Camp Night • Rodrick x Reader

𝟶.𝟸

Y/n's Pov

"Wakey wakey! We're here!" my brother shouted, shaking me awake. I jumped, my heart pounding in my chest. "Do you always have to scare the living shit out of me?" I asked grumpily, rubbing my eyes and trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. He nodded, grinning mischievously as he exited the car.

I groaned and stretched before stepping out into the fresh air. As I walked around to the trunk to grab my bag, I heard the roar of a van speeding into the campgrounds. It screeched to a halt, parking haphazardly. My brother frowned and yelled, "Hey, assholes! Be careful!"

A group of guys and girls tumbled out of the van, laughing and jostling each other. One of the guys smirked at us. "We're camp counselors," he said smugly.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm Derek," my brother introduced himself, trying to sound friendly. One of the girls eyed me skeptically. "Camp counselors only, nerd. Camp doesn't start until tomorrow," she said.

Great, I thought. I could tell we were not going to get along. "My brother is a counselor here and had to take me," I retorted, walking away from them as they continued introducing themselves. I could care less about their names.

I wandered into the mess hall, taking in the long tables and benches, the faint smell of old wood and cleaning supplies lingering in the air. This was going to be my life all summer. How fun. Not. I already hated the camp counselors.

A few moments later, Derek walked in. "Come on, I'll show you your cabin," he announced. I felt a surge of annoyance. "Yeah, and put me by myself? Go have fun with the other counselors, Derek," I told him, crossing my arms.

He walked next to me, his expression softening. "Ugh! Just fuck off," I shouted, storming away from him. I wandered around the camp, trying to get my bearings. Eventually, I found a dock by the lake. I walked to the end and sat down, letting my feet dangle off the side.

This is so stupid. Why'd I have to come a day early? There's nothing to do and no one to talk to, I thought, staring out at the water. The sun reflected off the surface, creating a dazzling array of sparkles that did little to lift my mood.

I heard splashing nearby and turned to see some of the counselors swimming. I noticed that the girls were topless, and I felt a surge of discomfort. Standing up, I decided to walk away. I didn't feel like seeing that or whatever else might happen in those waters.

As I made my way back to the main camp area, I kicked at the dirt path, frustrated and lonely. Why did I have to be dragged here? Derek had his friends, and I was stuck being the awkward tagalong. I sighed, wishing I could be anywhere but here. The only thing I could hope for was that camp would at least provide some distraction from the monotony of Shadyside.

I found a quiet spot under a large oak tree and sat down, leaning against the rough bark. I closed my eyes, trying to imagine being back home, away from this nightmare of a summer.

After a while, I heard footsteps approaching. I opened my eyes to see Derek standing there, looking sheepish. "Hey," he said softly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."

I sighed, feeling a bit of my anger melt away. "It's not just you, Derek. It's this whole situation. I don't want to be here."

He nodded, sitting down next to me. "I know. But maybe it won't be so bad. You might even have some fun," he said, nudging me gently with his shoulder.

I couldn't help but smile a little. "We'll see. Just promise me you'll stop singing out loud."

Derek laughed. "Deal. Now, come on. Let me show you where you'll be staying. And if you need anything, just let me know, okay?"

I nodded, standing up and brushing off my pants. "Okay. Lead the way."

As we walked through the camp, I couldn't shake the feeling of dread, but at least I had Derek. Maybe, just maybe, this summer wouldn't be a complete disaster.