Camp Keystone

Avery just made an innocent 'who, me?' face, his face contorting into his closest idea of honesty at Ryan's protest. Between his over-exaggerated expression and the mischievous twinkle in his eyes, it didn't really work. But it was nice, at the moment, that he and Ryan could fall back into their easy friendship despite yesterday and, indeed, the entire past week. He let out a little snort at Ryan's attempt to be normal. In all honesty, the almost maniac grin he normally had suited him just as well if not better.

When Shelly made her exit, he took his case from Ryan gently, unbuckling the straps holding it shut with fondness and pulling out the instrument and bow with all the tenderness normal people associated with handling ones own child or lover. He tightened the bow strings then rosined them before setting the bow down gently, plucking at his fiddle strings, tuning it with exaggerated care. When he finally realized it was as perfect as it could get, he once more picked up the bow and started to play.

The songs started out in a melancholy way, the music mournfully filling the room with a deep, rich tone and slow sweeps of the bow. It began to slowly pick up, however, the temp picking up before the bow was finally dancing on the strings excitedly into something with a Celtic twang, the perfect soundtrack for a frantic chase. Then, it slowly began to slow down once more, but the music was no longer mournful, but content, warm, comforting. Avery let out a little sigh of satisfaction when the song finally ended, lips curling into a content smile of his own to match the sound.

Bridgette
Bridgette rolled her eyes at Chase, who she decided to play along with. "Mhm- that's why. Couldn't hurt someone as adorable as you, now could I?" she said in a teasing tone before reaching out and pinching his cheek, like her mom used to do when she and her brothers were younger.

Ryan
Ryan watched Avery play, slightly amused at how much Avery obviously enjoyed playing. Ryan made a mental note to ask him to play more often, especially if Avery seemed down. When Avery stopped playing, Ryan's normal grin came back and he ruffled the shorter boys hair. "You're really good, you know that?" he said, glad to see Avery smiling again.
Ryan briefly thought back to seeing Avery hurt, but forced himself to stop.It was over and done with, no reason to dwell on it."Hmm."
he hummed, zoning out for a moment. He wasn't really thinking about anything, but he wasn't paying attention to anything either.

"You're really good, you know that?"

Avery gave a blink, eyes wide in mild surprise. He wasn't used to being complimented, especially on his musical talents. The Fae he'd grown up with weren't exactly forthcoming with gushing compliments about playing a human instrument, and he'd never shown his human parents while he was a changeling what he could do. Even at the half-way home he now stayed out, there would be an occasional 'That's nice', but nothing more. But Ryan seemed to buck most trends set by the people in Avery's past anyways. Regardless, he wasn't quite sure how to take a compliment which may or may not have explained his answer.

"Flattery will get you everywhere," He replied, batting his eyelashes in mock-flirtation before letting out a clear, bell-like laugh and turning back to his music, the bow once more pulled across the strings with the upmost care. It wasn't a traditional or classic song this time, but in the tune of some popular song from way back when, the type where the melody is nostalgically familiar but you can't quite place what the song's name was or what the lyrics had been.

Ryan
Ryan's grin widened considerably at his friends surprised look, and the laughed a bit at the flattery comment. "I'll keep that in mind," he said, before turning his attention to the song Avery was now playing. It sounded vaguely familiar, but Ryan couldn't bother himself to think about it. He was looking confused at Avery's hands as he played, thoughts drifting elsewhere. Avery seemed so kind and careful, he was playing a violin for Ryan after all, and Ryan couldn't imagine him doing any of the bad things he said he did. Then, Ryan thought about the dream Avery he met, and thought that maybe he would do those things. But still, out of the nightmares he'd witnessed, the darker Avery wasn't the worse thing ever. It was only terrifying to Avery because he actually cared somewhat about Avery, which wasn't normal. Ryan barely even cared for his family anymore, but then again, they all hated him.

Pulling himself out of his thoughts, Ryan put on a smile and continued to listen to the music. "Well, you seem to be feelin' better," Ryan observed, giving Avery a light poke on his arm.

"I am feeling better," Avery replied with a contented sigh, acting more like someone who'd just finished a visit to the spa or a warm bubble bath than a person who'd just played the violin after being injured. Then again, to him music was as therapeutic as either of those things, if not more so. Even if he could speak every language, the one closest to his heart tended to be music because you didn't need words, just emotions that couldn't be misconstrued.

He pulled his bow to a stop, resting it lightly on his knee. He really was feeling fine now, physically if not completely mentally. And it... it helped to have Ryan here. They were friends, apparently, especially now that they'd apparently overcome all of the awkwardness from last night in perhaps ten minutes. Was that what friendship was supposed to be like? He hadn't the foggiest.

"Do you want to go somewhere else?" He asked suddenly, plucking absently at his violin. "I mean, if I don't have to do anything too strenuous, I think it should be fine..."

Ryan
Ryan raised a eyebrow at Avery who asked to go somewhere, watching him fiddle with his violin. Shrugging, Ryan grinned and nodded. "Alright, let's go," he said, standing up and waiting for Avery to put the violin away. He briefly thought about asking Avery if he wanted a hand, but decided Avery might not like to be considered weak, even after being stabbed, and kept quiet.

"Did you have anywhere in mind? We could go on a walk through camp, swimming... oh, I heard there was horses or something in camp too," he said, rambling about things to do around camp. He was barely paying attention to what he saying though, and was staring at the window at the sun. Ugh, sun, he thought bitterly, but on the outside he still had his grin on. He didn't mind going outside if it was with Avery, but he sure wished it was cloudy.

Ryan
Ryan raised a eyebrow at Avery who asked to go somewhere, watching him fiddle with his violin. Shrugging, Ryan grinned and nodded. "Alright, let's go," he said, standing up and waiting for Avery to put the violin away. He briefly thought about asking Avery if he wanted a hand, but decided Avery might not like to be considered weak, even after being stabbed, and kept quiet.

"Did you have anywhere in mind? We could go on a walk through camp, swimming... oh, I heard there was horses or something in camp too," he said, rambling about things to do around camp. He was barely paying attention to what he saying though, and was staring at the window at the sun. Ugh, sun, he thought bitterly, but on the outside he still had his grin on. He didn't mind going outside if it was with Avery, but he sure wished it was cloudy.

"Wonderful!" Avery packed his violin away with the same care he did almost everything else, loosening the bow string, wiping the white streaks of rosin delicately off of the strings. He stood up slowly as if unsure if his legs would hold him. When it appeared that he'd kept his balance despite the last week's events, he put his violin case away before turning back to Ryan.

Where to go, where to go...? That was an excellent question. If he was honest, the past week had been a blur on insomnia and exhaustion all rolled into one. He couldn't rightly recall what he had done or what the camp had to offer. So, he listened patiently as Ryan listed some of the camp's activities. Horses would, he admitted reluctantly, have to wait for another day. If he'd been alone, he might have gone just to converse with them(and, if he would admit it, freak some people out) but he couldn't go on a ride today. Swimming might be a bit of a stretch too.

"Let's just walk around," He offered, searching through his bag for a clean shirt. He didn't particularly fancy running about with his shirt off, after all. That would be a little too strange, even for him. "See what other campers are up to, find out what there is to actually do around here..." He trailed off and smiled at Ryan before slipping on his shoes and stepping out the door.

Ryan
Ryan laughed a bit at Avery's enthusiasm, but didn't comment on it. He decided he'd rather have the old jumpy happy Avery back, anyways. Avery put his violin away, and the began to get dressed. He said he'd just walk around, and Ryan nodded a bit in response. Though, when he added talking to other campers, Ryan's grin slipped a bit. Still, he didn't comment. Instead he just kept silent and opened the door for Avery who seemed more than happy to be getting out of his room. Ryan couldn't really blame him, it was small in there.
Ryan himself had gotten dressed earlier, but was lacking shoes. He couldn't remember where they were either, but was glad to find them just sitting by the front door. Convenient.
As he followed Avery out, Ryan felt a small sense of dread come over him, thinking maybe they really would run into some other campers. In that case, he probably would let Avery do all the talking. "Which way?" Ryan asked, finally speaking as he peered around camp.

Chase:
Chase laughed a little bit and pulled away a little as Bridgette pitched his cheek. He looked out to the island and smiled a little bit. "You know, they say if you sit really still when the wind blows, you could hear it speak to you." Chase said and then realize that Bridgette might understand that. "As for me, the wind always has something to say to me." Chase added. He picked up a hand full of water and lightly blew on it, turning it to snow. He looked to Bridgette with an evil grin as he formed a snowball.

"Which way?"

Avery tapped his bottom lip with his right index finger thoughtfully as his sharp, green eyes wandered around his surroundings. The forest stood out as the only clear landmark he could find from here, but as much as he adored the woods, he was vaguely unnerved by the fact that they had druids and who knows what else lurking in the foliage. That was just fine in a regular forest, but, really, this was next to a summer camp for teenagers.
The cafeteria was another possible destination, but he really wasn't that hungry, even if he hadn't eaten in over a day. He wasn't satiated, his appetite had just disappeared. Well, being stabbed in the stomach might do that to you, he thought ruefully. So, out of options and out of plans, he spun around a little bit before stopping, one finger pointing in a random direction.
"That way," He announced and started off. He was slower than normal, careful with his sore stomach muscles, but still had a spritely spring in his step.
He followed down the path, occasionally cutting through the grass and generally enjoying the day. It was a little too hot for his taste, but that may have been what drew him towards the lake. It was a pretty piece of natural wonder, all clear water and standing out like a postcard. It was also, unfortunately, occupied and while there was more than enough space for the entire camp, he was quite sure he knew how Ryan felt about hanging around others and even more sure that he wasn't quite up to it right now if he didn't have to.

Bridgette
Bridgette raised an eyebrow at Chase's sudden talk about wind, but her expression quickly changed to a glare when she saw him making another snowball. "Don't. You. Dare," she said, ready to push him back under water if need be. She really loved having him as a friend, but seriously, so many snowballs! She continued to glare at him, but slowly moved closer, hoping he wouldn't take it as a threat and throw the snow at her. "Put it down Chase..." she warned, but now there was a slight smile on her lips.

Ryan
Ryan rolled his eyes when Avery chose the direction to go, obviously at random. He could tell he was being careful not to hurt himself, and just followed him as he walked. They eventually came to a lake, but Chase and Bridgette were there. Ryan's expression darkened a bit, slowing his walk. Sure, he didn't know Chase all that well, but he knew Bridgette wasn't very... fond... of him, from the cold look she always gave him. Thankfully, when Avery saw them, he seemed to get the idea and stopped briefly. Ryan shifted awkwardly, not sure if Avery wanted to go or not. "Uhh, if you wanna swim you can. I'll just... hang out on shore," Ryan finally said. The thought wasn't too bad, though the sun was a little too bright for him to really want to just sit around and burn.

Chase:
Chase slowly stood up, with the evil grin still on his face. He stood up to smash it on her head and saw Ryan and Avery. "Hey! Come on over, the water's nice." Chase said and threw the snowball at the two boys. He wasn't trying to make anyone made, but to get them to come over to have some fun. Chase then looked to Bridgette and smirked. "You know, i have half a mind to freeze the water around you to keep you from running or swimming off." Chase said trying not to laugh.

Avery nibbled his bottom lip, indecision flashing in his eyes. Would swimming be considered too strenuous? Well, maybe not, he didn't actually plan on doing laps or anything, just floating around in the cool water. Well, that was one bit of indecision out of the way, but then there was the more pressing issue of Ryan. Well, more pressing for Avery since he actually cared about Ryan. He probably didn't want to be here, didn't want to deal with Bridgette(who seemed to have gotten on both of their bad sides). Despite the other boy's assurances that it was all right was it really-?

His mind was effectively made up for him with a snowball to the face. He blinked as the icy crystals slid off of him, leaving him with a stunned expression. He was quiet for just a moment before breaking into laughter, the noise like bells tinkling.

"All right, all right!" He called out, waving towards Chase slightly. "Just no more snowballs!" With that, he turned to Ryan and gave him his best puppy dog expression(which, it turned out, was quite good).

"There's really nothing else to do. Besides, it could be fun. We wouldn't even have to talk to anyone," He wheedled quietly. He was by no means trying to make Ryan more social, just trying to make him not stand around, looming over the lake like a particularly grumpy scarecrow.

With that, he pulled off his shirt, folding it before placing it on the grass and turning towards the water, giving Ryan a good view of his back. To be more accurate, a good view of the design on his back. It stretched from his shoulder blades to just above his lower back, the shape of almost insect-like wings and in a myriad of colors. It hadn't been obvious before since, due to his injury, he'd been lying on his back the entire time. But now, in the sunlight, it seemed to glow almost.

"You coming in?" Avery turned around, quirking his head in question.

Bridgette
Bridgette looked up at the new comers, immediately feeling awkward. A fae that hates her and the creepy loner that won;t leave the Fae's side. Instinctively, Bridgette stepped close to Chase. Whether to keep herself safe or him, she wasn't sure. She wasn't even sure if it was to keep anyone safe, but it still made her feel better. Chase made some comment about freezing her in place, causing Bridgette to glare and then grin. "Don't make me scream, I could have you do a little snow dance of the beach for Avery and Ryan," she told him, nudging him playfully. They both new she wouldn't actually do that though. She then stopped to think. Well... maybe...

Ryan
Ryan fidgeted, waiting for Avery's choice. He seemed to be leaning on swimming, which Ryan was fine with. He really wanted Avery to have fun. Avery looked like he was going to say something, but a snowball hit him. In the face. It was enough to bring a huge grin to Ryan's face, but it disappeared when Chase started yelling. Ryan's eyes drifted to Bridgette, who had a rather strange look. Defensiveness? Annoyed? He couldn't really tell, so he chose to ignore it.

Avery then looked to Ryan, pouting before giving him some short speech about why to go swimming. Ryan really couldn't argue while Avery was pouting like a child, so instead he just grinned and ruffled the shorter boy's hair. "You can have fun," he said a bit absently, thinking of excuses to not go in the water.

Avery took of his shirt, and something stopped Ryan's thoughts. It looked like a tattoo of wings on Avery's back, which made Ryan confused. Avery didn't really seem like the tattoo type. Maybe it was a fairy thing. Avery turned back around to ask if Ryan was coming, and Ryan realized he'd been staring at his back. Cheeks reddening slightly, he simply nodded hoping to avoid any other awkwardness. "Yeah... yeah okay fine. But I'm not talking," he said, voice going more to a mumble at the last part.

Chase:
Chase laughed as the snowball went flying, but quickly stopped as it smashed into Avery's face. He didn't mean it to hit anyone, just to get their attention. Chase looked to Bridgette and smirked and took a deep breath. He let it go, but nothing happened, he smiled some. "Nah you wouldn't do that to me, plus i could always have the wind blow strong and take it away." Chase said smiling.

Bridgette
Bridgette looked at Chase with an amused expression. "That almost sounds like a challenge, you know. Who would win, the snow boy or the screaming girl? Place your bets everyone!" she said, grinning. She then turned her attention back to Avery and Ryan, who looked like they would join them. She decided not to let it bother her though, so she just looked back at Chase.
"You know, you're okay at swimming for someone who's never been swimming..."

"I didn't expect anything else," Avery retorted with a smug grin, clearly pleased with himself as he took a few steps and jumped into the lake feet first, sinking quickly below the water. The cool lake water was a pleasant sensation after exposure to the awful summer heat on the surface. Even more pleasant was the fact that the lake was alive- well, not alive per say, but there were fish and plant life, none of the man-made monstrosities he'd encountered increasingly over recent years. No, it was practically humming with life, and for a person who could remember when there were more trees than cities, that was beautiful.

He stayed under for a while before his eyes snapped open and he began to swim up, up, and up until his head broke through the surface. He took a gasp of air, reddish-brown hair now in a wet mess, rivulets of water pouring down his face, one stopping just at the tip of his pointed nose, another trailing off his lips that were pulled into an impish grin.

"Come on, come on," He goaded Ryan, swimming slowly away from shore, careful not to irritate his still lightly aching stomach. "The water is wonderful."

Chase:
Has smirked at Bridgette and thought for a moment. "I got twelve pebvles saying I'd win. Don't you know, the wind is what carries sund, having a strong wind blowing the sound away it wouldn't work?" Chase asked with a small smile. He then heard a loud splash and looked, just to see Avery's head break the surface for air. Chase watched Avery and then looked to Ryan. He really wanted to be friends with Ryan and Avery, but somethingtold him to leave Ryan alone. Chase was a friendly kid, and always loved to have friends, especially ones that know how to have fun.

Chase:
Has smirked at Bridgette and thought for a moment. "I got twelve pebvles saying I'd win. Don't you know, the wind is what carries sund, having a strong wind blowing the sound away it wouldn't work?" Chase asked with a small smile. He then heard a loud splash and looked, just to see Avery's head break the surface for air. Chase watched Avery and then looked to Ryan. He really wanted to be friends with Ryan and Avery, but somethingtold him to leave Ryan alone. Chase was a friendly kid, and always loved to have friends, especially ones that know how to have fun.