In Between

And Out Of Love For Somethin' New

The August sun had finally broken through Vancouver's usual haze, bathing the city in a rare warmth. Y/N was lounging at home when her phone buzzed, breaking the peaceful solitude.

**Group Text from Dior (Demigods + Y/N):**

"Hey everyone! It's a perfect beach day. We're heading out this afternoon. Who's in?"

**Y/N:**

"I'm in! Can't wait."

**Reply from Aryan:**

"Great! We'll be setting up around noon. See you there!"

**Walker:**

"Looking forward to it! I'll save you a spot."

An hour later, Y/N arrived at the beach to find the Demigods + Y/N group already in high spirits. Blankets and towels were spread out on the sand, and the smell of sunscreen mixed with the salty sea breeze. Charlie and Leah were chatting as Dior and Aryan set up a beach volleyball game.

Walker spotted Y/N and walked over with a grin. "Hey, glad you could make it!" he said, handing her a beach towel and a bottle of sunscreen. "Thought you might need these."

Y/N accepted them with a smile. "Thanks, Walker. This is exactly what I needed."

Leah, who was arranging snacks, greeted Y/N with a hug. "Hey, Y/N! So glad you came. It's the perfect day for the beach."

Y/N replied, "Absolutely. I've been looking forward to this."

Charlie joined them, holding a frisbee. "We've got some games lined up. Up for a challenge?"

Y/N grinned. "Definitely. Let's see if I still have my skills."

The group's energy was infectious as they engaged in various beach activities. Dior and Aryan were locked in a fierce game of volleyball, while Charlie, Leah, and Y/N enjoyed a lively game of frisbee. The sun was warm, and the ocean provided a refreshing escape from the heat.

Walker and Y/N decided to take a walk along the shore. The rhythmic waves and the feel of sand beneath their feet created a soothing backdrop.

Walker commented, "I've missed days like this. It's been a while since we all had a chance to just unwind."

Y/N agreed, "Totally. It's nice to step away from everything and just enjoy the moment."

As the sun began to set, the group gathered around a bonfire that Charlie and Leah had set up. The warmth of the fire was a welcome contrast to the cooling evening air. S'mores were being roasted, and laughter filled the air.

Charlie noticed Y/N shivering slightly from the chill and draped his sweater over her shoulders. "Here, you look like you could use this," he said with a friendly smile.

Y/N thanked him, settling into the sweater. "Thanks, Charlie. This is really cozy."

Walker, who had been watching from a distance, stood up abruptly. He walked over to Charlie, pulling him aside for a private conversation. The conversation was heated, and Y/N could hear snippets as she tried to enjoy the evening.

**Walker:** "Charlie, what's with the sweater? I was going to get one for her."

**Charlie:** "It's just a sweater, man. She was cold."

**Walker:** "It's not just about that. Her dad made me promise the day I met her that I would never let anything bad happen to her. He said I should be the one giving her a sweater if she's cold, not some other guy."

**Charlie:** "Wait, her dad? Who are we talking about?"

**Walker:** "Ryan Reynolds. Yeah, that Ryan Reynolds. He's a family friend, and he made me promise to look out for her because I'm older."

**Charlie:** "Oh, I didn't realize. I thought I was just being helpful."

**Walker:** "I know you didn't mean anything by it, but it's more than just being a friend. It's about keeping a promise I made. I want to be the one she turns to when she needs something."

**Charlie:** "Got it. I didn't know about the promise. I'll back off."

**Walker:** "Thanks. I just don't want any misunderstandings or anyone stepping over the line."

**Charlie:** "Understood. I didn't mean to overstep. I'll keep it in mind."

As they returned to the group, Walker's expression was tense, and he took a seat next to Y/N, his mood noticeably colder.

Y/N, sensing the tension, offered a supportive smile. "Everything okay?"

Walker forced a smile. "Yeah, just a bit of a misunderstanding."

The atmosphere around the bonfire had shifted, and while the group tried to maintain their festive mood, Y/N felt the strain of the conversation she had overheard. Despite this, she chose to focus on the positive aspects of the evening. The warmth of the fire, the sound of laughter, and the shared experience of a beautiful day at the beach reminded her that despite the conflicts, these moments of connection were still precious.