ALEX POV

Wow. John Laurens is gorgeous! I mean, he's a little taller than I am, he has curley light brown hair and his eyes... don't even get me started! He's just perfection.

Anyway, I slowly start walking towards the stables. I'm part of the camps riding team. Showjumping, cross country, dressage, you name it. I also help teach the campers, but only on certain days because well I still wanna enjoy camp too! I think Lucifer is the best pick to go find Maria.

Lucifer is jet black, I've known him for a few years now. He's one of the best cross country horses we have. I need to tack him up before I go out.

After he's tacked up I sit on the saddle, take the reins and slowly start walking towards one of the many bridle paths we have around the camp.

Maria did this last year too. Her boyfriend, James Reynolds, is abusive. She doesn't like to admit it but it's clear to see that she's not happy in their relationship. I, personally, think that her and Peggy would make a cute couple. They're both bubbly, happy and I just think that they're adorable. But anyway, back onto the task at hand.

I encourage Lucifer into a trot, and eventually into a canter when we have long stretches. I've got a feeling I know where she is. We reach a huge oak tree, but round the back we (the revolution) have made a huge set up. We have sofas, fairy lights, a fridge, speakers and a book shelf (because of ME). I don't really know how we got all of this stuff- but it's the best place to hang out. Maria was here last year, so let's hope she's here this year too.

JOHN'S POV

Alex left to get Lucifer? Who are these people?

So now I'm just sat in my cabin with the Schuyler's, Laf and Herc... all of whom I met about half an hour ago.

Peggy is cool, she seems like someone I'd really get on with. Angelica is kinda terrifying but in a not scary way if you get what I mean? And Eliza... there's just something about her that doesn't sit right with me. I like her, she's really sweet and caring, but i just don't know what her intentions are. Does she have any? I just can't quite figure her out.

"OOO LETS GIVE JOHN A CAMP TOUR!" Peggy squealed, right next to my ear can I just point out.

"Okay... but shouldn't we wait for Alex to get back?" I state.

"Oh he'll be fine, him and lucifer never fall. Ooo does little Johnny boy have a crushhhhhh?" Peggy teased.

"No. Peggy you're getting ahead of yourself. I've know him for less than a day."

"Mmmh, we'll see about that. Anyway LETS GO!" She screamed as she pushes me out the door. The others are following behind, purely because they're bored I think.

"SO. NUMBER ONE. THE CABINS."

"Peggy I know where the cabins ar-"

"DO NOT INTERRUPT ME WHEN I HAVE MY NARRATOR VOICE ON. Anyway, the cabins. These are the boys half, which your in obviously, and these are the girls half. We're in number 18 if you need us." God Peggy is crazy. I love it.

After about a five minute walk down a path we reach a large building full of tables. The cafeteria.

"NUMBER TWO. THE CAFETERIA."

"What times are the meals?" I question.

"Oh well breakfast starts at 6:00 for the weirdo's like Alex. But it finishes at like 9:00 so normal people have time to wake up." Hmm. Wonder what she means by 'weirdo's like Alex'. I don't think he's weird. I think he's amazing. OH MY GOD, ENOUGH.

(Sorry. I'll take my in the heights and leave.)

"Dinner is at 12:00 until 1:15 and tea is from 4:30 until 6:00. So you can come any time in between them." Peggy finishes.

"Oh. Cool." WOW GOOD RESPONSE JOHN.

"MOVING ON." Peggy pushes me forwards and around the cafeteria.

"THE STABLES AND ARENA." She shouts like she wants the whole world to know where we are.

"Can you ride?" Peggy asks me.

"No. Never really tried. Why?"

"OOO ALEX CAN TEACH YOU! I'M SURE HE'D LOVE TO TEACH YOU!"

"Wait, so Alex is a camp leader?"

"Well, not really. We've all been here for a few years, Alex and Laf being the longest. So because Alex has been here so long he was already on the riding team, but he's one of the best they've got. So Washington asks him to teach a few lessons a week, so maybe he can teach you!"

"They have teams here? For what?"

"Oh yeah! So we aren't the only summer camp around, we have rivals who we compete against every year. We have teams for horse riding (obviously), debating (which Alex is also on), any sport really and we have it. Oh we also have animal care so if you like animals let me know and I can hook you up with Evan, he's in charge of the orchard and animal sanctuary. But if it's horse riding you want literally just talk to Alex. He's seen as Yorktown King. Especially around the horses- if you want something done, just go to him." Peggy informs me.

"Oh, wow okay. Why is Alex known as the Yorktown King?" Weird for a kid to be seen as royalty.

"Just because everyone respects him. No one really dislikes Alex, except for the Southern Motherf*cking Democratic Republicans." Peggy grumbles the last part. Hmm. Maybe that Reynolds guys is in that.

She continues pulling me around camp to see the lake, the basketball courts, tennis, climbing, high ropes, low ropes, the orchard and the animal sanctuary.

By the time she pulls me back into the cabin I expect Alex to be back. But I walk in to find an empty cabin. I'm pretty sure you can see the disappointment on my face because Peggy says something

"Don't worry John, he'll be back in no time." Peggy whispers. Shit. She's catching on.

ALEX'S POV

I walk around the tree to see Maria sat on one of the sofas, sobbing softly to herself. I slowly walk to her and she doesn't notice my presence until I'm sat next to her. I put my arm around her, comforting her for about 15 minutes. She calms down and I offer her to get on Lucifer and I can lead the way back. I help her onto Lucifers back and take the lead rope I have hanging around my shoulders. I lead us back through the woods, being careful not to lead Lucifer into any ditches. I only fall over twice which is pretty good in my opinion. I mean the second time my foot went down a hole I didn't see and I gave myself a nose bleed from smashing my face on the floor but it's all good!

After about 20 minutes of walking we reach the stables again. I help Maria off and tell her I'll meet her back at the cabins. I lead Lucifer back into his stables and take off his saddle, lead rope, bridle and saddle pad. Once Lucifer is settled in I start the walk back up to the cabins. Maybe I can teach John how to ride. I hope he knows how. Then we can go on hack's through the forest together. But even if he doesn't I can still teach him and take it slow. OH! That's how I can get closer to John!

JOHN'S POV

We waited about 15 minutes from when we got back, I'm growing more and more worried as time goes on. What if he's hurt? What if he's been kidnapped? Oh my god what if I never see him again? I couldn't live with myself. Stop John. He's fine. He's gonna walk in the door any time now.

10 minutes later.

10 MINUTES WAITING FOR HIM TO COME HOME. THATS 25 MINUTES. AND HES STILL NOT BACK.

A few minutes later Maria walked in, looking somewhat upset and her clothes were dirty. BUT WHY WASN'T ALEX WITH HER.

I ran up to Maria, despite me not even knowing her I start bombarding her with questions

"WHERE'S ALEX? OH MY GOD IS HE DEAD? WHAT IF HE'S DEAD?! IS HE HURT? PLEASE TELL ME HE'S OKAY!" I blurt out. I feel bad now. She's probably terrified.

Maria gives Peggy a confused look, right... she still doesn't know who I am.

"John, calm down. Alex will be fine. I'm sure he's making his way up here now." Peggy spoke softly.

As if I'm cue the door to the cabin opened and in walked Alex, with blood running down his face from his nose.

"OH MY GOD ALEX WHAT HAPPENED? WHO WAS IT? WHO DO I NEED TO PUNCH?"

"John. Calm down. I just fell over in the woods, no one punched me." Alex assured me. I tightly embraced him which seemed to surprise him. After a few seconds he began to hug me back and was rubbing circles on my back. God. Now I remember why I have such a big crush on this guy.

"Alex, come to my cabin I'll get that sorted out for you." Eliza said whilst pointing at his face. "Thanks Liza, but I think I'm just gonna go to dinner. I'll just take a tissue with me." Alex said, still rubbing circles on my back. He's so gorgeous. How would he ever like me. Maybe he does. Actually no. Scratch that. He doesn't. But I think Eliza likes Alex. She is way to close to him to just be friends. Bitch back off.

Alex lets me go, and I instantly miss the warmth and comfort of his body on mine. I need a way of getting closer to him. We have activities starting tomorrow, but I don't know what days Alex is in the arena. Hopefully I get him as my teacher. I mean, I'd take anyone but getting Alex would be like winning the lottery. Should I bring it up over dinner? Ask him when he's in the arena? Or would that be awkward? Way to go John, having a debate with yourself. Let's just go to dinner.

PEGGY'S POV (a new one :)

John has really fallen for Alex. Like, to the bottom of the ocean, deep. And I'm pretty sure Alex likes John. He can be a hard guy to read sometimes. I'm on the riding team too, I can get it out of him there. He always confides in me, and I can't tell you how many times he's gotten in fights just to protect me. He's like my big brother. And I wouldn't change it for the world!

Eliza still has a huge crush on Alex. It's ridiculous. She's liked him for a few years now, ever since we started coming here. She doesn't believe that Alex is gay. 'And how do you know this Peggy?' You might ask. Well, I've know Alex for like 4 years now, maybe more. And once you can speak his language there's nothing you can't understand. Like, for example, when he narrows his eyes and turns his head slightly to the left it means he's insulted or angry. Just a skill I've gathered over the years.

Angelica also likes Alex, I can tell. She may not show any signs, but no man has ever made her blush except for Alex. Even though she's the oldest, the wittiest and the most confident she still has feelings. She, also, has hit many people for me. Thomas Jefferson being one of them. Ugh, he's so annoying. He doesn't like our group because he wants Alex to join the SMFDR. He believes that if he gets Alex, he gets power. But he won't get Alex. He's the ringleader of our group, and he wouldn't leave it for the world. And I know you're probably thinking 'wow that's bold of you to say Peggy' but trust me. Alex. Won't. Leave.

Jeffershit wants him, and they hate each other. Thomas wants Alex that much that it's turned him horrible. Him and Alex are both on the debate team, and even though they're supposed to debate against other camps they often end up debating against each other.

Herc and Laf are just awesome. They're an adorable couple too. They are perfect for each other, it's like they're meant to be. Laf, Alex and Herc are all really close. Laf and Alex often talk in french which Herc doesn't like. But, Herc and Alex are like a tag team. If they're in a fight together they're pretty hard to beat. I think John makes a good addition to the group. Especially to Alex.

Alex has been alone for so long, and no one truly knows his past apart from me. He looks like the most put together person there is on the outside but for so long he was crumbling on the inside. But he won't let anyone in, he doesn't want them to get caught up in the mess that he calls himself. The only time I get stuff like this out of him is when we're out on the horses together. Alex usually takes Usnavi and I take Vanessa. We canter down the paths and usually end up by the secret lake that we found. There he just lets it all out. And we don't talk about it anywhere except for there. Because that's his safe place, and it's mine too.

I don't have romantic feelings for Alex, he's like my brother. I actually like a girl. Maria Reynolds. That's right. The girl that is in an awful relationship with a Mr James Reynolds. Alex has fought him a few times when he's seen him grab Maria or act cruelly towards her, but she never lets him know the truth. She just tells us it's fine and they're in love. They're not. Trust me.

We've been walking down to the cafeteria the whole time I've been thinking this. Guess I zoned out. We reach the cafeteria a few minutes later. Looks like they're serving pasta. I mean that's fine. The cooks here on camp are pretty decent. Not incredible but not horrible. Just average.

We all join the lunch queue (which goes down pretty quickly) and Alex goes to sit at the table. He said he's not hungry, which in normal terms means that somethings on his mind. I bet it's John. I kinda feel like I'm obliged to get him some food, even though I know he said he's not hungry. I'm not just gonna let my big brother go hungry! I'll pick up some pasta for him. He probably won't eat it but I'm sure I can guilt trip him into eating. Yeah. Do that Peggy.

I grab a tray and go to grab another when a certain Mr Hermes tells me that it's one per person. Hmm. I know who to ask.

"Hey, Orpheus!"

"Peggy! How've you been?"

"Pretty good, yeah. I need your help though."

"I'll try my best, what is it you need help with?"

"Alex said he's not hungry."

"Say no more."He said

Orpheus has know our group for as long as I have really, and he knows the script when Alex says he's not hungry. We're pretty good friends with the Hadestown people (what their group is called). Their leader is Hades, hence the name. Hades is dating Persephone, and they're a pretty cute couple in my opinion. They kinda lost their spark for a while but they're as good now as they've ever been. Orpheus and Eurydice are adorable too. They just have such a pure, simple love. Something I wish I had.

A few minutes later Orpheus comes back out with a tray with chicken, rice and broccoli on it- a meal he puts together especially for Alex when this happens. "Orpheus, you are a LIFE SAVER! Thank you so much!" I thanked. "No problem pegs, anything I can do to help! Let Alex know I wanna see him later- tell him to come to my cabin, number 13." He smiled, god his voice is so soft. "Will do, see you around!" I reply.

As I walk back to the table I see the group all sat around in their normal seats, Alex has his head on the table and John is looking at him with concern clearly painted on his face.

"Hey John, think you can give me a minute alone with Alex?" I ask him quietly so no one else heard it.

"Oh yeah, of course." John said, getting out from the table and going to sit with the others on the other end of the table.

"Hey, Lex." I whisper, because I don't really know what I'm getting myself into.

"Hey pegs." He replied bluntly.

"What's up? You seem odd."

"Wow. Thanks pegs. Way to make me feel better."

"Well, I can't help if I don't know what's up, so I'll ask again. What's. Up."

"Ugh can we talk about this somewhere else? Tonight, we'll head down to the lake in the woods- you take Vanessa and I'll take Lucifer. Or maybe I'll take Usnavi, but we'll have to be really slow."

"Okay. Hey. Look at me." I demand.

"Whyyy" he whines with his head still on the table. I pull his head up and see that he looks exhausted.

"Woah, lex are you okay? You look..."

"Yeah, I know I look like shit just say it."

"Okay yeah, you look like shit."

"Well, we'll talk about it later."

"Oh, shit, Lex I forgot to tell you but Orpheus wants to see you later. I think he just wants to catch up. He said go to his cabin later, number 13."

"okay." He muttered

At this point I knew something was really up. He's hurting. And I don't know what about. I pulled him up from his seat and left our food on the table. Looks like we're going to the lake now.

JOHN'S POV

Peggy asked me to leave them alone to talk. Is it about me? No. Stop stressing John. It's probably not. Suddenly I'm pulled out of my thoughts by Peggy leaving the table holding Alex's arm. What is going on?

- TIME SKIP TO LAKE -

ALEX'S POV

We reach the lake, we went slowly so that I could take Usnavi out, we had a bad fall a few weeks ago and he's still not completely recovered. We reach the lake and let the horses go, we made a gate so that they can just walk around as they please. Me and Peggy sit down by the lake, the sun shining down onto our faces.

"So. Lex. I know somethings wrong... is it John?" Wow that was quick.

"Maybe."

"Lex you know that I can tell when you're lying."

"Fine. Yeah it's John. I think I like him, but I don't wanna get my hopes up. He obviously doesn't like me back. Also, we both know what happened the last time I let someone in."

I love being me, most of the time. I mean my past is fucked up and I never really recovered from it, but I can usually make friends with people pretty quickly. An example of this was Eponine. I met her in my first year here. We were both really close, we didn't have a lot of money and we both knew what it was like to live on the streets. She always asked me about my past, so I told her. She completely understood. In turn, I knew about her past. We were so close, inseparable some might say. But. One day there was a guy with a gun. He was a hitman supposedly. He was after her best friend, Marius. His aim was obviously terrible. He got them both. Eponine was fatally shot, and she took my past down with her. Everything I told her she took with her to the grave, and now I just can't seem to express myself in the same way to anyone else except Peggy. It could get them killed.

I was a mess for a long time after Eponine's death. I stopped sleeping, drank more coffee, worked more and really did anything to keep my mind off of the young girl I knew. Every time it rains I can't help but think of her. Her last words were 'a little fall of rain can hardly hurt me now."

Peggy leaves me to be in my own head for a while and we sit in a comfortable silence. She knows that I'm still struggling with Eponine's departure, so she doesn't bother asking me about it.

"It wasn't your fault you know."

"I know. I can tell myself that, but I can't make myself believe it."

I don't know why it would be my fault. I didn't hire the hitman, I wasn't there when the bullet was fired. But I just feel like I could have done more. I could've saved her. Now the only thing I have left of her is her favourite hat and a small bracelet that I wear everywhere I go. It's made of black rope and has a small flower in the middle. Because, as she would say, rain will make the flowers grow.

"Her knowing your past doesn't affect how she left, Lex. You need to let someone in. Not me, because I already know you better than you know yourself. But someone else."