"We're here." Robin took off my seatbelt for me.
"Finally!" I drowsily lifted my head. "Where is here?"
"This is the first place I drove to after I escaped." She said with a wistful smile. "Welcome to North-South Lake Campground."
"It's empty. There are no other people?" I muttered.
"Yeah." She drummed her fingers on the steering wheel. "It's the time of year where people don't really want to be here."
"It's December." I reminded myself.
"The trees are so dense in some places, it take hours for snow to reach the ground." She opened her door and stepped out. Her amber eyes scanned the greenery around us. I've never seen her so at peace. She caught my gaze. For a moment I thought she'd comment on my thought, but instead she opened the door and motioned for me to follow her. I did as told. The cold air nipped at my skin, bold contrast to the warmth the van held. The moment I touched the ground, she bolted further into the forest.
"H-Hey! Robin!"
"Keep up, slowpoke! I'm taking you to my favorite place!" She called, a grin in her words. I ran after her. Every now and then, I caught glimpses of her between trees. Her long burnt orange skirt flowing after her. Her cream colored turtleneck, a few sizes too big for her. Her honey-in-light eyes glancing back to see if I was on her trail. Her bare feet kicking up falling leaves. Her chestnut curls bouncing with each stride. A smile. Then we were there. A huge lake. She sat down. "A lot of my time was spent at this lake, wondering if I was ready to part from Mack and the dragons. I just wanted to be in control of my life." She said softly. "You know, I'm glad you came. I've always wanted to camp with someone. People always seem to have so much fun, and now I get it."
"You've never gone camping with others?"
"No, it's a first for the both of us." She patted the ground next to her. I sat. "But when I'm all alone in my van, often I'll look out and see families and couples. Really makes you wonder what you're missing out on."
"It does."
"Am I doing good as a host? I feel like we're supposed to be having tons more fun." She sheepishly asked. "They're always laughing and playing games."
"This is great." I snorted. "People have different dynamics. Ours is being comfortable around each other without having to do much. That being said I wouldn't mind doing anything, just so long as it's with you." I looked to her, and her cheeks were tinted pink. What's going on in that head of yours? Maybe that'd be easy to answer, maybe not. It's easier thought than said.
"Well. You." She admitted. My eyes widened.
"What'd I do?" I put my hands up.
"Nothing! It's just, y-" She was interrupted by the low and loud growl of my stomach.
"I-I'm sorry." I couldn't look her in the eye anymore. God damn it. She stood up. "Birdie?"
"Come. Neither of us have eaten today, and I was waiting for the cue that you were hungry."
"You could have told me that you were hungry."
"Likewise, dummy. Come on!" She pulled me to my feet. We walked back to the van in comfortable silence. Perhaps the silence was comforting because we knew food was behind it. "You sit in the van, and I'll get this started!"
"Why do I gotta sit in the van?"
"Best friend or not... You're part reptile, Raphael. Cold isn't too good for you. At least wait until the fire starts to disobey me." She half joked. "I'm not returning you to your family sick."
