Ben nodded, and wow, did he look excited to find somebody else with the same interest. He bit the inside of his cheek for a moment, nodding. "Mhm. That's why I like it so much." He told Alex, hoping the boy would come out of his shell on the topic a bit more. "I've always been interested in it, it's what I'm taking in college right now." He said as well, before adding, "Also, you can read some of my books on it sometime if you want."
Vivienne's eyes widened, and she grinned. "Woah, that's so cool! Everybody seems to be getting together!" She was so ready to ship people all summer long. Then, in a teasing fashion, she looked around as if somebody was eavesdropping, and asked him jokingly, "What about you, Joshua?" She looked around the the people sitting near them. She was kind of hoping this wouldn't be a curiousity killed the cat moment, but she would understand if he didn't want to tell.
"That'd be great!" Alex exclaimed, then blushed a bit, scratching his cheek with his finger lightly. "I mean, I'd love to." Though, there was something else that made him curious and he bit his lip for a moment before adding, "So, you're taking medicine in college? How is it so far?" There was a part of Alex that the thought of becoming a doctor really appealed to, but he was a bit scared of it being very boring or most people taking it being mean. Maybe it were the thoughts of a young teen, but Alex really didn't like being around people that would dislike him.
Joshua flat out stared at her for a few moments, then blinked owlishly. "Me? What about me? I'm single, if that's what you're asking," he replied slowly, raising an eyebrow. He wasn't really sure what she wanted to know, but he figured that it was probably this. Shaking his head a bit, he ended up shrugging. "It's not like I'm in a hurry or anything, ya know."
(Hey guys! Sorry, didn't have the time to sit down and write a response for a while.)
Ria finished eating a bit later than the others, trailing after the crowd to reach the campfire. She was looking forward to it. There were always a lot of new things to hear about during the first campfire of the Summer. Maybe she could get someone to fill her in on what that whole situation with the helicopter was. It was... certainly an entrance. The noise had been annoying, and she was consciously trying to keep herself from judging too soon, but - seriously, a helicopter? Why did anyone need to come into camp on one of those? She wasn't even sure herself if she was jealous or amused or annoyed.
Andrea sat down by the rest of her cabin, brown eyes looking over the crowd. She wasn't shy or anything like that, but it would take a day or two for her to get used to having everybody back. Her gaze drifted to the fire, currently a light orange with golden hues flickering around the center. It was noticeably higher than it had been yesterday. All the better for roasting marshmallows, right? Maybe she could even cook one without it catching on fire today. She was feeling lucky.
Ben smiled, just thinking about college and how fun it'd been for him. It had also been incredibly stressful, but that wasn't really the studying, more like just taking care of things at home and making sure he had the money for everything. "It's something I like to learn about, so I really love the classes, even if they can be a bit dull." He then bit his lip, warning Alex, "But, I have to say, there's so much studying. It won't be so bad if you like the subject, but still." He shrugged it off, knowing that Alex would be able to handle it if that's what he chose as a job.
Vivienne grinned, that was just the kind of response Joshua would give. She'd definitely missed everybody at camp, maybe a bit too much. "Well, alright then. I was late, so I should probably find the twins in a bit and say hi." She told him, but not seeing them, she just figured she'd continue talking. "Since I was so very late today, I'm not sure what's been happening. Is there anything I missed?"
"Studying's not the problem," Alex said with a smile. He wasn't a child of Athena for nothing, and if he was interested, he also didn't mind sitting down to study for a while. He opened the textbook Joshua had dropped into his lap. "If I have questions, can I ask you? I suppose I could also ask Sanaa, but she's rather busy as the counselor most of the time."
Joshua rolled his eyes a bit. "Oh god, the twins. Could you please make sure that they understand cooties don't exist?" he said, then added, "Well, same as always, really. New campers and all that, but only a bit ago this girl arrived here in a helicopter and she's not... the most pleasant person to be around, in all honesty." He waved to Ria and Andrea as he noticed them also sitting down.
Ben nodded, smiling. He was glad he could at least have somebody at camp with the same interest, and he would be happy to help Alex whenever needed. "Yeah, of course. You'll have to stop me if I ramble, though. Some people get annoyed because I can go on for days about a simple question." He admitted with a sheepish laugh, running a hand through his hair.
Vivi laughed at the mention of her younger siblings before listening in about the new girl. She frowned a bit, biting her lip and asking, "Why? What's she done?" Now she was curious. She hoped this new girl hadn't been rude to anybody, because if Vivienne witnessed it she'd surely have something to speak up about. Not to mention, a helicopter? She didn't like to judge from first appearance.. But that was one weird way to make a first appearance, let alone impression on everybody else.
"Oh yeah,the campfires great!~" he spoke happily, feeling as if she was getting closer but never catching it. "Its nice and relaxing." His eyes landed on Alex, he wanted to join up with him but he had promised Cecilia that he would show her around. His momentary distraction could easily be noticed, but he quickly snapped out of it.
Percy gave a huffed while his arms were crossed. "Don't remind me about that, I still can't believe it." Though he did show he lightened up by giving her a smile.
"I don't think I'll mind rambling. I also ramble at times," Alex said with a smile, then cheekily extended his hand again. "How many more times until you finally give me the whole bag?" he asked innocently, a mischievous glint in his gray-blue eyes. At one point, everybody got fed up with his silent demand for more sweets, and he ended up getting what he had wanted, anyway.
"Basically flirted with me in a way that made even me realize it, and she seemed to ignore everybody else," he said with a small shake of his head. "I have no idea what happened, but from what I've gathered, something happened at the cabin that upset Alex. I dunno what, though." They had left before Cecilia had switched her target onto Asher, so he could only make guesses.
Cecilia's hand sneakily wandered up on his arm a bit when she saw that he was distracted. "Any problems? You seem kind of... distracted~" she asked with a dazzling smile. "What's on your mind?" She kept her comment that she'd just get her clothes dirty while sitting there to herself. She was on a mission, after all. Luckily enough, Alex was way too distracted to even glance in their direction and spot them. The blond was on a mission himself as he wanted to finally get the marshmallows
--
"I can't believe it either, but somehow, they do work," Sanaa said, then smiled. "Let's also go to the campfire? I think it's started already." After she had taken a few steps, she added, "I'm only a bit concerned about Alex's reaction. He seemed upset. I swear, if Asher actually plays around again, I'll kill him." She remembered the talk she had had with him that same day, but she didn't completely trust him, either.
-
Nick noticed Oliver in the shadows while he slowly made his way to the campfire. He stopped, a calm smile spreading across his face. "Aren't you going to the campfire?" he asked. "Also, what's your name? I'd like something to call you instead of 'shorter child of Hades' or something," he joked lightly.
Asher caught her hand quickly as soon as he felt it, not in a rough way to hurt her, more of to surprise. "Sorry but before you get too attatched you should know I'm happily taken." He said, loosening his grip after speaking. "You are very beautiful but.... I already have someone who owns my heart." His eyes flickered back to look at Alex for a moment. When they switched back to her he was analyzing her reaction.
Percy gave an agreeing nod to sanaa to both instances. "Trsut me, I'm right by with you if he messes up." He paused for a moment, walking in silence before he asked a question. "Do you think they'll really last?..."
Oliver paused considering how to answer, this one at least seemed to get he wasn't the most talkative. Though he didn't like his little jibe at the end there. Matter-of-factly, he spoke up, "Oliver." It was a one word answer, but it was nicer than what others had received.
Ben rolled his eyes, but the grin was still clear on his face. "Hmm, I'm not sure." He took one out of the bag, looking like he was giving it to Alex, but moved it to his own mouth and ate it. He then sighed, handing Aex a couple more so he'd be satisfied for a minute or two. "I'm already impressed by the fact that you're not on a sugar high. But, I'd like to think that you have to try at least a little harder if you want to get the marshmallows from me."
Vivienne raised an eyebrow. "Ignored everybody?" She asked, pulling her legs to sit criss-cross. "That's not cool." Basically everybody at camp liked Alex, so she automatically didn't like this person based on how Joshua was describing her. "Let's just not hang out with her, then." She said it as if just her words could solve the problem. "But, disclaimer, I'm probably going to say something if I hear her being rude to anybody." She admitted. When protecting somebody, Vivi could have a temper as fiery as her hair.
Ria waved back when Joshua waved her way, and Andrea got up and headed in Alex and Ben's direction with a friendly wave and a borderline-mischievous smile. "Don't mind me, just going to steal a marshmallow before they're gone." She wasn't awfully familiar with either of the older campers, but she'd been here long enough to remember the couple times the blond haired boy ate the entire bag. Maybe she was Hermes' child after all. On the other hand, it wasn't exactly stealing when you clearly announced you were taking something, was it?
Cecilia seemed taken aback by his reaction for a moment, then smiled a sweet smile again. "I see. That's too bad. Whoever owns your heart must be a very lucky person~" she purred. Though, her thoughts were completely different. Relationships often don't last forever~ she thought, not even considering backing off for now. Whatever girl he was dating, she was sure she was better than her. Of course, she had completely missed his glance towards Alex, because otherwise she would've seen that 'girlfriend' wasn't quite the right term.
-
Sanaa paused while they were walking, then sighed. "As much as it pains me to admit it, they could. They do work, which is even more annoying to me," she huffed out.
"Well, nice to meet you," Nick said with a grin, but didn't extend his hand or anything like he had done with Asher. He could literally feel that Oliver wasn't a very social person. "I'm Nick. Better get used to me, because I am your half-brother~" he added jokingly.
Alex rolled his eyes, actually thinking up a plan while he was eating his marshmallows. Then, after he had vacuumed the last one up, he grin turned incredibly sneaky. "Yeah, but I know how to try harder," he chimed, then suddenly launched himself at Ben, tickling him. "But I may fight dirty. I am shorter and younger~" It was something Alex often did when he was trying to persuade somebody to do something for him.
Joshua had been about to reply, then started a bit when Alex tackled Ben, only to laugh moments later. "Oh my gods," he said. "I missed all of you."
Ben grunted as Alex was flung at him, almost losing balance and falling. However, he was just able to stay upright, laughing as Alex attacked him but still trying to keep the marshmallow bag by curling into himself. He certainly hadn't been expecting this to happen. "A little help here?" His voice was muffled by giggles, but before anybody got to him, he did fall, although quickly standing up and raising the bag in the air, grinning. "I'm almost as short as you, pft. I'm not giving up that easy."
Vivi grinned, nodding. "I did too. Even if you're all dorks." She teased, leaning back. "That's probably the best part, though." She had to stifle laughter as Ben fell, she was always that friend.
Andrea couldn't help but snicker as she watched the firefight, taking a step back so she wouldn't be drawn into it. Oh, gods. She'd missed this. She held a hand up to her mouth to try and hide help the fact she was giggling, but she didn't know how successful she was. The almost-teenager took sideways glance at the fire behind her, the flames dancing just the slightest bit higher as the campers around her caught up with their friends from last Summer. Yeah, this Summer was going to be a good one. Not even that weird incident with the helicopter was going to shake that.
Alex tried reaching the bag through jumping, but that also failed. Huffing stubbornly, he started, "Ash-" only to stop when he realized Asher wasn't at the campfire yet. That didn't make him falter for more than a second, though. "Joshua," he whined. "Give me a lift?"
Said camper laughed, seemingly considering it for a moment. Before he got up, he told Andrea, "If you need more marshmallows, there are two more bags in Ben's bag! Don't worry, we're prepared~" After that little speech, he actually picked the Athena camper up with a mischievous smile. "Sorry Ben, but who can resist Alex?" he joked as Alex quickly grabbed the bag.