[hr]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/pJAAgZk.jpeg[/img][/center][CENTER][img]https://i.imgur.com/trGSdE7.gif[/img][/CENTER]
[COLOR=TAN][indent][sub][B]Location:[/B] [COLOR=SILVER][I]Southern Plateau [/I] - [I]PRCU[/I][/COLOR][/sub][sup][right][b]Welcome Home #1.083:[/b] [COLOR=SILVER][I][b]Flock Together[/b][/I][/COLOR][/right][/sup][/indent][sub][hr][/sub][INDENT][sub][B]Interaction(s):[/B] [COLOR=SILVER][I]Aurora [@Melissa], Rory [@Webboysurf] [/I][/COLOR][/sub][SUP][RIGHT][b]Previously:[/b] [COLOR=SILVER][I]Birds of a Feather[/I][/COLOR][/right][/SUP][/INDENT][/COLOR]

[indent][color=tan]"So, I was thinking that between grabbing supplies for the actual construction of the site we could bring everyone drinks and snacks?"[/color] Haven asked Aurora as they finished their first supply run of the day. The word Tad had used to describe their supplies was lost on Haven, but she was sure she'd recognize it when they arrived to pick it up. The crate was bulky, but not super uncomfortable.

Aurora wiped the sweat that had collected at her brow. She may have not needed to physically carry the large crates of supplies, but teleporting the sizable amount had taken some considerable effort. Especially given her mind was still not completely clear after this morning's ceremony, it only complicated things further and made a normally easy job more tiresome than usual. Once she had found Haven, the two had gotten right to work on the task at hand, not wasting anymore time than the redhead and Lorcán already had. 

She turned to her winged friend and nodded, [color=#8ecdb7]"Yeah, that'd be nice, I'm sure everyone would appreciate that. The coolers must be around here somewhere,"[/color] The redhead looked around, students busy with their assigned responsibilities all around them. [color=#8ecdb7]"I'm guessing that Robert, Tad, and the other faculty have that covered."[/color] Aurora stated, having a feeling that things like that were probably handled and under control, before smirking at Haven, [color=#8ecdb7]"Why, feeling a little [i]peckish[/i]?"[/color] She asked, dissolving into a delicate laugh at her own terrible joke. 

Haven stuck her tongue out at her friend, her wings shaking out behind her in a playful threat. [color=tan]"I thought it would be nice of us."[/color] She said before giving a light shrug, her weight shifting onto one side and her hand resting on her hip. [color=tan]"Are you feeling [i]jumpy[/i] about it?"[/color] Her nose scrunched as she grinned, as if she also knew how bad it was.

Aurora simply shook her head, another chuckle escaping from her lips, [color=#8ecdb7]"Okay, I guess I had that one coming."[/color] She conceded, reaching up and gathering her hair into a messy ponytail and tying it off with an elastic in order to get it out of her face and off of the back of her neck. [color=#8ecdb7]"Let's go see what we're working with here."[/color] She spotted the coolers a sizable distance away, at the other end of the campsite, and motioned for her friend to follow.

[color=#8ecdb7]"So, are you going to tell me what happened or not?"[/color] The redhead asked, albeit a bit nosily. 

Haven joined Aurora at her side, matching the girl's pace. She clasped her hands behind her back as she walked, a coy smile spreading as she tilted her head back and looked Ror's way. [color=tan]"Well... I'm going to tell you [i]exactly[/i] how he asked, but I want you to think about [i]who[/i] asked me before you jump to conclusions. Okay?"[/color] She brought her arms around front again, her hands spreading out in front of her as if she were a grand storyteller. When she spoke, her voice was low and rough in an impression of the man in question. [color=tan]"So, Barnes... you want to sleep together tonight?"[/color]

Aurora played Haven's game, nodding and watching intently as the girl set the scene. She was well aware that there was never a dull moment for Team Blackjack, so after hearing how this "mystery man" asked the brunette to share a tent, she shouldn't have been as shocked as she was. The redhead couldn't help but gasp, her eyes widening, [color=#8ecdb7]"You're kidding."[/color] she stated in disbelief, [color=#8ecdb7]"I swear, [i]Rory[/i] just keeps on getting himself into these situations."[/color] Aurora shook her head, [color=#8ecdb7]"So how'd you reply?"[/color]

[color=tan]"Well, I said yes."[/color] Haven started with a smile. [color=tan]"It took me a moment to realize what he actually meant, and of course my heart was pounding in my chest... but once it clicked that he just wanted to bunk with me and not- [i]y'know[/i], I figured it wouldn't hurt to agree without clarifying it."[/color] She brought her hands together, her thumb rubbing her palm absentmindedly. [color=tan]"If he figures it out before I tell him, that's great. If he doesn't, I'll know that I have to be the one to make the first move."[/color] Part of her wished that she had been direct with him from the first moment she saw him yesterday. The other part was telling her that she was crazy for feeling so strongly about him.

[color=tan]"I'm getting nervous just thinking about it, really. Dunno why."[/color]

The redhead's eyes nearly bugged out of her head, but softened as Haven explained her rationale, impressed with the girls' confidence surrounding the whole thing. It was a quality that Aurora envied, the ability to not overthink and be bold, as it was something she inherently lacked. She knew she was cautious, and for good reason, but sometimes she wished she could be a little more like her friends when it came to their self-assurance. 

[color=#8ecdb7]"I think it's justified to be nervous,"[/color] Aurora expressed as they approached the stack of coolers, opening one of the lids and inspecting the contents. She grabbed a water bottle and passed it to Haven before taking one for herself. [color=#8ecdb7]"I can't [i]really[/i] relate, but if you feel comfortable enough with making the first move then more power to you."[/color] The redhead sighed, twisting the cap and taking a sip, [color=#8ecdb7]"I just don't want you to get hurt, so I'd caution you to see what the vibe is before making the leap."[/color]

Haven gratefully accepted the water, standing next to the cooler as she listened to Ror. She mulled the advice over for a few moments, fiddling with the cap before she unscrewed it. She gave Aurora a warm smile. [color=tan]"I'm glad I can talk to you about this, Ror. Thanks."[/color] She took a swig of the bottle before capping it again. [color=tan]"I think I'd mess it up if I did this my way."[/color] Her smile turned into something lonely and yearning for a moment, before she took a deep breath and put her hand on her hip. All worries drifting away on a phantom breeze like a feather. [color=tan]"Let's deliver some waters and then check in with Tad. Hopefully the next supply run will be for something fun."[/color]

Aurora smiled back at Haven, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. [color=#8ecdb7]"Of course, you can always talk to me. That's what friends are for, right?"[/color] The redhead affirmed. But she saw the way the girl's face dropped at her next statement, her eyes going glassy, and tried to lift her spirits. [color=#8ecdb7]"Don't say that. You wouldn't mess it up. I just know that sometimes people act with their hearts and not with their heads. You know who does that?"[/color] She asked rhetorically, not waiting for Haven's guess. [color=#8ecdb7]"Rory."[/color] Aurora disclosed, letting her eyes drift over to the construction site where many of the students, including the dark haired boy, were working.

She leaned down to grab a few more water bottles, carrying a handful of them in her arms. [color=#8ecdb7]"That sounds good to me. It's warm out today, gotta keep everyone hydrated."[/color] Aurora concurred, as she began to walk towards structure being built. 

Haven nodded in agreement. The smile that spread now was amused, and yet beaming with the warmth of knowing that Aurora had her back. She grabbed the rest of the water, and began to follow along behind Ror. Her wings lifted momentarily to avoid the coolers below, flaring at the promise of taking to the skies again soon. Her eyes moved to the construction site, scanning over each group until she spotted Rory... [i]Hot. So hot.[/i]

[color=tan]"It is a bit warm today, isn't it?"[/color] Haven murmured halfheartedly. She then frowned lightly. [color=tan]"Weren't Lorcán and Amma supposed to be working with Rory?"[/color]

The redhead did a double take, letting her eyes scan the area. Her friend wasn't wrong, Lorcán and Amma [i]were[/i] supposed to be paired with Rory, but upon evaluation, were nowhere to be found. It was odd, especially considering the sandy haired boy enjoyed this kind of work; she was convinced that the only thing he loved more than surfing was an architectural blueprint. Aurora raised an eyebrow, [color=#8ecdb7]"Yeah, they were..."[/color] She trailed off, looking around once more. [color=#8ecdb7]"Maybe they're taking a break?"[/color] She innocently theorized, not jumping to conclusions.

The girl closed the distance and approached Rory but as she neared, she could feel everyone's eyes on her. They were staring, but why? [color=#8ecdb7]"Hey Rory,"[/color] Aurora greeted, extending an arm out towards him, water bottle in hand. [color=#8ecdb7]"Want a water?"[/color] 

Haven cleared her throat softly as she approached, her traitorous eyes roaming his shirtless chest and abs before quickly lifting to those bright blue eyes. She gave him a bright smile in the hopes that he hadn't caught her staring, and then set down two water bottles for their missing teammates onto the table nearby. [color=tan]"You can have these if you need them."[/color] She said, looking around at the work that had been done already. [color=tan]"Sorry you're stuck doing all the work."[/color] She noticed the difference between Rory's steel and the clean cut lines of an elemental cut. It seemed like Lorcán and Amma had been here earlier, and yet... where were they now?

Rory nodded in thanks wordlessly for a moment as he finished a rough cut on one of the bars, turning the saw off and sitting it aside. As he saw Aurora and Haven, his eyes brightened up a tiny bit and he gave a weak smile. He quickly opened a water bottle and chugged half of it, before pouring the rest over his head to cool himself down. He looked back to Aurora, grateful. [color=#04cf3a]“Thanks, Borealis.”[/color] Rory then turned back to look towards Haven, seemingly oblivious and slightly delirious from exhaustion. He wiped some of the water and sweat from his face, running his fingers through his wet hair to part it back as he just seemed to catch her comment. [color=#04cf3a]“Yeah… it's, uh… it's fine. Hot Shot scooped up Amma and took off for the woods. You know how he gets sometimes.”[/color] Rory trailed off, seemingly lost in thought for a moment before shaking his head.

If Aurora had been mid-sip of water, she would have most definitely spit it out.

Lorcán had gone off with Amma? Into the woods? [i]Together?[/i]

The girl could feel her heartbeat quicken, shock and surprise etched onto her face. She grew slightly warm, feeling the stares of nearby classmates pinned on her as if they knew something that she didn’t. The redhead choked out a laugh, clearly uncomfortable. [color=#8ecdb7]“Oh, uh, he did? I mean, they did? That’s um… interesting.”[/color] She managed to say, not knowing how else to respond. 

Haven had to admit she was impressed by Rory's work. She smiled as she watched him, admiring Rory's skill with the saw. Something was off about him, but she couldn't figure out what. Her mind went especially blank as he proceeded to chug the water, her eyes on the needy way he drank it. She braced herself as he lifted the bottle over his head, watching as it trickled through his glossy hair and down his broad shoulders and the panes of his chest. She quickly shut her mouth before she would start drooling, just in time for him to turn his gaze on her. The exhausted expression in them hit her in the chest, and yet she envied his hands as he ran them through his hair.

[color=tan]"Wait, what?"[/color] It was like her brain jumped back to life at his words. [color=tan]"They really left you here to do this by yourself?"[/color] She frowned, and then looked over at Aurora, realizing what the implications might mean for her too. She heard hushed gossip from a group behind them and shot them the bird behind her back. [color=tan]"Give them hell when they get back for me, Rory."[/color] Haven said, giving Rory a thumbs up. [color=tan]"You're doing great, by the way."[/color] 

Haven scooped up their remaining water and moved to stand beside Aurora. [color=tan]"We should probably get going. I think I heard Tad calling for us. We can drop these off to the others before we go on our next run."[/color] The gossipers weren't getting any water. Haven had made her mind up on that.

The redhead glanced at her winged friend, attempting to hide the confusion that clouded her baby blues. She could hear whispering behind them, what were they saying? Haven would know, but her inclination was that it clearly wasn't anything good. And that it was about her. Aurora turned her head towards the students and they immediately stopped, something like pity in their eyes as she looked at them, confirming her suspicions.

Definitely not good. 

[color=#8ecdb7]"Yeah, I uh, we'll see you later Rory."[/color] She practically mumbled, head spinning as they walked away. She had a million thoughts in her head, mostly surrounding the fact that her best friend had gone off with the terrifying new girl who she did not like in the slightest. Aurora didn't know where she was heading, but just needed to get away from that group. She opted to start walking towards where Mei, Calliope, and Harper were brainstorming the theme, hoping Haven was keeping pace. [color=#8ecdb7]"What were they talking about?"[/color] 

Haven remained close to Aurora, her expression as casual as she could keep it. [color=tan]"Oh, don't worry about them. It was just some stupid gossip."[/color] She stretched her wings out beside her, casually covering Aurora from the view of the people in question. [color=tan]"I'm sure there's a reason they took off. You went after Lorcán this morning, right? I bet he's pretty upset about the situations with our degrees."[/color]

Aurora sighed, [color=#8ecdb7]“Yeah, he’s devastated. He was totally spiraling when I found him, it was honestly really hard to watch.”[/color] She recounted, unable to shake the memory of him panicking, which was very out of character for him. He had always been so sturdy, so dependable… it seemed as though today he was not acting like his usual self in any way, shape, or form. [color=#8ecdb7]“I guess I’m just surprised he ditched Rory. Lorcán lives for this kind of stuff, I would have assumed he’d throw himself into the work instead of bailing.”[/color] The redhead tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, she wanted to. But between the hushed chatter of their peers, and Rory’s tell-tale expression, it was becoming increasingly difficult to.

Haven looked out over the construction site, trying to figure out a reason that Lorcan would have ditched his responsibilities. She took a breath, coming to a conclusion of her own. [color=tan]"Aren't you wondering if this whole day is meaningless now?"[/color] She began, her tone soft. [color=tan]"H.E.L.P. hasn't done anything to save the school and the Foundation haven't agreed to give us the credits either. I can see why he thinks it's ok to slack off now."[/color] She looked over at Aurora, giving her an encouraging smile. [color=tan]"They could be out there wrecking some trees just to let off some steam. It can't be easy for Amma to hear that the school she left is now coming for this one, and now Lorcán is under the impression he won't leave the island without a degree."[/color]

[color=tan]"Although, it's weird that he would leave with someone who said such awful things last night. [i]That[/i] I don't understand."[/color]

[color=#8ecdb7]“I guess,”[/color] She considered, Haven providing a good perspective. She had a solid point that it was possible Lorcán assumed all was null at this point given the morning’s events. [color=#8ecdb7]“But his cousin is supposed to be running the course. You would think he’d want to make it good for her, make it matter.”[/color] Aurora noted. He had been so excited to be part of the construction this year, and hadn't stopped talking about it all summer, in fact. The winged girl continued and the redhead shook her head, [color=#8ecdb7]“Yeah Lorcán told me what happened after I fell asleep,”[/color] She hesitated, taking a breath. Just thinking about Amma made her skin crawl, [color=#8ecdb7]“I don’t like that she said those things… she really worries me. People like that don’t change, not easily.”[/color]

Haven nodded, a frown coming to her features as she remembered Amma's words. [color=tan]"I don't think she has any hope for the world. For us. It's not right."[/color] She adjusted the bottles in her arms. [color=tan]"Let's give Lorcán a chance to explain himself later tonight."[/color]

This time Haven really heard Tad calling for them. She turned her head towards the coolers way behind them, seeing Tad waving his arm in the air. She raised her left wing in the air to let him know she heard and turned to Aurora. [color=tan]"Now we're [i]actually[/i] needed."[/color] The smile on her face revealed her white lie earlier. [color=tan]"Let's have some fun with this run. We can race to see who gets back from the trip first."[/color]

The redhead wordlessly inclined her head in agreement, both to Haven’s evaluation of Amma and the girl’s willingness to give the sandy haired boy an opportunity to explain himself. She wistfully looked back at the construction site, still not seeing either Lorcán or Amma present, before looking back to Haven with a forced grin. Her features softened once she realized her friend had lied to get them out of the situation, and appreciation shone in her eyes, before melting into a coy smirk at the promise of a challenge. [color=#8ecdb7]“I don’t think it’ll be much of a competition, but I’d like to see you try.”[/color] 


Haven bumped her shoulder against Aurora with a grin. [color=tan]"I definitely can."[/color] She said before she suddenly turned around, bolting towards where Tad stood at the coolers. Her wings beat against the air around her, ponytail whipping behind her head as her muscles worked hard to get her airborne. [color=tan]"Come on, slowpoke!"[/color] She called back behind her, grabbing for a water bottle that tried to slip out of her arms. She laughed, already halfway to their team leader and quickly leaving Aurora behind. She knew Aurora would beat her there, as she always did, but the distraction of a competition made her defeat taste a lot sweeter.
[/indent]
[COLOR=TAN][hr][/COLOR]
[CENTER][img]https://i.imgur.com/Q9J9PIr.jpeg[/img][/CENTER]