Life's Struggles [1x1]

Carter || Pearl

Carter listened to Morgan and Addy's little stories about themselves, a laugh escaping at the comment of being an alien from Mars. "I've never met an alien before," he joked sarcastically. Caught off guard, he felt Morgan grab him, tickling him at his sides. He fell over, Morgan still tickling him. He began to laugh hysterically from the attack, trying to push Morgan but to no avail. Pearl tilted her head, unaware of what was going on, but decided to walk over and stand at Carter's head, planting multiple wet slobbery kisses across his entire face. "Nooo," he yelled between fits of laughter and slobbery kisses. 

Simon || Buffy

Simon listened in to Addy and Morgan share information about themselves, laughing along with Addy when she mentioned her full name. He silently noted all the information he was given. Before he had time to react, Addy was tickling him causing him to laugh uncontrollably. Suddenly, he grabbed her arms and flipped her over and caught his breathe for second while giving her a devilish grin. He released his grip and began to tickle her back.

Morgan || Ryker

Giggling and ticking Carter more on his sides before putting her hands up “I surrender....Carter don’t you feel ancient that your a whole year older than me?” Grinning and tussling his brown hair on his head and blinking her light blue eyes. “I can already see wrinkles on your face.” Giggling more and then leaning against him with a smile planted on her face. Grabbing the granola bar that he had offered and opened it munching on it with a nod. “Thank you Carter.”  Standing up and offering out her hand to Carter. “To be honest I don’t want to find the group right away...I mean the other people on the hiking trip were nice...the ones staying with me not so much but, that means when we find the group we’d have to separate back into our age groups and that means I wouldn’t be with you guys.” Blinking her blue eyes softly and once Carter was up pressed her smaller figure into his leaning close and inhaling the sweet scent that she noticed when she met Carter. Turning to Addy and shaking her head “Boys have never been really that interested in me but they were when my sister was alive. But, otherwise I’m single as a Pringle and ready to mingle.” Giving a little giggle and then pressing closer to Carter hearing the loud thumping of his heart. Hoping the boy she was in the arms of said no.

Addy || Gemni

Pinned now under Simon who was tickling her “You win you win as long as you carry me...I mean the ankle you know is still swollen.” Grinning and turning a shade of red but pullingherself up and nodding beside Morgan “All if you all are like the closest friends I’ve made ina long time.” Hearing Morgan’s Remark about the age of Carter and laughing blinking her hazel- green eyes softly. “I mean you never know these assassins could be lying about there age. Placing a hand on Simon’s head and leaning foreward “You know I might even see a gray hair or two.” Standing up and stretching “Does anyone have a relationship in the group like a boyfriend or girlfriend back home?” Hazel-green eyes of Addy’s licking with Simon’s searching and hoping he would say no. Silly to admit a certain someone after a couple days had began to dig a little hole in her heart and pull at those delicate heart strings. 

Carter || Pearl

Carter breathed heavily, trying to regain all the oxygen that he had lost from the hysterical laughing. He let out an exasperated breathe at the mention of being old. Sitting up he put his hand to his face, pretending to try to feel the wrinkles. "What do you mean," he said jokingly worried, "There aren't any wrinkles on my face." He laughed, putting a hand to his stomach. "I haven't laughed quite this much, I feel abs forming." His blue eyes looked up to Morgan at the sound of his name. "Your welcome." As much as he wanted to reunite with the group, he was actually enjoying just the four of them being together. The other small group of people that he had been paired off with didn't seem too happy that he was there, but they sure were faking it. With Morgan, Addy, and Simon he felt like himself and relaxed. His thoughts were broken when Addy asked about relationships and his ears perked up. He looked to Morgan, his face reddening. "No, I don't have a girlfriend," he replied. 

Simon || Buffy

Simon stopped tickling Addy as she surrendered a grin on his face from the victory. He sat himself next to Addy, looking down at the sprained ankle that seemed to be less swollen. He rubbed his back jokingly, "Ah but my back is still sore, you are quite heavy." He laughed, the grin returning. "Kidding, kidding, I'll carry you." Simon stood up, stretching his legs. Buffy came up behind him nuzzling her muzzle into his arm, jealous of the attention she wasn't receiving. Simon gave her scratch behind the ears and pat on the head, satisfying the canine with a wag of her tail. "Well, I do agree that I would much rather just be with you guys than the group I was assigned with, but we will need more food and water eventually and so will the dogs," Simon reasoned. They had enough food and water for all of them, though Simon knew that they would eventually run out. "But I suppose we have enough for now that we don't have to rush to get to the falls," he added. A fake pout came to his face when Addy stood up and inspected his hair for a single gray strand. "I don't know what you are talking about," he pouted, his bottom lip jutting out before turning into a grin at her question. "No, I don't have one of those," he responded, "But I could." His brown eyes looked into Addy's hazel green ones before he leaned forward and placing a kiss on her lips.

Morgan || Ryker

Glancing at Carter and rolling her blue eyes with a smile still on her face. Sighing with relief as she heard that Carter didn’t have one yet. Light blue eyes focusing on Carter’s blue ones before grabbing his hand in hers squeezing it gently. “Anyone would be lucky to have you as there boyfriend Carter especially with your personality.” Light blue eyes widening and jaw dropping as she stared at Simon and Addy kissing. Hesitating and then turning towards Carter and pressing against the cave wall standing up on her tip toes and letting her arms wrap around his neck. Stepping forward to lengthen the kiss between them. Pulling back and looking at Carter with her cheeks a shade of red “I mean we’re both single pringles ready to mingle.” Laughing at her own stupid joke and then looking towards Addy and Simon with a smile. Ryker giving a bark about the humans so close barked once more moving to the edge of the cave ready to begin the trek through the woods. 

Addy || Gemni

Smiling at what Simon said and then hazel-green eyes widening as Simon leaned foreward kissing her. Closing her eyes and kissing back hesitating at first before kissing back softly. Pulling apart and turning to where Morgan saw and kissed Carter. “Well Mr.Crimm if this is your way of asking then absolutely...I mean if you want a relationship with me even after barely knowing me.. I’d want one with you.” Beginning to overthink the situation in front of her “Your okay with the age difference and all the flaws that come in the package and Gemni?” Raising her brows and then holding Simon’s hand and squeezing it gently hoping that Simon truly ment what he said about wanting to be in a relationship with her. 

Carter || Pearl

Carter's face deepened to a dark shade of red at Morgan's compliment. He turned his head, following Morgan's gaze, his eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Simon and Addy. Smooth was all Carter thought of the situation. His gaze was suddenly pulled away from the two as Morgan pulled him closer to her and wrapped her arms around his neck. Carter froze, unsure of how to process the situation that was so foreign to him. His heart began to race and his mind was jumbled with thoughts. What to do, what to do. He let himself relax, softly yet hesitantly kissing Morgan back then pulling away slightly just as Morgan did. His face was no doubt cherry red and his heart was still pounding in his chest as if it was about to explode. He was still trying to process what was happening. "I-uh-well yeah, I g-guess," he stuttered, unsure of what exactly to say. Pearl nudged the back of his leg, looking up at him and Morgan before looking away to the cave entrance, silently agreeing with Ryker that it was time to go. A smile formed on his lips, his face turning slightly less red. "I guess the dogs are ready to go."

Simon || Buffy

A smile formed when Addy kissed him back before he pulled away, the smile stretching into a bigger one. "What do you mean, I know practically everything about you," he stated casually, "I mean you're a secret agent from Mars on a mission." He laughed at his joke. He looked over at Carter and Morgan just as they kissed and a smile returned to his face, before his gaze returned to a worried look on Addy's face. "It's barely even a year difference," he said assuringly, "And you're perfect to me, so will you be my girlfriend?" He waited a moment for her definite answer and kissed her once more. 

Morgan|| Ryker 

Blushing at Carter’s nervousness and smiling at him reassuringly. “Maybe you do speak doganese after all.” Laughing at her own comment and then lacing her hand with Carter’s “C’mon love birds the dogs are gunna leave without us.” Exiting the cave with her hiking gear on her back and with Ryker’s leash carabinerd to her pack to keep him close. “We can take things slow since I’m pretty new at relationships as well. Are you okay with the age difference....some people like dating older and others It can be complicated.....all I know is I do find you attractive and have a great personality so that’s a bonus.” Smiling and following the sound of the peaceful river. Blinking her blue eyes and walking slowly keeping her small hand in Carter’s liking the warmth his hand provided and the way it molded to hers perfectly.

Addy|| Gemni

Nodding at what Simon said “I mean I am a whole year younger.” Giggling and nodding as she pressed her lips to his with a grin. “I’d love to Simon.” Leaning in and deepening the kiss between them before leaning back once more. “I guess you can carry me right now if you don’t mind...” Hazel-green eyes watching his brown eyes and then traveling to Gemni who was already hooked to Buffy’s side closely. “It’s getting better right?” Looking at her slightly swollen ankle and then back to Simon. “I mean if it doesn’t get better I’ll still accept you carrying me.” Laughing and then holding it off the ground to avoid the pressure of it on the ground.

Carter || Pearl

Carter smirked at Morgan, "It's not fluent," he jokingly admitted. He gave Morgan's hand a light squeeze, turning his head back to Addy and Simon before heading out the cave hand in hand with Morgan, Pearl following close behind with her leash attached along with Ryker's. The sun was warm and refreshing against Carter's, a drastic change from the cold rainy whether of the day before. It was much more pleasant. He walked in sync with Morgan's steps, the sound of crunching leaves and rushing water filling his ears. "I've never been in a relationship," he admitted, "barely had any friends as a matter of fact." He was glad that he wasn't the only one, and nodded his head in agreement with Morgan. "I don't see an issue with the age difference..." He thought for a moment. "Do you?" He secretly hoped that Morgan didn't mind the age difference.

Simon || Buffy

Simon grinned from ear to ear at Addy's sold answer, happy that she had said yes. His eyes were pulled away as he playfully glared at Morgan and Carter, a playful pout on his face. "Why such in a rush," he mumbled before laughing. He packed away the remainder of their things into his and Addy's bags, pulling out a bag of chips and hooking the dogs to one of the backpacks. "As long as you hold the food, I'm hungry." He handed off the bag of chips to Addy and put his backpack around his shoulders. "It looks better than it did yesterday," he admitted, looking down at her ankle, "C'mon, get on." He bent his knees slightly, helping Addy on to his back, wrapping his arms around her legs to keep he in place.  

Morgan|| Ryker

Giggling at what Simon said and slowing down a bit  beside Carter. “I don’t see as problem I think it’s going to be slightly interesting that your older.” Squeezing his hand gently and then leaning into Carter’s side with a smile. “You already know that with bees I have a allergic reaction there something I’m afraid of...” stopping and stepping closer to Carter placing her arms gently around his neck again and standing up on her tip toes pressing her gentle lips to his with her eyes closed. Loving the new taste Carter had everytime they kissed. Pressing close and breathing in the scent that Carter had making her heart skip a beat everytime.

Addy|| Gemni

Having the chips within reach and getting back into her spot on Simon’s back with a small smile. Wrapping her arms around his neck tightening her grip slightly not wanting to fall off. “Thank you Simon.” Giving his cheek a kiss and resting her head on his shoulder with a smile hoping that if they found the group then they wouldn’t have to separate to age groups. “I think it’s exciting how we both have boyfriends now. Smiling towards Morgan and Carter and then placing her head once more on bis shoulder “I guess us aliens got sent here to have a relationship with you.” Giggling and then looking ahead at the path Simon was walking with them. 

Carter || Pearl
Carter smiled, happy that Morgan didn't mind the age gap at all. A relief he felt. He felt the squeeze of her hand, lightly squeezing hers in return as he felt her lean closer to him. It was a weird feeling to him. A good kind of weird. One that he was getting used to, enjoying it. They halted their steps for a moment, Morgan's arms looping around Carter's neck and pulling him closer. His heart jumped in his chest, their lips meeting. This time Carter didn't hesitate for a moment, kissing her back deeply. "I'll protect you from the bees," he said, pulling away from the kiss. He smiled and grabbed Morgan's hand l, continuing their walk alongside the river.

Simon || Buffy

Simon smiled at the kiss planted in his cheek, relishing in the new feeling. "I'd doing anything for you," he spoke cheesily, but truthfully. He made his way out of the cave, Buffy and Gemni following alongside them. "Feed me a chip," he exclaimed, opening his mouth wide for Addy to give him a chip. He laughed as he munched on the chip graciously. Simon blushed at the sound of Addy referring to him as her boyfriend, happy at the new term. A laugh escaped him, "I guess we fell foolishly into the charming trap." He walked along the path next to the river listening to the various sounds of nature buzzing around them. "Anyone have any cool stories to tell," he asked, interupting the brief silence.

Morgan|| Ryker

Continuing on down the little path beside Carter and hearing Simon’s question to tell a story. Grinning and shaking her head “When I was a baby my sister and I got mixed for a day...dad forgot to paint our toes and both he and mom got us confused. But, luckily figured out later that night which one we were.” Smiling with her bright blue eyes shimmering in the sun. “My freshman year of highschool I fell down the stairs...like completely missed the second step and took a tumble down them....that’s when I realized sports wasn’t for me.” Grinning and looking at Carter “Story time is in full swing someone tell another story.”  Hoping to here more funny stories and overall stories about Carter.

Addy|| Gemni

Giving a chip to Simon and nodding with a smile before laughing at what Morgan said with her two stories. “I’m next... so when I was younger I snuck into a horse stall with a horse that was not trained and my parents found me sleeping next to him in the stall.”  Clearing her throat once more and continuing on with another story “Once when I was little I hid the fact I had strep throat from my parents and ended up having to be stabbed I the butt with a needle since my throat almost swelled shut....definitely a zero out of five stars in my book.” Laughing and hoping one of the boys would continue on with a story of there own.

Carter || Pearl

Carter walked along, kicking a small rock along with him until it rolled off and with a plop, landed in the water. He laughed along with the stories, finding them humorous. "My turn," he spoke after Addy finished telling her stories. He thought for a moment, pulling back memories from the past. "One time there was this blizzard that practically confined us to our home and my brother tried to jump scare me, but I ended up punching him in the nose." Carter laughed at the memory. "Least to say, he never tried to scare me ever again." Carter thought some more, thinking of another funny moment. "I got locked in the back of the pet store I work at and no one else was there, so I ended up sleeping there overnight. I woke up with a litter of kittens curled up next to me and a coworker looking at me weirdly for the rest of the day." Another laugh came at the more recent memory. "Alright, Simon, your turn," he called. He looked down at Morgan, blue eyes shining with happiness as he began to draw patterns on her hand with his thumb. 

Simon || Buffy

A smile formed on Simon's face as he listened to everyone's stories, finding them all intriguing and interesting in their own way. "Do you work with horses," he questioned Addy, looking out of the corner of his eye to see her. "I've never been around a horse before." He laughed along with the rest of the story telling before being called on by Carter. "I suppose I'll share a few embarrassing stories." Thinking for a second, he began to speak. "When I was four I busted my bottom lip open and I ended up having to get stitches, my dad and brother were squeamish of blood and nearly passed out while the doctor was stitching my lip up. They even had to leave the room." Simon took another chip and munched on it, swallowing it quickly when he thought of another story. "There was this time in middle school where I hid under the bleachers during the mile run to write in my journal instead, the coach wasn't very happy when he found me." Simon laughed at the memory. "Ooo, there was a foreign exchange student that moved to my school sophomore year and she didn't know much English, only French so I had to walk around and help translate for her and one time she said something and I mistranslated it on accident and got in trouble for it. My punishment was to help the janitor scrape gum of the bottom of the desks after school and it was just the worst."

Morgan|| Ryker

Smiling and the tickling sentaition in her palm and blinking her shining blue eyes back to Carter “Remind me never to scare you then.” Giggling and running her hand through her curley strawberry red hair and laughing along with the rest of them. Hearing the comment about busting his lip open and needing stitches when Simon mentioned the story. “I don’t do blood I’m pretty good at everything else but, when it comes to blood or someone else’s blood count me out.” Shivering in an involuntary way and continuing down the path. “My future career is to be a Dog trainer or Dog breeder like my mom what’s everyone’s dream job?” Asking the simple question and keeping her hand molded to Carter’s loving the simplicity of his tracing on her palm. Ryker walking beside Pearl with his butt wagging to and fro occasionally. Barking and smelling the air looking ar a log that crossed the river with little ropes and bungee cord on it. Barking once more and placing a paw on the log smelling the scent of other humans that had crossed on the large log. Hearing Addy’s question and swallowing a lump that formed in her throat, sweat starting to form on her hand. Taking a short breath and blinking her bright blue eyes back to Addy’s “Well they typically are bad that’s why I carry four epipen’s...m-my last one ended with a trip to the E.R. because, my throat was closing and I couldn’t breath. But, it’s fairley easy to operate”,  dropping Carter’s hand and dropping her bag unzipping it and pulling out a yellow and orange epipen and holding it out. “Basically you open up the end and hold me still since I tend to panic which makes the sting act quicker and make my throat swell up and you stab me in the thigh with it. Sometimes it takes two depending on the sting as well...but it’s definitely not something I want to experience on this trip.” Leaning into Carter’s embrace and breathing in his scent that calmed her thumping heart.

Addy|| Gemni

Nodding at Simon’s comment on horses “My parents own a large horse farm they I live on so being a Horse trainer or something that involves animals is good to me. I own one horse there named Sirius he’s a tall 16.2 black thoroughbred and very easy on the eyes.” Joking about Sirius and then giving another chip to Simon before looking at the log Ryker stopped at “I’m thinking my doganese is beginning to enhance its senses and by my guess he wants us to cross.” Looking at Gemni who had sat down behind them looking across the log and wagging her tail on the ground. “I’m with ya Morgan I get squeamish around a lot of stuff no way would I be calm if I was bleeding or got stung by a bee.... what would you do if you go stung?” Asking the question that she hoped they wouldn’t have to do on the trip but, being prepared ahead of time was good in her perspective.

Carter || Pearl

Carter laughed at Morgan, "Noted." His thumb continued to draw patterns as he listened to Simon. "Gross," he commented on the story about Simon getting stitches, "I've never had to get stitches, I rarely ever injure myself aside from a scraped knee or something. Surprising because I'm awful clumsy sometimes." He laughed at his remark of pure truth. His eyes shifted to the tree tops, watching as a squirrel hopped from limb to limb, his friend chasing him not far behind. "I want to run an animal rescue," Carter spoke simply, answering Morgan's question. He brought his gaze back down to the group, the squirrels now far off in the forest. Feeling Morgan tense up slightly from Addy's question, Carter gave her hand a soft squeeze. He watched her bring out her EpiPen, showing them how to use it. He nodded, understanding what to do. He wrapped an arm around her, bringing her close. "Ryker is definitely telling us to cross over, my doganese is definitely getting better," he joked watching Pearl who looked at the group then to the log.

Simon || Buffy

Simon smiled, learning more and more about everyone. "Perhaps you could teach me the ways of horse whispering," he said, laughing at himself. "Everyone seems to want to be in a profession with animals. Interesting. I want to a journalist." He felt Addy sliding down his back, his grip tightening on her legs as he brought her back up comfortably. He listened in on Morgan informing them on how to use the EpiPen, noting it in case of it being needed in the future. Buffy let out a bark following Ryker's. She tugged at the leash towards the log, sniffing at it before sitting and looking back at Simon. "They all seem to want to cross," Simon chimed in looking at all the dogs reactions. He walked forward putting a foot on the log, testing it. "Seems steady enough." He put one foot in front of the other, slowly crossing the log over the water, Buffy and Gemni following behind. He landed on the other side, feet planted on solid ground again while he waited, watching Morgan and Carter come across.

Morgan|| Ryker

Putting her epipen back in the bag and nodding letting go of Carter’s hand and using her arms as a little balance holding them out and stepping on the log after Simon and Addy walking quickly across and jumping down from the log with a smile. “Now which way?” Looking with her bright blue eyes in both directions hoping they could find signs of which way the went. “I definitely think your second language you can be fluent in is doganese.” Giggling and her face contorting with laughter that escaped her throat. “If we find the others I’m lying about my age so I can be with you.” Smiling and leaning closer to Carter’s side again. Ryker following over the log with Pearl and sitting on the other side content that he got the humans to follow him. Barking again and going to Carter and pressing his body against his before jumping up at him showering him with licks. Watching with her blue eyes at Ryker’s antics and laughing and grabbing her stomach squeezing her sides to not laugh as much. “Looks like I have some competition with my own dog.” Shaking he head and ruffling the dusty blonde hair of Carter and then rubbing Ryker’s Head “Who’s a good boy.” Playfully tracing both of them and grabbing a treat for Ryker and holding it to him. Breaking the kisses he was giving to Carter and chomping on the milkbone and beginning to eat it. “What do you want your treat to be handsome.” Turning to Carter and grinning back at him.

Addy|| Gemni

Holding herself up and wrapping her arms tighter as they crossed “Shre I can teach you all about horses.” Mouth forming into an “o” and nodding when Simon said he wanted to be a journalist “Well I can definitely help with the news and keeping things interesting” smirking and resting her head down on Simon’s shoulder “I’m lying about my age as well to be with you.” Saying the same thing as Morgan which was true for her as well. “Simon your pretty outnumbered with girls in our relationship Buffy, Gemni and me” Smiling and tossing a treat to Buffy and Gemni keeping her arms wrapped around his neck. “When this camp ends I’m definitely not gunna want to go back home, since I’d be leaving all of you and then it’d be boring....we should consider getting a big apartment after this trip together.” Smiling at her idea and giving a gentle kiss to Simon’s cheek hoping everyone would like that idea she brought up to consider later on. 

Carter || Pearl

Crossing the river slowly, he held on to one of the ropes tightly, fearing that he would slip in fall. He let out a breathe when his foot landed on hard ground. He looked to both sides of him and didn't notice any distinctive signs as to which way the group had walked. "The rain must have washed away the tracks that the group would have left behind," he commented after hearing Simon's leaderly advice. He dropped his arm around Morgan at the sudden surprise of Ryker jumping on him, his face being covered with sticky, slobbery wetness. "Great," he said with a laugh, wiping his face, but still feeling the stickiness. Pearl gave a loud bark, causing Carter to shift his attention to her. "Not you too," he commanded playfully. Pearl took a step forward, sniffing at his hand before licking it, wagging her tail and sitting prettily. Carter laughed at her, knowing exactly what she wanted. Pearl's head turned to Ryker who was munching down his milk bone and then staring up at Morgan, pleading for a treat. "Someone's jealous." He grabbed a milk bone, offering it to the eager Pearl. "Hmmm," he thought for a moment, a smile widening on his face, "This." He leaned forward, giving Morgan a short peck on the lips, blushing as he pulled away, surprised at his own boldness. 

Simon || Buffy

Simon pouted at the thought of being outnumbered before replacing it with a smile and shrugging. "What can I say, the ladies love me," he joked, smirking at his witty comment. He looked around, trying to navigate by any signs of human disturbance, but everything all looked the same, stomped down as if a herd of cattle had just roamed through the area. "Well I don't see any definite sign of which way the group headed, so our best bet would be to just stay as close to the river as we can and continue following up stream," he spoke, knowing it was their only good option. He would rather not get more lost than they already were. He looked down at Buffy just in time to see her quickly scarf down a milk bone and plead for another. "One is enough," he laughed at the canine giving him intense puppy eyes, shaking his head at her. His ears perked up when Addy spoke again about not wanting to go home. "A big apartment you say," he said hopefully, "that sounds like an amazing idea, don't you think guys?" He looked over to Morgan and Carter, noticing Carter's red face as he nodded his head in agreement with Simon.