Camp Night • Rodrick x Reader

𝟶.𝟺

Y/n's POV

NEW DAY

"Wake up! Y/n, we have to talk," my brother's voice filtered through the door, accompanied by a persistent knocking. I groaned, rolling my eyes as I begrudgingly climbed out of my bunk. My muscles ached from the restless night, but I shuffled to the door and opened it, squinting at the early morning light.

He walked in and sat on the other bed, his face a mix of concern and frustration. "So, about last night..." he began quietly, his eyes avoiding mine. I looked off into the distance, trying to brace myself for the conversation I knew was coming. "You laughed with them, and it hurt me," I finally said, my voice barely above a whisper, tinged with sadness.

"The others have been bullying me, Derek!" I shouted, my voice cracking. "I try to tell you, and you're too busy fucking your girlfriend to care!" He scoffed, standing up angrily.

"I told you to stay put for a reason!" His voice was louder now, filled with irritation. "I highly doubt they were bullying you, Y/n. If anything, it was just a little hazing."

Tears of frustration welled up in my eyes. Of course, he didn't believe me. "You must be so right, Derek," I mumbled sarcastically. "I think I was just imagining it." I hopped off my bed, the anger bubbling over. "If it makes you feel better, I'll pretend I don't know you anymore so you can keep up the cool guy act. But remember, we are from Shadyside. Bad things always happen to us," I confessed bitterly.

He looked taken aback by my words, but I didn't wait for his response. I was too hurt and angry. I wandered back to my cabin, hoping he had left, and grabbed my toothbrush and clothes for a shower.

Exiting the outhouse, I was met with Alice's sneer. "Your nose is bleeding, freak," she spat, pointing at my face with a look of disgust. I lifted my fingers to my nose and felt the warm, sticky liquid. Without a word, I sprinted away to clean it up, ignoring her mocking laughter. "The witch must have you!" she called out, slamming the outhouse door behind her.

I ran blindly, not caring where I was going, until I collided with a body, knocking me backward. "Shit," I mumbled, looking up to see Rodrick. He hurried to help me up but paused, staring at my nose.

"Did I break your nose?" he asked, dropping to one knee to inspect it.

"I-I'm fine!" I pushed his hands away, sitting up and wiping my nose.

"What are you two doing?" Cindy's voice cut through the tension. Rodrick immediately stood up, and Cindy's eyes flicked between him and my nose. "Did he hurt you?!" she cried out.

I shook my head, fully standing. "No! Honestly, I've been getting them a lot recently," I explained, though I wasn't sure she believed me.

She sighed, glancing at her watch. "Y/n, go to the other outhouse to clean up. Rodrick, come with me. The nurse needs help, and some other camp counselors should be here soon."

Rodrick left with her, but I couldn't shake the nagging worry. Why was I getting nosebleeds so frequently? It didn't make any sense. As I cleaned up in the outhouse, I heard the bell jangle, signaling that it was time for the others to arrive. In a hurry, I ran out and walked towards the front of the camp.

"Derek told me what you said," Cindy's voice startled me. I looked to my side to see her walking next to me.

"Yep, so what?" I crossed my arms, defensive. She sighed, clearly frustrated.

"He's your brother, Y/n," she said softly.

I scoffed. "He laughed when they were making fun of me. How's that supposed to be family if you hurt them? Huh, Cindy?" I shot back.

"I know he did, but he's sorry!" she exclaimed. I didn't respond, my anger too raw. She eventually walked away, going to join the other counselors who were waiting for the newcomers.

A small bus came to a stop, and out came more counselors. Two girls and two boys. I walked closer, curious. "Hey! I'm Erica, and this is my sister Bella," one of the girls introduced herself to the group. The two boys followed suit.

"Sup, I'm Jack," one said, his tone casual.

The other shook his head slightly, offering a small smile. "I'm Nick. It's nice meeting you all."

My brother clapped his hands, gathering everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone. In an hour, the campers should be here, so let's help get everything sorted out to make camp night one hell of a fun time," he announced enthusiastically. The group responded with shouts and cheers, but I just rolled my eyes. He was right about one thing – it was going to be hell.