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Wes could also feel something a little off with Andy, but they were just friendly with each other, probably for the sake of Trinity. Other than that, they didn't talk much. Not that they had a problem with each other, but her being close with Mason and himself with Alex made things complicated for a friendship to build beyond pleasant greetings. He was glad that Trinity had a good friend in her though, because while they didn't run in the same circles, she seemed like a good person. And everyone needs a friend that isn't their boyfriend or girlfriend.
"Well I guess we'll waddle to the main hall for now and save the beach date for marshmallows and Andy," Trinity said as she tapped her fingers along his leg.
He smiled and nodded his head in agreement. Wes got up and followed behind Trinity, allowing her to lead the way. It wasn't much different than most days to be honest. He'd follow her around anywhere, like the lovesick puppy he was. He couldn't help but smile watching her skip and snap. Trin seemed in a good mood, and while she was cute doing just about anything, there was something about her lightness and pep in her step. He was so lost watching her that he missed her hand reaching out and that he didn't register she had stopped until he bumped right into. "Shit," he mumbled under his breath, quickly reaching out to hold her and steady them both so they didn't stumble over. "Sorry," he laughed with a guilty smile.
"Do you suppose if you had more weapon training you could have bested her?" Wes wasn't surprised by the question, after all she was a daughter of Ares. Even though he wasn't much of a fighter, she did always try to push him to better himself. He knew part of it was because she thought he was capable of more, but also because she wanted him to be able to protect himself... It'd keep him safe, or safer. And while he didn't like fighting, he was genuinely trying, not for himself but for her. If there was another war or who knows, Trinity would do anything to keep him safe. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if she died to protect him.
"I'm not judging or picking on your fight style. You honestly did good. I'm just asking what do you reckon?" she added.
"Hmm," he hummed as he tried to think of an answer. As they both started walking once again, he draped his arm across her shoulders. "Maybe?" Wes wasn't the most knowledgeable about the ways to win a fight, but he supposed if he was better with his spear he might have won. "In a weird silver lining's kind of way, losing my arm wasn't such a bad thing. My left started compensating for the loss and got stronger. Then Duke gave me this," Wes raised his bionic hand off of Trinity's shoulder slightly to wiggle the fingers. "I'm probably one of the strongest people at camp now... Ya know, besides you and your brother." He laughed.
Wes wasn't trying to brag, he wasn't the type to gloat about his physical prowess, because, honestly, there wasn't much of it. But it had crossed his mind a couple times when he was around the other campers that he could probably best a fair bit of them in an arm wrestle... Ignoring Ares's kids. They were always stronger. "If we were boxing I might of won," he added with a playful chuckle. "Why? Are you wanting to train me?" He raised a brow, looking down at her curiously.
It wasn't long before they reached the hall and lined up for some food. It seemed a fair bit of the campers had a similar idea after spending all day out at the arena. Wes let Trinity go first and followed behind her. He imagined wrestling a lion took a lot more energy than dealing with a redheaded spider monkey that half climbed his tall ass to put him in a choke hold. For the most part he just lumbered around and then fell on his face. When it was his turn he grabbed a bit of this and that, which quickly turned into a large plate, but still not quite the mound that Trinity had.
"Where to, Captain?"
Wes skimmed the hall, a lot of the tables already looked full. But luckily toward the back he found an empty one. He didn't know if he was up for squeezing into a crowd. He helped Trin into her seat, before taking his own across the table from her. There was a bit of silence as they both started eating before she spoke up. "Can I ask you something? Non-combat related." Unable to answer because of a full mouth, he nodded his head and motioned for her to proceed. "Alex." Wes swallowed, his face scrunching in a bit of confusion as he waited for the actual question. "Are you.... okay with it, I guess?"
He took a deep breath as he slouched back in his seat, trying to find the words... Or even his answer. Wes scooted food around on his plate with a fork as he tried to figure out his feelings. The Valises just sort of disappeared and it seemed to be easier to pretend like they were never there than focus on it. "I don't know how I feel about it," he admitted with a sad smile.
Wes sighed. "I never was ok with what she did to Jennova. It was still murder, but I feel like everyone deserves a second chance. If I was judged solely based on how I was when I came to camp... I don't think we'd be where we are now," he said softly, looking up to meet Trinity's gaze. Before camp Wes was the definition of a womanizing piece of shit after having his heart broken. He was shallow and arrogant and everything else, but camp was like a reset button. If he could change, so could others.
"She seemed sorry for it, or at least I thought she was," Wes continued. "But then she nearly killed Andy. I don't know all of what happened to cause Alex to go after her, but... That's just not ok." He sighed and tapped his fork on his plate. "I'm mad she left without taking accountability. And I think it's unfair that a daughter of Zeus can murder and nearly do it again, and get what? A slap on the wrist and a trip to Olympus? While Liam went to Tartarus for a day."
He exhaled, finally taking another bite of his food. After another moment or two of quiet eating, Wes let out a pathetic laugh. "Apparently I just need more friends." He slowly leaned forward, gently holding her forearm and stroking her skin with his thumb. "You're all I need... But I'm pretty sure you'd murder me if I just followed you around all the time," he joked. He took her hand and brought her knuckles to his lips, placing a tender kiss upon them, before he let her continue eating.
After he had finished eating, Wes looked over at Trinity and posed his own question. "What about Theo? How do you feel about that?" He didn't mean it in a jealous way. Yes, Theo pissed off the other day, but the guy also picked the worst possible time to concede on Trinity. He knew the guy liked her, but she was his. Wes trusted her without question. "He seems to come and go a lot without a word... And is gone more than he's around."
Wes could also feel something a little off with Andy, but they were just friendly with each other, probably for the sake of Trinity. Other than that, they didn't talk much. Not that they had a problem with each other, but her being close with Mason and himself with Alex made things complicated for a friendship to build beyond pleasant greetings. He was glad that Trinity had a good friend in her though, because while they didn't run in the same circles, she seemed like a good person. And everyone needs a friend that isn't their boyfriend or girlfriend.
"Well I guess we'll waddle to the main hall for now and save the beach date for marshmallows and Andy," Trinity said as she tapped her fingers along his leg.
He smiled and nodded his head in agreement. Wes got up and followed behind Trinity, allowing her to lead the way. It wasn't much different than most days to be honest. He'd follow her around anywhere, like the lovesick puppy he was. He couldn't help but smile watching her skip and snap. Trin seemed in a good mood, and while she was cute doing just about anything, there was something about her lightness and pep in her step. He was so lost watching her that he missed her hand reaching out and that he didn't register she had stopped until he bumped right into. "Shit," he mumbled under his breath, quickly reaching out to hold her and steady them both so they didn't stumble over. "Sorry," he laughed with a guilty smile.
"Do you suppose if you had more weapon training you could have bested her?" Wes wasn't surprised by the question, after all she was a daughter of Ares. Even though he wasn't much of a fighter, she did always try to push him to better himself. He knew part of it was because she thought he was capable of more, but also because she wanted him to be able to protect himself... It'd keep him safe, or safer. And while he didn't like fighting, he was genuinely trying, not for himself but for her. If there was another war or who knows, Trinity would do anything to keep him safe. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if she died to protect him.
"I'm not judging or picking on your fight style. You honestly did good. I'm just asking what do you reckon?" she added.
"Hmm," he hummed as he tried to think of an answer. As they both started walking once again, he draped his arm across her shoulders. "Maybe?" Wes wasn't the most knowledgeable about the ways to win a fight, but he supposed if he was better with his spear he might have won. "In a weird silver lining's kind of way, losing my arm wasn't such a bad thing. My left started compensating for the loss and got stronger. Then Duke gave me this," Wes raised his bionic hand off of Trinity's shoulder slightly to wiggle the fingers. "I'm probably one of the strongest people at camp now... Ya know, besides you and your brother." He laughed.
Wes wasn't trying to brag, he wasn't the type to gloat about his physical prowess, because, honestly, there wasn't much of it. But it had crossed his mind a couple times when he was around the other campers that he could probably best a fair bit of them in an arm wrestle... Ignoring Ares's kids. They were always stronger. "If we were boxing I might of won," he added with a playful chuckle. "Why? Are you wanting to train me?" He raised a brow, looking down at her curiously.
It wasn't long before they reached the hall and lined up for some food. It seemed a fair bit of the campers had a similar idea after spending all day out at the arena. Wes let Trinity go first and followed behind her. He imagined wrestling a lion took a lot more energy than dealing with a redheaded spider monkey that half climbed his tall ass to put him in a choke hold. For the most part he just lumbered around and then fell on his face. When it was his turn he grabbed a bit of this and that, which quickly turned into a large plate, but still not quite the mound that Trinity had.
"Where to, Captain?"
Wes skimmed the hall, a lot of the tables already looked full. But luckily toward the back he found an empty one. He didn't know if he was up for squeezing into a crowd. He helped Trin into her seat, before taking his own across the table from her. There was a bit of silence as they both started eating before she spoke up. "Can I ask you something? Non-combat related." Unable to answer because of a full mouth, he nodded his head and motioned for her to proceed. "Alex." Wes swallowed, his face scrunching in a bit of confusion as he waited for the actual question. "Are you.... okay with it, I guess?"
He took a deep breath as he slouched back in his seat, trying to find the words... Or even his answer. Wes scooted food around on his plate with a fork as he tried to figure out his feelings. The Valises just sort of disappeared and it seemed to be easier to pretend like they were never there than focus on it. "I don't know how I feel about it," he admitted with a sad smile.
Wes sighed. "I never was ok with what she did to Jennova. It was still murder, but I feel like everyone deserves a second chance. If I was judged solely based on how I was when I came to camp... I don't think we'd be where we are now," he said softly, looking up to meet Trinity's gaze. Before camp Wes was the definition of a womanizing piece of shit after having his heart broken. He was shallow and arrogant and everything else, but camp was like a reset button. If he could change, so could others.
"She seemed sorry for it, or at least I thought she was," Wes continued. "But then she nearly killed Andy. I don't know all of what happened to cause Alex to go after her, but... That's just not ok." He sighed and tapped his fork on his plate. "I'm mad she left without taking accountability. And I think it's unfair that a daughter of Zeus can murder and nearly do it again, and get what? A slap on the wrist and a trip to Olympus? While Liam went to Tartarus for a day."
He exhaled, finally taking another bite of his food. After another moment or two of quiet eating, Wes let out a pathetic laugh. "Apparently I just need more friends." He slowly leaned forward, gently holding her forearm and stroking her skin with his thumb. "You're all I need... But I'm pretty sure you'd murder me if I just followed you around all the time," he joked. He took her hand and brought her knuckles to his lips, placing a tender kiss upon them, before he let her continue eating.
After he had finished eating, Wes looked over at Trinity and posed his own question. "What about Theo? How do you feel about that?" He didn't mean it in a jealous way. Yes, Theo pissed off the other day, but the guy also picked the worst possible time to concede on Trinity. He knew the guy liked her, but she was his. Wes trusted her without question. "He seems to come and go a lot without a word... And is gone more than he's around."
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Evelyn smiled. It was the first time she looked at him with a warm expression since the trials. Sylas would be only fooling himself if he didn't acknowledge the slight flutter he felt in his chest, but he didn't let hit show externally. Instead he met her smile with a smirk, so small that anyone else aside from her might have missed it. "I thought only results would matter to you," she said in response.
Sylas nodded his head. He understood how she would assume that, and in most situations she was correct. Truthfully... It seemed in every situation aside from her that's exactly how he felt. He judged every fight in the arena with a fine toothed comb, yet there he stood praising her, not Mason. She clouded his judgement, he acknowledged that. Yet, he still found himself seeking her out and wandering further into the mist.
"A child of Hades isn't an easy opponent for any demigod. I don't know what you did to him, but not just anyone could make someone like Mason scream out like that. That's power," he praised her again.
The conversation was a start. Sylas was happy to know that doorway hadn't closed forever. He was going to push his luck and force his presence on Evelyn. He made the first move in mending... whatever they had. Did they have anything? He didn't know. He wasn't even the type of person to mend fences, bridges, or any other broken structures that tear down relationships, but something in him couldn't leave things where they were. Perhaps he needed to hear her call him a monster, put the final nail in the coffin. Or maybe... maybe he wanted her to be the one person that told him he wasn't.
Just as he began to continue onward, Evelyn called out to him. "Sylas?" He stopped. He remained facing forward but turned his head to look in her direction. "I could use some company. Could you?"
If it were two days, Sylas would have offered her his hand or arm in a gentlemanly gesture with his snakelike charm. But this was unstable ground. He was tiptoeing along sand with unsure footing, not knowing if his next step would be solid or slowly sink and swallow him whole. So rather than taking a leap of faith like many idiots, he prefers to just test the ground before every movement forward. He kept his hands in his pockets but slowly pivoted on his heels and made his way toward her. In this silent gesture he handed the wheel over to Evelyn, letting her steer them in whatever direction she desired.
"And thank you," Evelyn said as she drifted to his side, matching his stride as they continued down the path she lead them down.
Sylas hadn't a clue where they were heading, nor did he care. He walked slowly alongside Evelyn. Every once in awhile when she was looking elsewhere he might have stolen a sideways glance, but he never let it be obvious. She wasn't an easy woman to read, but he could tell she was lost in thought, no doubt pertaining to him. She probably wondered about what to say or do, if she should leave or stay, or a thousand other possibilities. And while some might ask what was going on her head, he'd wait patiently for her to speak... Or not speak. She was an intriguing mystery. She wasn't easy to read like a book, but more like hieroglyphs. Each time they spoke he got a small piece to her cypher and maybe one day he'd be lucky enough to decode her.
"You were merciful to her. Cherise," she commented.
It wasn't a question, so it didn't require an answer. Sylas could have left that conversation at that, with a nod of his head and nothing more. If someone else had made the comment he might have said something about there being no need to go beyond winning the fight. Maybe even that he was gentle and didn't believe in unwarranted pain or violence. But something about Evelyn made him not want to deceive her. He would never been the most forthcoming man, nor would he tell her all his dirty little secrets. She always got the truth from him, even if it wasn't always black and white.
"I like to hold my cards close to my chest," he replied, looking over at her. While it was a vague answer, it was also truthful. He had no doubt that Evelyn was a smart woman and could figure out his intent. Such a simple sentence that had numerous meanings. Simply, the spars and camp itself is a game of poker. He could have shown a royal flush and destroyed Cherise from the inside out without breaking a sweat, but then everyone would know his hand. Instead he played the long game, calling and never raising, bluffing through every win and loss so no one knew what he really had. He didn't want anyone to see what he was truly capable of.
But that also spoke to who he was as a person. Sylas was never the type to let someone in. He was a method actor, always in the role. He never let anyone see who he really was, because to everyone else he was who he portrayed himself to be. But with her it was different. He could lie to her... He should. He should stay in the game and treat her like everyone else he came across in that shit hole. But he didn't. It was a mistake. Somehow this would come back to bite him in the ass, yet he didn't leave.
The path they walked had led them to a small clearing in the woods. There was taller grass, wildflowers and soft sunlight that cascaded to the ground between leaves that hung overhead. Without a word, Sylas made his way to the center of the tiny little field and took a seat. He lightly wrapped his arms around his bent knees casually. He studied her for a long moment wandering why she hadn't mentioned the trial. He knew it affected her in someway, yet she said nothing. Perhaps, he was tired of the cat and mouse game. Or maybe, while they were alone in the woods, there felt no need to be elusive. But after the prolonged silence, he looked up into her eyes and asked plainly, "Why haven't you asked me about it?" He blinked, pausing for a moment. "Do I frighten you?"
Evelyn smiled. It was the first time she looked at him with a warm expression since the trials. Sylas would be only fooling himself if he didn't acknowledge the slight flutter he felt in his chest, but he didn't let hit show externally. Instead he met her smile with a smirk, so small that anyone else aside from her might have missed it. "I thought only results would matter to you," she said in response.
Sylas nodded his head. He understood how she would assume that, and in most situations she was correct. Truthfully... It seemed in every situation aside from her that's exactly how he felt. He judged every fight in the arena with a fine toothed comb, yet there he stood praising her, not Mason. She clouded his judgement, he acknowledged that. Yet, he still found himself seeking her out and wandering further into the mist.
"A child of Hades isn't an easy opponent for any demigod. I don't know what you did to him, but not just anyone could make someone like Mason scream out like that. That's power," he praised her again.
The conversation was a start. Sylas was happy to know that doorway hadn't closed forever. He was going to push his luck and force his presence on Evelyn. He made the first move in mending... whatever they had. Did they have anything? He didn't know. He wasn't even the type of person to mend fences, bridges, or any other broken structures that tear down relationships, but something in him couldn't leave things where they were. Perhaps he needed to hear her call him a monster, put the final nail in the coffin. Or maybe... maybe he wanted her to be the one person that told him he wasn't.
Just as he began to continue onward, Evelyn called out to him. "Sylas?" He stopped. He remained facing forward but turned his head to look in her direction. "I could use some company. Could you?"
If it were two days, Sylas would have offered her his hand or arm in a gentlemanly gesture with his snakelike charm. But this was unstable ground. He was tiptoeing along sand with unsure footing, not knowing if his next step would be solid or slowly sink and swallow him whole. So rather than taking a leap of faith like many idiots, he prefers to just test the ground before every movement forward. He kept his hands in his pockets but slowly pivoted on his heels and made his way toward her. In this silent gesture he handed the wheel over to Evelyn, letting her steer them in whatever direction she desired.
"And thank you," Evelyn said as she drifted to his side, matching his stride as they continued down the path she lead them down.
Sylas hadn't a clue where they were heading, nor did he care. He walked slowly alongside Evelyn. Every once in awhile when she was looking elsewhere he might have stolen a sideways glance, but he never let it be obvious. She wasn't an easy woman to read, but he could tell she was lost in thought, no doubt pertaining to him. She probably wondered about what to say or do, if she should leave or stay, or a thousand other possibilities. And while some might ask what was going on her head, he'd wait patiently for her to speak... Or not speak. She was an intriguing mystery. She wasn't easy to read like a book, but more like hieroglyphs. Each time they spoke he got a small piece to her cypher and maybe one day he'd be lucky enough to decode her.
"You were merciful to her. Cherise," she commented.
It wasn't a question, so it didn't require an answer. Sylas could have left that conversation at that, with a nod of his head and nothing more. If someone else had made the comment he might have said something about there being no need to go beyond winning the fight. Maybe even that he was gentle and didn't believe in unwarranted pain or violence. But something about Evelyn made him not want to deceive her. He would never been the most forthcoming man, nor would he tell her all his dirty little secrets. She always got the truth from him, even if it wasn't always black and white.
"I like to hold my cards close to my chest," he replied, looking over at her. While it was a vague answer, it was also truthful. He had no doubt that Evelyn was a smart woman and could figure out his intent. Such a simple sentence that had numerous meanings. Simply, the spars and camp itself is a game of poker. He could have shown a royal flush and destroyed Cherise from the inside out without breaking a sweat, but then everyone would know his hand. Instead he played the long game, calling and never raising, bluffing through every win and loss so no one knew what he really had. He didn't want anyone to see what he was truly capable of.
But that also spoke to who he was as a person. Sylas was never the type to let someone in. He was a method actor, always in the role. He never let anyone see who he really was, because to everyone else he was who he portrayed himself to be. But with her it was different. He could lie to her... He should. He should stay in the game and treat her like everyone else he came across in that shit hole. But he didn't. It was a mistake. Somehow this would come back to bite him in the ass, yet he didn't leave.
The path they walked had led them to a small clearing in the woods. There was taller grass, wildflowers and soft sunlight that cascaded to the ground between leaves that hung overhead. Without a word, Sylas made his way to the center of the tiny little field and took a seat. He lightly wrapped his arms around his bent knees casually. He studied her for a long moment wandering why she hadn't mentioned the trial. He knew it affected her in someway, yet she said nothing. Perhaps, he was tired of the cat and mouse game. Or maybe, while they were alone in the woods, there felt no need to be elusive. But after the prolonged silence, he looked up into her eyes and asked plainly, "Why haven't you asked me about it?" He blinked, pausing for a moment. "Do I frighten you?"
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"Yeah, only just. I must admit I wasn’t expecting much which was on me. Did you win yours?"
Andy should have known when she asked the question that she was only going to be met with his own cynic sarcasm. She sighed, throwing whatever piece of clothing she had in her hand back into the drawer. "I don't want to fight," she said sadly under her breath. Yes, part of her was bitter about the way he look at Rae, even jealous, but that didn't mean she wanted them to start snipping at each other.
"I couldn't watch... Not after," she admitted without looking toward him. Her asking about his spar wasn't mean to be a jab or anything else, just an attempt to make conversation. A shitty attempt apparently.
Mason sighed and Andy let out her own exhale before she continued rummaging through her drawers. "Andy, I care for you." She froze, as if any movement she made he'd stop talking and recoil back into his shell. "More than I ever want to admit and more than you could possibly know. And I know that’s not always been shown but it’s been hard watching you settle for less than you deserve with…Ajax, and at the same time, I’m not sure I’m much better for you. As a friend or…otherwise."
Her hands were lost between piles of folded clothes as she dared not to move. Andy only looked up when she saw something move in the reflection of the mirror in front of her. She watched as Mason slowly moved through her cabin toward her. Once her gaze met his, she couldn't bring herself to look away.
"Since the minotaur I knew you were something special and amazing. And then -" Mason didn't finish what he was saying. He didn't have to. And then Ajax happened. There were countless times for him to say something, but he never did. Andy and Mason were at each other's throats half of the time. It'd be easy for anyone to think they there was nothing but animosity there.
Slowly, Mason kept moving closer, step by step. "I was afraid. I wasn't ready."
Ready for what? She wanted to ask, but the words were stuck and wouldn't come out. Andy couldn't bring herself to speak. She wanted Mason to finish. She'd never forgive herself if one stupid word muttered from her lips deterred him. While someone else might have seen where this conversation was going she couldn't. On one hand she thought... hoped that he was going to say what deep down she thought she knew for so long. But another part of her was holding her breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop... For Mason to say whatever they felt didn't matter because he was wrong for her. Because in the end that was always the reason.
"But I know what I want now. It's you." The Mason was there, standing behind her, holding her gaze through the reflection in the mirror. Her hands slowly withdrew from the drawer, but stopped at the edge of the dresser. His arms slowly snaked around her waist, tugging her closer so that her back was pressed to his chest. His never shifted from hers as he placed a tender kiss on her cheek. "I love you Andromeda Bolton." Andy's heart skipped a beat, her breath hitching in her throat at his words. "The ball's in your court."
The tip of Mason's nose ran across her cheek to the nape of her neck, leaving gooseflesh in its wake. The tender kiss made Andy's heart race. She flushed knowing he must have felt it through the sensitive skin of his lips. Then, as if rousing from a dream, he began to pull away, his hands slipping from her sides. Like a subconscious instinct, her hand grabbed his before he was able to be free from her. He couldn't tell her something like that then retreat.
His confession left her scrambling for words or what to do. Something in Andy knew... For awhile, that he felt something for her. Perhaps it was wishful thinking as she denied her own feelings, but now it was true. She knew Mason better than anyone at camp, but she felt like for the first time she was really seeing him. Before she was so sure footed around him, honest and open, like it was them against the world. But now everything was new uncharted territory. She found herself nervous around him... And scared.
"I... I love you too," she finally said beneath shaky breaths. Andy had said it once before and it seemed everything quickly unraveled afterward. Love is terrifying. No one ever mentions that when they talk about it. They both had been in love once before. Andy's slowly chipped away at her as she gave more than she got back until she was a ghost of who she used to be, and Mason's curse took his love from him. They were both broken, but somehow managed to only see the best in each other. They weren't looking for it, and Gods know they both fought it. But now that they had it there was a horrifying fear of losing it all.
Finally, Andy slowly spun around to face him. Her left hand slowly raised to cup his cheek gently in her palm. She was no stranger to how handsome he was, but it wasn't really until that moment that she was able to take it all it... Take in everything that was Mason. He always used to be shrouded in darkness, but there, standing chest to chest with her, he was glowing. His blue eyes sparkled with a light she had never seen and his commanding presence wasn't hard and callus, but tender and warm. Her thumb lightly ran along the dip in his chin and along his jaw.
Andy's hand slowly slid behind his neck, guiding his head forward as she raised herself up onto her tiptoes. The tip of her nose lightly brushed his cheek as she leaned in. She stopped for just a moment, the space between them immeasurable. Their faces were so close she could feel the warmth of his breath on her skin. With every inhale their lips would brush, just barely. All the while she never looked away from him until she closed the gap and pressed her lips against his.
"Yeah, only just. I must admit I wasn’t expecting much which was on me. Did you win yours?"
Andy should have known when she asked the question that she was only going to be met with his own cynic sarcasm. She sighed, throwing whatever piece of clothing she had in her hand back into the drawer. "I don't want to fight," she said sadly under her breath. Yes, part of her was bitter about the way he look at Rae, even jealous, but that didn't mean she wanted them to start snipping at each other.
"I couldn't watch... Not after," she admitted without looking toward him. Her asking about his spar wasn't mean to be a jab or anything else, just an attempt to make conversation. A shitty attempt apparently.
Mason sighed and Andy let out her own exhale before she continued rummaging through her drawers. "Andy, I care for you." She froze, as if any movement she made he'd stop talking and recoil back into his shell. "More than I ever want to admit and more than you could possibly know. And I know that’s not always been shown but it’s been hard watching you settle for less than you deserve with…Ajax, and at the same time, I’m not sure I’m much better for you. As a friend or…otherwise."
Her hands were lost between piles of folded clothes as she dared not to move. Andy only looked up when she saw something move in the reflection of the mirror in front of her. She watched as Mason slowly moved through her cabin toward her. Once her gaze met his, she couldn't bring herself to look away.
"Since the minotaur I knew you were something special and amazing. And then -" Mason didn't finish what he was saying. He didn't have to. And then Ajax happened. There were countless times for him to say something, but he never did. Andy and Mason were at each other's throats half of the time. It'd be easy for anyone to think they there was nothing but animosity there.
Slowly, Mason kept moving closer, step by step. "I was afraid. I wasn't ready."
Ready for what? She wanted to ask, but the words were stuck and wouldn't come out. Andy couldn't bring herself to speak. She wanted Mason to finish. She'd never forgive herself if one stupid word muttered from her lips deterred him. While someone else might have seen where this conversation was going she couldn't. On one hand she thought... hoped that he was going to say what deep down she thought she knew for so long. But another part of her was holding her breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop... For Mason to say whatever they felt didn't matter because he was wrong for her. Because in the end that was always the reason.
"But I know what I want now. It's you." The Mason was there, standing behind her, holding her gaze through the reflection in the mirror. Her hands slowly withdrew from the drawer, but stopped at the edge of the dresser. His arms slowly snaked around her waist, tugging her closer so that her back was pressed to his chest. His never shifted from hers as he placed a tender kiss on her cheek. "I love you Andromeda Bolton." Andy's heart skipped a beat, her breath hitching in her throat at his words. "The ball's in your court."
The tip of Mason's nose ran across her cheek to the nape of her neck, leaving gooseflesh in its wake. The tender kiss made Andy's heart race. She flushed knowing he must have felt it through the sensitive skin of his lips. Then, as if rousing from a dream, he began to pull away, his hands slipping from her sides. Like a subconscious instinct, her hand grabbed his before he was able to be free from her. He couldn't tell her something like that then retreat.
His confession left her scrambling for words or what to do. Something in Andy knew... For awhile, that he felt something for her. Perhaps it was wishful thinking as she denied her own feelings, but now it was true. She knew Mason better than anyone at camp, but she felt like for the first time she was really seeing him. Before she was so sure footed around him, honest and open, like it was them against the world. But now everything was new uncharted territory. She found herself nervous around him... And scared.
"I... I love you too," she finally said beneath shaky breaths. Andy had said it once before and it seemed everything quickly unraveled afterward. Love is terrifying. No one ever mentions that when they talk about it. They both had been in love once before. Andy's slowly chipped away at her as she gave more than she got back until she was a ghost of who she used to be, and Mason's curse took his love from him. They were both broken, but somehow managed to only see the best in each other. They weren't looking for it, and Gods know they both fought it. But now that they had it there was a horrifying fear of losing it all.
Finally, Andy slowly spun around to face him. Her left hand slowly raised to cup his cheek gently in her palm. She was no stranger to how handsome he was, but it wasn't really until that moment that she was able to take it all it... Take in everything that was Mason. He always used to be shrouded in darkness, but there, standing chest to chest with her, he was glowing. His blue eyes sparkled with a light she had never seen and his commanding presence wasn't hard and callus, but tender and warm. Her thumb lightly ran along the dip in his chin and along his jaw.
Andy's hand slowly slid behind his neck, guiding his head forward as she raised herself up onto her tiptoes. The tip of her nose lightly brushed his cheek as she leaned in. She stopped for just a moment, the space between them immeasurable. Their faces were so close she could feel the warmth of his breath on her skin. With every inhale their lips would brush, just barely. All the while she never looked away from him until she closed the gap and pressed her lips against his.
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"Yes, Ma’am," was Liam's only response.
Good. Sloane gave him a nod and smile, before slipping out of the bedroom. She didn't want to have to argue with him to get some sleep. With him out, that gave her at least an hour to get cleaned up and go back to the other cabin to figure out what to do with the package that was left for her. She gave Rocco some food, before wandering off toward the bathroom to take a quick shower and change. Usually she might have spent a bit longer getting cleaned or doing her hair, but a quick wash and comb would suffice. She didn't know how long Liam would stay asleep for, so she didn't want to waste any time. With damp hair and clean clothes, she grabbed Rocco's leash and headed out of the cabin.
The pup seemed happier then ever to gallop his large paws down the paths, trying to attack any insect or leaf that dares to fly anywhere near him. Sloane let him play and wander about, but kept walking at a decent pace toward the small abandoned cabins. It didn't take her long to reach the one she claim as her own, even though she never got a chance to stay in it. She paused for a moment to make sure no one was around before she went inside.
After closing the door, she let Rocco run free. There might not have been much room, but he could at least run in circles around her or jump on the bed. Sloane knelt down on the ground and reached under the bed for the box. Once she retrieved it, she got up and sat on the mattress. She remained still, holding the gift for a long moment, reading the tag over and over, trying to make sense of it. "A gift from me to you. Use it well." A present from Eris was never something good, or simple. There was a meaning to it, but Sloane had no idea what it meant.
She debated back and forth for the better part of ten minutes trying to decide if she should open it or not, but curiosity eventually won. With a sigh, Sloane gently grasped the lid and started to lift it. Rocco barked and jumped on the bed abruptly, startling her before she could open it. "What is it, boy?" she asked. He continued to bark and growl at the box until she released the lid. Then he was back to playing and wagging his tail as if nothing happened.
"You don't have to tell me twice," Sloane muttered to herself as she scooped up the box and Rocco's leash. The pair left as quickly as they had arrived. While her original plan was to go to the main hall, she had to make a detour. She didn't know what the gift was but whatever it was, it wasn't something she could hide under a bed and expect it to never be found. All she knew was she wanted nothing to do with it and needed to be rid of it... Fast. She had an idea... A bad, horrible idea, but it was the only one she had.
Soon enough her brother's cabin appeared down the path. This really was the worst plan. Whatever was in that present wasn't good and she was willing putting it in her brother's grasp. It was worse than the worst plan ever. But all she could hope was, whatever it did, it blew up in Sylas's face and everyone saw him for the monster he was. Gods don't let him hurt anyone with it. Sloane looked around nervously, double and triple checking that no one saw her as she approached the cabin. She hurried up the steps as fast as she could while still remaining quiet and placed the box perfectly centered on his welcome mat, making sure nothing was out of order. She then scooped up Rocco and ran into the woods before anyone could spot her.
Once out of sight of anyone that could be walking on the paths, Sloane stopped to catch her breath, setting Rocco back down. "Sorry boy." The dog didn't seem bothered in the slightest. He looked like he though they were playing a game and he was ready to do the running himself this time. She smiled and nodded her head. "Alright. Let's go get your dad some food." Rocco happily lead them through the woods until they popped out in the field that stretched out in front of the main hall. Sloane didn't actually know if dogs were allowed on camp or in the main hall... She never saw one before. But if the campers could turn into lions, what damage would one puppy do?
"Yes, Ma’am," was Liam's only response.
Good. Sloane gave him a nod and smile, before slipping out of the bedroom. She didn't want to have to argue with him to get some sleep. With him out, that gave her at least an hour to get cleaned up and go back to the other cabin to figure out what to do with the package that was left for her. She gave Rocco some food, before wandering off toward the bathroom to take a quick shower and change. Usually she might have spent a bit longer getting cleaned or doing her hair, but a quick wash and comb would suffice. She didn't know how long Liam would stay asleep for, so she didn't want to waste any time. With damp hair and clean clothes, she grabbed Rocco's leash and headed out of the cabin.
The pup seemed happier then ever to gallop his large paws down the paths, trying to attack any insect or leaf that dares to fly anywhere near him. Sloane let him play and wander about, but kept walking at a decent pace toward the small abandoned cabins. It didn't take her long to reach the one she claim as her own, even though she never got a chance to stay in it. She paused for a moment to make sure no one was around before she went inside.
After closing the door, she let Rocco run free. There might not have been much room, but he could at least run in circles around her or jump on the bed. Sloane knelt down on the ground and reached under the bed for the box. Once she retrieved it, she got up and sat on the mattress. She remained still, holding the gift for a long moment, reading the tag over and over, trying to make sense of it. "A gift from me to you. Use it well." A present from Eris was never something good, or simple. There was a meaning to it, but Sloane had no idea what it meant.
She debated back and forth for the better part of ten minutes trying to decide if she should open it or not, but curiosity eventually won. With a sigh, Sloane gently grasped the lid and started to lift it. Rocco barked and jumped on the bed abruptly, startling her before she could open it. "What is it, boy?" she asked. He continued to bark and growl at the box until she released the lid. Then he was back to playing and wagging his tail as if nothing happened.
"You don't have to tell me twice," Sloane muttered to herself as she scooped up the box and Rocco's leash. The pair left as quickly as they had arrived. While her original plan was to go to the main hall, she had to make a detour. She didn't know what the gift was but whatever it was, it wasn't something she could hide under a bed and expect it to never be found. All she knew was she wanted nothing to do with it and needed to be rid of it... Fast. She had an idea... A bad, horrible idea, but it was the only one she had.
Soon enough her brother's cabin appeared down the path. This really was the worst plan. Whatever was in that present wasn't good and she was willing putting it in her brother's grasp. It was worse than the worst plan ever. But all she could hope was, whatever it did, it blew up in Sylas's face and everyone saw him for the monster he was. Gods don't let him hurt anyone with it. Sloane looked around nervously, double and triple checking that no one saw her as she approached the cabin. She hurried up the steps as fast as she could while still remaining quiet and placed the box perfectly centered on his welcome mat, making sure nothing was out of order. She then scooped up Rocco and ran into the woods before anyone could spot her.
Once out of sight of anyone that could be walking on the paths, Sloane stopped to catch her breath, setting Rocco back down. "Sorry boy." The dog didn't seem bothered in the slightest. He looked like he though they were playing a game and he was ready to do the running himself this time. She smiled and nodded her head. "Alright. Let's go get your dad some food." Rocco happily lead them through the woods until they popped out in the field that stretched out in front of the main hall. Sloane didn't actually know if dogs were allowed on camp or in the main hall... She never saw one before. But if the campers could turn into lions, what damage would one puppy do?