The window was cool against Atlas' cheek as he watched the scenery pass by, Nirvana blaring in his ears, blocking out the words of his brother in the driver's seat. His hair was a mess, frizzy and sticking up in random places, the long curls were sloppily bleached at the ends, making him look the part of the douchey teenager. The sunlight streaming through the window reflected off his earrings and brought attention to the freckles covering his face and arms. He hated them, they made him look more feminine and that's the last thing he wanted, he already let his curls grow longer than most boys' hair and pierced just about every part of his ears but the freckles were what struck him as feminine and if he thought he looked like a girl, then so did everyone else, thus everyone must think he 'looked' gay. Beside him sat Hailey, one of his three younger sisters, who insisted on driving up to the campsite with Atlas for no reason, she wouldn't be staying, just driving there and back in their brother's dusty old car. The old machine was full of hot air which felt constricting and hard to breath, he longed to open a window and let the lake air enter the car but his brother had made it seemed that if he did the thing would break down. Sick of feeling like he was continuously breathing the same air, he let out a stream of loud, fake coughs to bring his brother's attention to him rather than his chat with Hailey. With the click of a button, Nirvana ceased playing and he was brought back to the real world, allowing him to hear the rumble of the car and voices of his siblings.
He met his brother's gaze in the rearview mirror, the older with an amused look in his eyes. "What's up, At? You being ungrateful again?" His gaze flickered back to the road after his words, turning onto a dustier, more tree-surrounded road without using a turn signal. Everything his brother had done made Atlas roll his eyes with an annoyed scoff, he realized how typical he was being but he honestly didn't care if he wasn't in front of his friends, his family gets to see his aggression and teen angsty-ness while his friends see him smile and laugh, the two emotions he actually showed.
"I'd be grateful if you gave me something to be grateful about." He shot a glare at the back of his brothers head, shoving his walkman into the front pocket of his bag before returning to leaning against the window, reading every sign that they would pass. "I was going to tell you that we should stop for fresh air, but the campsite is just up there so it would just waste our time." He could hear his brother's chuckle at his mumbled words and he wanted to get angry, but up ahead he could see what he could assume was one of his friends so he kept his mouth shut.
Before the car had completely halted, Hailey had unbuckled and leapt out of the car, he purple sandals sending up clouds of dirt from the road, coating her legs. "Oh, this is so cool, Atlas! It's so empty here, I wish I could be staying with you!" The energetic ten-year-old ran around the car, treating the clearing around the fire pit like a school track, running around it with her arms out, flapping them wildly as if like a bird. Everything around seemed so calm and still, beside the young girl, even the birds in the trees seemed too used to humans to be frightened by her.
Atlas threw his bags out of the car, first his backpack, then a large duffel bag, followed by a guitar and whatever supplies his stepdad had packed for him. The young boy seemed to care little for most of his belongings, kicking them out of the road and into the dirt, but he was careful to keep his guitar safe in his arms. After his items were in a pile, he turned to the one friend who was also at the site with a half-smile. "What's up, Sammy? Hope you haven't been waiting too long."
He ignored his brother calling Hailey back to the car and only gave a small wave when the both of them shouted a farewell before driving off. He was happy his brother didn't make a fuss before leaving, none of his family was close enough emotionally for some tearful goodbye and his parents had already gone over the rules for the trip before he left. He didn't spare a second glance at the car as it drove off, instead, focusing on what he'd do with his friends over the next week.

The amber orbs of the well-off city girl were fixed on the rapidly-passing greenery outside the heavily-tinted window of her sleek, black and silver vehicle. Although admittedly intriguing and beautiful, the natural environment filled her with apprehension. What she was about to embark on was the biggest step she had ever taken out of her comfort zone. The surrounding forest seemed unsanitary, even dangerous. In spite of her desire to enjoy the lovely sights, she could not help but worry about the challenges which awaited her after she left the safety of her car. Her parents had wondered what had gotten into their girl when they had first learned the details of the trip she had requested to go on. Peer influence was a powerful thing, after all.

Speaking of peers, Vera turned to the brunette in the back seat next to her - the one other female who would be joining her on the trip. The girls had arranged to go together, with the former offering to provide the transport to the planned location. The golden blonde then let out a sigh before speaking for the first time in a while during the ride.

"Gianna darling, you're one of my best friends, and I absolutely adore the boys too, yet I still wonder what possessed me to agree to something like this."

Vera did not know what to expect after opting to go to a public high school a year ago. She felt the need to try something new, which led to her getting roped into the unlikely circle of friends she had grown to appreciate greatly. They were the ones who had helped her learn a little independence throughout the school year. Camping, however, seemed like a whole other level.

The lavish car eventually slowed to a stop, greatly contrasting the old vehicle that was just leaving the area. The young man in the driver's seat stepped out together with the girls to aid them in unloading their baggage. Vera waved to their two other friends who had arrived before them.

"You are aware of which number to call should you require anything, right Miss?" The man asked after all their belongings were out.

"Why yes, yes I am. Thank you very much, Vince," Vera responded with a pleasant smile.

He nodded and got back into the car. The blonde looked over the scenery as the vehicle was driven out of sight, and then glanced at the other girl.

"And so it begins..."

The sound of Rob's engine echoed throughout the forest, the two wheeled motorcycle's gutteral cry audible from well over a mile away. His headphones drowned out the sound thanks to the total lack of caring about his hearing. The deep vocals, heavy riffs and insane drumming overpowered the engines roar after being cranked up to maximum volume. Continuing down the stretch of highway the music stopped and was replaced by the ringing of an incoming phone call. With his phone secured to the fuel tank in front of him he tapped at it to hear his mothers voice. She began mother fussing about him wildly as most mothers did. He didn't say much as she asked the usual barrage of questions teenagers had from their mothers. Have you got this? Have you got that? It was frustrating, even more so seeing as she was the one who insisted on packing his bag for him. "I'm still on the highway, but i'm just about to turn off." His voice was frustrated, always seeming to find himself wound up by what he saw as constant interrogation. Inside he knew it was because his mother cared he just found it difficult to deal with sometimes, particularly after the death of his father.

A few minutes after the end of the phone call Rob turned off the highway and headed along the long winding road towards the campsite. The asphalt soon made way for dirt but his bike showed no risk of losing control as its wide, deep tread tyres gripped everything they could. It was a further while before the campsite eventually came into view, the first thing Rob caught sight of was Duncan's car. He always showed off in it, the fact he was still alive was down to sheer luck rather than any particular talent for driving. Rob couldn't say much mind, he had already had his fair share of close calls on his bike thanks to acting like a dick.

As he rolled up in front of the gathered group the engines roar faded into nothingness as he removed his key. With the stand down he stepped off the bike, somewhat uncomfortably. His rucksack was filled to the brim with clothes and other supplies, pulling down on his shoulders relentlessly. To make the weight that much worse he'd strapped his rifle bag to it but fortunately he managed to keep his balance. He took off his helmet and left it resting on the handlebar of the bike. He pulled his scarf down from over his mouth and raised his sun glasses up onto his head. "Hey guys what's up?"

A lot of the reason behind going on this camping trip fell onto Gianna's parents. She had been encouraged everyday since word had came of it. Her older and only brother had died in a car accident earlier in the year, and it had effected the girl more than she'd let on. He was the one who had bought her the first camera after all. She had brought the same camera with her on the trip, it sat delicately in the girl's petite lap. Gianna's slender fingers traced over the details of the old Polaroid camera as the car ride seemed to keep going and going. Gia debated taking photos from the car, but decided against it, wanting the best photos she could muster rather than some blurry snapshots she would receive trying to get from the interior of the nicest car she had ever rode in.

Vera's voice broke the silence and Gianna turned her head to listen and engage in the conversation, "Boredom?" she questioned out loud with a little giggle following behind. Vera was very well off and Gianna wondered if camping was something rich people did, ever? They probably bought out entire islands in their spare time, she pondered imaginatively. Gianna thought very highly of Vera, considering her one of her best friends despite Vera only having moved into the school district a year ago.

"I'm really happy we're here together too Vera." Gianna commented, taking her camera and posing in a quick selfie with her friend. The bright flash lit the backseat as the photo emerged. Shaking it, she waited it for develop before showing Vera with a lopsided smile. It wasn't a masterpiece but admittedly it was a cute photo of the two girls. Reaching down into the backpack between her legs, she shoved the photo into the front pocket, zipping it up before noticing the car was coming to a stop.

They had finally arrived. Climbing out of the car, Gianna also gave a friendly wave to her other friends. She hadn't brought much with, her backpack and then another duffel bag. "Thanks for the ride, Vince sir." Gianna said a bit awkwardly not knowing how to truly address the man. He nodded his head with a smile to Gianna as well as he sped away.

Gianna had her backpack on her back, duffel bag in hand and camera strapped around her neck, firmly against her chest. The two approached the group, forming a loose circle as to talk and exchange greetings. Dropping her bag on the floor Gianna gave everyone a gentle hug, before taking some photos of friends and the nature around them. She laughed at the jokes and quips back and forth between the boys, knowing that she was in good hands for the rest of the trip.

Hearing Gianna's words and seeing the faces of the two boys who were already there, Vera felt slightly better about the situation. To be able to indulge the closest people she had at school was inexplicably satisfying. At least they were happy, right? In addition, it was an opportunity for her to try something new. Being content was one thing, she had everything a teen could ever ask for. Some might actually envy her, but with friends like that, she could have even more. Was that not why she chose to go to her current school although her family could afford the fees of the best private institutions in the country? This trip could even be something for her to show off to the rich kids she had grown up with. She would get copies of the photographs taken from Gianna after the whole thing.

The four did not have to wait too long before the two older members of the group arrived in their own vehicles. Vera was in no hurry to get one of her own, and was probably the least intrigued by them out of the group. Her parents would buy her a car without hesitation, even two if she simply asked. As for a motorcycle, however, she was not too sure if they would deem it appropriate for the stature of their family. Then again, neither was camping, was it?

Vera let out a chuckle at the way Duncan phrased his offer. "Charity? Believe me darling, I'd pay, but that'd be an insult to you now, wouldn't it? Really though, I do appreciate the offer, but I think I have this. Perhaps you might want to get settled yourself?"

Jokes aside, it did take Vera awhile to ditch the 'everyone wants my money' attitude when she first entered high school. She had to learn that not everybody did favors for people just so they could get something in return. A lot of them would do things for others simply because they cared. Thankfully, the people who were the friends she had made were patient enough with her when she initially did not get it.

She then flinched a little when Samuel's dog came up to sniff her, obviously uncomfortable, though she tried not to show it. "Oh, uh... so this little guy's here too, I see..."

Samuel was clearly enthusiastic about the trip, beginning identify whatever needed to be done as well as what else was available for them to do for fun in the area. His camping expertise was definitely there, though, he did not sound too confident as he proposed the activities to the group. Did those gunshots in the distance which interrupted him scare him that much? Samuel could be just adorable at times.

Vera gave him a smile in hopes of easing his mind. "Fishing sounds like a nice, relaxing way to start this off, love. I don't know how much of a help I'll be with the setup, but I'll do my best."

@Dusty @MissCapnCrunch @CaptainSully @Vertigo @Sockofpancakes

Gianna shook her hand in front of her in response to Duncan's offer. "No, no Dunk it's fine! Thanks." she chuckled. She could handle her two bags just fine, but she appreciated the offer. Gianna snapped a quick photo of the group (including Jake) as they talked among themselves. She didn't want to spend her entire snapping photos, but she surely wanted to get a few to remember the trip by. Involving herself in each conversation she giggled here and there, making it known that she was listening but not really adding in anything to the conversation. She looked over to Vera several times for reassurance to questions asked. If Vera said yes, it was usual that Gianna would be close behind with the same responses.

Gun shots erupted through the forest as Gianna's petite body tensed up. Her gaze shooting towards where it sounded like the blasts came from. It stopped Samuel in the midst of speaking, so the campsite was eerily quiet for a second. Gia placed her hand on the top of Jake's head, giving it a gentle and reassuring pat. Her own family dog was very anxious and any loud noise caused the dog to run and hide under her bed, so the dog's steadiness was impressive. Gianna's thoughts traveled back to the gun shots, she knew that people liked to hunt and in some places they even liked to shoot guns for fun- it was surely one of the two.

Samuel gave his suggestions and Gia of coursed looked to Vera as she answered, before speaking up herself- "Fishing does sound fun, maybe even swimming too? But it'll be a good idea to get our tents and the fire set up before nightfall." she gave a gentle and encouraging smile to the boy. Samuel had always been a nice boy Gia thought to herself in the moment. The two had been in the same grade and known one another for quite awhile, their parents interacting on more than one occasion during extra-curricular activities. Adjusting her backpack on her back slightly, she waited until further direction from him as to where they should get started on the tents.

He had made his way around the group, shaking hands, bumping fists and sharing warm hugs. He took in the various ideas banded around, fishing was always calming and swimming was always good for a laugh or two. However the weight that hung on his shoulders was a reminder of what he really wanted to do. It was his first time hunting since the passing of his father and he intended on last kill in memory of his father before leaving the pass time behind.

There were two loud gunshots that silenced the entire group. I guess i'm not the only hunter here then. The thought was a short one as Duncan spoke. Robert boistrously followed "Swimming...fishing...i'm up for anything!" The metalhead dropped his gear to the floor and moved over to Duncan at the suggestion of tents. He put his hand on his shoulder and leant over him into the trunk of his car. "Thanks for bringing this for me, absolutely no hope if I had this on the bike."

Rob walked from the back of Duncan's car carrying a bag that came close to dwarfing him. It was the tent he and his father used to share on weekend hunting trips, large enough in size that even The Dunk would be able to stand up in it without touching the top. Back and his gear he put the bag down and began to remove the parts of the tent. Speaking out loud to anyone that would be listening, "This baby has seen some use but it's damn reliable. Me and my..." He paused for the briefest of moments as his throat dried up. He cleared his throat with a stern cough before carrying on. "Me and my dad sat through some severe storms in this and it stayed standing...no leaks."

Vera shook her head with a grin at Duncan's playful comeback about a kiss to what she had said, and turned to Gianna. "Should have known that wouldn't be beneath him."

It was actually rather ironic that Duncan would joke about something like that. Being the typical sociable, party-going sports star he was at school, he would probably have a chance with any girl who was into that sort of thing, and there were many. On top of that, he was... well, fun to be around. The rich kids like Vera were the boring ones, were they not? Her friends practically had to teach her how to have fun when she first started high school. She had not a single regret up till this point, but was that about to change with the current camping trip? Perhaps. It was too early to say.

After chuckling again at the fix Duncan had gotten himself into, Vera listened in when Robert spoke about the large tent. It had been a devastating loss for him, and she understood that, though, all she could do was glance awkwardly at their companions, not knowing how to respond when the older boy had some difficulty getting his words out. She then simply nodded in silence, before the mood picked up again and the group got to work setting up the camp site.

The well-to-do blonde was still getting over her fascination with the concept of 'bear bags', which Samuel had introduced to them, when she was taken by surprise at the said boy winking at her and Gianna. That was rather unlike the intellectual, though, he was pretty much in his element currently. She did not think about that for very long, however, for what he was yelling out to the group then caught her attention.

"Booger? Ugh, gross..." Vera muttered, before following the group down to the water.

@Dusty @CaptainSully @Vertigo @MissCapnCrunch