “I do apologise.” She commented in response to Alex’s observation that she always came up to her. She didn’t know exactly how true it was but Alex was probably right. Probably. She wasn’t going to draw a statistics board or anything. That was too much effort even for Alex. Emilie would probably get over it eventually but her fun loving and easily attracted nature to the challenge was the ruling force in that moment. Or at least it was until her ‘minor attack’ on Alex and the tables turned. Or at least the chair did and suddenly the ruling force was Alex’s hands and gravity. Hard.

For a few seconds she just lay there in a state of shock, not even bothering to look where she’d dragged Sunny off to. Poor guy. She’d thought that since the beginning. It was always bound to kick off at some point between the blue team and now Alex and Emilie seemed to be at the head of that. In a room full of people and she was now laying on the floor. Maybe she’d pushed it too far. She hadn’t meant to but she was never going to settle for Alex’s bullshit. So she did what Emilie did best: she reacted accordingly and rolled off the chair and sprung to her feet. It appeared no one was currently giving an introduction either…so she went for it.

“Yeah, I’d move too. Thanks for pointing out how unstable these chairs are. You should probably get that looked at.” She commented to no one in particular before slowly picking the chair up and talking in a bubbly, calm tone. “Emilie. Parker. Emilie Parker. Resident Blue. Blah blah Royal Blues. I don’t need to go in to detail about our current position and hey, I think we’ve already showed our spirit here.” Her eyes intentionally turned to where Alex was sat and there was something in her soft brown orbs that almost indicated an apology. Or was it just bothered amusement. Then she faltered and suddenly realised what she was doing. Her confidence slipped and with a sheepish wave she took her seat again. She was a blue and they totally freakin’ had this. Never let them see you sweat. Not even your own team.

---

Mathius huffed, noting the change in flurry and sensed that something was due to be announced. Of course it would be introductions but how long could he sit through these boring fucks going on about their stupid lives? Oh they were all gonna win this year – that was a normal announcement but he didn’t give a shit unless it was someone from Red because then it was true. He was going to make sure of that and no one was going to stand in his way and remain in one piece. Just as he was losing himself in thought someone popped up in front of him like a kind of curvy magic trick. A moment of shock crossed his usually stern features before they sank back to normality and he raised his low eyebrows at her. Firstly, what the hell was she talking about and secondly, why the hell was she talking to him? He grunted back but had to silently admit she was an attractive girl. Long hair. Beautiful skin. He sniffed and continued to look down at her, letting the silence settle. He didn’t do eager or even remotely interested.

“Maybe I’m lonely because I want to be.” He said gruffly after a long time. He wasn’t intentionally trying to be rude and he didn’t want to walk away that much but when the announcement went off he did thank it a little. “You’ll have to excuse me and hope you see me around. Don’t know your name. Maybe I’ll bother to learn it. Guess you’ll have to find out.”

He moved to a table that had a few people on it but he could see her from here and a few of his other teammates. By her he meant Audrey and without thinking he stared at the table. Daniel’s voice rang out and he almost groaned. This idiot. Then he heard her voice. His leader’s voice. Audrey’s voice. He grunted and heavily rested his chin in his hand. They were gonna win. Heck yeah but he could have done without the other bullshit. Technology. Gaming. Whatever. He was half way through a dramatic eye roll when his phone buzzed and he pulled it out, glancing along the table as he replied.

TO: Audrey. Red Chick.

If we must.

Short. Blunt. Did he really have to talk? About what? Fuck it, didn’t matter because more losers were doing all the talking for them. It was so hard not to laugh too loud when Nicholas spoke because the only thing they’d be crushing was probably flowers in books and the whole twin joke thing was lame. It made him feel a bit sick. Why did people have to make him feel this bad? Without really knowing if the person before him had properly finished her stood up and placed his hand down heavily on the table. “Mathius. Red. Pack your bag now and you’ll still be in one piece by the end of the Summer.” He paused and took in a deep breath. He saw some kid sniggering out the corner of his eye that he didn’t recognise. “And you’re first, shit stains.” He growled before slumping down once more.

---

Everything had slowed; it was as if time itself was going in slow motion right before her very own eyes.

Just a minute ago, the blonde teen was having a war of words with that idiot Jackson Drake about how he almost knocked her down earlier when she and Eli were still in the parking lot. This war of words got heated when obscenities were thrown at each other. It was all fine there. Nothing harmful but just some verbal abuse. However, not even a second later, things got way worse way fast. Jackson had lost it. His fist came flying at Adielle.

She couldn't blink. She couldn't think. It was coming at her, and the only thing that Adielle Hart could do was to try to defend herself, but it was too late. The punch was nearing its way closer and closer to her face. Contact was going to be made in three, two, one..

Adielle waited, hands covering her eyes as if they were to shield her from the contact, but something was off. She didn't feel anything. She didn't feel the force of Jackson's fist connect with her stomach or her face or any part of her body. Her hands shielded her eyes, so she didn't see what she was about to in a moment when she removed them. A familiar backside of medium brown hair was in front of her. Adielle leaned over to the left, peeking to see, and Adielle saw Eli's elbow blocking the hit.

"When did you.." Adielle stopped mid-sentence, seeing that Eli and Jackson exchanged words.

She wasn't sure exactly was going on. Eli not only defended Adielle, but he spoke with such a furocious, protective tone that Adielle couldn't help but smile as she saw that Jackson had been met at a stalemate. Even more to the point, additional oppression of Jackson's actions were seen in the form of the Mother Wolf herself, Aisling Hawthorne.

Adielle hadn't had many interactions with Ash, but she and Eli seem to have this unspoken bond that just seemed to work out for the two of them. Each time that Adi would get into trouble or Eli would find himself into trouble, there was never a time that Aisling wouldn't come to either of their rescues if she could help it. Due to that, Adielle never had any problem with her, especially now since she was able to make Jackson go away; though, Adielle raised an eyebrow in that ultimatum. She didn't quite understand how not being able to romance the fuck out of Ash was a bad thing for Jackson. Obviously something she missed but also thankful for since it made the hothead go to the Media Room.

When the dust settled, Eli had turned around to face Adielle. She looked at him. "You know I could have taken him, right? That doofus would have been flat out on his ass, you--" Adi was interrupted by Eli.

"No, he would have rendered you unconscious and probably would have kept on pounding. Stop being so arrogant." Eli said bluntly.

"Oh come on, you know--"

"No, Adielle. He has MMA training. He fights regularly. He would have ended it before it began." Eli said bluntly again.

Adielle said nothing, but she pouted; then her eyes fell on Ash talking to that Oliver kid. Not only that, but Kitt was there too, taking interest in Oliver. Adielle smiled at the sight of those three, but she also felt really bad. She was the cause of his discomfort, wasn't she? He was sinking so low into his seat that, by the time that Adielle even realized it, the time had gone away. Adielle would do something about that now.

Pushing past Eli, Adielle walked up to Oliver, looking at him with gentle eyes and a smile to match. "Hey, you're Oliver right? I overheard after the bafoon left." Adielle said sweetly, "I'm sorry for being the cause of your discomfort, but uh," Adielle held out her slender hand, "I'm Adielle Hart. Eli over there is my stepbrother." Adielle gave him such a tender, sweet smile.

Before anybody had a chance to respond to that, Introductions were starting soon, and Adielle would simply take a seat next to Eli. Whether her fellow Greeners were nearby or not didn't matter now. She would find out exactly who she would have fun with this summer, so as they say: let the party roll!

---

How could things get so fucked up? There he was joking around, having a little fun with Ash and the Wolves of Grey. He was having his fun teasing the fuck out of Ash and that little shy boy, Oliver, physically wrestling with Ghost but not in a purposely harmful way. There was nothing of ill-will going on - well, at least not until that blonde showed up calling for Elijah as if she lost her dog or something, which would be accurate since the Greys are often referred to as The Wolves of Camp Liberty. Still, right when she saw him, that's when shit hit the fan.

Apparently Jackson almost knocked her down earlier. When? Where? How - wait no he knew how. Jackson was reckless, so at some point between the point of arriving to Ash giving him an ultimatum, he must have almost ran into her. Maybe it was when he was skating. In fact, Jackson was confident that's when it was. Still, that was no reason for that bitch to go all entitled cunt on him. She should've looked both ways before crossing. It's not his fault that she's a clueless brod.

So, after Ash gave him that ultimatum - no doubt angry at him for attempting to hit a woman - Jackson left, and ventured forth to the Media Room. It was just as spacious as the Main Hall, if not more so. There was a long - and comfy-looking - leather couch that was of medium copper shade. Several people were on it, and the sounds of the Tv blaring so loudly that Jackson couldn't hear himself think. Or curse. It was quite distracting. He wanted to throw a fit, but he couldn't if people were being just as loud. "HEY SHUT THE FUCK UP! I'M TRYING TO FUCKING CURSE HERE AND YOU'RE BEING TOO GODDAMN LOUD!" Jackson yelled at those playing the Xbox 360. They shot him hissing glares, and Jackson was going to say something else, but he just decided against it mid-thought. Instead he turned around, and...

In a fit of rage, Jackson took his anger out on the brick wall behind him. He turned around as fast as hecould, yelling, and shot three consecutive left and right, straight punches; each one being harder than the last. As to be expected, brick wall and bare hands never was a good idea especially considering when you don't use proper form - which Jackson did(or rather didn't). The end result was both of his fists were cut up. Bruised. Parts were already covered in blood, and that's when Jackson had just lost it.

"Fucking hell motherfucking shit bag FUCK!"

He never did anything right; not when it came to minding his tongue and actions, or having common sense when taking his anger out on a wall. Come on, Jackson Drake! If you're goind to punch something that resembled a wall, go for a plastered wall or a couch. It's sofer and you're most likely to not harm yourself even more than you already had. Fucking idiot.

And now it was time for Introductions. "Fucking wonderful!" Jackson huffed, walking out of the Media Room, and taking a place next to some fucktards. He didn't care who it was; not like he would pay any mind. He would simply wait for someone to speak first, because it wasn't sure as hell going to be him.

---

About ten minutes or so later, Jackson found a seat among some random people, one of them had some kind of Avengers shirt. She was female - hot too. She had long black hair.

As much as he wanted to sit next to Ash, perhaps now wasn't the time. After the big scene that he had just caused for Team Grey, Jackson probably wasn't the person that she wanted to see right now, let alone be next to. Yeah, Jackson was just going to keep his distance until he could figure out a way to apologize. It would have to be something huge because he fucked up big time. In the meantime, however, he might as well as introduce himself.

Jackson prepared to speak, but a few people beat him to it. _{"Those fuckers."} Jackson mumbled. Apparently one of those fuckers was his team leader. Another hot one; she looked Asian, but had a nice figure. Oh God, why was Jackson eying other women when his eyes would just fall back on Ash? His eyes may wander around to other potential dickholes, but Jackson knew that he only had room in his oddly-shaped heart for one and that was Aisling Hawthorne. "Gonna have to do something drastic to get her forgiveness" Jackson stayed with that thought for a moment.

And when he had thought about it, he stood up from his seat, took to his seat, was high above everyone else. It had fallen on perfect timing because Mathias had just finished. "Okay, listen up everyone! Jackson Drake is the name, and I'm with the best team ever! RED MOTHERFUCKING PRIDE BIOTCHES!" Jackson proclaimed proudly. His eyes then fell on Ash, giving her a smile. "And Ash! I'm so sorry for being a complete idiot, but you know so much about me by now! I'm head over heels with you! I don't know what it will take, I will win your forgiveness. I can't live without it because, Aisling Hawthorne, YOU ROCK MY WORLD!" Jackson jumped off of the chair he was standing on, and landed one foot, spinning around, and breaking into a moon walk. After three steps of doing it, he spun like a ballerina, and pointed to Ash, winking at her.

---

Eli tried to hide his obvious contempt for Jackson, but it somewhat died down after that ridiculous show of bafoonerly as an attempt of apologizing to Ash. Whether she forgave him for simply embarrassing him or simply embarrassing himself was of no concern to Eli. As long as Jackson didn't try to use physical violence towards his sister again, the guy was of no imporatnace to him. Besides, there were more pressing concerns to Eli in the room,

His eyes fell upon that woman from before; the woman that was wearing that Avengers T-shirt. She had long, flowing dark hair, and it was obvious how her figure was proportioned. The thing about that shirt was that it didn't really hide how slender she was. Plus, Eli liked to look for the finer details of things. Even the slightest reveal was obvious to him. That's just how Elijah was sometimes. It often was unavoidable for him to not notice those things. Maybe that's why the Wolves of Camp Liberty often are overlooked because they are keen observers of a lot of things, mainly certain details within plain sight.

Eli stood up,not really waiting for the next person to do their introductions. "Eli Nelson; Grey Team." Eli said, but his eyes were on that woman directly across from him, and next to Jackson. "I enjoy having a good time." Eli said, taking his seat, legs crossed. However, his eyes were still locked on the girl across. Something about her intrigued him. He wanted to know more about her.

Adielle looked over at Eli, wondering exactly he was looking at. Her eyes fell upon his line of sight, and saw some girl in a T-shirt next to Jackson. Deciding whether she wanted to ask him about it or not, Adielle pondered on that thought for a moment. After about half of a minute, she decided not to. Instead, Adielle stood up, cleared her throat, and said, "the name's Adielle Hart. Despite my obvious fashion style, I'm not Pink. Team Green all the way! And this year, we're going to crush everyone!" Adielle yelled like a frat boy. "but still love you all!" Adielle gave the entire room a wink and sat down with a big old smile on her face.