---

---

In the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania there is a small town by the name of Red Lake, barely noticeable on any maps it is a small very tight knit community of people everyone knows of one another and news spreads rather quickly through the small town. It had gotten its name due to the lake about three miles just outside of town, which has gotten its name due to the reddish colored dirt at the banks of the lake and the way the sun rises and sets over the lake giving it a reddish hue to the water. There isn't any form of hotel except for a small BnB just outside of the town ran by the Walker family, a small grocery store and a small town hall where every meeting is held within the town everyone seems to get along very well with one another in this lovely town.

However, lately in the last few months the small sleepy town there has been a recent string of wolf attacks in the outlying farms around the town, but no one has ever caught it yet hunters have tried to track it noticing the rather large paw prints that it has left behind but they seem to mysteriously disappear out of sight. And no one has seem to have a clue why these attacks started usually mauling a few sheep or cows here and there, the town has set up a rather hefty bounty for whoever catches the wolf.

Of course this doesn't stop the teens of the town to get together for their usual annual trip up to the lake, it is the day before the trip some have already packed while maybe a few others haven't yet. But either way the teens always get excited for their trip for a few days before going back to their regular lives, and getting ready for the new school year. But what if the wolf decides to get a taste of human flesh for the first time and the teens end up getting attacked, who knows what will happen to them?

---

---

---

---

---

---

Riley slowly opened her eyes and started to let out a loud yawn as she rolled over onto her side and looked over at her alarm clock seeing that it was 11:00AM, luckily for her it was Riley's day off from work. As she got up from her bed Riley made her way towards her closet and grabbed a tshirt as well as a pair of blue jeans. Riley then moved over towards the mirror in her room and started to slowly brush her hair getting out all of the tangles that were in her hair as best as she could. Once she had finished Riley then started to head down the stairs and towards the kitchen hearing her mother and father talking to one another.

Once she was in Riley walked over and wrapped her arms around her mother and father giving the both of them a loving hug. "Good morning." Riley said with a smile, as she walked over and sat down at the table Riley looked over towards the tv screen it was a news story of one of the recent wolf attacks on a far just outside of town. It sort of made her worry about the trip that was coming up the next day, which everything had been already set up for she just needed to get the RV which is what she would do later on during the day.

The full moon was close. Quinton always knew when it was near. As he rested, Abigale curled up against him, watching cartoons, he planned his students study, using a ipad, he made notes on each student. There were many things Quinton liked about teaching, but what he liked best was he could be with Abigale all the time, take her to school, take her home, and give her afternoon snacks, help her with her homework.

And train her.

She was all that was left of his pack, his family. His daughter. Each day she seemed more and more like her mother, his wife. His mate. He would do anything to keep her safe. His mind wandered back towards the alpha that had found him, invited him to her pack. Quinton hadn't yet decided, but everyday with these rumors of wolf attacks, wolf sightings, Quinton was getting closer to accepting.

A pack would help keep Abigale safe. And that was all Quinton wanted. To keep her alive. TO finally be able to give her a somewhat normal life. Once he had decided to settle here, after the hunter appeared to have lost their trail, Quinton had left Abigale with the woman who ran the bed and breakfast, and in the hands of one of his students, Riley. Abigale absolutely adored the older girl, and Quinton made a note to keep that friendship going-Abigale needed a sister figure. Leaving her with them, Quinton had tracked where they had lost the hunter, following the old scent to a kill site.

He had been relieved, greatly so, that he wouldn't have to kill the hunter. And worried. He had returned, and that afternoon he had found a place to rent, a small three bedroom house, with a yard for Abigale to play in, and plenty of room for her to grow up in. He had had to buy furniture, new clothes for Abigale, using what was left of his savings to set down roots here.

And then the alpha had found him, and opened up the door he had thought long closed.

Quinton looked over the first body, that they had dug up when Robin hadn't come home. He crouched over the body of the girl he had considered a sister, his pack member, and he growled, a deadly sound that came from the back of his throat. This wouldn't go unpunished. They would find who had killed their sister. Gently reaching out, Quinton had stroked her cheek, before picking her up, turning to his Alpha.

"She deserves a proper burial, Foster"

The larger male nodded, and they took her back home. They didn't trust the cops to do anything here, and in anycase, they were generally very private. They gave her a proper burial, and then they began to plan. Titus, their best tracker, started to hunt the hunter down. Quinton went on the defence, patroling the town while Blair was put on guard duty for Sara, and Abigale, the packs pride and joy. Two, Abigale was already fiesty, energetic, and she never gave up when she wanted something. She was Quinton's shining light. And Sara...the mere thought of his mate brought a smile to his face, and he knew that Blair would protect her with all his strength. THe young werewolf was quick thinking, bright, and had a hidden strength within. Quinton knew he would protect his mate, and child.

Only when Titus didn't return, Foster had told them to pull back, and Quinton had come to Sara and Abigale. THat was the mistake that had cost the pack their lives. They should have stayed out there, they should have ensured the community was safe.

When the hunter threatened the community, Foster had gone out in all his fury. And died with a bullet in his heart. Blair, bless his soul, had told Quinton to take Sara and Abigale, to hide them, but Quinton had stayed. And witnessed Blair's death. And then the hunter had gone after Sara. Sara had died, shieding the body of their daughter, and Quinton had attacked, had sent the hunter running, as he unleashed his afull anger, seeking to kill that which had killed his entire pack. Only Abigale's cry had stopped him chasing after the hunter, and instead he had scooped her up, and had started running.

They hadn't stopped until they got to Red Lake

"Daddy? Why do you have your sad face on?" Abby asked, as she sat up, crouching on her knees, to lay a hand on her fathers cheek. He set his ipad aside, and gathered Abigale into his arms. "Sometimes sweety, it's okay to be sad. When I think of your mother, of the pack, I grow sad. Because I miss them, and wish they were still here with us"

Abigale frowned, looking into Quinton's face, "Why did the badman hurt them?"

Quinton had never told her the reason, never told her that the reason they had been hunted down, was because of racist claims that werewolves were dangerous. He sighed heavily, "Because sweety, sometimes people don't understand us. You know what we are, I've taught you that. Sometimes, people think we are dangerous, the ones that know. But I won't let anyone hurt you. I promise you, Abby" He just hoped he could keep that promise.

"But what about that lady, that you talked to before, she's one of us, isn't she?" She asked, and Quinton was, as always, surprised by her ability to see through a situation. Giving another sigh, he said "Yes, she's an alpha of a pack. She invited us to join her"

Abigale tilted her head, and said with all the innocence of a child, "Why haven't we joined, then? Wouldn't it be...safer? Maybe it's time, Daddy. You always said the lone wolf struggles"

Quinton, heart heavy, looked away. "Maybe, sweetheart. Now come on, you need to get packed. Riley's mother has agreed to take you the next few nights. I'll be there during the days, like always, but I'll be dropping you off early tomorrow, so I can scope out the woods a bit. And we're going out for dinner today, but there's someone I want you to meet"

Abigale frowned, clearly not liking that, "When can I come with you, daddy?"

"When you're older"

Abigale gave a heavy sigh, "You always say that"

---

Quinton held Abigale's hand, knowing that sooner or later Alessea would find him, especially since it was a full moon the next day. And he still hadn't given her an answer. And the reason was standing beside him, her hand in his, looking up at him with ice cream around her mouth, smiling that bright smile of hers that just seemed to make everything alright.

"Your ice creams dripping, quick lick it up before it escapes!" He said, giving her a smile, and handing her a napkin as well, as they walked to the cafe. Ice cream before lunch might not be a good thing, but sometimes Quinton knew, it was the simple things in life that made it worth living.



Connor pulled his truck onto what looked like camp grounds, and then he carefully drove it through the trees, finding somewhere to camp that he could park his truck in. He eventually found a good spot, and he sat in the truck for a moment or two. He should go and get some supplies. He was down to a tin of soup and some stale bread that was starting to get too old to eat, mold and all. And yet the thought of facing people did not appeal to him, and he gave a heavy sigh.

Connor's appearance was oddly haggered, as if he wasn't sleeping well. Which was true. Connor hadn't sleep well since, nearly two months ago, his campsite had been attacked but a wild beast. They said it was a wolf. But Connor wasn't too sure. It had all happened so fast...

His father was still trying to put up the tent. Connor had long since left him too it, Sometimes there was no telling his father what to do. But Connor finally said "Just face it Dad, putting up a tent is not your thing. That pole goes there. Let me do it, you tend the soup" He handed his father the spoon he had been using to stir the soup, as Connor took over putting the tent up.

Connor had a way with how things worked. He soon had the tent up, and leaned back with satisfaction. His truck, the only vehicle they had that was bnig enough to cart the camping equipment, was nearby, music softly drifting around them from its radio.

It was peaceful, it was pretty damn cool actually.

They sat, talked, had some soup and camp bread, and shared, despite Connor being underage, a drink. It had been a good night, one neither of them realised they had needed, and when the moon rose, they spoke of the future. Of what Connor could make of the company his father would leave him, of what he could make of the holdings his mother had put in his name before she died.

And thats when they had heard the growling. they didn't react fast enough, Connor doubted they could have. The wolf, a snarling gray beast, landed on him, bit deeply into his shoulder, clawed his chest, and then must have thought it was leaving him for dead. He heard his fathers screams, found himself too weak to do anything.

His vision slowly faded.

When he woke, it was morning. Connor blinked blearily up at the light sky. His hand went to his shoulder, his shift, but there were no wounds. For a moment he thought it had been a dream. BUt when he sat up, he saw his fathers managled body.

Connor didn't know how he got to his truck, how he started it and how he didn't crash it. He must have been driving erratically, because cops, investigating sightings of a wolf, had pulled him over. He had been babbling, sure he had sounded crazy.

He had left the town two weeks later. And he hadn't stopped in any place long, packing up what he needed into his truck and just going.

He was plagued by nightmares. He was fearful of the moon. He had terrible dreams on the nights it was full. Of wolves.

one night he had woken to find his sleeping bag in shreds, his nightmares were that bad. He gave a heavy sigh, and proceeded to start the truck up again, continuing onto the town, It wasn't hard for him to find the grocery store. He pulled into a park, and sticking his keys in his back pocket, he headed inside, grabbing a basket, he began to shop, hoping that people didn't look at him much, a stranger in their midst.



Cody was putting some books away, making sure they were in their correct spots, enjoying the feel of the books within his hands. Some people said that books were old fashioned, that ereaders were taking over. And maybe they were, but there was nothing quite like holding a book in your hands. The weight, the feel...it was simply just right. He hummed to himself as he put them away, a nonsense tune, thinking about the novel he was writing. He was planning a few pages in his head, musing on the words he would write. He was also thinking about what he was going to bring on the camping trip, looking forward to the adventure.

His hair fell into his eyes, and he shook his head to brush it away as he pushed a book in amoungst its fellows. It would certainly be fun, and it was always worth the time to spend with his friends. As his thoughts drifted towards his friends, they inevitably drifted towards Aron. The cute, sweet warm hearted boy had stolen his heart, and he didn't seem to know he held it. Cody was confused about Aron, he was never quite sure whether Aron was straight, or gay. Either way, it didn't matter. He was crushing on Aron hard, and he couldn't simply change the way he felt.

Giving a soft sigh, Cody reached for another book, but the stack was gone. He smiled amusedly at himself, always losing track. Especially when he thought about his book, or about Aron. He glanced at the time realising his shift was over, and had been for fifteen minutes. As he went to clock out, the librarian smiled at him "Daydreaming again, Cody Dear?"

Cody smiled and nodded"Oh, you know me. Sometimes things distract me"

"Well, you're a real go getter in anycase, You'll get whatever you were daydreaming about"

Sometimes Cody thought that the librarian saw more then he gave her credit for. He blushed, and gave her a nod, "I sure hope so, Ma'am" He said, as he was leaving, slinging his backpack over his shoulder as he trotted off, taking his keys out his pocket, he went over to his motor bike. Starting it, he put his helmet on, making sure it was secure, before starting off. He zoomed down the street with all the confidence of a 17 year old, who thought they were invincible.

Pulling up at the cafe, because of course when his thoughts drifted to Aron he had to see the boys, and besides, Gage was a good cook. And besides, he was starving. Happily dismounting his bike, he shoved his keys into his back pocket, walking into the dinner. There were many things that Cody enjoyed about this town, but the cafe was perhaps one of the best. Warm, inviting and friendly, Cody had been coming to it in one form of another for years, his parents content to go where he wanted when he was young.

He choose a table, glancing at the menu even though he knew it off by heart by now. And generally got the same thing everytime. Cody himself was a poor cook, and even sandwiches he had trouble with. So supporting the cafe was one way of avoiding cooking. Just a side bonus, of course.

---

---

---

---

The sweet melody of her fingers gliding over the ivory keys of the piano filled the practice room she sat in, her ever unseeing eyes staring down in the direction of her hands for only a few moments longer til the gentle sound of a guitar joining in caught her attention, causing her already rather bright and ever happy smile to grow over her soft pink lips, and forcing her to turn her attention over in the direction she could hear the soft strumming of the strings. This was what she loved- the music… one of the only ways she had ever really been able to express herself to those around her… and oftentimes, it was her only means of escape from the stresses of everyday life. Tearing her rather cloudy sky-blue orbs away from where she knew Jackson was sitting upon the stool beside her, Syleste returned her mind back to the grand piano, the already beautiful melody she had been playing changing slightly as she began to sing, barely noticing their teacher sitting off to the side listening to their every note.

“..all those days, watching from a window- all those years, outside looking in… All that time, never even knowing just how blind I’ve been…” Pausing for a moment, she took a small breath, her head tilting lightly to the side causing some of her long bubblegum pink locks to fall gently over her shoulder before coming to a rest as she leant her body forward, her foot pressing down lightly on the peddles every now and then as the song called for it, “..now I’m here, blinking in the starlight- now I’m here, suddenly I see… Standing here, it’s all so clear, I’m where I’m meant to be… And at last I see the light; and it’s like the fog has lifted… And at last I see the light; and it’s like the sky is new… And it’s warm, and real, and bright; and the world has somehow… shifted…”

Her voice trailed off, her brows furrowing together slightly as though she were thinking about the words she was singing as her fingers slowed, pressing the keys in slow succession for but a lingering moment before she once more brought the song back to its main progression, “..all at once; everything looks different… now that I see you…”

Lifting her head up, she shot a seeing-less glance over in Jackson’s direction, missing the soft smile he gave her as the two of them continued to play, the tune slowed, becoming softer… almost sweeter than it had been moments ago before finally, it once more began to build, the sound of Jackson’s voice filling the air causing a soft blush to creep over her cheeks as he lifted his foot up from the ground, choosing to instead rest it on the edge of the piano stool she was using.

“All those days, chasing down a daydream- all those years, living in a blur… All that time; never truly seeing, things the way they were… Now she’s here, shining in the starlight- now she’s here, suddenly I know…”

Her lips parted slightly as she heard the sound of the guitar come to a stop, her fingers continuing to dance lightly over the keys in front of her as she lifted her head up, her soft pink lips parted slightly in confusion, though it didn’t take too long for her to understand why he had stopped when she felt the back of his fingers delicately brushing over her cheek, causing it to flush an even brighter shade of red.

“If she’s here- it’s crystal clear… I’m where I’m meant to go.”

Shyly turning her attention away from him and back down to where her hands were, Syleste lightly bit down on her lower lip, unsure of what to make of the attention as he once more returned his hand back to the guitar, his fingers once more strumming as the both of them continued the song, their voices blending together to fill the air before floating around the room, “And at last I see the light.”

She fell silent a moment as he continued, “And it’s like the fog has lifted..."

“And at last I see the light.” Tilting her head ever so slightly to the side, she smiled; her voice soft as she took the next line on her own, “And it’s like the sky is new…”

“And it’s warm, and real, and bright… and the world has somehow shifted…” Flicking a quick glance in his direction as the both of them paused, and the gentle tune they had been carrying once more trailed off into almost nothing, she turned back to the piano, her hands coming back though this time playing slower, “..all at once everything looks different… now that I see you… Now that I see you…”

Waiting a few moments longer once her hands had come to a stop on the keys, Syleste let them slip, bringing them both together in her lap as she turned her body, her ankles crossing underneath her as she looked back in Jackson’s direction before the sound of their teacher’s voice called out to the both of them.

“Nicely done; I see you two have been practicing. I think with a little more work, it’ll be perfect just in time for the concert when it comes round.”

“H-Huh..?” Unable to hide the surprise, or even the slight flicker of nerves that crossed over her features at the thought of performing in front of such a large crowd, Syleste shook her head lightly, though the action seemed to go completely unnoticed by their teacher as he patted her rather roughly on the shoulder before leaving the room, the sound of his heavy footfalls getting further and further away eliciting a sigh of defeat to fall out through her lips, her head stooping down slightly as she hunched her shoulders over, “..why does he always do this to me..? He knows I don’t do so well in large crowds… I just get so nervous, and I just-… I just shut down completely…”

Feeling the warmth of a familiar hand upon her shoulder, she fell silent, only lifting her head back up when she felt Jackson’s fingers softly hooking under her chin, guiding her and urging her to once more meet his gaze even though he knew she couldn’t see him.

“He has faith in you. He knows that you can do this- we all do. You’re stronger than you think you are Syleste.” Closing her eyes as she felt a soft pressure against her forehead, she blushed brightly, her cheeks practically glowing as she finally managed to wrap her mind around what had happened; and as soon as she had, it was over, and he was once more standing up straight and pulling his lips away from her forehead, “Take care okay..? I’ll see you at school; remember, practice during free period.”

“O-Okay…”

Not really sure what else there was to say, she slowly turned herself back to the piano, waiting until she could no longer hear his gentle breath or footfalls before she replaced her hands upon the keys, a second sigh slipping through her lips as she let her fingers brush almost delicately over the ivory. So they thought she could do it… she was more than sure she was going to (once again) disappoint and let them all down… but at least, for their sake, she could try…

Shaking her head lightly as though in an attempt to rid her mind of the thought, she began to play once more, the new melody different… slightly more classical… and while it filled the room; unbeknownst to her, it also floated out the window on the gentle breeze for all and any to hear…

---

Aron watched his brother stomp as they walked away from the house of horrors. Well...not literal horrors just their least favorite place to be. His brother kicked a rock and grumbled. "Why the hell do we have to stay there. Hell we pay them frickin rent and we are supposed to be their family."

Aron sighed and looked at Gage. "We are almost 18. Then we can leave and get out of there. We just have to hang in there it's part of the reason we got jobs" Gage snorted. "Jobs we make barely anything from then half gets taken by the evil stepford wife and evil tie" Aron chuckled. "Yea but still. Almost done. Then we can leave and never look back" Gage noded. "You should make inspirational posters. When evil fake parents have you down remember....you're almost 18" Aron shoved his brother...who barely moved and both laughed before Aron did a more impressive shove and took off. "Totally beating you this time!"

Gage raised a brow before taking off after his brother. Gage managed to win and laughed. "I won now you get to tell me who you're crushing on" Aron flushed and shook his head. "No way. Never happening." Gage rolled his eyes and both made their way inside Red Lake Cafe.

Aron grabbed an apron along with a notepad and pencil, which he tucked into an apron pocket, before he got to work cleaning tables. Gage went to the kitchen where he did food prep. Aron heard a person come in and made his way to the table his notebook in hand before finally realizing who it was.

Aron blinked and seemed to freeze before clearing his throat and speaking to Cody. He did not want his voice to crack...no he would die of embarrassment of that happened. "Hey Cody what can I get you?" his cheeks weren't red but the tips of his ears certainly were. He could feel his heart racing as he stood in front of his crush. He thanked his genes that he didn't blush on his cheeks unless he was really embarrassed...but his ears were probably noticeable.

There were many things Cassandra had to do, before the camping trip. As she pulled out a tray from the oven, she wiped her brow, and fanned her face, leaning over to open the kitchen's small window, she left the tray of lasagna to cool, and checked on the diced chicken she was cooking, making sure it wasn't burning, before leaning over and grabbing the sauce out the fridge. She poured the sauce over the chicken, and turned the oven to down to let it simmer, moving to dish out the lasagna into a container.

When all the cooking was finished, Cassie stepped back, pulling her shirt off her skin. She loved to cook, but her own kitchen was tiny and got very warm quickly. She decided to have a shower, to get all the sweat off her, before heading out.

Make meals for Aunt Cathy, check She thought to herself, as she grabbed her keys to her little bug, and her guitar. Now, go find and invite Syleste before you forget again, you've only been meaning to for a week now she thought to herself, making sure she had her phone, she put her guitar in the car, and started it up. She pondered where she should look for her first, and then decided to go to the music school- chances were Syleste was there.

Letting her mind wander as she drove, Cassie hummed to herself. after inviting Syleste, I'll stop by the cafe, check on the twins and see what they want for the trip. Don't mention inviting Syleste, let that be a surprise for Gage. See if they'll help me, get them out their house a little bit longer Cassie wasn't sure just what was going on at their house, but she knew it wasn't good. She generally spent as much time as she could luring the boys away from their house, and making sure they were okay. Maybe while waiting for their shift to end, I can hunt up Cody. He seems to have an interest in them, maybe he'll help me figure out a way of keeping the boys out the house longer.

She found a park, and pulled into it, locking her car up, she trotted up the steps. The music drifting about informed her that Syleste was indeed here. Smiling, she leaned against the door to the room Syleste was in, listening to her play for a moment. She didn't think any differently of Syleste for her blindness, Syleste had proven, simply by what she was doing now, that that meant nothing. It didn't stop her from playing, and playing so beautifully. So Cassie figured inviting her would be good, and would also get her out a bit. Besides, everyone should go camping.

"Hey, Syl." She said, after a few moments. Cassie had known the girl for a little while, their love for music drawing them together. Cassie enjoyed the younger girls company, and her friendship. "I've told you about the camping trip we go on, haven't I? I've been meaning to invite you for a while, if you'd like to come. It's tomorrow, and I'm sure the rest of the gang would be happy to have you come"

A camping trip..?

If the sudden sound of another’s voice seemed to have caught her off guard, then it didn’t show at all as the sweet melody continued to fill the room, the young girl’s fingers still graceful as they continued to glide over the keys, her mind, however, preoccupied as she thought over her friends offer- camping had always sounded like so much fun. Spending time with friends, sleeping under the stars, surrounded by nature… laughing together, and keeping warm by the fire… of course it was something she wanted to do- she’d never before in her life been allowed to do anything of the sort; even school camps, unless she was sleeping in a cabin, she wasn’t allowed to attend… a risk her

mother wasn’t willing to let her take…

“I would love to go camping with you, Cassie.” Slowing her fingers and the notes until both came to an eventual stop over the ivories, Syleste lowered her hands back down to rest in her lap, her body twisting slightly over the seat as she turned to face the direction that she could hear her friends voice coming from, “It’s just… well, I don’t think my mother is going to let me go… it takes a lot of convincing just to get her to let me go on school trips… I-... I really want to go with you guys; but I just don’t think it’s possible...”

"Then we lie"Cassie said without missing a beat. "Riley generally brings her caravan, anyway. I'll talk with your mother, if you want. Come on, you have to come on the trip! It will be great" She said, "We'll make it possible" Cassie said, going over to Syleste, "I'll take you to your mother right now and we can go in as a united front. Please...everyone will be there"

Cassandra could understand Syleste's mother's worry, but Cassie wanted Syleste on the trip. She could understand her mother was worried that something would happen to Syleste, and could understand that fear, but...Syleste deserved a chance to be even a little normal.

"Please. It won't be fun without all of us together"

Cassie’s voice had gotten louder, the girls footfalls giving way to the fact that she had moved closer to where Syleste was sat at the grand piano. Lying..? The thought of lying to her mother made her slightly uncomfortable; but it seemed as though Cassie really wanted her to come on this trip… why, she wasn’t sure; but she wasn’t going to question a chance to spend time with the friends she’d managed to make over the years.

“I-... I don’t know, Cass… I’ve never lied to my mum before, about anything… I wouldn’t even know how to lie to her…” Sighing softly, Syleste let her head drop, her beautiful though cloudy light blue eyes dropping to rest on her hands in her lap as she continued to think about it- was it really going to be worth lying to her mother just so she could go camping..?

“..who else is even going on this trip anyway..? You only ever mentioned you and Riley were going…”

”Everyone” Cassie said, feeling like she was convincing Syleste. [color=f6989d]”Riley, Miranda, Cody, Aron, Gage...you know, everyone”[/color} She said, in a voice that was nonchalant, although she was sure Syleste was listening to all the names. ”And it’s not really lying...I’ll just say we can stay in the caravan, and that I’ll watch out for you, which is truth anyway. That its not dangerous-which it isn’t. It’s just a fun time. We’ll have food, and we’ll just hang about. I’ll have my satellite phone, so she can call you if she panics” She said, trying to convince Syleste that it would be all okay, but knowing it would be a heck of a lot harder to convince her mother.

Her head lifted up as the names of those who were meant to be going were listed off, her eyes seeming to light up slightly, and a small though shy flicker of a smile played over her soft pink lips as a particular name hit her ears- Gage was going..?

“Well, I-... I guess that could work…” Biting down shyly upon her lower lip, Syleste let her eyes drop for only a moment before she lifted her attention back up so that she was once more looking in the direction she thought her friend to be in, “..do you really think he’s going to be there..?”

Cassie didn’t need to ask who Syleste meant, she smiled to herself, and said ”Sure I do. If he and Aron aren’t there, I’ll hunt them down and drag them up with us. It will be good for them to get out, just like it is for you” she said, her voice changing slightly as she thought on the boys home life. ”We’ll go convince your mother and we can go get some food for the trip, if you want” She said, knowing full well she was going to stop by the cafe along the way, to see what food the boys wanted.

Shifting slightly on the piano stool as tryed to find some way not go along with the plan that would make her mother furious beyond belief, Syleste eventually gave in, unable to help the excited smile that lit up her features as she nodded her head, “Okay..! I really wanna go anyway… so, let’s go talk to ma.”

Twisting back around in her seat, she leant her body forward, her hands reaching out and her fingers gliding over the piano so that she could gather her things in her arms, and hugging them close against her chest before she stood herself up, her long and wavy bubblegum pink locks bouncing lightly over her back as she took the couple of steps back to the main floor of the room, stopping just at the bottom so that Cassie could take the lead, “..I really hope this works…”

”Awesome!” Cassie said cheerfully, although she hoped that neither Syleste nor Gage figured out she was trying to nudge them together. It would simply ruin it all. She lead the way to her car, taking Syleste’s hand so she could make sure she got into the car alright, she jumped in and started it up.

”It will work” She said, although she started to think of arguments as she drove, just in case what they already had wasn’t enough. If need be, Cassie would simply beg. If she said it was important to her, maybe Syleste’s mother would go along with it.

The drive wasn’t a long one… and the route was familiar- Cassie had driven her home enough times over the years that it basically became second nature. And if it wasn’t Cas; it was Riley, the two of them had been a constant in her life for so long now. They like the sisters she never had; two of the few people her mother had come to trust with her completely... and it was because of that fact that Syleste even had faith that this plan might actually work.

“..well my mother does love you and Riley… and-… well, if Cody is there too then she should have a hard time saying no to you guys.”

Climbing out of the car once it came to a stop in her driveway, Syleste smiled brightly, being sure to carefully close the door behind her before she hurried off up the path and towards the front door, her hand barely having time to slip into her purse for her key before the door was opened, and a older blonde woman was welcoming them both in with open arms, “Cassie; dear..! It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you in our home; how are you darling..?”

Cassie followed Syleste, smiling brightly at Syleste mother, and hugging her, enjoying the warmth of the hug. ”I’m well, thank you. It has been too long...I was just inviting Syleste to the camping trip we all go on, it's tomorrow and I know it’s short notice, but, well...I just wanted Syleste there, you know? We’ll have a caravan, and I’ll have my satellite phone, and Riley will be there, and Cody, and you know we wouldn’t let anything happen to her. Please, may Syleste come with us? It would mean so much to all of us...and to me, I like being around Syl” She said, keeping her voice hopeful, as she spoke, knowing she would get down on her knees and beg if she had to.

“A camping trip..?”

Frowning slightly with obvious worry, Elise turned her attention over to where her daughter was neatly stacking her music books on the top of the grand piano, her hands tightening around her mug slightly as she thought about what was being asked of her- Cassie and Riley were going to be there… Cody as well… she could trust them enough with her daughter; they hadn’t proven her wrong, or let her down before, “..you’ll have the satellite phone..? And you’re sure that Cody will be there with you girls..? I don’t want to say yes, and then hear all these rumors that you went off on your own without someone there to keep you girls safe…”

Cassie nodded, ”Yes, I’ll have the phone. I’m not about to get stranded in the woods. Cody will be there. He’s already put in a request for s’mores” She said with a smile, ”And Miri will be there too, and you know she’s not going to let anyone or anything hurt any of us”.She said, trying to think of everything to make sure she got the yes for Syleste.

Pursing her lips slightly, Elise once more shot another glance over at her daughter, watching her as she made her way back over to the kitchen so that she could stand next to her friend, the young pink haired girl reaching out to take hold of, and hug her friends arm into her body.She

“Please mama..? Oh, please can I go..? I promise I’ll be careful; and I promise that I won’t leave Cassie and Cody’s side..!”

Sighing softly now that her daughter had joined in on the conversation, Elise lifted her hand up to lightly rub at the back of her neck, her head nodding lightly in defeat, “..alright, you can go… but please be careful girls… and make sure you text me when you get there, okay..?”

”We will, thank you!” That had been easier than she thought it would be. Cassie smiled. She looked to Syleste and said ”Did you want to come with me while I get some of the supplies? You know me, if I don’t have someone to keep me contained I’ll buy the whole store out of food”

She decided not to mention that they’d stop by the cafe first, even though she could simply text the boys, she wanted to see them in person.Taking Syleste with her was just a bonus. Still, she didn’t think that was something Syleste’s mother wanted to know

Practically bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet, Syleste hugged her friends arms closer into her body, her smile bright and lighting up her features as she turned her attention back in the direction she could feel Cassie, her head nodding excitedly in response to her question, “Oh, yes please..! Do-… Do you think we can get some pocky..? Their so nice, and fun to eat- strawberry ones are my absolute favorite..!”

”Sure thing” Cassie said, laughter in her voice, giving Elise a grateful smile, knowing she would do everything in her power to make sure Syleste got home safely from the trip. She started to lead Syleste back to her car, more then happy. She had managed to get Syleste onto the trip, and that for her was a fantastic win.

”We’ll get all sorts of flavours, but especially strawberry” She opened the door for Syleste, before getting back behind the wheel, and starting for the cafe. When she could find a park, she pulled in, saying ”I hope you don’t mind, I’m going to ask the boys what they want, and maybe we could get a little lunch first? May as well make a whole day of this, don’t you think?”

“I-I, uh…”

She’d known that the boys were coming on the camping trip… it was one of the reasons she had agreed to going in the first place; but she hadn’t known that they were going to go and see them right at that moment.

Unable to help the way that her cheeks turned a soft shade of pink to match her hair, Syl shifted slightly in the passenger seat, her stomach fluttering nervously with butterflies though she did what she could to ignore them and what they were doing to her- Gage was… there was no one way to describe him… He was so sweet, and kind, and caring; and above all, he was a great friend and brother. He was just-… he was just so amazing…

Like he was ever going to see her as anything more than a friend…

“U-Uhm… l-lunch sounds great, Cas…”

Cassie smiled, taking Syleste’s hand, leading the way to the cafe and to a table, glancing over and seeing Cody talking with Aron, she decided to wait a moment before talking with him, instead going over to the bench and calling to Gage ”Gage? Do you mind coming out here when you can?”

---

Gabanre

---

Melanie, Gabanre's sister, woke Gabanre. After a big yawn Gabanre asked what time it was, it was 7:00 AM. Time to get up Gab said Melanie, you have to start packing for your trip. Gabanre stood up out of his bed, and took the first best pair of clothes he saw. He took blue jeans, a brownish jacket wit a grey t-shirt and went to do his daily things. After that he went to the shack behind the house. He took out his fire making kit and his fishing rod. He also took the tent he had there for the trip. After a while he came back with his backpack packed. He tooks some food and made it ready for leaving tomorrow.

After this he went towards Riley's Bed and Breakfast for his breakfast, since his sister did not really like to cook, and he hated to do so himself, most of the times he went there. It was just as normal, a little bussy but still there was his place he normally sat at. He took a seat and ordered some food to eat. He was hoping that Riley would show up since he wanted to discuss something about the day after this one, when His friends and he himself would be going on a trip.

@BlackPanther

Cody used the menu as a way to put a buffer between Aron and himself, because he certainly did blush, unable to help it. As Aron spoke, Cody took the time to make sure that when he didn't open his mouth he wouldn't just make a spluttering sound. "Hey" He said, relieved his voice came out normal. He glanced at the menu, as if he wasn't just going to get the same thing he always did, "Lets just go with the burger and fries like always." He glanced up, and smiled shyly. He always noticed that Aron's ears were red around him, but he couldn't decided if that was just how he was or....if it was something else. He clung to the hope that it was something else.

He was just...so...handsome. So cute. So...Aron. How could Cody not like him?

He didn't want Aron to go away, didn't want this interaction to be at an end so soon, so he called out to Gage, raising his voice to be heard, a few seconds after Cassie called out to him "Can I have my usual, Gage?" he looked to Aron once more, hoping that it wasn't too obvious that he wanted him around just a little bit longer. "H-how are y-you?" he asked nervously, stuttering slightly on the question.

At that slight stutter, Cody figured this was just getting....out of hand. He needed to know...maybe he could drag Aron away from the others on the trip...he pondered that a moment as he waited for Aron to answer.

---

Kimmie was shooting down the range. She had been given a rifle by a local that he wanted looked at. He said it never shot straight, always off the mark. The rifle indeed never hit the intended target. Her first assumption had been the scope being off, which she had adjusted and it shot straight for a while and she had smirked. Easy first job, easy money.

After a few more shots though the rifle had started shooting sideways once again, but to the other side of the target. She grunted with frustration and got up from her seat and went back into the workshop.

She placed the rifle on a mounting and aligned a camera with a laser pointer on it. The camera turned on as the rifle spun around a single revolution in the mountings as created a 3D image on the monitor. She cursed as the image rendered the 3D model. The rifling was off, worn out, even flaked in some areas. It needed a new barrel.

Kimmie shook her head and took out her phone and called a number. "Hello. This is Kimmie from the Gun Shack. Hi. I've found out what's wrong with your rifle. The threading is worn out and damaged. The barrel needs replacing. This will of course increase the price of the repairs. Just wanted to hear if you want me to go forwards with it or not. Uhhuh. Yeah. Not long, I've got the materials at home. All right. Appreciate your business."
She had gotten the green light. Kimmie breathed out a deep sigh of relief as her first job in town had not ended prematurely.

She got right back to work and started removing the barrel from it's socket and placed it in another machine. She then removed the bolt action before placing a metal rod in the machine and started pressing buttons on a monitor as the machine got to work lathing out a new barrel in just a few minutes.

Kimmie took it out and inspected her work and cleaned up the barrel. She methodically started attaching the parts back onto the barrel and tried the fitting into the stock. A match. Another deep sigh of relief left her lips as she finished the assembly and took it out the back. This time the rifle did shoot accurately.

It did not take the customer much time until he was back on site. Quite surprised he went out back along with Kimmie and tested out the rifle. Indeed, it did shoot accurately now. She just smiled softly before they both returned into the shop and he paid the fee for the repairs.

After he left Kimmie was jumping around happily. First job, check. She smiled and chuckled before walking towards the door. This warranted a celebratory meal! She had yet to try out the placed called Red Lake Café, always a first for everything. She closed up the shop and turned on the alarms and got into her car and drove off.

It only took a few minutes until she was at the diner and she parked outside and headed inside. There was some people here already, some faces she remembered, some she did not. It did not matter much to her though as she sat down at a table and waited for a waiter or waitress.

---

---

It was late morning and Pat was still up and about, at least barely. Today was an awful day for her. Not only was she drunk off her arse, but today was her birthday. The proud day she turns 30. Less than a year ago she thought she would be married by her 30th birthday. That was her plan at least, married to the man of her life.

She took another swig from her glass. "Alone on my birthday.....woo..fucking...hoo..." She wondered what her mother would say to her now. Probably something in the lines of told you so. I told you that man was no good. I told you he'd break your heart. "Well thank you mom!" she shouted into the air with a slurred voice.

Pat started sobbing as she was feeling lonely, despite finding someone, someone she loves who loves her back. Their little secret was eating away at her, and the fact that they could never tell anyone about it. She swirled the liquid around in her glass, some high-end rum that she had gotten as a gift once. Pat groaned as the alcohol was doing its dirty work on her body. She was feeling quite bad, sick. She had never been this drunk before. It felt slightly funny to her. Why she was still doing this every now and then. Guilt, longing, regret, love, want, it was all swirling around in her already dizzy head.

Her belly grumbled, she was also hungry, despite the sick feeling in her stomach. She knew that she would not be able to make anything herself and got up from her seat and walked out the door on stumbling legs. She started walking towards the closest place where she could get something to eat, and possibly if lucky see her favourite person. She dreaded seeing her though in this state. What would she think about her? The old woman, coped up and drunk again? Oh what would she think of her?

Pat shook her head as she walked towards the place. Riley did not know that she was still drinking every now and then, at least not getting drunk. Pat grew more and more sober as her legs started carrying her. It did not remove her headache or dizziness though, and her hunger grew further. "Hey Riley. I was just celebrating my birthday slightly early. You’re too young to drink soo..I had to do it without you, haha " Her inner monolog tried to make up excuses as to why she had been drinking.

"Shit..." She said quietly into the air before walking in. There was other people here as well, that made it slightly worse. "Hai Sarah, Seth. Would you mind making me some of your delicious breakfast? Anything will do, as long as extra strong coffee is included." Pat had a haggard look about her as she sat down and held her head in her hands. She wanted this day to be over with already, but she had work to do. School was soon going to start again. This was her last week of free time before she had to start working again. She could do most of it at home at least.

Soon however it was time for meetings with staff, new employees, new rules, learning new textbooks and more. While she did look forwards to it, this bit of time off had been nice as well. Pat turned her head and started looking around in the room, trying to spot if Riley was up and about.

@Caits@Vicier

---

Gage heard Cassandra and paused what he was doing. He walked out of the kitchen with his head down as he pulled off his rubber gloves. "Hey Cas what's-" he looked up to see Syleste and froze. He shook his head as if to clear out thoughts and rolled his shoulder. "Up?" he looked over at his brother talking to Cody who just had a request and nodded to Cody before focusing back on Cassandra and Syleste. He managed not to blush, but he was still obviously nervous. He was fidgeting where he stood and he seemed a bit more focused on the girl who managed to dissolve most of his walls. He liked her...he didn't know what to do about it but he liked her. Unlike Aron though Gage was able to hide behind an emotional wall that he created to survive the house of horrors. The down side is that he often seemed colder then he actually is. Occasionally he had brief moments of peaking around that wall...especially with friends...and for some reason he was terrified of confessing his feelings to Syleste. He didn't want to get hurt. "Hey Syleste" his voice was softer when he spoke to Syleste. As if speaking softer totally wouldn't give him away.

Aron blinked at Cody's stutter. Did....did Cody like him too?. The blush finally made its way down to his cheeks faintly. He stuck his notepad and pencil back in his apron pocket and have a small smile. "I'm good." his voice seemed nervous as well as there was a slight crack. He rubbed the back of his neck causing the shirt he was wearing to tighten around his arm more. "I still need to pack for the trip...I totally put it off" he was in danger of rambling now. Aron was not as good as Gage when it came to hiding feelings...which meant right now most of his thoughts were on trying not to become too nervous to function.

Neither brother noticed the other person in the cafe just yet. As both were focused on not becoming a nervous mess around their respective crushes.

---

---

---

---

The black silhouette of a BMW X6 came into view as it turned the corner, followed by two NYPD cruisers. The three vehicles pulled over to side and stopped just before a small flat in New York’s less friendly district, four officers revealing themselves from the cruisers followed by a female detective from the black SUV. The detective nodded to the officers, of which two of them moved up to the house and flanked either side of the doorway, the two others slowly going around to the rear. The detective moved up to the door, drawing her Glock 19 from it’s holster and moving to the side of the door. With her off hand, she knocked firmly on the door and shouted out “NYPD, open up!”

No answer.

The officer behind her moved up with a shotgun while the detective and the officer opposite took a few steps back.

One shot and the door handle was gone.

Two, three. Both hinges.

The door fell inwards as the two officers moved in, followed by the detective. Two officers went to the left of the building, through the kitchen and into the bedrooms. The other pair went right into the dining room and living room. This left the basement for the detective. They swept the building and each room with surprising efficiency, before they converged in the main hall once again. No suspect. The officers holstered their weapons and began to search around for evidence throughout the house, while the detective went back to the black BMW. She reached for the radio hooked onto her dash, bring it up to the side of her mouth.

“Bravo 4-9 to Command.” The detective’s voice was crisp and sharp as she spoke, only saying what needed to be said.

“Go ahead Bravo 4-9.”

“Command, show our unit as 10-97 at the corner of Albert and--”

Three shots rang out from in the house, before a man hopped over the fence beside the house and began to run.

“Command, we have shots fired on location, I am in pursuit of suspect on foot.”

The detective bolted from the vehicle and began to sprint after the potential shooter, the soles of her shoes slamming down on the hot concrete road beneath her. With an effortless movement she vaulted the same fence and began to follow the man, who was now a good 100 feet in front of her. A grin spread across her face. This was going to be fun. Who didn’t love a good game of cat and mouse?

“NYPD, get down on the ground!” The woman’s voice was stern, yet somehow entertained by the current situation. She continued to run, gaining on him every second that they continued the chase. He turned a corner and disappeared, but she knew the city better. With a quick jump, clamber and roll, she managed to scale a 10 foot stone wall with the assistance of a well placed dumpster and years of practice in chasing suspects. She landed with a quick exhale and a recovery roll before rounding the corner onto the sidewalk. Twenty five feet ahead of her, the man continued to run, though it was now evident that he was beginning to tire. She took the opportunity to shout her warning once again, trying to get any remaining energy out of him. She slowed to a jog, matching the man’s speed before reaching for her radio “I need a cruiser to intercept at 48th and the freeway in the next 5 minutes!”

She looked up and began to sprint again, easily gaining on the man. This was all part of the plan. The police cruiser would show up just as she took down the suspect, just in time for them to see her catch and give her all the glory. Just how she liked it.

Ten feet away. Ten feet till glory.

Another shot rang out. The detective’s eyes widened as she went from sprinting, to collapsing onto the front lawn of an everyday suburban home. So much for glory.

“Officer d-down….forty eigh-tth avenue…”

---

Mya shook her head out of the past, looking back to the screen of her laptop as her left hand ran over her ribcage where the bullet had entered. The doctors had said it was a miracle that she had survived, but Mya knew otherwise. It boggled her mind that she had decided against a bulletproof vest that day, but that was all in the past anyway. Back to the case at hand.

She looked over to the folder spread across the Café’s booth table and examined the pictures, then began to look over the evidence summary of the crime scene. It was a seemingly easy case to solve; The suspect had no alibi for that night, multiple witnesses placed him at the scene and they had enough DNA from the crime scene to clone the man. However, the victim refused to put him at the scene and gave a description completely opposite to the original suspect. Mya shook her head and rubbed her eyes, neatly stacking the papers back up and tucking the folder back away into her bag, before waving over Aron “Could I get a another coffee? This case has been harder to solve than I expected and I need a little caffeine break.” She smiled at him and spoke with a kind, but tired voice.

Mya looked back to her laptop and glanced to the time. One more hour of work and then she’d go home. No, two...Fine. An hour and a half, meet in the middle. She scrolled through the report for what seemed to be the hundredth time, trying to pick out a detail that would close this whole mess of a case. The words all seemed to melt together on the screen, as if trying to hide any relevant details from the tired detective.

Forget it. Mya closed the lid of her laptop and leaned back against the seat of the booth, looking out of the window at her jet black BMW X6, the hidden police lights just barely visible under the grill and on the front of the mirrors. The sun glinted off of the black paint and illuminated the slightly blue colored, bulletproof windows of her vehicle. Mya had had the vehicle since she was promoted to detective first grade. It had been a gift from a rather wealthy client that she had worked a private case for, and had taken the place of a payment in cash. And she loved every bit of it. She looked down and finished the coffee in front of her before leaving a rather hefty tip for the twins and walking outside. Time to go to work.

---

---

---

---

Val woke up very early today. She was up and 'running' at 6:30 am, but then again she had went to bed at 9pm last night. Despite having left her hunter family and relationships to find normal life, she still seemed to continue to uphold the training and traditions of her upbringing. Still frankly it wasn't really that bad actually, it all kept her body in perfect condition like right now. She was up way into the morning and could easily start doing her morning routine.

What followed was a 2 hour training exercises in her room at the B&B. Push ups, squads and so on, but beside those, she also had her basic hunter routine to it. Meditation, focusing and attuning herself to the crystals she had.

Finally at 8 am she was finished with everything and she was fresh out of her shower. Val didn't bother to dry her hair completely as it didn't really bother her. She made sure her body was dry enough to dress up in her clothing of choice for the day, tried her hair on a tail with a band and sat in front of her computer.

Valencia was working on her second book now. Still unnamed, her new work was already the only think in her publisher's mouth all the time. Hell, there was no day without the man calling her to ask about it's progress. The only consulation Val had was that due her current location, no insane fans would be tracking her down and rummaging through her garbage, breaking into her home and so on for drafts and such. “ Yep, small towns like this are the best ones! No pesky fans, no other hunters to pester me about 'obligation'!” She said, stretching her hands.

It was past 11 when she actually heard some activity outside her room and realized she probably should get something to eat. Before going, she made sure to safe her progress on her book, after that lock her laptop and then she was finally free to leave her room. Walking to the door of her room, Val made one last stop as went to the suitcase that was sitting on the table.

After unlocking it with the proper code, she quickly took the belt from within. It appeared to be a leather belt, but it had a knife hidden into it. Also from the suitcase, she pulled a knife that she hide into her boots. She had more weapons, but preferred to not walk around with those. These two were enough for self protection under the current conditions.

Finally she was ready and left her room, locking it behind herself and afterwards headed down the stairs to the kitchen.

“Good morning, Mr Walker, Mrs Walker!” Val greeted her hosts as she was entering the kitchen. She right away noticed Riley too!” You too Riley! Good Morning!!!” She stated before throwing a look at the tv, realizing the time.” Hmm I guess it's good DAY rather than morning now... ohh well. It's the intention that matters, right?” She asked with a smile.

"Anything I can help with??" Val asked with a huge smile in her usual energetic manner, clearly almost as if ready to start bouncing about the place.

@rivaan@Nallore

---

Gabanre

---

Just when Gabanre was done eating his daily breakfast a younger woman came off from the stairs. As she walked towards Mrs. Riley and Riley herself asking if she could help out. Gabanre thought by himself if he had ever seen the woman, but now thinking he had never seen here or he does not remember. That was when he just took initiative and walked up to the 3 ladies.

"Hello there ladies", as he made a simple bow. "How is your day up till now he asked." After he realized he just came back he introduced himself. "Forgive me for my rudeness, you may still know me Riley, but the other fine lady will not if I am not mistaken. My name is Gabanre van Houten, and I just moved back from the Netherlands. It's a pleasure to meet you."

---

---

Riley looked over her shoulder as her father smiled at his daughter and started to set up a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon and some pancakes for his daughter. "So are you ready for your trip tomorrow?" Seth asked looking down at Riley, she smiled and quickly nodded she was always ready for their annual trip up to the lake with nothing but just her group of friends who she loved hanging out with all the time. "Yep I am, going to go over and get the RV later today." Riley told him as she started to dig into her breakfast and then she heard the door open and saw that it was Gabanre and she smiled towards her friend. Riley's father moved over towards him he smiled. "So what can I get for ya this morning?" Seth asked Riley gave her friend a slight smile as she continued to eat her breakfast then she heard the familiar footsteps of Valencia she smiled towards the guest that had made herself at home in their little family run hotel.

"Morning Val, how is the book writing coming?" Since Valencia moved in for the last several days Riley had gotten to know the woman and she already started to like her and the two of them became pretty quick friends. Then Riley turned her head again towards the front door and saw that it was Patricia, her secret girlfriend that she had kept a secret from her family and friends as well. And she just remembered that it was Patricia's birthday today, she bit her lip for a moment she did buy her a birthday gift but she didn't want to give it to her in front of everyone.

"Good morning Pat!" Riley said happily as she got up and moved over and gave her teacher a loving hug, she secretly leaned closer and whispered into her ear. "I didn't forget your birthday, I did get you something." Riley whispered before pulling back and moved back towards where she was sitting and looked towards her friends in the room. "So are you ready for the trip tomorrow?" Riley asked as her father went to fix up some last minute breakfast for Patricia.

Was...was Aron blushing? What did that mean? That he was in the closet? That he liked him? Cody stared at Aron for a moment, not saying anything, as if he was trying to unlock Aron, trying to figure out if he really was blushing because he liked him or not. He was sure his cheeks deepend even more, his pale complexion making the redness stand out starkly, as he realised he was staring at Aron. He reached up, nervously fidgeting and playing with his earing, as he cleared his throat.

God, why did he have to get so tongue tied around Aron?Maybe it wouldn't be so bad, if he just knew Aron liked him. Maybe he should just make a move, stand up and kiss Aron in front of the whole cafe, which he now realised held Syleste and Cassandra, Gage talking with them. There was a moment where he almost did it, just to know if Aron shared his feelings, to just stop being so nervous, but he lost that brief spark of courage.

"I'm pretty much packed myself, working in the library, it teaches you to be organised" Cody managed to speak this time without stuttering, but it was a close call. The faint blush on Aron's cheeks just made him more adorable, if that was possible. Cody just wanted to...to...oh, god, he wanted to simply hold Aron. To kiss him. And now he was making himself even more nervous, sure his tongue was tied in knots, the butterflies in his stomach fluttering about wildly, so much so that he was sure if he opened his mouth, one would fly out. He swallowed back on that nervousness.

do it! do it now!

"um. Listen...I know it's probably going to be crowded tomorrow, and I have my bike....did you want to ride with me?" He didn't know how he didn't get through that sentence without turning into a puddle of nervousness, yet he did. He swallowed again, as he waited for Aron's answer.

@Caits@ChaoticFox@Zhaliora

---

Aron blinked as Cody stared at him. Was...was Cody trying to figure him out. Did..did he really like him too? He found himself really liking the look he was getting. His blush deepened a bit as he saw Codys deepen and his crush started fidgeting with his earring. He wished he was brace enough to do something...to say something. But he wasn't even brave enough to come out.

Aron saw another look in his crush's eyes. One he couldn't quite figure out. A flicker of bravery and....temptation? What was he thinking of doing? It was gone though and his crush spoke. Aron managed to smile. "I bet it's nice to work there." lamest sentence ever. The other part of his brain wandered into a zone thinking about all those shelves that could hide two people kissing.....enough of that brain.

His eyes snapped to Cody at the suggestion. He felt not butterflies but what could only be explained as angry gerbils in his stomach. He managed to nod. "I'd...Id love yo-Too" he sputtered the last part of the sentence and decided being a puddle would be better then existing. Then a look crossed his face. One that would make people wonder who hurt him. "Just not my house....." he then pulled out his notepad and pen and wrote the number to his flip phone. He tore out the paper and handed it to him...somehow managing not to shiver as his hand brushed Cody's.

He heard the detective call him over and looked back at Cody for a moment. "I'll be right back with your order." he wasn't nearly as good a cook as Gage, but seeing how Gage was having his own issues with his crush...Aron figured he'd try. He then decided he would also make a milkshake. The one thing he was really good at making.

He went to the detective and nodded when she asked for coffee. He went and made some then brought it to her. Since she didn't want anything else he went back and saw that really all he had to do for the burger was cook it...seeing as Gage had already made some seasoned beef patties and fries. He went to work cooking the burger and slide the fries into the deep fryer. While the food was cooking he crushed some Oreos and made an Oreo milkshake. Once done he put the food in a plate and grabbed the milkshake. He worked on breathing for a moment before he went back to Cody and slid him the burger and fries. He then put down the milkshake while blushing hard. He then walked to Kim after picking up the tip the secretive had left. It was a really good tip and that made him thrilled. He would split it with Gage when he had a moment.

He managed to smile and calm down enough to be of mostly normal color. "Hey there what can I get for you" he really hoped the milkshake wasn't stupid. That Cody wouldn't think he was weird...that giving his crush his number wasn't stupid. That he wouldn't ask why not pick him up at his house? Especially not that question.

---

---

---

---

“Hmmm?" Val made a questioning sound, bringing her eyes away from Riley and into the source of the male voice who presented himself to her. She smiled at him and with a hope found herself in front of him.” Nice to meet you, Gabanre!” She stated, before quickly reaching a hand seemingly first to shake hands, but in reality her hand found its way to his head lightningly fast and she finger flicked him in the forehead.” No one told you to get all overly polite and theatrical on me. Name is Valencia, but call me Val.” She added, before hopping back to where Riley parents were.

“Riley!” Val suddenly exclaimed, throwing warning glares at her friend.” I remember we talked about this... first rule is not talking about my book!” She stated, making an annoyed face before smiling widely again.” Seriously though... no word to anyone about it outside of this place... and it's coming out nicely. If I keep at this pace, I will have it done in couple of months.” She added, making small pace about the kitchen counter, fiddling with some apples, cutting and peeling them to look like rabbits as if straight out of an anime.

As someone who Riley entered, Val threw a curious glance at the pair. She also couldn't help, but notice the small signs that her friend seemed to be showing when the woman showed up.' Ohh... they are a item!? Also someone looks like they drank more than they should have... hehe' She stated in her mind. Well Val did have one hell of a hangover killer, but didn't really want to pull the things needed to make it. Would... raise some questions about how she got some of those ingredients.' Still time to make friends!'

“Hey there, don't believe we've met. My name is Valencia, but you can call me Val.” Valencia said with a smile, putting down the last apple cut into 8 perfect pieces and fashion like bunnies.” I see you will be going to that trip. Riley asked me if I wana come too! Seemed like fun!” She added, walking over and placing a plate with apples next to Patricia and Riley.

---

Gabanre

---

interacting with: @rivaan@Nallore@Zhaliora

Just when Gabanre bowed before the ladies, he felt a little tick on his head. As Valencia taped him on the head. Gabanre reacted with: "Is this how you meet people in Red Lake, In the Netherlands we tend to be polite, but that is not allowed here?" As you heared some confussion in his voice. It was at that point a woman came in, which he did not know aswell. As Riley whispered something in her ear, He could not stop noticing that the atmoshpere here did change a little. He thought about socializing with the new girl and ths he walked yup to her and said: "Hi nice to meet you, I am Gabanre van Houten and I just got here from the Netherlands."You look like a smart person" Then He walked up to Riley and said to her: "Riley, do you need help with the RV? Also do you have any sporters around here, I would love to spar with someone."Implying that he would go with them on a trip. When He noticed Riley's Dad walking up to the place he had his breakfast, he did a backflip landing on his feet, took out his wallet and paid the man. He also asked if he needed help with something. After that he stepped back and said: "Excuse me for that little break, Also I had a little to much energy."

one of us is going to burst into flames soon Cody thought, as Aron seemed to blush deeper and wouldn't that be such a shame? An inward cheer went through Cody as Aron accepted his invitation. A little bit of just Aron and him, where maybe Aron would have no choice but to hold him as they rode to the camp site and maybe they'd get there before the others... Yet at the look that crossed Aron's face, Cody just wanted to hold Aron and assure him that it was okay. "Well, we can still meet at Rileys to give them our gear" He said softly, wishing he was brave enough to just do it. He looked down at Aron's number. he's probably just giving it to me so I can tell him when I'm there or something... Still he had soon memorised the number. He carefully folded the piece of paper, and stock it in his pocket.

What followed as Aron went to go about his job, was an internal monologue. A lot of backwards and forwards. Was he really blushing? does that mean anything? Or was it just a trick of the light? Does he like me? Its so hard to know...I don't want to do something and find out he doesn't like me, that he isn't even into guys. That would just be bad. And then I'd just loose him as a friend...is that better than nothing? But, what if he does like me? Cody squirmed, and tried to get a hold of himself, looking up as Aron came back from the kitchen.

He stared at the burger and fries as Aron put down a milkshake, before hurrying off to deal with his other customers. he isn't blushing with any of them Cody thought as he watched Aron. and he gave me a milkshake... Cody looked down at the cold, milky, delicious looking drink. He swallowed, and he rose smoothly, walking over to Aron before he could lose his courage. "Do you mind?" He said to Kim, but without waiting for an answer, Cody hugged Aron tightly. He might have done more, very nearly did. There was just so many people here. Including Aron's brother. Across the room, he caught Cassie's eye, and was sure that she mouthed "just do it"

Cody knew Cassie generally knew more then she let on. And she was devious. She liked making people happy, I'm sure that's why she's thrown Syleste and Gage together... Cody thought, and then realised. Gage was probably distracted by Syleste. As for the rest of the people in the cafe...Why should he care? But Aron obviously did. he hasn't come out yet...if he even is gay. So Cody said "I'll see you when you get off, okay?" It was more simply informing Aron that he'd finish whatever he had just started, then asking a question about whether it was okay or not to do so.

He gave Aron a smile, and just hoped he didn't lose this courage between now, and then. Returning to his table, he let Aron go about his job, quickly apologising to Kim before doing so.

---

---

---

---

“Remind me why we’re even bothering to shop again..? You know we’re just going to end up having take out for dinner- it’s our first day here; do you really expect us to use the kitchen, ma..?”

”No... but I’m not thinking about tonight- I’m thinking about all the other days that we’re going to be here. That’s the thing about moving, sweetheart; it’s kinda permanent.”

A gentle sigh of defeat fell out through her lips as she turned her attention back round to the window, her dark eyes watching on with a bored expression as the scenery of their new home passed by- this sucked... she didn’t even want to leave her old home..! And now here she was stuck in a new town... a place she had no knowledge of, no friends; nothing. And all of this because her father had gotten the opportunity to come work here; a job he had been wanting now for quite some time... who was she to stop him from taking it..?

Not that it had stopped her from trying everything to get out of moving...

All this packing... all the goodbyes... It did nothing but break her heart; and she hadn’t had a single damn moment to herself. Over the past week or so, it had either been her parents nagging for her to get her things all safely sealed away in boxes or suitcases, her older brother breathing down her neck to make sure that she wasn’t goofing around or getting herself into any trouble, or worst of all, her pack calling the both of them out so that they could send her and her brother off in the right way... not that there really ever was a wrong or right way to say goodbye...

Damn, she was really going to miss them... hell; she already was...

Brayden, Sara, James... Bloody oath; she was even going to miss Damien. For the longest of times, the pack had been her family; and now... they were all so far away from her... leaving her in the more than capable hands and guidance of her older brother, Hunter- and even he was taking it hard... The big bad beta of the pack; one of the bravest and strongest guys she knew, and she could swear on he life that she heard a soft whimper of regret as they drove away down the long driveway with the pack hot on their tails... Neither of them had really wanted to come; but then neither of them really had much of a choice in the matter.

They were a family... their own little pack, even if only two of them had dingo like qualities... they had to stick together, and defend their own.

Groaning slightly as the car puller into a parking spot, Kaylee shot her mum another look- one last ditch attempt at getting out of being dragged round the store, forced to push a trolley while her mother did one of those crazy over a hundred dollar shops she usually did when they were throwing some kind of party or barbecue. It was ruthless, it was brutal, “Mum, please... this is so unfai-...”

”You’re coming, Kaylee; end of discussion, but nice try. Besides, if I didn’t need your help, I wouldn’t have asked you to come with me.”

“Okay; what do you mean asked..? You grabbed my arm, and dragged me out of the house while I was carrying boxes to my room.” Scrunching her face up in obvious annoyance towards the whole situation, she let her attention turn back to her mother, her dark eyes narrowing as she watched the older woman not only brush her off, but also climb out the car while acting completely oblivious and like she had no idea about what her daughter was talking about- argh... mothers...

Unable to help the way her eyes rolled at the action, Kaylee reached out and pushed open the door, her body twisting and feet hitting the ground before she quickly shut it behind her- fine; if she was being forced to go and endure a shopping trip with her mother, then she was gunna make sure she got something out of it. Shooting a quick glance over at her mother as she caught movement in the corner of her eye, she once more gave the door of the car a push, making sure it was closed before she began to follow along behind, her hands slipping down until they were settled in the warmth of her jean pockets. The way it was going; this was going to be a looong day...

---

---

---

---

“Gooood Morning Red Lake, and welcome back to 88.9 Riot FM! How about we start off with an old favorite, made new. Here’s ‘The Almost’ and their rendition of Free Fallin.”

The young woman’s voice was strong and happy over the air, welcoming to each and every individual in Red Lake. The song began shortly after with a fluid transition and the practiced movements of Echo’s fingers across the soundboard in front of her.



Echo leaned back in her rather comfy leather desk chair, strumming the invisible guitar in her lap, completely captured by the song blaring through her headphones. She loved her job; Hell she would’ve done it even without the payment that she got from the small adverts that she was obligated to throw in here and there. It helped pay for upkeep.

As the song began to close, she flicked a switch on the soundboard and brought her actual guitar onto her lap. She played along with the crisp riffs, overlaying her own sound with that of the song playing. Her fingers glided effortlessly across the frets, ringing out crisp and clear notes to harmonize with the song, before it began to fade out.

“Its a beautiful 77 degrees this morning in Red Lake, and the sun, she’s a shinin’ bright. Traffic is as always in this town. Fortunately for you inhabitants, that means traffic is awesome. Now, onto the good stuff.”

She wheeled over to her laptop while a quick transition riff played over the air, before bringing her mic back up.

“Now if you want all the big news, go watch it on Fox or somethin, this here is the local news. First up, Red Lake High has recently had some graffiti issues and police are open to anyone who has any information. Go get em guys.”

“Next, some news you may be a little more interested in. I’m looking for a co-host of sorts, perhaps a fellow musician even. Spice up the show a bit. You guys know where to send your feedback and info. Hell, stop by the station if you’re really interested.”

“Finally, the annual RV trip is coming up and I will be out of town for a few days. Ajay will be running round the clock music for you, but don’t be expecting the daily show until I come back. That being said, I will still be looking over all of you comments and feedback on both the Twitter page: @Riot889, and through the phones. Don’t hesitate to call the station.”

Echo typed up a quick synopsis of the news and posted it on the Twitter page before sliding across the studio in the chair back over to the soundboard. She picked up her guitar once again and began to play the opening riffs of the next song, teasing the listeners.

“That’s right, its time for some R H C P! Here’s the Chili’s with Can’t Stop, on your one and only local radio station, Riot 88.9.”



Echo slowly faded out her own playing into the song before letting it play on its own. She slid back and let it play through the studio speakers. She leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes, letting the classic riffs fill her mind and take her away from reality. It was going to be a good day.

---

“Ajay, I’m heading out for the next few days. Don’t burn the place down.”

Echo walked out from the station and hopped onto her bike, pedaling gently down the gravel driveway leading into town, where she spotted the usual gang down by the Café. She slowed down as she approached, coming to a halt just a few feet away from the Twins, just as Cody seemed to be leaving.

“Hey guys, whatcha up to?”