Post by Natasha Black on Sept 7, 2021 11:21:19 GMT -5
Just the amount of clothing he had brought would be enough to fill up a good corner of a tent if he didn't think that he should have. Cloud as a giant compared to her. Usually when she was around him she had some sort of footwear that made her an inch or two taller. Out in the woods though she wasn't wearing combat boots or heels, she almost felt like a child beside him."We really don't need a show but you're welcome to store your wardrobe in my car for safe keeping." She didn't expect her car to become Cloud's closet but it would be the safest bet to keep most of it clean. There were places out there that were just giant mud holes from all the rain they got, though it was fun to see Cloud's reaction to a ruined garment she wanted this time out to be a positive one.
She narrowed her eyes a bit as Cloud pointed over to the tent where her bag was. She had another tent in her car if he wanted but she had already planned to cuddle up with Catcher in there if he actually decided to sleep in the tent. "Are you sure you even fit comfortably in there? I have sleeping bags for you and Feather and an extra tent if needed but I'm sleeping there tonight." She bit her lip and looked over at Catch as she staked her claim. She had become more bold with a few things since the beach, doing little things to show her interest in him around others. She didn't care about what his blonde friend thought, this weekend was for the four of them but she still had intentions of her own.
She could tell without Feather, Cloud would have been seriously unprepared for camping. She had provided a tent and pillows for him and she wouldn't have been surprised; she even double checked what he was planning to bring to eat making sure he wouldn't starve if he forgot a pack of cookies or something he favored behind. She knew she could survive for a weekend without eating any animal products but found Catcher of persuasion very tempting. She liked this side of him, like a playfully little devil she watched as a smirk crossed his face. She bit the tip of her finger as she looked over at him and shook her head. "Though you can be very persuasive, my willpower is a bit stronger than your Jedi mind tricks." She knew it was a bit of a needy thing to say but she felt like she could easily be won mover by any little suggestion he made. It was just like some power he had over her that the closer she got to him the harder it was to resist.
Cloud agreeing to learn how to trap fish made some things to each him a bit easier, there were two different methods she knew might work both took sometime to set up but if done right and with some luck they might get something and Cloud could tell whomever wanted to listen he caught a fish without the comforts of modern tools. " I'll work on a fish basket later, I will show you how to build one. It's pretty easy." Wilderness skills were usually never hard to master but It did take a bit of patience and determination. The more Catcher talked about how getting a fire started with two rocks the more Cloud seemed confident in the task at hand. It was almost too hard to contain that they were only joking but watching the prank actually playing out would be very satisfying. The more she thought about it, maybe she was pixie or fairy-like, they were known if forloren to be some of the most devious of creatures." I'm sure you'll be a natural. You just have to hit them together really hard and at an angle." Camping could be a lot of fun so to hear that they had never done it with the intention of fun behind it was surprising. She would have to try to make this a good trip all around. She rubbed the back of her neck a little nervously. She didn't know wasn't she could do besides talking Feather for a run around the territory or showing her wild edibles or a quiet place for meditation.
She took a seat down on a log by the coolers peaking first at the one with meat seeing the selection of food Cloud had picked to see what types of vegetables she had to pair with them. Seeing steak she thought the best thing she could do was saute peppers, onions and mushrooms in the pan with some butter and seasonings. It probably wouldn't turn out half bad. Hers and Feather food would take a little longer roasting away in a tin pouch shoved into fire coals letting the heat cook."I'll get mine and Feather's started first then work on your after boys."
Post by Cloud Crestfall on Sept 8, 2021 4:40:39 GMT -5
”Oh we passed your car then… I’ll move the stuff later if I have to but it should fit in her tent. I didn’t even wear that much!” He was referring to what was airing on his motorcycle, but his bag of items was equally reduced; bursting at the seams but still contained enough he felt like he needed to rectify their judgment. ”Come on! I am not the only one who likes to shop.” It wasn’t the shopping experience he enjoyed; he just found many fun items that he would buy because he was unafraid of wearing everything someone created to sell. People were limited to so many ideals or conditions and he strove to avoid it, break the chain while also breaking his bank; what came around did come around for him because when he started a fad, it helped sell more tickets, inspire him to create a full set list, bring him fortune as it favoured the bold. He was getting there with new sound, discarding his old verses in favour of something less wannabe, more substance.
”Yea… fine, I’ll let you have your boy toy for the night.” Dismissively, he waved a hand at them, willing that she finally couple with Catcher openly while it was just the four of them; it would actually make more sense to Cloud because he thought friends of the opposite sex just didn't sleep in the same bed to have nothing happen. The tent wasn’t small but he knew his legs would stick out, or he’d have his head looking to the stars and both made him look ridiculous. He had used Feather’s tent before, the thing was big enough for them all and he enjoyed the space, so did she. It made him feel like they were children again, faking exactly what they were doing right then and he suddenly felt surreal, frozen as he held the last corner of the tent, staring blankly ahead. It took three words: ‘jedi mind tricks’ to awaken him from what was his life flashing before his eyes. They grew up so fast, he was now considering why they were at the point they were at; profound wonders rushing through him as he shook his head and mouthed in a repeat of those three geeky words.
”He’s Anakin, you’ll never win if he tries.” As far as he knew, they were now all Star wars fans; gleeful about this, he accepted her more, receptive that they may all geek out together here and everywhere else. His dream theme park immediately coming to mind. It was a relief he wasn't going to have to play hard all the time as he did with other friends and acquaintances, one more to the list of closer people was better than none. Stabbing the cloth to the pole, he was carelessly and roughly trying to shove it through because of how taught it was now that the other points were secure. His hands were grasping it so tight, the veins surfaced and he stood there forcing it like he was battling a great foe. ”I knew you were a nerd.” He tied the last corner with a hard yank and stood up, slapping his hands together as if to dust off, breathing as unfit as he was, wanting to light a cigarette but holding off because they weren’t done. Producing a toothy grin from his side, he maintained eye contact with Natasha as he made his way to the front of the tent, teasing her. Studying what Catcher was holding, they still had the little canopy section before the entrance to deal with, and he stroked the tassels in brushes with his hand, entertaining himself to let his friend figure this one out unless Feather was going to instruct them.
”Wait, what if I catch too many fish with the fish basket?” He joked, but truly believed it possible; guessing they could eat them but sticking out his tongue in a gagging reflex, turning away so no one could watch, as he imagined gutting it from the gills down. Cloud had no idea how he would even kill it, thinking about bashing it on the ground because he would freak out at all the flapping, he was probably not going to kill anything in front of his sister but he liked seafood. He liked all food and they came from somewhere, as did the fire they were so pushy about. Deciding to do his best tomorrow, he took in what Natasha said about the two rocks and tried to envision how it was done based on some stupid movie he had watched with parody cave men. This was the time he should have really stayed on the channel that had an episode of Bear Grylls but Tv meant he was stoned out of his mind with nothing better to do; he had no idea how people could put up with commercials otherwise. Some nights, he made it a point to watch a film with Feather, so they stayed in one another’s company and the loop of society but they were usually strange indie, cult classics.
He placed two thumbs up at Natasha when she explained the order of food and went back to tugging a string that was meant to tie a flap over the tent’s opening to roll it open, like a ‘tepee door’. The faster this was done, the sooner he could set up his bedspace and eat something with his friends, maybe even play kumbaya on his guitar; he rolled his eyes to himself as he stuck his head into the tent, the other flap laying on his head. This tent had two openings, both optional and they had buttons to secure it better than just a zip so Cloud went and clipped the other tightly closed, making sure nothing could get in or out another way. It was high enough he could be in it on his knees crawling, the centre space with the highest peak so he could straighten up but it was still only barely long enough to contain him; his height an obstacle most of his life.
On his hands, he stuck his face out where he entered and looked up at Catcher, grabbing Feather’s legs like a zombie as she stood nearby smoothing the tent. ”If I eat people I wouldn’t need to cook.” Insinuating they should expect his cooking to be lackluster, he was trying to disturb his twin about an apocalyptic world where she would have to eat meat or anything they could find; also watch flesh eating humans roam everywhere trying to bite her while she could never knife them in the head. Thankfully they weren't or he would be screaming every time they popped out of some dark space, running out of bullets but trying to be a tactical survival boss. He thought he might have a better time if he dressed up like them, they would never tell; he could make all their noises. It was funny, as a predator, they could all eat people if they wanted; cannibalising their own human half in the process by losing humanity, Cloud snickered and shrank back into the tent like a disobedient baby animal.
Post by Feather Crestfall on Sept 8, 2021 9:31:17 GMT -5
Feather found Natasha offer very kind but knew even if she let Cloud store his extra clothing in the car he probably wouldn't want to be too far from a wardrobe change. After all, she could always just shove in nicely into a bag and have an extra pillow. Cloud was right; she enjoyed shopping and actually liked how long the shopping gave her the time to research the labels and materials to see if they would be appropriate clothing items to add to her own wardrobe, opting later to always stop at oddities shop and the crystal market. She would never have too many pieces, they all were usually small and added to the atmosphere of a room. helping where she could Feather adjust the canvas making sure the fabric was smooth out and looked just perfect. She often had two sides to her one where most people see, where she just went with the flow and tried not to let anybody down. The second she was a bit of a perfectionist, mostly with her art but it also came with some minimal tasks like decorating and keeping things organized. If things were always in the right place you never had to stress about them being lost. "We both love shopping, his choice is fashion, mine is usually spiritual." Hearing that Tash was planning on spending the night in the little tent with Catcher she smiled slightly, looking over at Catcher winking as he helped her with putting the pin loop into the bottom of the pole. It didn't matter to her what the sleeping arrangement was as long as everyone was enjoying themselves. There was one pole left to get into place and she left it Cloud to fiddle with.
She never went anywhere without something she thought could improve an environment..She floated over her bike pulling out a few crystal pendants on strings, some in which she was going to hang some in the opening and one larger one she was going to hang inside. She didn't think there was anything wrong about trying to make every space as calm and inviting as others even when out in the woods. As soon as Cloud was done, Feather ran ducked under the tent tying the obsidian Crystal to the pole in the middle then stepping back out.
Star wars references began being mentioned.and Feather smiled. She wouldn't have taken Tash as a Star Wars fan. There were not too many pretty girls that would make such a reference around boys it would just add to a judgmental label they didn't want to portray. If Tash was a nerd then she was a complete alien. Feather loved the creativity of races and characters of the franchise, always having a soft spot for Yoda being so wise. She giggled slightly as they exchanged references. " Strong in the force she is, Jedi she may be." She thought she was clever trying to copy the little green guy's speech patterns. There was just something about Yoda that reminded her of herself. He was so different but also so loved by many. She would deny watching him swing around lightsabers was amusing to watch too.
Bringing her thoughts back to reality, she reached her hands out and took the canopy piece out of Catcher's. Knowing how it attached with minimal effort she didn't want him to waste any time trying to figure it out. She took another pendant she had brought and passed it over to him. "Hang it at the opening of your tent, it's rose quartz." She thought she felt he would make better use of this stone then what she could. It wasn't just a love stone as most people thought it was great for making deeper connections with anyone, help heal a heart. She went back to running an angled pole though the odd shaped price of fabric and slipping into the little rivets to secure it before pulling it over the top of the opening and strapping the pieces into place. "If you catch too many just let them go, better yet let them all go there is enough food here there is no need to sacrifice another life just for the pleasure of eating it. Will just take a picture of you holding one." She gently tugged on the fabric to make sure the tazzels all hung down nicely over the opening. On each side of the opening she tied some topaz and some amethyst. She knew sometimes people cooked up fish when camping but she didn't like seeing any life being taken unless it was a necessity.
Feather stomach grumbled a bit hearing the mention of food. Eating just no animal products made her eat more frequently, sometimes depending on what she had eaten that day. She would be happy when dinner was ready, she was about to go help Natasha chop a few things up when she felt a hand grab her around the ankle. She pulled her foot laughing a bit trying to escape his grasp." Bite me in the ankle and throw your pretty clothes in the mud." It was an empty threat but thoughts of cannibalism sent shivers down her spine. Zombie movies were always the worst to try to watch. She has to close her eyes and cover her ears. Watching the parts between the violence. She shook him off and walked over to the fire. " I can help make some things too, but the tent didn't take as long as I thought it would."She smiled and pulled a folding knife out of her jacket pocket. It wasn't a chef's knife but it was shap and it was all that mattered. Opening the cooler, pulling out a few potatoes and using the lid to cool like a cutting board, slicing them thinner knowing they wouldn't take as long to cook the way. She grabbed her tin foil and pulled off a long sheet so she could fold over to make a thick pouch and put the potato sticks in like fries and cut up two more and poured some organic vegetable oil in with them and some salt.She smiled at Tash knowing that Cloud loved when she roasted potatoes like this at home and she enjoyed them a lot like this herself. "If they cook long enough they might get all crispy like french fries."
Post by Catcher Reeves on Sept 9, 2021 5:29:57 GMT -5
Cloud was grabbing Feather’s ankles by the entrance of their tent so Catcher backed away to avoid being a victim of his zombie clawing. Chuckling while she laughed, empty threats about endless clothes rang out; he figured Cloud would just wear hers if she did anything to his then buy more, which meant it was a lose-lose situation for her. There had been some nights he just sat with Cloud as zombified people watching horror movies that tingled none of their senses, numb and in a daze trying to find a fear but he realised now everyone of the girls despised scary films so it would just be them forever.
He was too busy, listening to Natasha’s denial of the sway he held over her, to pay much mind about shopping and fashion. Considering he had once passed out in a heap of Cloud’s clothes in his closet because they were completely wasted and exhausted from an all-night round after his set, nobody else knew the variety of fabric that garmented Cloud as well as he did. Concentrating so much to figure out a rebuttal, he ignored being called a boy toy and let it be what it was if that was what everyone saw; he didn’t care if Natasha was just playing because of how good the attention felt, he just had to be careful about his own actions, they were all he could control. The wink from Feather made him blush, a fiery sensation rushing to his face so much he turned away quickly, smiling bashfully to avoid her direct tease; nothing got past her. Young blood, running wild, he ran the risk of not calming down and keeping his head in the clouds, losing himself like they could party for a lifetime if he liked Natasha more each day. His attraction to the ethereal figure of her shifted in swirling emotions like oil in water, not mixing well but clearly never separating from him. She was making a home in his head, and he couldn’t fall asleep feeling like that, thoughts not even stopping at sunrise. ”I find your lack of faith disturbing.”
Saying so, it was actually exactly his sentiment and he feigned perplexity on his face, round eyed and staring at Natasha without cracking the serious façade until he heard she’d be a Jedi, quoting Vader. He considered her with a lightsaber and smiled broadly at Feather while she did a Yoda impression. She would have been the green sage alien if he had to peg them as characters and he enjoyed her little skit, seeing her open up. Though he had no one to say sentences in reverse to, he had thought to do what she was doing many a time and he vibrated with little giggles alongside hers, sounding disbelieving that Natasha was not a Sith lord instead. ”And I’m the chosen one, beware my heart.” He spun the ancient prophecy to his concise wording, satirical to play with Cloud’s reference, the pun about his heart remaining true to how afraid he was of his own misleading Natasha’s. It would be a twist of fate that the opposite would happen between them; she had a higher chance of leashing his heart while he was none the wiser, neither intending any harm to the other. ”Cloud says nerd but he’s the one who loves Disney and Harry potter.”
He released the string of her tent in his hands to let it slip like thread through his fingers, clasping the pink gemstone as Feather instructed him mindfully, giving it to him for a purpose. It caught him by surprise and he opened his palm to study the rock before inquisitively nodding his head like a learning child and turning around to go hang it before he forgot it in his pocket or misplaced it. The moment she said it was rose quartz; he knew what it meant but wondered why she had prepared it so specifically without prying into his or Natasha’s heart to know they were both broken. He was almost eager to ask if she had read something in cards or seen a sign in the stars. Keeping his ears peeled for the rest of the conversation, he trudged to the other side understanding something along the lines that they would now be playing with baskets of fish and he was relieved he didn’t have to gut anything.
Pinching the strings, he crawled under the tent, sitting down as he rotated to face the exitway cut out, trying to coil the ornament around the opening of the tent from the inside, knotting it so it dangled as a pretty jewel that made the hideout feel like a special place. He stayed mesmerised at it as it spun for a minute, secured like a crib mobile he touched lightly with the tip of his fingers; firelight reflecting it so it glows a warm peach hue.
Shifting out, he avoided the hanging gem so his head wouldn’t knock it, feeling like he had already touched it with his energy too much, ladening it with fingerprints as he strolled past Feather to Natasha. ”If you want to, you can unpack some stuff before you get too tired.” He stayed her prepping hand to stop her for a moment, speaking gently as he knelt temporarily beside her and the log. She hadn’t placed any of her items in their sleeping area and he reminded her that she could make the space more comfortable if she had chosen to share it. They would probably be up many hours but he knew what it was like to want to just plop into a deep slumber without a care but not getting to because of leaving things to deal with right before.
Feather’s tent was finished enough the last touches were up to her and Cloud since they were sharing it, and he beamed with fascination as he watched the girls cut and dice vegetables with little pocket knives. Retracting his hand from Natasha’s after getting his point across, he pushed with it on his knee to get up, about to mess the top of her head in a rub that would make all her hair nest when he noticed it was already slightly frazzled and he smoothed it affectionately instead. Standing over Feather, he smiled brightly about the potatoes, absorbing what was being done to them, checking over at Cloud really quickly in case something crazy was going down where he was, asking everyone simultaneously.”Anything you need help with?”
Last Edit: Sept 9, 2021 6:02:07 GMT -5 by Catcher Reeves
Post by Natasha Black on Sept 9, 2021 11:46:45 GMT -5
She laughed a little bit as Cloud replied with his own Star Wars reference which made her smile knowing that she found something she could connect with him about. A nerd? She would have clarified herself as such but if that's how Cloud saw her she didn't mind. She did have a side to her which enjoyed a good movie whether it be science fiction or based on a comic book universe. She didn't have a lack of faith as Catcher was suggesting just one look from him could make her feel like she was being pulled in like he was The Marianas Trench and she would be swallowed up if she just gave into him if she just stopped fighting the pull. She waves her hand in the air slowly teasing with her fingers trying to imitate the Jedi mind tricks movement." You will forget everything I just said." She couldn't hide the smile on her face.She was already having fun out here. Pulling her large knife out of her back pocket and removing it from the sheath. She opened her cooler and pulled out vegetables.Feather joining in on the nerd talk made her feel less dorky; she had this sirene ethereal presence and she wasn't scared to be herself.
"Chosen one eh? Beware your heart should I be worrying about mine." She didn't look directly up at him getting to work chopping up carrots, peppers, mushrooms, celery and some zucchini, throwing them in the pot for safe keeping while she made a pouch out of tinfoil. "You know a Jedi is never supposed to fall in love right, it can lead them to the dark side." She had just started chopping up onions and garlic too, which was probably the worst time because they made her eyes tear up. She wasn't crying but all this talk about hearts and love wasn't something she wanted to get into. It was just all the stupid references. She used the sleeve over her top to wipe away the water eyes so she could see what she was cutting again.
"Of course he is a Potter freak and loves Disney, him and our whole generation." She loved to read, she hadn't read much in a while recently finding others activities to occupy her time things that allowed her to get out the house instead of being within the four walls of her bedroom, she really didn't want to spend much time there at all anymore to much time did she spend just curled up on her bed reading a tale wishing her life was something different. With Catcher's encouragement and her spontaneous act to jump off the cliff she had been given that opportunity. The chance to make her life want she wanted to to be not what was handed to her by fate. She looked over at Cloud, to get out of her head. "Bet you have already been to Disneyland?" She hadn't herself but she was never a big traveler never going too far from her home base. Camping was always her form of a vacation.
She smiled as she watched the playful exchange between the siblings. She wished her relationship with her brothers were more like this. She grew up away from them knowing Jake was more of a cousin then a brother and Embry they were never really too close. The bond the Crestfalls shared warmed her heart and made her smile. If she was to consider anymore more of a bother then it would be Seth he had a way about him making everyone feel like part of his family. She was grateful for him; without him she and Catcher may have never have gotten closer, after all the whole night at the beach was planned for Seth. " I have no plan to eat fish either, to be honest I hate the smell of fish." She didn't mind before she had become a wolf but after all the changes the smell was almost off putting. She put some of the onions and garlic into the tin pouch, added some salt and pepper, sealed up the end and pushed it into the hot coals of the fire. The rest she kept in the pot keeping a bit of peppers, celery and mushrooms in the pot to cook up with the meat which she was going to chop up and fry it all together.
Seeing how quickly the tent assembly was completed she was appreciative for Feather help. She was just going to wrap up whole potatoes but Feather's idea was much better. Most people loved fries. Something was a great idea. "Good thinking Feather, thank you for your help." As she spoke she felt Catcher’s hand on hers and stopped cutting up the meat into cubes."I guess I should.i haven't put any away yet." For the experienced camper she was more worried about getting everyone fed then getting set up first. Felt his hands on her head smoothing on her wind blown hairs. Putting the knife down and grabbing wet towelettes from the package she had brought for convenience and wiped her hands off leaving the meat half chopped on the cutting board."You can finish with that just cut the rest up, throw in some butter and spice and stick it on the fire." She balled up her used towel and tossed it right in the fire. Standing, she kissed Catcher on the cheek before moving on to gather up the items she had just laying around.
Picking up to of the sleeping bag and padded mats she places them down in front of Feather's tent for her and Cloud and brought whatever she had brought for herself and pushed it through open of Catcher tent and grabbed her bag and he laptop case. She ties to hide, hoping Cloud didn't see she had brought it along, she had said no technology and she had broken her own rule. She climbed in and moved stuff around making things comfortable, feeling a bit forward for inviting herself into his tent but yet again he had set her bag down there itself first. She squinted her eyes and poked her head out of the tent. "Ugh, I fell for your trick didn't I?"
Last Edit: Sept 12, 2021 8:59:04 GMT -5 by Natasha Black
Post by Cloud Crestfall on Sept 10, 2021 8:16:48 GMT -5
Cloud was puffing up his pillow from taking it out of the vacuum sealed bag, patting down and padding his own sleeping space, also pulling the sleeping bags Natasha leant them into the tent. He could still see everyone and they could hear him so loudly he added to his sister’s comment, sniggering in there remembering he had sent everyone in group text a photo of her face au naturel. She had been pissed at him for a week until the conversation had gone so long, so mentally challenged with nonsense that it was completely forgotten. ”You forgot, you like to buy makeup.”When he posted that, he hadn’t been thinking about embarrassing her, he just wanted to get something on her and had no dirt because she was so above everyone with no real faults or triggers; nobody found her unattractive anyway but he couldn’t convince her.
His head slid out slowly, in time to see Feather wink at Catcher as his friend blushed and he was looking at them like they were something messed up, never really understanding their Morse code of communication and staying a step behind the context. All he knew was that she preferred this boy over all his other boys and so did he; the others troubled him when it came to his sister’s discomfort. There was always something extremely crass and unrefined about them and a part of him knew that the friendship was built on his former lack of security in being a sensitive man; someone who couldn’t ignore judgment and hid in locker room talk, ghetto bravado trying to act hard. Those people were the kind with no real respect for women leading him to act the same on the outside; dating the wrong females he was disgusted with nowadays, beer goggles off. He was much happier now; free to treat them as acquaintances but no longer giving a fuck about society, putting what was right first and in turn, putting his sister first. She didn’t have to interact or even meet that kind anymore, and if she did, she knew they didn’t influence him now.
The three of them got along like levels of a Richter scale. She was the calm, Catcher was the storm and he was the entire hell of an aftermath. They were the tunes of an earthquake. He wasn’t really sure where Natasha fit but things were looking up that she could be a new partner in crime if she wasn’t too flirtatious and sending mixed signals even his radar detected. ”She’s definitely a Sith. Like she would be a Slytherin.” His eyes were like almond slits as they looked at her with fake prejudice before he broke into a toothy smile and checked to see what was hanging on their own tent as Feather handed a pink rock to Catcher. That tent was now a love charm and he blinked so many times his lashes batted coquettishly as he stared at his friend while he hung the little crystal on the opposite end of the campsite. Hoping he would catch his suggestive eye, he kept this up until eventually Catcher glanced at him, stoic; the most boring reaction he could receive and his silly smile dropped off his lips to become a pout.
”If you put them in the mud, I will wear and hug you… Roll around in here.” He argued; he could live like a pig for a few days but Feather couldn’t and he knew he would win. She would never do that to his stuff anyway; she treated every piece of inanimate or animate object like they deserved to exist. If the clothes had a face on it, that would make it harder for her and he almost wanted everyone to see how she was with abandoned stuffed toys. Expecting her answer about the fish basket, he just absorbed it and mentioned nothing further; the time would come when they were actually fishing to see what happens. Climbing out, he released one of the blind like flaps at the tent and walked over to sit down where the meat Natasha had been chopping was laying, looking into the fire when she kissed Catcher’s cheek. He admitted they made an attractive couple, handsome contrasting figures almost unrealistically matched out of a movie. They could be song about opposites who were similar and he thought about the idea for a music video; them being his new muse. There were enough songs he was writing that fit as he watched Natasha attempt Jedi mind tricks to no avail. Surprised, the notion about love and the dark side went over his head completely and he suddenly made a big O shape with his mouth, gasping and then smiling with exclamation. ”He’s totally gone to the dark side!” He slapped his pie hole shut as he gave out this delicate information and then hunched over the food station. ”Hah, It’s because of your cookies!” That meant more than one thing and he schemed as he recalled his time in California. ”I’ve been to Disneyland, still want to go though. Potterland first if I can help it. Why don’t we all go?!”
There wasn’t a single soul who disliked Fries and if there was, he couldn’t be friends with them. These people he had met here, he liked and the offer was more of a suggestion to plot and make it happen. He would hop on the bike and take leave from the shop a few days with no issues but what was the point going at it alone, and Feather was going to get sick of all his antics on the journey and at the destination. The way the potatoes were going to roast, he could already taste; Feather’s little trick was the touch he couldn’t find anywhere else and he was sure their friends would fall in love over it. His mouth watered and he picked up the knife, slicing a piece of vegetable without holding onto it, just zig-zagging the little blade, half-heartedly prepping because he really wanted Catcher to take over and let him bounce around.
Post by Feather Crestfall on Sept 12, 2021 9:30:43 GMT -5
Makeup was a bait word he was trying to get her to spill the fact she had a bit of a problem when I came to makeup. She would almost never go anywhere without her eyes, lashes and lips covered in the stuff. She only got so much because when she had found a brand which respected all þhr same values she supported them. "Yes, Makeup too. I don't see you complaining about the nail polish." When it came to her bother and painting his nails it didn't bug her at all, sometimes she get asked about it and she just say he was expressing his individuality. She herself was just as expensive with how she dresses and her hair and all the way down to the tattoo that covered her body. Thier mother was always told them to.nebe conform to what society might want to them to be. She was a rebel herself she had them both young and now she was put in the world off on her own adventure somewhere. One and a while they would hear from her but she was just a free spirit that like to fly free.
Narrowing her eyes she looked back a Cloud, " Sith no, Slytherin maybe but she is probably a Huffelpuff." Thr more they kept talking about fandoms it made he miss Disneyland. They had never visited when they were children but celebrated thier twenty birthday there together. Some people may have found it lame but it was one thing they had in common and bonded over, they had art too but thier styles were completely different. She shocked her head as Cloud mentioned rolling around in the tent covered in mud. She didn't mind to get a little dirty once and a while but she wouldn't survive on night in a mud cover tent. Cloud would be able to either. He would probably try to wash everything out in the river. They both cared way to much about thier appearance sometime. If she did anything of the sort she would just treated to send Catcher and Tash pictures of him when he was younger.
Sitting by the fire it was nice to see everyone seem to be enjoying themselves she wasn't sure how Tash and Cloud would be around each other because when they first met she did seem as receptive tombom as he did her. She honestly thought Cloud would have found her to be irritating or something but she was happy that they both wanted get to known each other a bit better. "No problem, I actually love cooking, I like to know what's in my food then reading a label to see if it fits my diet." She also was tied to by organic or fins some little local farmers stand she rater by more ethical too. She watched Natasha slip a big pack of vegetables into the fire and begging starting on food for the guys. Seeing Cather stop her from preparing and be concerned about her setting up her sleeping space was actually pretty cute. She could tell whatever was happening between them was still new but she hoped they were serious it would be a shame for things to fall apart.
The idea of going on a trip all together got Feather all excited and she hopped to her feet and she grabbed Catcher's shoulder. She looked him righting the eyes almost as if she was trying to burn a hole into his brain to remember. "Okay, you have to say yes, Tash wants to go can't let her down can we?" Feather squeeled happy and move over to the tent. "You really want to go on a trip with us three? We can invite your other friends to the more the merrier right Clo?" They haven't even completed a night of camping and now instead of food and hangout out around the fire he mind was full of thoughts of rides and trying a butter beer even if it wasn't vegan. She picked up a stick and pointed it at Cloud tryingto chop vegetables. "Expelliarmus."
Post by Catcher Reeves on Sept 13, 2021 6:57:10 GMT -5
He chuckled and turned his face away, pretending to deflect the hypnosis of Natasha’s Jedi telekenesis. In no universe was he ever going to be able to forget anything she said; he never did for most of what his friends said and since she mattered more, it wasn’t going to leave him until he bit the dust. They were all being nerds and he glanced at Cloud, satisfied that this plan was successfully bonding him with Natasha a little more positively. Although they were rubbing off on one another, he knew Natasha’s personality and Cloud’s would often clash, particularly if either one was stressed; being on trips, they would be fine. It was apparent the location was crucial and he knew Cloud just jumped the gun constantly and Natasha was evasive; having them solve a mystery room together would mean it never got solved.
Thinking, he realised how uncanny it was that she said Jedi’s weren’t supposed to fall in love, with Cloud shedding light on it all that he seemed to be doing just that. He smiled vaguely to himself at her question avoiding eye contact with her too while the sound of her chopping legumes repeated. When she started rubbing her face and paused, his eyes landed on her once more, the timing leaving him with some suspicion of her disregarding tone about love. Seeing that she was slicing onions, he concluded it was easier to treat that as the sole reason.
The banter between her and Cloud surprised him. It led through the range of subjects as though they had known each other for years. For a second he thought he saw him give him a strange seductive look, one that was meant to be suggestive but came across entirely so different he wished he had a mirror to show Cloud what he looked like so he would know when to throw that gaze around and when not to. Then the flirty expression faltered and he knew it was because he had been distracted and didn’t react; Cloud moved at a million miles a minute sometimes and he could never seem to catch him in a peaceful state outside of a drug stupor or grogginess. In the next minute he knew, Cloud was already talking about rolling around and he didn’t begin to imagine how that would turn out; Cloud would be shooting himself in the foot if he thought he could handle making everything he slept in dirty just to beat Feather at her bet. Catcher was certain she would more likely come up with something that truly bothered Cloud and his friend just didn’t know what he was in for. All she had to do was steal his skincare products and tamper with his face masks and it would be enough to set Cloud off of his beauty regimen, giving him a blemish; reminding him of the photo she shared with them.
”Good thing you’re cooking then.” Since she enjoyed it, Feather’s food would be made with care and attention to detail; however much that could be for campsite food, he simply meant that he never knew this side of her and always thought food should be made with passion. Cloud was always the one making hangover food and now he found the answers he had been searching for regarding how Cloud survived those meals; half the time he ate like crap, and the other he probably had his sister’s food. A parallel of himself with Candela’s dishes.
”Oh-Okay…” It was barely a sound to indicate his understanding of her instructions, sitting down to take over her station when Feather uttered the disarming spell, possibly beginning what would become a charade of magic dueling. He took the knife from Cloud swiftly, mimicking how it would have flown out of his hand from her enchantment; he had been playing with the food anyway. Smiling as pleased as punch, he basked in the funny scenario she created; gravitating to the return of their inner child. Losing that would be as bad as losing imagination. It was clear that if they went to the theme park, they would be roleplaying and that would mean he had to join without even knowing what Hogwart’s house he belonged to; thinking he couldn’t possibly belong to one, it had brought him some laughs to see his friends texting their pride in houses and now talking about it.
Prepping was a regular task and he dragged the blade across the meat, finding it a slightly too blunt to his liking but manageable. Finishing the rest of the meat, he was gathered them with the butter and spices that he had to pry out of Cloud’s other hand in case he over poured or mixed them with flavours that would be too much for their taste buds. Compiling as she he had told him to, he moved it all into the pan Cloud had brought so that the hungry man could gleefully stick it over the fire. They had just started this adventure for a short while and already they were setting a bucket list for somewhere far away with more planning required. Not to mention how apprehensive he should be about being stuck between everyone if they got tired and snappy, he hadn’t even considered much of anything when he made this happen. He almost said nothing just to see where this would go, if they truly were interested and adamant to fulfill it. Learning that Natasha had never been from the way she asked Cloud, he watched her for a while as she accepted his suggestion and moved to the tent, ticking with ideas and blossoming urges to make a fantastic time there a reality.
”No…” He didn’t mind if everyone wanted to go on this holiday. He had been rather stumped at seeing Feather show more emotion than she had ever done before him and his mouth was slightly agape, staring at her as she put her hands on his shoulder with delight. ”I…” Not trying to disappoint anyone or ruin the mood, he wholeheartedly didn’t want Natasha to think he would reject something she wanted. As he had begun wiping his hands on a wet napkin, the motion drawn out while his head bobbed quickly in hasty nods, he blinked then furrowed his brows, regaining composure as the silver haired woman's haunting winged eyes glowed and he was captured by the strands of light colour. ”I mean yes we can go. And no, we can’t let her down… and not you either… I’ll let the others know. They’ll probably be as excited as you…” Adding, he had scanned Feather up and down when she squealed and danced away on air, sounding as mystified as he was while finding himself catching her happiness and feeling the flip flops of butterflies in excitement. If she so much as talked to their other friends about this, they would be all aboard, ready in a heartbeat; he could feel the impatience grow within, glad to have something to look forward to when he returned but wanting to fast track life.
”When do you want to go?” He had asked Feather, letting Cloud handle the completed recipe as he shifted to the side of the log to see if Natasha had been too busy to listen to their discussion. If Feather was that enthusiastic, she would have an accurate timeline; he had to match it somehow with his own schedule on top of everyone else’s. Leaning over to the side to check part of Natasha rustling around in the tent, having moved to the edge of the log, he swapped places with Cloud; not trying to interrupt her focus right when the lovely blonde head reemerged. While she squinted her eyes at him, his widened at hers without a moment to waste, smirking gradually to match. ”No tricks, which means… you’re in there because you want to be.” He slid off the edge of the log and crawled over to her to see what she had improved to the interior, speaking as he ducked his head in, Beside hers and avoiding the crystal, he skimmed and responded with logic masked by a genuine fear that he wanted to be around her as much as possible. ”Or you’ve tricked me so I’m where I want to be.” So close, he raised his gaze to meet hers and subtly breathed, hesitating before backing out casually, charmed by what she had rearranged in the interior, her bag and laptop hiding discreetly in the back corner. ”I guess I’m looking forward to sleeping now.” The smirk softened into a pretty smile and he moved back enough he was on his knees looking at the tent one more time as he got up and walked back to the seat he had, incredulous Cloud was technically cooking meat.
Post by Natasha Black on Sept 14, 2021 8:53:59 GMT -5
It was clear to her as she looked out on the three around the fire that they were good for each other. Each one seemed to fit together like a puzzle understanding each other more than she could grasp herself. She was the wildcard, the one who was just trying to squeeze herself in trying to fit in with them as well. She smiled from within the tent as Cloud talked about Catcher going to the dark side. She knew he was just joking about it because of her cookies. What was so good about her baking? Knowing Cloud enough it probably wasn't exactly what he was talking about so she had to follow up with something. "Well it's good to know my cookies are desirable." She spoke it off tone hoping she wasn't saying something sexual that would come back and bite her later on. She unrolled the foam pad that was wide enough to cover the middle section of the tent it was curling up at the end so she flipped it over knowing the longer it was unwrapped it would flatten out and make a nice soft spot to lay without little pebbles or twigs under her driving he insane as she tried to get comfortable.
As she was rolling out the sleeping bags she stopped for a moment as Feather tried to get Catcher agree to go on a road trip to visit the theme parks. Tash listened carefully hoping he would agree she had always wanted to go but never did as a child. She stayed knelt and quiet as she waited to hear, excitement building as he talked about not letting her down and telling the others. A road trip alone would have been enough for her but inviting the others was fine too as long as Candi didn't try to hang off of him every moment. Every Time she sees the little blonde she gets a little irritated. It almost made her regret dying her hair because she knew Candi probably thought she was copying her or something. It had grown on her though and after all it took just to be able to feel like she could change it she would give it up just yet. With all the changes she no longer saw the sad girl looking back at her in the mirror, gone were the days of wondering how much longer she had to keep pretending to be ok. He had given her back her smile and she wanted to be the girl who made happy in return.
Tricks or not laying with him later is where she wanted to be, bodies so close she could hear his heartbeat between each breath. She wanted to be in his arms even if it was just for one night. Just one might be all she needs to make sense in her head. As Catcher knelt down and climbed inside the opening she wanted to grab him by the collar and pull him in and get him to lay down for a second just to test to see if everything was comfortable enough for them later. She bit down on her lip and looked back at "Best trick ever?" Her cheeks flush as he smiled back in his direction as he exited out of the tent. "Me too".Heading towards the opening she reached out and touched the little pink stone pendant. She wasn't sure what stone it was or what it was supposed to do but knowing Feather it was probably to ward off evil spirits or bring good health. She appreciated Feather's kindness and compassion for others. Even though most would find her a little strange, she had started to become fond of Feather. She had a gentle spirit who always seemed to know the right things to do. She let go of the pendant and crawled back out.
She dusted off her knees, sat down and looked over at Cloud cooking. She would take back over if he wanted her too but for now it looked like whatever he was doing it was going ok. " So after it gets dark we can always play a little game of hunt. We can all phase and give each other a head start; whoever finds the other the fastest wins." She thought this would be really fun running around the areas with no risk of getting seen by people. She knew she had become closer to Catcher it made her wonder ifnhe be able to read her thoughts. This was the only part of the whole game she worried about. If he could hear what thought she was having or she his it might confuse her even more.Out of them all she would be the easiest to find Catcher's fur being so much darker than her own and the cougar twins would be virtually invisible to her also. She had a plan to help disguise herself in the dark if she needed, a little mud won't hurt disguising only her colour but her scent. It wouldn't be cheating, just a little advantage she gives herself. She would let her clean white coat get turned into a chocolate muddy looking mess. It would all wash off in the river in the end. She stood up slightly and peaked over at everything in the pan. "It looks done, pull it off before it gets burnt."
Post by Cloud Crestfall on Sept 17, 2021 2:39:02 GMT -5
Cloud pursed his lips and made a stern face as Feather mentioned his passion for nail polish. She was right to point out this indulgent habit but he didn’t ever buy the varnish, he just went to a nail salon to get them done; it was the only way they could paint interesting patterns, designs or even cartoons on them. He might be a tattoo artist but brushing the tiny amounts of lacquer was not his forte, he had little patience, unexplainably shaky hands and could barely wait for it to dry; doing it himself meant smudging everything and messing it up as he would touch everything before it solidified. While she had her makeup, he had this so they were almost even, if he didn’t also have no qualms about wearing makeup.
”Hufflepuff no way…” He said absentmindedly, considering that Hufflepuffs were the misfits, they could be anyone; his sister might once again be correct, but as he looked at Blondie, he just couldn’t see her being so passive."Gryffindor maybe..." He said with a skeptical tone, almost judging her for being in 'his' house. She would sooner be a Gryffindor in his opinion, somewhat a haughty Hermione; that snappy attitude she had when they met reminding him of an aggravated lioness. He was playing the role of sorting hat and studying her from head to toe as she crawled out of the tent. When his sister didn’t rebuke him about mud and making things dirty, he thought he won and just smiled to himself, bobbing his head like a happy car decoration to silent music. He was pleased enough he just transitioned his head movement to a nod along with a non-existent beat as well, agreeing with Feather that her personal need to check labels for their food really helped his diet. He would have just eaten whatever was in the fridge without much concern about anything other than calories; not for losing weight, but for the fact that he wanted to experiment how many calories he could eat and gain nothing.
”You couldn’t have said it better. Don’t let us down!” Cloud started laughing out loud, rolling over to the side of the log then back to his original sitting position; all kinds of flailing with his hands was happening as his hair tossed about and his eyes were squinted with creases of happiness. Feather hadn’t realised she totally blackmailed Catcher into agreeing to go or actually organizing the trip; she cornered him with the perfect excuse out of naïve excitement. Of all the things she could have said, for a girl he liked as much as Natasha, he would do almost anything; it would be borderline tragic if the pursuit of this relationship was imbalanced and ended up haywire. From what he gathered, Catcher’s last relationship meant the world to him but he was touchy as though he resented it, and after Cloud had met Veronica, he felt like she didn’t really deserve him. Like Seth, he didn’t understand why he had been so hung up on her either, there were plenty of fish in the sea and though she was very likeable from their first meeting, he began to think she was probably too personable with random men to comfortably be relationship material. She would be fun but that was all he ever thought she would be; like a lot of girls at the club, he had a few friends he believed she would be flirty with easily; give some muscles and burly looks, something he was acutely aware of since he didn’t look like that. He chalked his friend's cannonisation of her to one reason; because she was the first and he understood what that was like, often wanting their wingman nights to help him forget her completely even though he had been told it was nullified and on one angry occasion, that what she had been was dead to Catcher.
”I can’t wait!” He huffed in between his laughs that were finally diminishing. ”Just invite everyone.” The more was the merrier but the meaning of everyone literally meant Catcher could choose anybody and Cloud would get along with them for this trip, he liked the kids so far and for a theme park that glorious, he wasn’t going to be picky; they would have the time of their lives, that’s all he cared about. ”I’m good to go whenever. It’s up to Feather, or you and her…” He pointed a thumb to Natasha, jerking the finger like a ringing bell, speaking to both Catcher and Feather simultaneously; it was a messy conversation and he was just throwing everything out there for them to deal with since he could just use some leave days and ‘get the hell out of dodge’. Pretending to try to snatch the knife back with two arms swinging and his hands groping air, he didn’t predict the tool would be stolen from him, but played along with her spell; his hopes he wouldn’t have to cut things had come true as he watched Catcher finish the prep.
Jiggling the contents of the pot, he was looking at the food bubbling as it cooked, the meat changing texture aas everything was ready quickly., smelling aromatic as he pressed his nose towards the steam to get a minor whiff, clearing the sinus as he had detoxed without a cigarette for the last few hours. While he listened to Natasha speak of the cookies he had mentioned, as though they were innocent, he rolled his eyes, smirking at their meal; he meant all her goodies and that included a variety of things on her body but if he had just said that blatantly he would probably not be fed. Both women might also hit him and his friend was going to let them abuse him for the crassness, letting it all be for once to spy on the lovebirds from the corner of his eye. They were funny and strange, adults but children, stuck in some timeless budding romance that they tried to hide with friendship and he really wondered how on earth they were able to sleep together without doing anything explicit.
Cloud sighed over dramatically about all that he was thinking as he pulled the pot away from the fire, just setting it on the ground because he didn’t know what to do with it. It was too hot for them to eat right away and he twisted around looking at the woods, the river and whatever distance he could see, almost antsy to burst into mountain lion form and start Natasha’s game. ”Fine, we wait til dark but it’s not fair, I can’t smell shit and you guys need nose plugs.” He was already thinking about hiding in different places they would never guess, leaping out to scare the wolf girl or pounce on his sister or pushing her into the mud; the only advantage he had was the speed and agility to jump and climb, racing through the land with greater acceleration as a cat. Longer strides and nimble feet, he was faster than the rest, weaker on attack but stealthier and defensive. ”What happens when we win?” His eyes twinkled as it flickered from his sister to Natasha; she was game master now, he wanted to know if there was a reward for the winner and a penalty for the loser even when that was unimportant. Hoping he could come up with something to embarrass Tinkerbell in front of Peter pan, this was only the second time he would get to mess with her since at the tattoo shop, things were too serious; the first time she was a drunken troll doll and that was hilarious, his mind was beginning to reel with dares. ”Or… when we lose?”
Post by Feather Crestfall on Sept 19, 2021 12:36:19 GMT -5
She was acting a little more excited then she usually didn't but she didn't care if Catcher or Tash saw her playful side.She was often very reserved but she was happy to have people around her that she could actually get along with and let them see this part of her she never expressed too often. A smile stretched across her face as Catcher said yes. It would be a while before they would actually make the trip anywhere, it was still the summer and it was usually the busy season to be going to theme parks. It would make lines longer and she wanted to experience it." Anytime but the rest of the summer.Too many people go in the summer. If we are going we have to go in the fall, maybe even the spring if we all are free." She didn't know what sort of schedule everyone was working with but she hoped in some way they could all work it and have a vacation together.
Having Catcher and Cloud play on with her disarming spell made her laugh. She was just playing around but she was super happy for them to play along. She loved Harry Potter, she was different and one thing she loved about the fandom there was always a way for some character you could relate to it. Sitting on the log she listened as Natasha talked about playing a game of hunt. It sounded very fun, she and Cloud have never really done anything like that so they could hear each other through a game like that between the two would never get far. It was nice to have friends that she could relate to. For so long it was just her and her brother dealing with exploding into mountain lions and not understanding why they had become what they had become. Now they had shifted friends and they had families and friends that knew about their secrets. It was so much nicer than having to pretend to be some ordinary person, not that she would even classify herself as that.
Feather knew people thought she was strange, with all of her ideas on spirituality, the powers of the universe and the odd fascination with oddities and death. She was strange, people thought she was, they also thought she was a great artist and it was how she viewed the world around her that made her so creative. "Don't rely on your nose then dear brother. We're not going to out sniff them anyway. We are ambush predators, use your eyes and ears." She smiled. As a lion she was only a bit smaller then Cloud she was so light on her feet she would almost be undetected by sound. She loved when she was able to run free and connect to the earth on a different plain. "Why should a prize matter? It will be fun anyway but is there is one do you have something hidden away in the tent?" Feather didn't expect anything they were doing right now just bonding was a big enough prize.
Feather picked up two sticks and flipped her little ton package with the potato sticks in to over to help it cook more even on both sides. The embers of the fire popped and shut off a few chips when she did, sending a piece of hot coal to jump onto her skirt. She quickly flicked off before burning a hole through the black material. She then turned her focus to the bundle of food Natasha had prepped and turned it over also. "So is it a team thing or everyone for themselves ? If so we should make it girls against boys."
Post by Catcher Reeves on Sept 22, 2021 11:21:03 GMT -5
Agreeing to the trip, he could tell that jumping on the bandwagon was the right choice; Cloud’s resounding voice boomed and Feather’s thoughtful chain of words trying to decide a time to go confirmed it. The only one who had the least reaction was Natasha and he wondered what she was thinking, hoping she wouldn’t change her mind when the time came; he would actually be planning it around her since everyone else was more flexible. He knew what little spare time he had, it was set in stone and he couldn’t change his schedule but it could always seem like he wasn’t trying very hard to sort this out; she didn’t have to know this was more about her than his own fun. ”Spring would be good… I won’t be here until Winter and I’m not sure if everyone’s doing anything over that holiday. It would be nice to spend New Year’s somewhere else though. Fefe, you don’t really celebrate Christmas either, being pagan… we could do something different that week too if nobody ends up having plans.” It was hard not to call her the nickname she resented, throwing it in here and there so she’d be caught off guard; it was possibly the only physical indication of intimacy with her that others could relate.
Although he was answering as sensibly as possible, he was actually revising Natasha asking if it was the best trick ever as he backed out of the tent. In his mind it was the picture of her, magnified seconds of subtle movements from her lip biting to what he thought was a tinge of blush. He had mouthed the same words, no longer a question but an answer as he exited, not visible to her but reaffirming to himself how he felt. His attention to the road trip was as half baked as the idea, most of the efforts to be made later when he wasn’t so distracted by the possibility that she might truly appreciate it, enough to like him longer than this Summer. The first kiss they shared on the sands had shed their veiled attraction in a way he found treacherous; potentially destructive to their solid friendship. ”Tash, when you find out your schedule, just let me know.” But all the dream like moments they shared between then and now enlivened a part he thought was gone completely; he began to miss her, searching for ways to talk to her as often as the sun came up, and wallowed in frustration when she didn’t seem to reciprocate, her understanding of his intentions, a mystery.
It was clear at the bonfire, she wasn’t serious about anything and even doubt couldn’t alter that fact that came directly from her words; theirs was a beginning that wanted more without knowing what was being asked of them and he constantly tipped between fearing for the worst and throwing caution to the wind since the night at the beach. Not forcefully pursuing her or being boldly settled even in a short period of time was unlike him; if he felt so infatuated then he had chosen her, and what he was desperate to feel wasn’t out of reach if he openly won her over. But their circle, their history and their boundaries distorted his direction and detained him in a prison of respect for her wishes so as not to create a catastrophe. Sometimes he wanted to ask her what she thought was going to happen if they did this, but he couldn’t; he didn’t even want their friends to know he wasn’t equally fickle and playing with her for fun and games because it made him appear weaker than her. One thing he was hiding more than everything, keeping aloof on the outside, was that he suspected it should have always been her even with Veronica’s presence reminding him of a love he never thought could die. When everything in life was so temporary, he was rushed, hurried and impatient to solve this, be it a fling or unlabeled phase in their life. In the meantime, he would make the most of the night when they were alone, try to read her better and check himself before plunging into something if he could.
Pulling out utensils from Cloud’s bag pockets, he could see the misshapen bulges along the material and emptied it, counting them in a bundle before rearranging them so they were paired and handing it to Cloud. There were even take out utensils that were extra and plastic, he almost laughed imagining Cloud trying to figure out what to bring and just tossing whatever he found in the kitchen that he thought would be useful. At least everything he handed over was metal and wouldn’t snap like a twig if they poked a harder piece of food. He reached over to his rucksack and pulled out the exact number of plates and bowls they needed. Whatever Feather and Natasha were trying to eat seemed more complicated and he just let them decide what they would use, passing the stack to Feather; she could even utilise them for whatever else she wanted to roast. All Cloud needed was a spoon and he a bowl to scoop a portion of what he could before the cat ate everything. They would’ve been paper plates but he realised at the last minute that they would have to throw it somewhere which ultimately led him to ponder how Feather felt about recycling. It was a strange mental process, one he developed being around her as Cloud never seemed to show how much he cared; since he didn’t have enough personal items to fill the sack, he had enough space to put washable dinnerware in it, appeasing his concerns and making things easier.
He smiled to himself, practically smirking something gleeful, meeting cloud’s eye line when Natasha suggested a game of hide and seek. The sky was grey, the beautiful spectrum of blue hues was blending into darkness as the sun started setting, hidden behind some clouds. The temperature dropped slightly and the air was no longer stuffy with trapped heat. They would eat and within the next hour, it would be nightfall and pitch black with starry lights in the space above would shine brighter than electricity. She was a snow white wolf, illuminated in the darkness and impossible to miss. Cloud and Feather had never seen her phased so they had no idea how easy it would be to spot her without a wintry landscape. There was no way they couldn’t catch or find her, he automatically assumed they were all for themselves and not in teams. When Feather inquired and pointed out they should be separated as boys against girls, he bit his lower lip, grinning widely. Feather may be illusive and quiet, a shadow in the night but she would be predictable to her brother and he almost thought that was enough of an inside scoop he wouldn’t have to work so hard to make up for Cloud’s insufficient tracking abilities.
Feather must have been psychic because he froze a little when she talked about a prize. There was the taboo laptop in their tent and he debated whether they would want to use it with winning. The idea was as she said, of no matter; they could watch something or listen to songs with it regardless of the game’s outcome but that was Natasha’s choice. ”We could do teams, might get pretty hard to tag if it’s everyone for themselves. We’d have to find everyone before figuring out who was first if we did that. Cloud will probably get lost…” Picking up the metal pan, he spooned almost half of it to his bowl and put it back down in front of Cloud so he could just devour it, watching Feather work with what she threw into the fire. ”Just know it is hunting season, we are in a safe zone… but there are other campers.”Being paired up with his friend was much simpler, a bit of a relief since being alone with Natasha meant he didn’t even really care about finding Cloud; he had to do that all the time anyway. Being with Feather meant he would likely be the cause of her getting caught; with Cloud, it just didn’t matter, he could do nothing or something only Cloud of the three had seen.
He wasn’t sure if he would ever need to tell Natasha; he couldn’t even tell Seth without sounding insane and ostracizing himself further from ever having been part of their pack. Catcher was no longer wholly wolf as he thought was his only shifted form; he transfigured into a catdog bandit of a raccoon on Claude’s sofa in the treehouse after the banana party, horrifying himself and two of his closest friends. That led to a string of attempts to become other animals; constipated trials that failed because they were too outrageous and deep down he knew he didn’t want to be those unrealistic things; a dinosaur, a unicorn and the list went on, they were too entertained by his mutation.”When has he used his eyes and ears except for checking out girls and making music?” He teased his friend, mostly saying this to Feather as gospel since she had to handle the racket of everything her twin did, sharing a look with her that it was the undeniable truth, suspicious Cloud was trying to come up with some fall back plan in case they lost that there wasn’t going to be a prank or dare they had to do, but that if they won, he had control of something along those lines. Fiddling with a fork, he tapped it against his palm, eyeing everyone blankly, shrugging as he looked into the fire; challenged by his unpredictable shifting, it would make or break his hopes it wasn’t a blooper with side effects. Besting the girls would be great but he wasn’t too interested unless he could make the activity rewarding in his own way, test his newfound skills.”A prize is only motivation. We could decide that afterwards if you two want to come up with something you want... maybe even something we’ll fulfill another day. I'm fine with anything.”
Post by Natasha Black on Sept 23, 2021 19:42:50 GMT -5
The more planning she heard about the road trip the more excitement grew within her. So much had changed in her world in such a little time. Sitting with his small group by fire would have never happened if Catcher hadn't arrived back into her life when he did. She didn't know what kept him around, especially how on the night after prom she was such a moody bitch. That angry girl wasn't really her, just like everyone she did have her moments but that morning after they had gotten to the club she had been a total nightmare. She expected anything but a barbecue to happen at the beach the night of the bonfire,but so much had happened and it changed her forever. Without that night she wouldn't have gotten on motorcycle, and headed out to the national park, or even met Feather. The chain of events since that evening had made him a different person.
Spring time would be the best decision to go anywhere,but then she is getting close to finishing her first year at college, and she might be almost too busy for her to go anywhere.She wouldn’t miss this opportunity. She would take all her practical exams earlier and study even harder. She would ask to do whatever test or exams she could in advance. She does anything to make it. "Don't worry about my schedule, I'd cut off a toe if it got out of school for a week." She laughed that she wouldn't actually cut a toe off her toe because she liked them too much. She was just using it as a way to express she was willing to do anything. If she didn't go with them in the spring she would never find a reason to go alone. She moved off the subject of severing as Catcher had begun to fiddle in Cloud's bag putting out utensils.
Hearing everyone agree to her little game made her happy, she used to play similar games when she was younger with kids in her neighborhood back in Canada. As soon as the sun started to set they would spit up in teams and hide.They were adults but it was always fun to let loose a play and have fun. She watched as Feather flipped the pouches over and the fire and her stomach growled loudly. It shouldn't take much more time for their food to cook but the stew-like mixture in the pot did smell really good. She hadn't eaten all day being too excited to go camping trying to plan out tasks and activities to do so they wouldn't get bored. She eyes the pot for a moment before turning her attention to Cloud. " You'll have an advantage, believe me," She would show him her pristine white coat before she took off into the woods and found the sloppiest puddle to roll around in. She didn't usually like getting all muddy but they were just by the river she could clean off there after.
She covered her mouth to suppress her laughter as Catch tales about what Cloud usually used his eyes and ears for. She could picture him half playing his guitar messing up cords as some underfed looking woman with an overly large butt walked by. He probably would be all over someone like that. She had never seen Cloud with anyone but some girl with a blowout ass would definitely steal his attention. She pulled her thoughts back to focus on the game. Teams would be the best idea, especially because they might run into campers as Catcher mentioned. She had forgotten that this time of year there would be people out camping, they just have to be careful. "I'm good with the team ideas, and picking a prize later. Feather will probably win it all anyway." She would be able to hide better than her. Feather could leap higher and climb where she would be more restricted to the ground. The whole game would be interesting; she just hoped Catch would even get broken bits of her thoughts; she would probably just give herself away in more ways than one.
She could hear the sound of the vegetables roasting change to more of a steaming whistling sound as the juice and stem were trying to escape the package themselves. Gabbing a fork she fished the big tin pack out of the fire and set it to the side of it letting it cool now. "If you ever think of pouncing on me, I'll bite you." She snapped her teething in his direction before placing a hand on Catcher's shoulder and whispering in his ear. "Don't tell him about the movies."
Post by Cloud Crestfall on Sept 30, 2021 22:33:46 GMT -5
As soon as Feather said they should make it girls against boys, Cloud rejoiced. Clenching a fist and shaking it as he jerked his arm in the air like it was a piston of success, he grinned broadly at everyone. A very obvious yes was displayed as he looked up and down; flipping his head back to the sky and then bowing so much his hair was a fan. It was so energetic, he almost smacked the handful of stuff he was being handed and had to stop moving before he would have rolled backwards to fall off the log. Taking the dinnerware, he distributed it to his sister and Natasha. He was all eyes and ears for this game, despite those senses usually being used for exactly the things Catcher had mentioned. It would be shameless but he would never pass a pretty girl without giving them a good look, and a good tune would always be music to his ears.”Fine, prizes don’t matter… I got this anyway dudettes.” The answer changed because he concluded there was a bigger win in the picture even if still said he would beat them all for no reason. There was a secret he knew that he wanted to test out again ever since he had seen it. This was the perfect opportunity and they could even jazz it up if he could think of a way to scare or confuse the girls; the woods were very inspirational for thrills.
Slapping his hands on Catcher’s shoulders when he put down his food, he shook him as he stared into his eyes with some sort of mind altering, weird look on his face. Then he laughed and clapped once like it was all translated and whatever he was thinking had transferred to his friend’s brain. When he heard Natasha say that there would definitely be an advantage, that egotistical glee became confused, puzzlement spreading and he just kept turning his head from her to Catcher. He was going to mouth questions but didn’t want to burst his own bubble if he was wrong. If this was another advantage she was speaking of that added onto the other, then it was icing on the cake but if he assumed they were the same thing and blurted it, then there would be none. It was too soon for his friend to have told her or shown her anything since the girl was clearly toying for a hot pursuit while the boy procrastinated. She may not cut her toe off for school but she might have if she could find true love and happiness, like any dramatic heroine, she had some sob story Catcher wouldn’t tell spill. Cloud dramatically rubbed his chin as if he was doing excellent detective work and said nothing, grabbing the pot that was now half empty to tip the rest of its contents into a bowl he had been given but dropped because he was too excited.
”Yea Fea is super quiet. Can’t even hear her with my awesome ears… sometimes she scares me when I come out of the bathroom.” Recalling how after washing his hair and having towels all around his head to dry it, occasionally wrapping it like some turban and wearing a face mask he would see her in a reflection and jump squeal to which she would look at him wanting to laugh but finding him unbelievable. To be fair, he was not always there in the same headspace as reality and the other times he would just look so out of it she would be the one scared he didn’t blink. He knew he looked dead eyed at times, tired or like he had been left out wet and dried by a rag but for the most part, he would always appear as stellar as the word goes. Even when he looked like he was imitating a middle aged mother, all but missing two cucumber slices on his eyes, fresh nail polish and all. ”oh… and no… I don’t scream like a girl though.” Sternly, he sent electrifying eye missiles to his twin and spoke about his own questionable reactions before she could describe it in any way. Like a publicity stunt, he skipped to his own confession so nobody could ask about it and lead up to the reveal of any of his embarrassing responses. They weren’t that embarrassing because it was his sister and he didn’t really care what Natasha might think, knowing this information died as gossip on Catcher’s end but he animatedly waved an open palm in front of everyone as though a spell had been cast and they believed only him. ”If she wins, technically I kinda win too.” Now he looked like a smiling cartoon cat with swaying ears on his head making fun of the gendered teams and their soon to be futile attempts.
Holding the bowl, he scooped the cubes of meat and vegetable into his mouth, sauce filling it at a fiery temperature. In that instant he knew he should’ve blown on it or waited because it was just out of the pot, retaining all the heat. It was too late and he just looked like a chipmunk trying to let out the steam as well as chew and swallow it all. Luckily enough, he managed to eat it and then fanned the hell out of his mouth, giving it a few more minutes before he could gulp things the way he liked. Shortly after Natasha chomped at him and his whole face contorted to a shocked, big eyed and stretched ‘yikes’ at her then began smirking irritatingly back so she couldn’t tell if he got the message or not. He watched suspiciously as she drew next to Catcher’s ear and whispered something so deliberately low he should’ve paid more attention to his audio instead of visual.
”What is this! You better not be in bed with the enemy.” He chose those words without thinking but they were carefully close to his gutterbrain crossing into the competitive mind. At least at the camp they technically were sharing a bed, and he inadvertently pointed it out again, suddenly wondering if he could get used to them being a couple before they could even stop trying to hide their stupid timidness. It was directed to his bro and he knew throwing this was like a wrench because he was certain the kid would let her win or do whatever she had just told him to. Ever since the tattoo, he could see they were getting more involved and he felt his friend slipping away, easily persuaded by her like a teenage boy again and he could tell she didn’t realize the young man was in reality, darkly vulnerable. Of all things, it was love that he had to carry him through as the timing of their friendship dictated, the most difficult battle of life encroaching but in all other aspects, the prodigal son was exceptional and Cloud couldn’t keep himself from feeling both supportive and fearful. He had seen enough of relationships, written enough lyrics, sung enough songs to feel as responsible as he was to his fans to give them the truths he found, in being a pillar of whatever he was supposed to be before he was dead and gone.
Squinting at the pair, he looked at Feather and studied her body language while she got ready to eat to see if she knew anything deeper than he had perceived. Usually, when he reacted, she would but more often than not, he didn’t actively want to know how she felt because he knew they shared intuitions and he caused more emotion than she did, positive and negative. He picked up the bowl again and started shoveling food back into his mouth, the temperature more tepid than boiling.
There was a smoky flavor, some sort of charring from the bottom of the metal pot and it burned his tongue while he savoured the strange taste of outdoor cooking and the atmosphere. He would have enjoyed being a cowboy, he mused about how his bike would be a horse and the coolness of being as wild as the land. It brought him the nostalgic sense that overtook his body, when they were in the desert climate, red and brown sandy dust storms across a flat emptiness that echoed and he slurped the rest of his bowl before rising. A faraway look in his eyes, he walked toward their shared tent and tossed his clothes, left in his hilariously bright blue boxers of caricature green zombies when he was done. His vision was glazed over with splotchy terrain of desert roses and cacti, swirling tumbleweeds and clay texture against his skin, a landscape most had never seen and he shook his head. In that shaking motion, his cheekbones widened, eyes brightened and the entire lanky body trembled in a cold shiver as skin flaked to fur. A chameleon change, he elongated to the ground, feet and paws becoming one as the final portion of his tail appeared in a quick swishing growth. He dropped to the floor and rolled onto his side, tall and largely more athletic; a big mountain lion with some dirt and leaves sticking to his back as he laid there with fat plush paws for a few seconds. Giving Natasha an ominous feline stare and getting on all fours, he licked his shoulder as though he could groom himself, losing a sense of humanity as he was now in tune with the animal form. The blue eyes were the unique shade that resembled his, the only part that reminded anyone it was him and they darted to Catcher with a warning he would not be able to keep up as a wolf.
Post by Feather Crestfall on Oct 3, 2021 7:10:12 GMT -5
The agreement on the prize not matter would help everything progress. The last thing they needed to do was sit and debate for an hour trying to figure out what each team would get for winning. The only thing that mattered to most people was bragging rights and Feather certainly didn't care about them. The game would be fun enough, she didn't remember the last time she played a game of hide-and-seek."I'm so excited." It would be far from the triational game she remembered from her youth. It would be far more exciting running around the woods with Catcher and Natasha. She liked being around Cloud but always found it strange when they could hear each other's thoughts. It was the only time they were almost one entity. Their two halves almost became a whole balancing every thought and action that came to their minds. She had also found a way to block him out when she needed to. It wasn't anything special, just a way she could quiet her mind from him, a weird meditation technique that seemed to be more than beneficial as human or beast.
She smiled at her brother's complement, and took the dishes from Catcher as he passed them over, sitting them down beside her waiting as the food was getting to the point now to pull it out. There had been many times she had scared Cloud that she had agreed once to wear bells around her ankles so when she was moving around the place she could hear her before he saw her. It only lasted for about a week before she missed seeing him jump every time she came around a corner unexpectedly. Sometimes she even did it for her own amusement but she wouldn't tell Cloud that he would probably try to prank her back like leaving a half eaten ham sandwich on her pillow or something. She would force him to eat it after because she wouldn't let him waste the flesh the pig gave up to be tossed away without a purpose. "He definitely screams like a girl."
Hearing that the boys would have an advantage made Feather curious, sure she Cloud would have the advantage over their canine companions but having even one more over Tash made her glad that was on her team. It might make everything more balanced. It did slightly worry her that is was hunting season even if they were in a safe zone if a camper saw them running about they might take a shot in their direction even if it was just as a warning. She would take extra care to observe the surroundings. She watched Tash take the package of food out of the fire and she did the same with her fry package. It wouldn't take long before it was cool enough to touch so she got the plates ready as Cloud joked around with Catcher about sleeping with the enemy. If anything whatever the two had going on might make them either more competitive. She laughed loudly as Tash snapped at Cloud. It would be funny to see the two intact like that. She almost hoped he would pounce on her to see who would win the exchange.
Picking up the cooled packages she opened it up, putting half of it on her plate and the other on a plate for Tash. "Here, eat up, thank you for eating like me tonight." She passes it over to her before opening the fries and putting a few on her plate.she wasn't used to others putting in such an effort to understand her that she was impressed that she had agreed to give up meat for a weekend. It was hard for Feather at first switching her diet to just vegetables as her feline side often craved some meat based food but with willpower she hadn't given in for a few years now. Having a few fries left she looked over at Catcher wondering if he wanted to try. Maybe she made them the proper way she needed time when he was over hanging out with Cloud. They were a little less crispy then they would be at home after soaking and frying in some vegetable oil. She dropped them in his bowl and quickly began eating her own meal. Everything tasted very delicious with the proper amount of seasoning. Even a meat lover would be satisfied with both the texture and flavor of the bounty the earth had to offer for a meal.
She poked at a large piece of carrot and looked over at Cloud who was just finishing up. Cloud already had a head start and knowing her twin he would wait long before phasing into his feline form. He loved competition and when he had gotten up left for the tent. Returning soon as the lanky muscular lion she could easily identify just by the darker fur pattern that outlines his sides like a unique fingerprint. She looked over at the two others popping a mushroom in her mouth and chewed it down with hardly any effort."I think I like him as a cat more, he's more quiet this way." Feather teased her brother before taking her last fork full and placing her dish down and running over to the tent to transform herself.
Slipping her skirt, favorite jacket and her crop top she placed them all nearly in the corner setting them down so when they returned in the darkness she would know exactly where to find everything. Pulling her silver hair out of its braid she shook her head letting it fall around her as she placed her hand down on the ground connecting her to her inner beast. Her tawny fur sprouted out of her body like an explosion, hastily turning her into a cougar a bit smaller than her brother, more sleek and light footed. Her soft padded feet guided her around the fire first over towards Cloud how she head butted him in the shoulder before circling around Catcher and Tash returning to near where she had sat before. Now that she and Cloud were ready they were just waiting on the others to finish.