Wildheart, Forever

Tam

Tam didn't really want to greet the campers, but he volunteered because Sophie and Keefe were reattaching a lightbulb to the roof. Last time he saw them, they were arguing over who would levitate it and who would keep watch.

At least they aren't trying to climb a ladder. That would end badly.

He could tell that his fellow shadow-dweller was studying him, and so he didn't flinch when Nico sent a thought to brush up against his shadow.

You seem cheerful?

I gained a crush on Sophie and Keefe... um about when they covered that Neverseen agent in jello and pushed him down the stairs into a tarp full of shaving cream. Confessed to them a few months ago, and now I'm in charge of making sure neither of them dies.

Wow. Will and I are going to confess to Percy.

Well then, may the shadows be on your side.

And on yours as well.

Letting his shadow go back to its normal shape, Nico made his way into the hall and towards his significant concerns. Keefe patted the seat on the other side of Sophie, a clear invitation that Tam took without any hesitation.

When they were cleared to grab food, Tam took Sophie's plate first and filled it with mac and cheese. Sophie took it cheerfully and began munching on it with a smile, leaving Tam and Keefe to make their own plates.

And yes, Tam knew Sophie was perfectly capable of serving herself, but he wasn't sappy in the usual ways so this was his way of showing he cared (also she hadn't eaten much breakfast- Tam didn't want a repeat at lunch).

Keefe was talking about some prank he was going to pull with Leo, and Tam knew he had to intervene.

"As long as you don't cause any property damage or anything, because as much as I love you I can't do much if you get kicked out."

"Ok Tongsy boy!"

Gods, why did Tam love him again? Gently cuffing his boyfriend over the head, Tam smiled as Keefe burst into laughter. That's why.

Both of them were probably the only people other than Linh who he could open up to. They both had their own trauma, which made him feel less judged and more... accepted. Empathy and sympathy, not pity.

Keefe was funny, and when he wasn't joking around he was also a stupid genius who enjoys getting revenge via pranks and helping others. He liked mint chip anything, and his favorite genres of book were unsurprisingly comedy and surprisingly, horror. Keefe's favorite way to wake Tam or Sophie up during sleepovers was coming over and scattering little kisses on their faces or singing to them- a pretty big contrast to how he was with their friends.

Sophie was his bookworm, her interest in knowing things was especially endearing to Tam. Her favorite human candies were Mounds, Reeses cups, and Yorks, and it was her habit to keep some minis at her desk in case she needed to snack. Whenever she woke up from a nap, she would yawn and cuddle into the closest object whether it be whoever she fell asleep on or a tree.

After everyone was done, they were supposed to do the dismissal speech. Instead, Director Masie pulled them over to talk in hushed tones.

"I'm really sorry to spring this on you, counselors, but I have to let you know. It's not even the money, the government..."

She dissolved into mumbles, and Tam was beginning to get concerned.

"What's wrong?" Sophie asked, putting a hand gently on Masie's elbow, most likely in hopes of calming her down. "I'm sure whatever it is we can fix it!"

"Camp Wildheart is closing down."

I know, I'm evil to be ending it at this cliffhanger. More will be explained later... :D