Lunar » The Quarry

1. Nick x Reader - Sleepover

If someone had asked you if you'd come anywhere near North Kill a year ago, you'd have said no.

That being said, North Kill was exactly where you found yourself. More specifically, you found yourself sitting on the edge of the boathouse's dock, letting your bare feet hang inches above the lapping water beneath you. The summertime heat had bloomed into full effect in the scenically cast golden hour, soaking you in a comfortable warmth. Every couple of seconds, you'd watch the water slightly rise.., then recede. The heels of your flip-flops hung ajar from your heels, and the single silver anklet on your right leg gleamed in the sun. Distantly, a single bird warbled a dainty song. You could still smell the rain from the brief rainstorm you'd been caught in the hour prior.

Maybe it was time to confront the possibility that North Kill wasn't too bad after all.

"PLEASE Y/N! Can you PLEASE ask Mr.Hackett if we can stay out longer?" A small voice pleaded, snapping you from your thoughts.

You took a moment to look over your shoulder as one of your campers, Ella, came to sit on the edge of the dock with you. "Well..," You hesitated, biting the inside of your cheek. "He seemed pretty serious about us going back to the lodge soon." You admitted, looking back to the water.

Instantly, the young girl before you shifted, leaning all of her weight into you. She was setting up a plea.

"No." You immediately countered before she could speak, eliciting boisterous laughter from her.

"Awh-- COME ON! Please?" The stubborn voice countered pleadingly.

Usually, you'd falter more. Chris was typically an easygoing and charming boss, but something about his frazzled nature a few minutes prior had unsettled you. In place of Mr.Hackett's warm, gentle gaze had been an anxious thousand-yard stare. You felt the man had barely seen you as he, quite plainly, told you that you needed to be elsewhere– fast. He had appeared from the boathouse behind you quite suddenly, scolded you, and disappeared just as hastily. It was hard not to wonder if something serious had happened in the local town, or worse, in the camp. Hopefully, Chris was just taking tonight's lodge sleepover seriously and just had something planned.

You struggled to laugh along with the young, naive camper. Mr.Hackett's intensity had obviously fallen on deaf ears for her. Sparing another glance to the shore, you replayed the interaction in your mind while Ella continued to weave a plan of deceit and "spy-ness'' to avoid tonight's early curfew. On the shore, her two companions continued to work steadfastly on their task: catching fireflies.

The beginnings of an uneasy lump had begun to form in your throat. Your eyes shifted from Ella, to her companions, and finally to the sun– which was steadily setting. Tonight would be a full moon– the exact half-way point of camp. There were no other full moons throughout the course of camp. It was a shame you'd be shuttered away in the main lodge tonight for the view.

"-Y/N? Y/N?" A garbled voice suddenly shot through your thoughts. You jumped, startling a monologing Ella. Your hand flew to your waist, finding your radio. Somewhat flustered still, you struggled to find the input button for a moment.

"Uhh- yes?" You rushed, ignoring a teasing glance from Ella.

"Y/N! Where are you? You're supposed to be back by now."

Your brief adrenaline rush cooled.

"Nick! Oh, hey!" You felt your temporary jolt of surprise dull. Nick thought to check on you. You found yourself biting back a smile at the realization.

"Hey! Get back over 'ere, okay?" Nick momentarily trailed off. "Chris is being weird."

Your suspicious unease piqued. Eying Ella, who was now decidedly wandering off to rejoin her companions, you took a short breath before answering. "Tell me about it..." You lowered your voice, "Do you know why?"