Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 9:56 AM

NORTHKILL ROAD

RYAN

@entangledwithsound

we're all at the busstop, where r u?

well minus laura + max

@bon4fide.yetbizarre

im with them

ygs can start heading up

@entangledwithsound

ph shit rlly?

guess ygs got really close

@bon4fide.yetbizarre

we just live close together. not a big deal

@entangledwithsound

yeah for sure

see u soon then

Seen.

Ryan huffed to themself and pocketed their phone, music blasting into the earbuds plugged in their ears. Max looked up into the rearview mirror, his eyes landing on Ryan.

"Alright there?"

"Yeah, Dylan and the others are on their way. Should get there a bit before us."

Laura turns in the passenger seat to face Ryan, a grin on her face. Ryan scowls, already not liking what she's about to come up with.

"Dylan and the others ?"

"You know what I mean," they roll their eyes, arms coming up to a cross in front of them.

"Realll defensive there bud," Max joins in, a teasing tilt in his voice.

Ryan rolls their eyes dramatically, a hint of a smile on their face, "It's not even like that, he's nice and all but I prefer us being friends."

Laura's grin softens and she raises an eyebrow, "Why not?"

He shrugs, thinking about an old conversation between him and Kaitlyn, "He said I wasn't worth the effort. And sure, he could've been lying - because that's what Kaitlyn seems to think - but I'd rather we just stay friends."

Max tilts his head at that, "Yeah fair enough. I don't think I'd like that either."

Laura juggles that thought in her head, "Isn't that the same as you saying you preferred neither of them?"

"I guess. But I didn't say he wasn't worth the effort. I don't hold it against him, and I won't bring it up, but I dunno," he pauses, thinking, "I don't know."

Laura smiles and nods before turning back to the road. She checks the gps on her phone, seeing that any connection to the outside world is gone. Scowling, she pockets her phone, turning to Max.

"You think we can make it without GPS or should I-"

Max instantly cuts her off, laughing, "I got it babe, we don't need the help of a creep ass cop."

"You sure? I'm sure I could call Silas, ask him to chill in the road? Give us a lil push into the woods?" she sniggered, her eyes crinkling with humor.

Ryan rolled their eyes at their banter and tunes them out. The intro to Smells Like Teen Spirit filters through their earbuds and they close their eyes. They didn't listen to it much but it felt fitting for the moment. As they reveled in the music, they thought about their destination. It felt odd going back so soon and anxiety built up in his chest at the thought of it.

Chris. Kaylee. Caleb. They haven't spoken to them since that day. If what they said to them could even be counted as a conversation. The sun had risen and Ryan was hiding in the woods for what felt like years when they were found by Nick. Together they made it back to the lodge, faced with an angry group of counselors, an angrier Laura Kearney, and the guilty faces of the Hacketts. Ryan took one look at them, vomited, and then bolted.

It took a while for him to be found after that, but by then the police had arrived and were taking everyone away for questioning. And once again they faced the Hacketts to which they only muttered a few words before being stuffed into the back of a police car with Nick.

Thinking about them only exhausted them more. While he knew they didn't want any of this to happen, they couldn't help but blame them, be angry with them. Not as angry as Laura, but at this point, the anger was growing to be almost the size of hers. They were his family, and they felt more than betrayed.

The car pulling to a stop jolted him out of their thoughts and Ryan sat up from the slouched position they were in. As their eyes blinked open, they watched as Max and Laura simultaneously turned to them.

"We ready for this?" Max asked the pair, unease written on his face.

Ryan gave him a small smile and nodded. After that night, Max and Laura clearly took a liking to them. Essentially forcing him out of his shell and herding them into theirs. They were still Laura and Max, Max and Laura, but they included Ryan in a lot. Really made them feel wanted, they didn't feel that a lot.

Laura visibly shook out any jitters and gave them both a determined smile, "We get through this, through the full moon, and then get back home. Easy enough."

Max cheered and leaned over to kiss her cheek, pride all on his face. Ryan stuck their tongue out, making fun of the clear affection in their faces.

"Don't be jealous Ryan, I'll give you a kiss if you ask for it," Max snickered and knocked his arm into Laura's. She laughed and rolled her eyes before turning to get out of the car.

"You're so gross, oh my god," but Ryan laughed and Max beamed with pride. Giving Ryan a nod, he turned and got out of the car, to which Ryan mimicked.

Together they locked up the car and got their bags out of the trunk. To the left of them was the van used for the counselors, it was clearly abandoned which only meant the others were already inside. Ryan looked up at the lodge and grimaced, gearing up to  actually go inside.

Laura passed by them and knocked her shoulder into them affectionately, "Let's go in grumpy."

They rolled their eyes and closed the trunk, following after her with Max on their tail. They made their way up the stairs to the lodge, about to knock when the door swung open. Kaitlyn placed a hand on her hip and grinned.

"Took you long enough."

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 11:07 AM

HACKETTS QUARRY LODGE

RYAN

Ryan dumped their bags next to the stairs inside the lodge. Max and Laura followed suit, Max groaning dramatically. The rest of the counselors ensemble were scattered around the lodge. Emma and Abi were speaking animatedly about something, nothing Ryan wanted to tune into at the moment. Their eyes swept over the others, Kaitlyn made her way back to Jacob and Dylan who both smiled as they noticed them looking. They gave them a small wave before continuing to look around. Chris and Travis were nowhere to be found and Ryan let out a sigh of relief.

In a small corner sat Kaylee and Caleb, looking depressed and miserable. Ryan debated going over and saying something, but their chest tightened at the thought of it. They grimaced slightly and turned away, looking around the rest of the lodge.

Pausing, they counted the group silently and confusion took over their features.

"Where's Nick?" they spoke up, causing everyone to turn to them. Ryan subtly curled in on themself at the attention, it reminded him all too much of that morning after.

Abi half smiled and pointed to the kitchens behind him, "He muttered something before running off to the kitchen."

Ryan nodded and turned to find the boy. After that night, Nick was extremely quiet. And it wouldn't have been unusual but he never spoke. Not even to Abi. He was similar to Ryan in that sense. The counselors had added each other to a group chat which Ryan mostly ignored. Only speaking once or twice. Nick had done the same. 

Because of that, Ryan had felt a sort of comradery from him. Even if they never actually spoke after that night.

Ryan stood in the door of the kitchen, Nick had his back turned to them, clearly focusing on something. Not wanting to scare him, Ryan knocked on the counter closest to him.

Nick paused slightly before turning to him, "Hey."

"Hey, you making something?" Ryan crossed their arms and tilted their head.

He shrugged and moved out of the way, revealing the notebook he was writing in, "I was about to, had to write something down."

Ryan raised an eyebrow in question, wanting Nick to tell him of his own accord.

"I uh- I've been feeling a lot different after everything? Like my senses are heightened or whatever. Been writing anything different down."

Ryan breathed an "Oh," of surprise and moved more into the kitchen, "You get aftereffects?"

"Yeah.. Crazy right? I think I'm the only one. It freaks me out," Nick huffs a humorless laugh, pushing the book to Ryan.

Thankful for the permission, Ryan's mouth slightly lifts into a smile before dropping as they read the symptoms Nick feels. The room is silent as they read, but not uncomfortable. They lean against the counter next to Nick and he reads over Ryan's shoulder.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Ryan questions curiously.

Nick shrugs and looks away, "Abi still flinches around me. I know she doesn't mean to, and I know she's forgiven me but it still hurts. I feel guilty all the time mate. It's exhausting. I don't want anyone to see me any more differently."

Ryan nods, getting what he's saying, "I won't tell anyone then."

Nick smiles before moving to the freezer, "Hold this open for me? I'll start cooking."

"Sure, I can help if you want. I'm not exactly keen on going back into the lion's den," they set the journal down, closing it, before moving to keep the freezer door open.

The brunette snorts and lifts up two boxes, his arms flexing with the weight. Ryan lets out a hum and lets Nick exit.

"When you say your senses are heightened, what do you mean?"

"I can hear Emma and Abi gossiping about us right now."

Ryan strains their ears to see if they can hear what they mean. Tilting their head to the side, they shrug, "I can hear them talking, just not what they're saying."

Nick drops the boxes on a counter and turns to them, "Yours might be heightened too y'know. But I can hear exactly what they're saying if I try hard enough."

"You might be right, maybe. And that sounds like a sensory nightmare," Ryan's mouth lifts into a hint of a smirk and Nick shrugs.

"I like the hearing, just- not all the time."

"Fair enough, I got overstimulated easily from noise before, moreso now, I can't imagine hearing what you hear. But that's just me getting overstimulated easily."

"Really? I thought noise wasn't that bad for you, considering MSI is blasting into your earbuds right now."

"Music is different... And is my music that loud?" Ryan looks down at their earbuds before looking back up at Nick.

"Mate.. without the super hearing, your music is leaking out of your earbuds. How you can even hear me is proof you have heightened hearing."

Thinking about it, Ryan pulls out their earbuds, which is doing exactly as Nick said it was. The music leaked out loudly and the loud drums of Lights Out were palpable. Ryan paled slightly in embarrassment as they plugged their ears back up before turning the volume down drastically.

"That's- embarrassing."

Nick snorts before it turns into a full blown laugh. Ryan rolls their eyes exasperatedly before grinning. 

"Don't worry about it, no one cares."

Ryan huffs but turns the music back up slightly. Nick smiles and turns to the stove, turning it on.

"Alright, let's do this."

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 12:44 PM

HACKETTS QUARRY LODGE

ABIGAIL

Abi smiled softly as soft chatter could be heard in the lodge. Nick and Ryan managed to make a good lunch for the group and everyone was enjoying it. Including the Hacketts.

She peeked at them as she looked down at her plate. Kaylee and Caleb were muttering to each other while the two older Hacketts looked to be in a heated discussion. Almost sensing someone looking, Kaylees eyes snapped over to her and Abi instantly looked away, her cheeks warming with embarrassment.

She looked at Ryan and Nick sitting together, farthest from the group. Her chest tightened as she looked Nick over. Abi missed him, not romantically. She didn't think they could ever be anything more than friends after what happened, but she missed talking to him. Missed her friend. Nick didn't talk to anyone anymore, and she'd tried to get him to speak to her. But it only hurt the both of them more.

They can be friends, hopefully soon. Just not now.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked over to see Emma grinning widely.

"Doing a little sightseeing?" she gestured over to Nick, mischief in her expression.

"Oh my god," Abi shakes her head frustratedly, "Emma.."

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Though... Ryan and Nick are sitting a bit close.. Could be something," Emma sits close to her, fake whispering, "My suspicions are coming true.."

Emma wiggles her eyebrows and Abi looks back at the two. At that moment they looked at each other, and she watched as Nick's mouth formed the word, " See?", to which Ryan raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at his lips before turning back to his food. Abi wondered what that was about but was roused out of her thoughts and looked to Emma, "I mean..."

Emma laughs and grabs onto her arm, "See!! Watch.. something between them is brewing..."

Abi shook her head fondly, amused with Emma's antics. It always made her feel better even if she could be slightly overbearing. Emma radiated warmth as she theatrically whispered about Nick and Ryan to which Abi could only hopelessly feed into it.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 12:44 PM

HACKETTS QUARRY LODGE

DYLAN

Dylan watched with barely concealed disgust as Jacob shoveled his food into his mouth, making disgusting noises. 

Kaitlyn grimaced and punched his shoulder, "Dude if you keep eating like that, I will stab you in the throat."

Jacob, very immaturely he thinks, begins to chew at her with his mouth open, "Nick's food is so good I missed itttt."

"Man if you keep eating like that, Nick's food will be on the floor. " Dylan gives him a disgusted look. The sound of him chewing was nearly driving him up the wall.

"Right, if you want to honor Nick, savor the food and stop spitting it all over me," she shuffles farther away from him, using Dylan as a makeshift shield.

Jacob pouts and calms down, "Whatever."

"Stop making me mom you, it's sickening," Kaitlyn sets her half eaten plate down, appetite ruined.

"You stop, I don't control you," Jacob scowls.

"Well someone has to keep you in check."

Dylan laughs, a mischievous grin on her face, "Mama Kaity. Mother of 1 Jacob Custos."

"Don't make me mother you, you know damn well I will," she threatens, completely serious.

Dylan mimics zipping his lips shut and laughs. Kaitlyn leans onto him and looks over to Ryan.

"He's as brooding as ever amiright?'

Dylan lets out a long suffering sigh, "Yeah."

Kaitlyn looks at him, "You gonna talk to him later? Or now?"

"Umm. I don't know. You remember what I said."

"Yeah and I know it's complete bullshit," she snorts, not buying it.

Dylan looks away from the other boy to Kaitlyn and Jacob who is clearly eavesdropping, "After everything, I think I'll just try to move on. Nothing ever happened."

Jacob pats him on the shoulder and nods, "You could do better than Ryan anyway."

"Oh my god, why are you so intent on antagonizing him," Kaitlyn rolls her eyes.

"Hey!! most of the time, he starts it!"

"Bullshitttt."

Kaitlyn and Jacob continue to bicker and Dylan huffs out a laugh. He peeks over at Ryan, who's already looking back at him. He jumps slightly but gives him an awkward wave. The boy furrows his eyebrows, expression twisting into something unreadable when Nick nudges him. Ryan looks away at that and Dylan deflates.

It's best to move on.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 3:27 PM

HACKETTS QUARRY LODGE

RYAN

Everyone seemed to be idle, quietly waiting for the day to end and for tomorrow to come. Ryan just wanted to sleep, however Chris mentioned that they all needed to go over sleeping plans for tonight and actual plans for tomorrow.

The full moon was coming soon, making everyone much more irritable and anxious. Ryan included. It certainly was a good idea for them to come a day early, however Ryan was now regretting coming so early. The hours dragged by and the only thing keeping him relatively insane was his music, the couple to his left, and surprisingly Nick.

They haven't talked much after the kitchen but it was nice to be around someone who didn't want to talk just as much as they did.

Max, sitting next to him, nudges them with his knee. He gestures towards Chris who just entered and is surveying the room.

Ryan nods in thanks and focuses on Chris, not looking him in the eye.

"Alright so, I know you all don't want to be here-"

"No fucking shit," Laura mutters viciously, not low enough to go unnoticed.

Travis sighs from behind Chris and the other looks at the three of them. Ryan and Laura both bristle at the attention and Max wraps an arm around Laura in defense.

Chris' eyes land on Ryan and guilt radiates from him before he turns to the largest group of counselors. Nick on the far side of the room gives Ryan a look, silently asking if they're okay. Ryan gives a small nod and crosses their arms.

"Anyway.. As I was saying, I'm trying to be as accommodating as possible. I just want to go over sleeping arrangements and go over what happens tomorrow."

The group nods but otherwise no one speaks up. Chris visibly deflates and sighs.

"You can either sleep here, there's a few couches and such scattered around the lodge. Or you can sleep in the cabins. It's your choice but I'd rather you all choose one spot and stick to it, for my peace of mind, and for yours."

He steps back to let the group chat, moving to sit at the foot of the stairs with his children, Travis following after.

After a few moments of silence, Kaitlyn stands up and speaks up, "I imagine we don't want to split up right? Or just me?"

Emma huffs and rolls her eyes, "Obviously not, I do not want to have that happen again."

Abi giggles softly next to her and nods in agreement. Emma visibly preens and Kaitlyn fake gags, "Alright so.. Cabins or Lodge?"

Dylan hesitantly speaks up, shrinking when all eyes turn to look at him, "If we do have to do cabins, I want to be as far from the radio hut as possible, thank you."

Ryan pales and looks away, grimacing at the unwanted memory.

Jacob nods and pats Dylan's back affectionately, "Totally reasonable. Honestly the cabins freak me out anyway, and we would still be splitting up right? So I vote lodge...?"

"Okay so Jacob votes lodge. Imma say so do you Dylan," Kaitlyn points to him and he nods. She nods back and turns to Ryan, Laura, and Max, "I know you both aren't really close to us but we'd like it if you stuck with us."

Max smiles and gives her a thumbs up. Laura contemplates before nodding, "I don't mind."

Kaitlyn raises an eyebrow at Ryan and he only shrugs in response. She huffs before turning away.

"I'm not hearing any objections?"

The counselors nod and Kaitlyn claps before turning to the Hacketts, "Lodge it is Mr. H."

Chris hums and smiles tiredly, "Great, you guys know where the blankets are, I recommend finding somewhere to settle down early."

Kaitlyn nods and sits back down as Travis stands up and makes his way over to the group.

"As for the full moon tomorrow, you have a few choices. There's 3 cages in the house behind us. They can fit two each, maybe three. Kaylee and Caleb will be taking one which means 4 of you- 6 at most can bunk there for the night."

Jacob scowls and looks up, "You mean the one I was in?"

"..Yes."

"You said 6? There's 9 of us," Emma leads on, hurrying Travis up subtly.

"I was getting to that. 3 of you can fit in the storm shelter, and the island is one of the safest places for you all. I imagine all of you can fit there. The police station can hold three of you as a last resort. There's also the attic, one of you can be there as long as no one goes snooping."

Ryan and Laura both scowl at that, their expressions darkening instantly. Travis' gaze lands on them before turning away, "Who's going where?"

Max speaks up, his voice slightly shaky, "I think I'd like the island. Laura you with me right?"

Laura softens and turns to him, "Of course hun."

"You're welcome to join us Ryan," Max turns to him, a half smile on his face. Ryan shrugs, not wanting to intrude.

"Alright, that's those two. The rest of you?"

Dylan looks up from the hushed conversation he was having with Kaitlyn and Jacob and grimaces, "We'll have the storm shelter? Me, Kaity, and Jacob."

Travis nods and turns to Emma and Abi, "You?"

Abi looks to Emma, still as indecisive as ever, and she answers for her, "We'll go into a cage together."

"That just leaves you too," he gestures to Ryan and Nick.

Nick frowns and hesitantly answers, his voice low and small, "I was in the cages for the majority of that night right? It only makes sense."

Ryan nods, "You and Jacob were in there before the power went out."

"I got freed because the power went out. How likely is that to happen again?"

Travis huffs, "It only went out because Kearney destroyed the breaker."

Laura glowers, "I wouldn't have needed to do that if you and your wretched family didn't try to kill me."

Max lays a hand on her arm and she calms down slightly, looking away.

Nick watched the exchange before nodding, "Then the cage. I guess."

Travis turns to Ryan, looking to finalize everything.

"Mate, you can be with me. If you're not-" Nick trails off, remembering Ryan was also in the pool house.

"Yeah I'll stick with Nick. No offense Max."

Max only grins in response. Travis nods in finality, "Everyone good with everything? We sticking to this?"

 "Yeah we're sure T-Money," Max grins at the scowl directed his way, the reaction being what he wanted.

"Great."

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 3:56 PM

HACKETTS QUARRY LODGE

RYAN

After that everyone pretty much dispersed with muttered excuses. Ryan didn't pay much attention to them, still getting used to being back. Hacketts Quarry used to bring so much comfort to him. Unfortunately it wasn't like that anymore, it never would be. 

Someone stepped in front of them and they tensed up. Hesitantly Ryan raised his head to Kaylee who looked uncomfortable.

"Ryan?"

Ryan schooled their face into a blank expression and pulled their earbuds out. Music softly leaked out from them but they ignored it, "You needed something?"

Kaylee looked as if she was about to cry and sat in front of them, "I- We haven't spoken in what feels like forever. I miss you. I miss us. Caleb does too."

"I don't know what you want me to say." Ryan looks at the ground, tears welling up in their eyes with the frustration they are feeling.

"I'm sorry."

"You think that's enough?!" they jump out of their seat, backing away from her, "Kaylee you knew what would happen. And yet you and Caleb ran off to do what? Gallop in the woods? Eat a few dears?? You would think that having actual people go missing because of you , you'd know that it wasn't a good idea."

"Uncle Travis keeps people away from us! We just hated being locked up, we didn't know you'd all still be here!"

"Oh yeah he does his job perfectly doesn't he. Max being bit meant nothing."

Tears flow out of the girl's eyes as she doesn't know how to respond to that. Blaming the couple would only anger Ryan more and she knew their anger could be explosive.

"I know you didn't know but that was really fucking stupid of you."

"I wish I could take it all back! We all do! How do I make it up to you?!"

Ryan wipes at his face, hiding the few tears that managed to leak out, "Give me time."

"But-"

"Lee. Please."

Her mouth opens to fight back, get something more, but she knew it would be useless. Kaylee nodded in response before turning to flee the lodge. Ryan watching as she leaves before rushing into one of the empty classrooms.

They shove the earbuds back into their ears, turning the volume up to the highest before shoving themself in the corner. It was a motion they were all too familiar with, their back against the corner with no way for anyone to sneak up on them. Their head hiding in their knees as they listened to the music. It helped regulate their emotions, as much as they could anyway. Ryan sucks in large gulps of air, the exchange with Kaylee leaving them worse for wear. Even with how short it was, it only made them utterly drained. If this is how they felt talking to Kaylee, the girl they loved like a sister, they couldn't imagine how they'd feel talking to Chris and Caleb.

Footsteps moved down the hallway towards the classroom Ryan had holed themself up in. They shrunk in on themself slightly, hoping whoever it was would keep moving but unfortunately they stopped right outside the door. Ryan waited in anticipation for what felt like forever before the person knocked and let themself in.

Nick awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck and peeked in, "Hey uh, I heard your music."

Ryan rolled their eyes and sat up to look at Nick better. Taking it as permission, Nick walked over and sat next to them, far enough to not invade their space, but close enough for Ryan to feel the warmth radiating off of them.

"I heard Jacob and Emma arguing, let's just say, we should probably stay away from them for a bit," he lets out a stilted chuckle and pulled their legs up to their chest, mimicking Ryan.

They grimaced in response before dramatically slicing across their throat with their finger. Nick snorts and leans back against the wall, "I'm astonished to how they're still friends. If Emma could kill him and get away with it, she probably would."

Ryan shook their head with a wry smile making Nick crack another smile. Noticing Ryan's silence he tilts his head, "I'm not bothering you am I? 'Cause I'll stop talking."

Tongue almost glued to the roof of their mouth, it takes a while for Ryan to force themself to speak, "Talking can get a lot for me sometime. I don't mind if you talk, just-"

Nick nods and gives them an encouraging smile, "I got it, don't worry."

They half smile before leaning their head back and closing their eyes. Bring Me to Life blasts into their ears and tension leaves their body. Nick shuffles closer, humming slightly.

"If Dylan heard you listening to that, he wouldn't let you hear the end of it," he hums.

Ryan snorts and nods in acknowledgement. Nick grins and closes his eyes, mimicking Ryan next to him. Exhaustion tugs at him and its shocking how fast he fell asleep. Ryan hums to themself and looks to the window of the classroom. The sun is slowly setting, signaling the night coming up. Nick shifts next to them before his head slowly falls onto Ryan's shoulder. Nick was way too warm to be considered normal and they stored that information away for later. Right now though, it only made them realize how exhaustion plagued every bone in their body. Looking back to the closed door of the classroom, tiredness pulled at them until they leaned back into Nick.

Together they held each other up and fell into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter Text

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 5:20 PM

HACKETTS QUARRY LODGE

LAURA

Drowsiness almost tugged Laura back down into the blissful nap she was in but a noise outside forced her to blink her eyes open. She sighs quietly and looks to her left, Max curled around her protectively. Affection filled her chest and she kissed his cheek before untangling herself from him.

The redhead groaned and tiredly peeked up at her, “Hon, where are you going?”

She smiles and stretches back, yawning loudly, “Ryan was supposed to come nap with us, remember?”

His lips form a soft “Oh” and he nods. Yawning he stretches out on the couch, “Want me to come find him with you?”

Laura shakes her head and makes her way to the door, “I’ll go see what's up and come back.”

Max smiles in response and closes his eyes, “Don't be too long.”

She blew him a kiss before leaving, looking in each room she passed for Ryan. She passed by Emma and gave her a small wave which only seemed to pull her towards her.

“Laura, right? I haven't been able to find any of your socials!”

“Oh, yeah they’re all pretty much private now,” Laura chuckles softly and leans against the hallway wall.

“Well I was wondering if you want to join the group chat I made. And your boyfriend, I know we haven't talked but I want to get to know you both,” Emma said convincingly. She wasn't lying at all, actually wanting to befriend the pair. Especially since they seemed to be close to Ryan.

“Ummm, I don't know..”

“Ryan is in it, he might be more comfortable talking if you're there?” Emma grinned, knowing she had her right where she wanted her.

Laura rolled her eyes but shrugged, there was no harm in joining, “Alright my handle AnimaPath, ask Ryan for it if you can't find it.”

She smiled and nodded before turning to go the way Laura came, “Gotcha! See you Laura.”

Laura waves and begins to go back to searching for Ryan. Emma was sweet enough, if not a little too.. theatrical. And Ryan liked her well enough which is always a plus. 

Musing to herself she comes up to a closed room, and softly knocks. Laura waited a few before knocking again, wondering if the room was empty when she heard Nick yell, “Open!”

She opened the door halfway and peeked in, the words already leaving her mouth, “Have you seen Ry-”

Ryan was slumped against Nick, sleeping soundly. Nick grinned at her and theatrically pointed at him and Laura grinned.

She took her phone out and snapped a picture before gesturing to Ryan, “Do you want me to get him up?”

“Nah mate, it’s all good. I’m just listening to the music he’s blasting into his poor ears.”

Laura laughs, “I’m surprised he isn't deaf.”

“Right. Did you need him?  ‘Cause I can wake him up…”

“No it's okay, he needed to sleep anyway. If you need to move, just tell him to come find Max and I, alright?” Laura looks back to Ryan, happy they were able to sleep soundly around someone other than her and Max.

“Okay, got it,” Nick nods and slumps back against the wall. Laura nods lastly and leaves the classroom, the door clicking shut behind her.

Laura could definitely say she was surprised. After that night Ryan wouldn't sleep, he just couldn't. They were almost like a giraffe, sleeping for minutes at a time, at the most random times. At least, until they collapsed for hours and the cycle repeated.

They couldn't sleep near people either, just the sound of footsteps jolted him out of their sleep. He was similar to Laura in that way, she was an extremely light sleeper now.

Because of these new developments, the trio took on sleeping together. Whether it's just her and Max, Max and Ryan, her and Ryan, or all three, sleep was always better. Filled with less nightmares and stress.

Maybe Nick could help Ryan in that sense. Lord knows he needs someone as calm as him. 

Laura stepped back into the room Max and her took over. It was cozy enough, small with two couches on either side. Perfect for the three of them. Smiling, she snuggled back into the warmth of her boyfriend, eager to get more rest.

Ryan would be okay, they all would.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 8:11 PM

HACKETTS QUARRY LODGE

LAURA

The sound of commotion roused her out of her sleep once again. Laura sighed heavily as she sat up, still feeling as drained as she was earlier. Looking to her left, Ryan sat curled up in the corner of the other couch. They were focused on their phone, clearly listening to something, probably a podcast.

Laura shuffled and twisted around to get a good look at him, Max snored softly into her hair, “Hey.”

Ryan looked up and removed the earbuds from his ears, smiling softly, “Hey. Did I wake you?”

“Mm, no. People are moving downstairs,” Laura groaned as she stretched out, accidentally rousing Max.

He let out a groan and blinked his eyes open blearily, peeking at the two others, “I smell food.”

“Oh my god,” Laura laughed and leaned back to kiss him.

“What?? I do?” he smiled affectionately and waved to Ryan.

Ryan waved back and sat up more, gesturing to the door, “Nick is cooking again, that's probably what you smell. And hear.”

“Wait, you guys can’t smell that?” Max sat up from the couch, tugging Laura up with him. She grumbled slightly and moved to give him some space.

“No, you have super smell dude,” Ryan grinned, shaking his head, “You’re like a dog.”

“Well technically-” he giggled as Laura instantly cut him off.

“Do not finish that sentence.”

“Well he’s not wrong per say..” Ryan’s eyes crinkle, a telltale sign they were amused.

“I hate the both of you, I’m going to go change,” Laura rolled her eyes and passed Ryan to go through her bags. She kissed his cheek as she passed, showing there was no animosity behind her words. 

“Ryan, she said she hates us, can you believe it?”

He pretended to think and sarcastically muttered, “I mean.. She might hate you but I’m her favorite.”

“Okay I feel betrayed, so betrayed,” Max grabbed at his heart theatrically, twisting on the couch before knocking himself down to the floor.

Laura stepped next to him in a more comfortable outfit and boldly laughed at him, “You’re an idiot.”

“That’s- That’s fair,” he huffed and pulled himself up.

Ryan smiled at their antics and stood up, stretching as he walked to the door, “we should probably go down before they eat all the food.”

Laura pulled Max’s hand into hers and tugged him as she walked to catch up to Ryan, “Hmm is that the only reason you want to go down?”

“Uh I guess? Nick asked me to come get you guys anyway, he’s making the food for all of us,” Ryan explained, confusion in his eyes.

“You’ve been getting pretty close to Nick, haven't you?” Laura grinned evilly, subtly hinting at him.

Max’s eyes lit up and he moved to walk next to Ryan on his left side, “Yeah I have noticed that, have you noticed that Ryan?”

“You’re both acting weird and I will spray you with water,” they glared at the both of them and sped up slightly.

Max snorts and moves back next to Laura, taking her hand in his, “Okay buddy…”

“We’ve got our eye on you RyRy,” Laura teased but let the topic change, not wanting to scare him off.

Max’s eyes lit up and he turned to Ryan as they descended down the stairs, “Since we weren’t here for camp, you should give us a tour!”

Ryan smiles and hooks their arm around Laura's, “For sure. Just not today obviously. Probably after the full moon if you’re up for it.”

“Yeah, sounds good to me,” Laura grins, her eyes sweeping across the room. It was pretty lively, everyone practically salivating at the smell of food.

Jacob, Kaitlyn, and Dylan were in their corner they claimed, talking excitedly about something. Emma and Abi were close enough to pitch in but seemed to be happy talking amongst themselves. The Hackett's were nowhere to be found, as usual and Nick was in the kitchen by the sounds of it.

Ryan squeezed her arm before separating himself from the couple, muttering about helping Nick. Predictable. Laura smiled and waved him off before pulling Max away to sit near the group gathered.

Emma looked away from Abi as they approached, already grinning, “Join us Lovebirds!”

Max laughs and pulls Laura down with him, sitting comfortably in front of the pair. Laura tilts her head and sniffs the air before looking at them, “Does Nick usually cook?”

“Oh yeah, he was the cook and kitchen leader or whatever,” Abi answers.

“Really? For the whole summer?” Max wonders, not understanding how he did it.

“Well one of us would help him or Mr. H would. He’s really good at what he does,” Emma shrugs, not having been someone that had to help much. 

Laura smiles, looking towards the kitchen, “From what I’ve seen, you’re not lying.”

“Oh speaking of Nick, is Ryan with him? I could’ve sworn he went looking for you both like half an hour ago,” Abi tilts her head to the side in wonder.

“Yeah, he mentioned wanting to help the poor guy out,” Max gestures to the kitchen, propping an arm up onto the table.

Laura leans into him, tuning out whatever conversation the three were having. She was still tired from her nap and she didn’t imagine she was going to get any more energy until later. Night time was usually the best time for her now, mornings always left her drained and ready to pass out. Midday was okay at best but night time will always be better.

Max nudged her and she blinked her eyes open, not remembering closing them. A plate was placed in front of her, courtesy of Ryan and she smiled.

“Thanks Ry,” she looked to the boy settling down next to her. To the left of him, Nick was also settling down and she gave him a small smile, which he politely returned.

“Man your cooking is really good, thanks Nick,” Max beamed at him, clearly enjoying his food.

Nick smiled shyly and looked away, “Honestly it's nothing Mate, I just enjoy doing it.”

“Well either way, it’s really good,” Max turned back to his food, chatting with Emma about something she didn’t catch.

Laura took this time to begin eating and turned to Nick, “Max is right y'know. Thank you for cooking for us. I can’t imagine it’s easy.”

“Ah, I had Ryan to help, and Mr. H stopped by to help for a bit. Not a big deal,” Nick rubbed the back of his neck, not expecting to hear the sincerity in her voice.

Ryan set a hand on Nick’s arm, giving a small smile before turning back to his food as well.

Laura beamed, “Don’t sell yourself short okay?”

“Uh yeah for sure,” he smiled at her, genuine but small.

“Good.”

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 8:08 PM

HACKETTS QUARRY LODGE

KAITLYN

Kaitlyn stretched out next to Dylan, the savory smell of food filled the lodge, only hungering more. Jacob sat across from them, grumbling about his stomach, utterly dramatic. Dylan only teased the other boy who looked borderline miserable.

"Dude if I don't eat in the next second, I will actually die," Jacob moaned, dropping his head on the table.

Kaitlyn rolled her eyes and plucked the arm laid on the table, causing Jacob to jump up, "You'll be fine. If you survived man-eating monsters, I think you'd survive not eating for a few hours."

Dylan grinned, "Well technically, we are the man-eating monsters so did we ever really survive?"

She rolled her eyes again, these boys would seriously be the death of her. Kaitlyn punched Dylan in the arm and propped hers up on the table, "1. Bullshit. 2. That's not funny and 3. That's definitely not funny."

He could only shrug before something catches his eye. Looking to the staircase he spots Ryan practically clinging to Laura with Max right next to her. Kaitlyn's eyes follow to what he sees and she looks back to him, nudging him in the side.

Dylan turns away from them, looking at Kaitlyn, "Jesus do they ever separate? You'd think with Max, it'd be different."

"What? You jealous? I thought you were going to move on ," she teases, a bit meanly.

"Wait, what are we talking about?" Jacob looked up from the table, Ryan having disappeared off somewhere.

Kaitlyn shrugs, rolling her eyes, "Seems like Ryan and Laura are inseparable."

"Doesn't she have a boyfriend?" he peeks over Kaitlyn, spotting the couple talking to Emma and Abi.

"He doesn't look like he cares, nor does her actual boyfriend," Dylan grumbles bitterly.

Jacob frowns, “Some guys get all the luck.”

“Hey, it might not even be like that,” Kaitlyn offers, trying to appease Dylan.

Nick exits the kitchen, followed closely by Ryan with food and Jacob jumps up. He almost bolts before hesitating, “I’ll bring you guys something!”

“Thanks Jakey,” she grins, watching as he leaves to the kitchen. Dylan peeks at the other group, spotting Laura slipping her hand into Ryan. He grumbles again, turning away.

“You regretting your words Kait?” Dylan sighs, trying to shrug off any jealousy.

“Okay just a little bit.. Could still be platonic right?”

“Uh huh,” he mutters dejectedly before rushing to change the topic. Jealousy lingers in the air between them but Kaitlyn happily goes along with the conversation shift.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 9:23 PM

HACKETTS QUARRY LODGE

LAURA

After helping the others clean up the main part of the lodge, the Counselors Ensemble gathered together, chatting amicably about whatever. It was nice to get to know everyone else outside of dire circumstances and Laura was finding herself enjoying her time with them.

Some were more bearable to be around compared to others, so she stuck closely to them, but it wasn't like there was anyone that grated on her nerves too much . Speaking of the more bearable members, she was sitting next to her two favorite people, Ryan and Max, while Emma, Abigail, and Nick sat around them. Nick closer to Ryan, Abi closer to Max, and Emma separating the two. Which was understandable based on what little information she put together about that night.

Emma was talking about her followers, excitedly expressing her plans for building her platforms. It was obvious she loved her followers, wanting to expand more, which brought her back to the conversation.

"I was thinking of doing a mental health segment at some point. Before it didn't cross my mind and- Is that bad to say?" Emma stopped, looking slightly self conscious now.

Abi placed a hand on her arm, stabilizing her easily, "Maybe but you're thinking about it now so that's good right?"

"Okay you're right. So basically, now that everything has happened and we're all struggling, I want to spread a bit of awareness right? You never know what anyone's going through. It sounds a bit silly and rehearsed now but I really want to turn this into a big project," Emma huffed, a bit frustrated.

Laura took pity on her and reached out to grab her hand, "I think it sounds like a good idea. I'm not really a social media person but I'd be happy to help."

"Me too! It's a good cause right?" Max smiled encouragingly and Laura smiled at him. She loved how positive he could be with others, how encouraging he was. 

"You guys are the sweetest, I wish we met you sooner!" Emma exclaimed, going into a small rant about how good summer could've gone. Laura smiled sadly at the thought, it really would have been nice.

Nick nodded in agreement, his arms crossed in front of him. He didn't seem too keen on talking, a bit focused on something he was thinking about. Ryan nudged him in the side and Laura looked away. She smiled to herself and looked at Abi.

Max and Emma were chatting excitedly and Abi looked between them with an expression of confusion. They were talking extremely fast, she could admit that.

“Abigail right? I didn’t really catch your name.”

“Oh yeah! It’s uh- You can call me Abi,” she nodded sweetly and brushed stray hair out of her face.

“Nice to meet you,” Laura grinned and looked down to her arm, “I like your tattoo, I noticed it a bit ago but I didn’t get a good look.”

“Oh do you wanna see it?” Abi placed her arm on the table, showcasing the flowers on her wrist leading up.

“It’s really pretty,” Laura traced the flower before pulling away and looking up at Abi, giving her a small smile.

Abi blushed in response and pulled her arm back to herself, “Thank you! I designed the flowers and gave it to the artist I went to.”

“Really? That’s amazing!”

“It’s nothing special..”

“The most I can do is draw a png cat and dog,” she snorts and rolls her eyes.

Abi smiles, a giggle leaving her, “I can barely draw animals, people and scenery is easiest for me.”

“Ryan you draw as well right?” Laura looked to Ryan who was staring at their phone. He jumped and looked up at them, smiling sheepishly.

“Sorry what?” he asked and grumbled when Nick let out a small laugh next to him.

“You draw right? Like horror shit,” Laura questioned, knocking her knee into his fondly.

“Oh yeah, basically,” they shrug, looking at Abi.

Abi’s eyes lit up and she smiled, “We should share art sometime! I didn’t know you drew a lot?”

Ryan flushed in embarrassment and shook his head, “I don’t do anything as detailed as you but yeah.”

“Still, I think it’d be fun to bounce ideas off of each other. Or just share something!” Abi beamed, clearly excited. Laura looked between the two smiling and subtly nudged Ryan.

“Sure, I wouldn’t mind.”

“Okay great!” she flashed him another smile before turning to join Max and Emma’s conversation, pitching in softly.

Laura looked at Ryan and pulled his hand into hers, “See that wasn’t so bad.”

“Har har,” he mumbled, flushing again when Nick laughed next to him.

“Poor you, scared of human interaction,” Nick teased, knocking into him.

“What’s with you both pushing me? I’m going to bruise,” they moaned dramatically, squeezing Laura's hand.

“You’re a tad bit dramatic,” Nick smirked, glancing at them.

“A tad? He’s more than a tad bit dramatic,” Laura added in, tugging the earbuds out of Ryan's ear.

He instantly pulled them back and plugged his ears before turning and glaring at Laura. She snickered in response before putting her free hand up in surrender.

“I am not dramatic.”

Max took that as his queue to join the conversation, Emma and Abi watching with amusement, “Ryan you are a bit dramatic.”

“Bite me.”

Max cracked a smile and raised an eyebrow, “Kinky…”

“Oh my god, I’m leaving,” they moved to stand up, pulling away from Laura before Nick tugged them back down.

“You’re not running away to go be all emo are you mate?”

“Nick you’re dead to me.” he glared at him, a hint of enjoyment twinkling in his eyes.

Laura rolled her eyes and smiled smugly, “You’re proving my point.”

“I hate you.”

“Hah you wish,” she shook her head with amusement.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 11:57 PM

HACKETTS QUARRY LODGE

LAURA

As the night carried on, Ryan, Max, and Laura separated from the rest of the group. Saying their goodnights and settling down in the room they claimed. Ryan lay haphazardly on the couch with Max and Laura sitting in front of them. It was a similar routine to one they shared back home, except they weren't home, surrounded by others. Friends and.. not friends. 

They all couldn’t sleep at the moment so they dug up a box of cards from one of their three bags in the corner of the room and took to playing uno. And betting, which definitely couldn’t go wrong whatsoever.

Laura comfortably hummed to herself, dressed in a pair of sweats and an oversized shirt which she couldn’t remember whose it was. Either Ryan's or Max’s. Ryan lay covered by a thick blanket, wearing sleep shorts and a shirt also possibly stolen from Max. Max sat next to her, leaning back and wore a random sleep set he bought at some point. Decked out in shapes of all things.

Max dealt out the cards for their fifth game of the night. Laura won twice, Max once and Ryan also one time. Ryan being the winner of the last round meant he was the first person to go.

Laying upside down, it took them a while to choose their card but eventually they placed down a blue 7, “I’m not letting you both get another win. Sorry not sorry.”

“You’re talking a lot of shit for someone who lost three games in a row,” Max playfully teased, placing down a card.

“Okay you’re also talking a lot of shit for someone who threw the first two games just to target me.”

“You said there’s no way I’d ever win against you, I had to prove you wrong,” Max grinned, pleased with the petty behavior.

Laura rolled her eyes, placing down three consecutive skips, “I went easy on you the last two rounds, so good luck on this one.”

She wasn’t exactly lying, as she did use her cards irresponsibly. It was just easy to get distracted by Max’s sabotage and Ryan’s barbed trash talk. 

“That’s what they all say, you’re just losing your touch babe. It’s alright,” Max’s eyes glinted with mischief, subtly taunting her.

“What he said, I don’t blame you, I just needed to warm up y'know?” Ryan winked at her, still laying upside down.

She shook her head, placing down another card, causing the two boys to groan simultaneously. It was too easy. As the round went on, it was clear Laura was going to win and by the end, Ryan and Max groaned in defeat.

“Suckers, eat your words,” Laura fake bowed, blowing kisses and taunting the two.

Max stuck his tongue out at her immaturely and Ryan flashed a middle finger.

“Babe you’ve got to be cheating.”

“Right, you had three of the four wildcards. How the hell??”

She rolled her eyes and began to shuffle the cards, dealing out cards for another round, “It’s called saving my cards dumbasses. Instead of using my 4 Plus card at the slightest inconvenience.”

Ryan grumbled at the dig, picking up his new stack of cards, “Jerk..”

“Oooh that’s a penalty!!” Max chirped, giving him two extra cards.

“Hey what the hell? I didn’t do anything!” Ryan rolled over, now facing the two on his stomach.

Laura wagged her finger at him, placing her first card down, “You remember the rules. Calling each other names results in two extra cards.”

“-Two extra cards, yeah yeah,” Ryan finished, grumbling to himself.

“Sucka..” she teased, instantly regretting her words.

“Hah! Two cards for you! It’s my lucky day, am I right?” Max grinned, passing her two cards before getting on with his turn.

Laura and Ryan groaned simultaneously, not liking their odds. Max continued to taunt the two, effectively shutting down the round pretty quickly. The lucky hand he drew plus the penalty the two faced only made it easy for him to take over that round.

As Ryan and Max taunted each other, with Ryan taking over shuffling the cards, Laura yawned loudly. The atmosphere was light and affection swelled in her heart as she looked between the two boys.

Max blew a kiss at her, catching her looking and twisted around to wrap an arm around her. Laura kissed his cheek, yawning again, “One more round and then I’m clocking out.”

“Yeah, I’m ready to pass out soon,” Ryan agreed, yawning in return.

Max nodded, picking up his stack of cards to start the round. Silence settled around the room as they played, only being broken with little comments thrown between them. This round was less charged than the ones before, showing how tired the three of them were.

Laura blinked to Max, who nudged her before gesturing to Ryan. They were completely knocked out, cards slowly falling out of their hands. She giggled quietly and gently took them from him before gathering the rest of the cards.

“Guess it’s time for lights out huh?” Max whispered, a grin on his face. Laura nodded and moved to help Max gently maneuver Ryan into a more comfortable position. Ryan only mumbled nonsense before curling around himself.

Fondly, Laura kissed his temple before pulling Max to curl together on their shared couch. Snuggling into him for warmth, they shared a few tender kisses before surrendering their minds and bodies to sleep.

Chapter Text

SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 3:00 AM

HACKETTS QUARRY LODGE

RYAN

Ryan jolted out of their sleep, grabbing their side and jerking across the couch. Their breathing came out in heavy gasps as he looked around the dark room. It reminded him all too much of the stifling energy of the Hackett House. 

Slipping from underneath the blanket, Ryan peeked over at the couple on the other side of the room. He put his hands in his head, desperately trying to regulate his breathing, to no avail. An unknown noise came from outside the room, already adding to the rising panic in their chest.

Max shifted and peeked a tired eye at him, motioning for Ryan to come over. Usually it went like this, Max always seemed to “sense” when Ryan or Laura were upset. Even asleep, he noticed the nightmares and always tried to help.

Humming a quiet thanks, Ryan quickly pulled himself onto the couch they shared. It was a tight fit and Laura grumbled but she was quickly appeased by a small, affectionate kiss to her temple.

Warmth settled around the chill in his bones and any remaining tension seeped out of him. Max gave them a small smile before burying their face in Laura's hair. Sighing, Ryan let themself be pulled back into a deep sleep.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 8:09 AM

HACKETTS QUARRY LODGE

DYLAN

Dylan threw a ball up into the air, sighing with boredom. It was still quite early and the only ones who seemed to be awake were Nick, who was cooking in the kitchen, and himself. Kaitlyn should be waking up soon but he was practically radiating with energy.

It was easy to tell Dylan was a morning person. The daily announcements at 7:15 every day during camp only solidified it. However, it did have its cons when he was the only one awake for an hour. Boredom was killing him.

Currently he sat in the middle of the lodge, bored out of his mind with absolutely no entertainment. Unfortunately, that was his fault as he forgot to charge his phone the night before. Irritation welled in his gut as he thought about it and it being the day of the full moon only amplified it.

He was jolted out of his thoughts to the sound of Kaitlyn and Jacob making their way down the stairs closest to him. Dylan let out a sigh of relief, he could not be alone with his thoughts right now.

Kaitlyn pushed her way into the seat next to him, Jacob taking his spot across the two of them. It was their typical set up, especially since everyone seemed to be avoiding Jacob. Understandably somewhat, but that meant they were avoiding them too. Since Kaitlyn refused to leave Jacob alone and in turn, Dylan refusing to leave Kaitlyn. Plus Jacob wasn’t all that bad, he was a nice person when he was actually thinking. Which that sounds mean, but it’s true enough.

“Hey loser,” Kaitlyn knocked into him affectionately, her strength was clearly amplified and it only made him grimace.

“That hurt man, I’m fragile,” he moaned, tossing the ball in whatever direction. Jacob groaned and face planted onto the table, looking to sleep a bit longer, “What’s up with you?”

“Jakey apparently didn't get enough sleep.” Kaitlyn teased.

“Those couches are sooooooo uncomfortable..” he moaned, his voice muffled by the table.

Dylan laughed, poking Jacob’s arm laid on the table, “Dude the cabin beds were worse and you slept like a baby.”

“Well that’s different, at least I could fit,” Jacob grumbled and lifted his head from the table. He did look a bit worse for wear, dark eyebags prominent on his face. It was clear he had trouble sleeping, but not for the reason he seemed to be upset about.

Kaitlyn smiled with sympathy and patted him on the shoulder, “You’ll be okay big guy.”

In the corner of his vision, Nick exited the kitchen and headed straight towards them. He awkwardly stood close by for a second before motioning to Kaitlyn, “The food is practically done and Mr. H wanted everyone to gather soon. Can you go wake the others?”

She nodded and moved to stand up, Dylan copying her, willing to go help, “Yeah of course, I’ll probably wake-”

Emma and Abi appeared at the top of the stairs, quiet and clearly exhausted. Almost like zombies they descended and sat down together two tables down from them. Nick shrugged and motioned to a hallway to the left of them, “Ryan, Laura and Max should be somewhere down there.”

Without any preamble, he turned away from the three, disappearing into the kitchen. Kaitlyn looked to Dylan with a shrug before patting Jacob on the shoulder. “We’ll be back, Jacob.”

Dylan smiled and led the way to the hallway, checking the empty rooms before getting to the end of the hallway. Kaitlyn grumbled to herself before pushing it open slowly, a pinched look appearing on her face.

Confused, Dylan peeked in, noticing why she had that look on her face. Ryan was curled into Laura and her arms were wrapped around him, almost protective. Lying next to them was Max who had his hair buried into the blondes face. 

“What the hell?” Kaitlyn whispered and turned to Dylan, “She’s already got one boyfriend, save some for the rest of us.”

Dylan grinned, jealousy rising in his gut. On a normal day, Dylan would only be a bit upset and he’d keep it to himself. Ryan never actually made any moves to signify he wanted a relationship so he shouldn't have expected anything different. But it was upsetting, he tried all summer to get Ryan to even look at him but this unknown girl can do it in a day? Less than a month? On a normal day, Dylan would understand he was being a bit unreasonable but today wasn’t a normal day. The full moon channeled into the negativity, only making those feelings and irrational thoughts stronger.

“What with the way she was flirting back at the pool house? What do you expect?” he muttered a little meanly, bitterness in his voice.

Kaitlyn rolled her eyes, a harsh joke coming to mind, “This is the greed they talk about in the bible.”

Dylan giggled, covering his mouth to muffle the noise. Kaitlyn broke out into quiet giggles herself, beaming with pride and turned back to the three, still sleeping.

Footsteps came down the hallway revealing a slightly irritated Nick. Looking at the two of them, he raised an eyebrow, “What’s going on?”

Kaitlyn pointed into the room, the door now wide open. Nick peeked in before looking back to the two, still confused. He huffed in irritation and moved into the room, going to wake them himself before pausing. Dylan watches as Nick pulls his phone out and snaps a picture before beginning to wake the trio. Shrugging Kaitlyn pulls Dylan away, not needing to stay any longer.

Dylan looks at her as they walk away, sharing a look before breaking out into small giggles.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 8:44 AM

HACKETTS QUARRY LODGE

RYAN

Ryan made his way down the hallway to the lodge followed closely by Laura and Max. It was strangely quiet, the other counselors sitting quietly in their groups. The full moon was approaching, slowly but surely, but it made everyone dread the night to come.

Emma and Abi sat close together as usual, however Abi looked horrible to say the least. She had her arms wrapped around herself tightly and she was staring dead at the floor. Emma whispered into her ear, trying to calm her down. It didn’t seem to be working.

Dylan was in his usual spot, sitting with Kaitlyn and Jacob. Jacob had his head on the table in front of them, and Kaitlyn tensed up slightly as Ryan entered their shared space.  Dylan glanced at the three and Ryan lifted a hand to wave, not fast enough it seemed because he just looked away. 

Laura stepped around Ryan, nudging him affectionately as he realized he paused in the middle of the room. Sheepishly he let her lead the way to their designated table, only a table down from Abi and Emma. Max gave them a small smile, to which they returned.

Max sat down, pulling Ryan down next to him as Laura sat across from them. Ryan glanced at him, noticing the tired way he held himself. The air was heavy with emotion, and the silence of the lodge only added to the rising negative emotions clogging the room.

It was suffocating, making it hard to breathe. The acrid smell of fear, worry, anxiety clogged Ryan’s senses, causing the room to spin. Distantly Ryan could smell worry more vividly, the scent pungent and sour. 

“Ryan!” Max squeezed their hand and Ryan blinked their eyes open. Sucking in large gulps of air, they looked up from the table, “Breathe man, breathe.”

Laura looked at him with concern and Max rhythmically squeezed their hand, gentle and caring, “What’s wrong?”

They slowly regulated their breathing, the acrid smell still in their air but more bearable, “You can’t smell that?”

Max nodded and Laura looked between the two with confusion, “Smell what?”

Ryan shrugged, not knowing what to call it. They just knew it wasn't anything good, “It smells horrible. I can’t take a breath without breathing it in.”

“It’s emotions I think,” Max shrugs and glances over to Abi’s table, “I smell it whenever someone gets upset. I smelt it on you when you had that nightmare last night.”

Laura's eyes widen and she leans in over the table, “Really? I don’t smell it.”

“It’s the most prominent smell in the room, how can you not?” Ryan wondered. Even with the smell of food taking over the lodge, the horrible scent clung to everyone there. Some more than others. Laura's scent was by far the best, the unpleasant smell clung to her but it was noticeably overshadowed by something. Almost woodsy and plantlike.

She tilts her head at that, a million different reasons coming to mind, “Maybe we all have different heightened senses. I think we should talk to everyone about it, write down anything that stands out.”

Max grins, eager to find out what else has changed, and what has stayed the same, “You got it!”

Ryan nods, slumping slightly into Max. Heat radiated off the other boy and an idea came to mind. He shifts in his seat and turns to Abi, “Emma, Abi, come sit with us.”

Emma smiles and whispers to Abi, asking if she’d want to move. Abi gave a small nod and the girls made their way over. Together they sat down next to Laura and Emma raised an eyebrow at Ryan, “What’s up?”

“I was wondering something. Can I try something?” they sat up, pulling their hand out of Max’s and reaching over. Shrugging, Emma reached her hand over, “You too Abi.”

Abi blinked and slowly reached her hand over, Ryan taking the both of theirs. Emma's was warm, almost as warm as Max's. It radiated heat, soft and comforting. Abi’s hand was different. It was colder than theirs, colder than his. Almost numbing, but still soft. His eyebrows raised to the top of his forehead at that and he pulled away, letting them pull back.

“What was that for?” Abi softly asks, wrapping her arms back around herself.

Laura looks between the two, noticing Ryan's small confusion, “Abi are you cold?”

She shakes her head silently and Ryan nodded, “Emma you're really warm compared to me and Laura. But Abi your hands are borderline freezing.”

Emma looks between the two of them, concern etched onto her face, “Is that a bad thing?”

Max shakes his head, “I don’t think so. I think it has to do with the infection. If you aren't feeling sick Abi, I think you just might be colder than the average person.”

Abi frowns and leans into Emma, “I hope so.”

Ryan laid his head on Max’s shoulder, the other boy immediately wrapping an arm around him. At that moment, the Hackett's enter the lodge and the room's atmosphere immediately plummets. The bitter smell rose, especially coming from Laura and it made him wrinkle his nose in disgust. Ryan frowned and looked away, not wanting to give them any more attention than they deserved.

In the corner of his vision Chris muttered something to Travis before heading to the kitchen. Ryan assumed he went to help Nick and it only made his gut twist. Kaylee, Caleb and Travis proceeded to move to a table on the far side of the room, possibly noticing the glares Laura seemed to be throwing their way.

As soon as they were out of earshot Laura turned back to them, shaking her head, “I wish we could get through these full moons without any sight of them.”

Ryan scoffs and crosses his arms, “You and me both.”

Max rubs his arms consolingly, “Maybe we could go harass T-Money.”

“T-Money? That’s hilarious and it's mine now,” Emma giggles, trying to lighten up the mood.

Abi gives a small smile, noticing her attempt. Unfortunately the longer Chris was out of sight with Nick, the more an acidic smell came from Ryan. Scoffing Ryan made to stand when Nick exited the kitchen with plates of warm breakfast, followed by Chris.

Max smiles and pulls Ryan back down, muttering something indecipherable. Nick notices the look from Ryan and gives him a small smile, instantly calming him to a reasonable level.

Chris signed to the left of them and gestured to Kaitlyn's group, “Come closer here guys, it’d be better to talk to you all after breakfast.”

Behind him he hears muttering from Jacob and the telltale sound of the group moving up to them. They sat down at the table next to them and Abi waved to them. Kaitlyn waves back and Dylan grins before pestering Jacob into moving. Settling down Chris and Nick handed out plates before sitting down at their respective tables. Nick next to Ryan and Chris a few tables over with his family who moved up in that short amount of time.

Breakfast was a quiet affair, the infection amping up their hunger and they practically demolished the food. Chris paced around in front of them for a good while before Laura and Emma got tired of it quickly, groaning and hurrying him up. Chris’ scent was thick with worry and irritation and Ryan scowled immediately. Travis walked up at that, setting a hand on his shoulder before taking over.

“Look, we all know what day it is. Let’s just get through this smoothly. I recommended changing into something you don’t care for as you’re going to be changing out of it anyway. I’ll be back to get you all an hour and a half before sundown, just to be safe.”

Irritation blooms on Max's face and he scoffs, “Yeah you know all about safeness don’t you T-Money.”

Travis scowls and turns to him, “Now is not the time for that.”

Laura flashed a glare at him, jumping to his defense, “Yeah and whose fault is that?”

Guilt flashes across his features before he schools his face into a blank expression. He looks at them boredly before turning away, “Are we clear?”

“She asked you something Dickwad,” Ryan growls, aggravation rising with the situation. His chest rumbles quietly before growing into a growl. Max grabs their hand once again and most anger is quickly snuffed out. The growling stops and Ryan flushes in embarrassment, looking away. Nick sets a comforting hand on their arm, giving them a small smile before turning back to the cop.

Travis lets out a long suffering sigh, looking to get past whatever this is. He crosses his arms, sweeping his eyes over the group, “Are we clear or not?”

Kaitlyn nods and punches Dylan in the shoulder to which he nods rapidly. Nodding, Travis sighs again before turning back to his family, wishing the day would end faster.

Emma immediately turned to Ryan, her eyes wide, “Okay what was that?”

Laura bristles, still peeved from the interaction and jumps to his defense, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Emma cringes, “I didn't mean it like that- I was talking about his eyes.”

“Um, what about my eyes?” Ryan sits up, staring intently at Emma.

Abi answers for her, speaking up with a tired voice, “Your eyes, they were like black? The pupils were like a void.”

Laura's eyebrows jump and she looks at Abi, “Wait seriously?”

Max nods, having noticed them, “Yeah it was kind of freaky.”

“My eyes were black? I thought they only glow yellow..” Ryan frowns, now feeling worried.

Nick speaks up for the first time that morning, shaking his head, “Your eyes weren’t just black. They were purple too.”

“I didn’t see purple..” Emma purses her lips and motions to Max and Abi, “Did you?”

They both shake their heads and turn to Nick questioningly. Nick shrugs, “It was black but around the pupil was like a purple hue? And there were.. like purple highlights. I know what I saw mate.”

Laura hums, pulling out her phone and opening up the notes app, “I’m going to write this down, we should keep track of this stuff.”

Ryan frowns, looking down at the table. These new revelations were getting worrying. Could they just not have enough knowledge about werewolves or was something wrong with them? It’s not like they could ask anyone about it. The Hackett's didn’t seem to know any more than they did. But if they did, they were keeping it from them.

They glanced over to the family in question, confusion in their eyes. They were quietly sitting together, not talking at all whatsoever. It was depressing and Ryan quickly turned away. Looking at them still made his heart ache and his already sunken mood sunk further. Sensing his worry, Nick nudged him in the side and gave him a comforting smile.

Ryan took a deep breath and shook those thoughts from his mind. They’d have to worry about that later. Now didn’t seem to be the time.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 12:21 PM

HACKETTS QUARRY LODGE

RYAN

The day seemed to drag on very slowly, as if the universe was punishing them. The lodge was quiet, only the sounds of the crackling fireplace and creaking floorboards were audible. The Hackett's had left shortly after breakfast, muttering about setting up the cages. Dylan mentioned wanting to get some more rest, to which no one believed. Kaitlyn dragged Jacob off somewhere after Emma had snapped one too many times at him. Understandable, being around him was aggravating. But Ryan might be biased. 

It was clear everyone was irritated and overwhelmed. The full moon was amplifying their senses to the highest and it was making Ryan extremely overstimulated. After one too many incidents Ryan's eyes had glowed once again, proving Nick right. Oddly enough, Ryan wasn't the only one with differently colored eyes.

Laura's were a bright gold, completely encompassing her pupil with specks of purple and red. Abi's were a bright red with an orange hue around the pupil. After finding that out she separated from the group easily. It was hard to tell what she was thinking, but they couldn't imagine it was anything good. Max almost matched Laura's, a bright gold shine with pale yellow highlights and orange specks.

Emma’s was similar to Laura's, only it wasn’t gold, more a pale yellow. Orange streaks were scattered through it and a red hue was around the pupil. Jacobs were a dull yellow, with specks of a brighter yellow. Dylan's eyes were also yellow however it was more bold than the others, almost electrifying. He didn’t seem to take well to hearing that.

Kaitlyn's were a bit different, completely a deep orange with red scattered throughout it and a hint of a bright yellow. Sort of like a storm. Nick’s eyes were completely different. His glowed a deep red, shining like fresh blood with a black hue around the pupil. Almost like the opposite of Ryan's but with red instead of purple. If Ryan had to say any of them were his favorite, it’d definitely be Nicks.

Ryan hummed to himself, blinking as he remembered each of the group snapping at each other one by one. Him more than others, Laura and Emma being a close second. Their chest tightened thinking about it. Emma has snapped at Jacob which caused Jacob to snap back. And Abi, having been caught in the middle of it, snapped at the both of them which inevitably revealed her eye color. She immediately ran off, guilt eating at her. Everyone else pretty much separated at that, Emma having run off after her.

Left in the lodge was themself, who he just realized was staring at the floor, and Nick. Nick was humming to himself, looking at something on his phone. Ryan glanced over to the boy, tilting his head.

Nick was different, it was obvious. Not that he was the only one, it was clear everyone had changed in different ways, some more subtle than others. But Nick confused him the most. After everything he would have expected him to go back to being Jacob’s best friend but he hadn't. He wasn’t even talking to Dylan much and they seemed close over the summer. Or maybe Ryan was just reading it wrong, it wouldn’t be the first time.

Thinking about the summer confused him. It was clear Emma and Abi got along easily, especially with the way Emma practically claimed the other girl the first day of camp. Nick was quiet but was close enough to Jacob and Dylan and Kaitlyn clicked instantly. Ryan was the only outlier but that was the norm. During the summer he would say he got closer to Abi and by extension - Emma, but still nothing concrete. He could admit Nick was the person he spoke to the least, Jacob not taking that title because of how frequent they got into fights. Verbal fights of course.

It was just easy to get upset with him, he wasn't the most responsible and sure he was nice with the kids but that seemed to be it. And because Nick seemed to follow Jacob around like a puppy, Ryan steered clear. They were still nice enough to each other, so that should've been enough.

Nick glanced at him, raising an eyebrow before turning back to his phone. Ryan would’ve looked away, especially with having been caught staring but.. Nick was focused on his phone, distracted enough. And he didn’t say anything to stop him.

Anyway, thinking about camp and the memories were slightly dimmed because of what happened. Greatly overshadowed by the last day. Still, he missed those days. It was nice getting to know the others, beyond their surface personalities. They could admit they didn't know much and they wish they could learn more but with everything that happened, and having to be in close proximity every month, they still had a chance.

Nick was the most interesting as of right now. Ryan admittedly does regret not getting to know him more. He wasn’t exactly what he expected. And Ryan did have a problem with assuming the worst. It’s only been a day and Nick was becoming more and more interesting. He was quiet in a way that Ryan craved, but loud in the way that mattered. If that makes any sense.

And it was weird. Nick was taking up his thoughts, always in the back of his- 

“You’re staring,” Nick turned to them, a smirk tugging at his face. 

Ryan flushed and looked away causing Nick to let out a quiet laugh, “Sorry, i was thinking.”

“I can tell,’ he hummed, pocketing his phone, “What about?”

They bite their lip, not sure how to answer. Sighing he let their head fall backwards onto the tree beam or whatever it was they were sitting against. Nick hummed and moved over to them, sitting next to them and mimicking their stance. Shrugging Ryan glances at him, “I was thinking about camp.”

“Mm?” he hums in question, curious.

“I wish I talked to you more,” they admit and look to the ground, stretching out their legs.

Nick radiates warmth, not as much as Max but still comforting, “Why didn’t you?”

Ryan frowns, fidgeting, “You were around Jacob so much. And he was unbearable. I thought you were just like him.”

“Oh,” Nick mutters, a small frown on his face. Thinking about it, he nods slightly, “You did butt heads a lot.”

“Yeah.”

“Jacob isn’t all bad. He can be a dick sometimes but he’s not.. Y'know,” he trails off a little lamely.

Ryan cringes, casting a glance at the other boy. It was hard to tell what he was thinking and he desperately wanted to know.

“I know. We just clash I guess.”

Nick nods with sympathy, “I get it. It’s hard being around him right now. Especially after everything.”

Ryan scoffs, a scowl on his face, “Maybe we could’ve been friends before but just seeing him pisses me off.”

“Yeah I can tell, your heart does this jump when you get around him and the Hackett's. And your scent gets this sickly smell,” Nick supplies, a small grin on his face.

“Am I that obvious?” They huff and look away.

Nick nods and places a hand on his arm, “Emma’s does the same thing. It’s only easier for me to tell with you because your heart jumps a lot.”

Ryan frowns and turns to look at the other boy, “I don’t see Jacob that much?”

Nick flushes and looks away, red tinting his ears, “It’s not that. I just mean your heart jumps in different ways for different things.”

“Really? Does everyone else do that?” they tilt their head, saving this information for later.

Nick flushes harder and mumbles, too low for Ryan to decipher. Confusedly Ryan nudges him, wondering what's up. He sighs and looks back to them, shrugging, “I think so. I just haven’t been able to decipher them all.”

“But you’ve gotten down how mine sounds…?”

“It’s interesting to listen to,” Nick mutters, sounding embarrassed. Ryan's lips form to shape a small “Oh” as he realizes. 

Ryan flushes and looks down, their heart beats in their chest and suddenly their hands feel clammy, “You’ve been paying extra close attention to me huh?”

“Mhm,” he nods, glancing at Ryan.

“Cool,” he mumbles lamely, a small smile coming onto their face.

The boy notices the smile and in turn a small smile comes onto his face as well. Nick knocks into the other affectionately, beginning to hum quietly. Ryan glanced at him before looking away again, the air comfortably settling around them.

Ryan felt a small burst of excitement as he sensed Nick seemed to reciprocate the shared interest in each other. It was different, bigger in ways he didn't know yet. He felt a small thread connecting the two, settled in his chest and steadily growing into something more.