"Heh... tell ya what, Ah'll race ya to th' buoy... ef ya win, Ah'll tell ya my deep dark secrets." Chance smiled with a bravado he didn't really feel, and waded forward so they'd have an even start. He almost regretted the challenge as soon as he made it-- he was a strong swimmer, but not nearly as quick in the water as he was on his feet. He wouldn't take the challenge away now that he'd made it, though, and maybe he could find a clever way to phrase things without building a wall between them.

Chance followed Angel's gaze to the volleyball net and rallied his interest. Maybe if he survived the next few minutes he'd challenge his friend to a game... or maybe not. He selfishly wanted to keep the handsome Frenchman to himself for at least a little while. His rueful smile turned into one of mischief as he realized he could give himself more incentive to swim faster. "An' if ya lose, you get ta tell me a secret."

---

(I don't know if I want Chance to confess yet... maybe if they tie, or it's a really close race he could make a partial confession?)

He turns to look over at the other as he suggested a race. He smiled, "sounds good to me" he says. He then listened to the other talk about a secret. "I don't really have a secret.." it was true he was fairly honest and open to people. "But I'll tell you what, you win and I'll do one thing you ask of me" he says, making it interesing. At the same time like before, he ment it innocently though he figured it could also be taken wrong. He trusted Chance though, so he had no problem in making such a deal with the other. He nodded, turning to look out at the target where the two of them were headed to. His mind judged the distance, as well as the speed and such that needed to get him to that point. He smiles, glancing back at Chance. "So do we have a deal hmm?" he asks.

(I don't mind them in a tie, so that both partially win and don't have to confess at the moment.)

"Deal," Chance agreed, trying desperately to think of a forfeit to ask besides a kiss. Now Ah'm not sure which would be worse-- winnin' or losin'... He wiped his face with a wet hand, trying to cool the blushing. "Ready? Set... go!"

Chance lunged forward, slicing through the water with powerful strokes. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Angel keeping exact pace with him, and somehow the sight eased his worry. They were evenly matched, which put the whole thing in the hands of... well, chance. It was rather liberating.

His mouth stretched in a close-lipped smile, and gave himself up to the silken-cool water and the bunch and stretch of muscles. The world narrowed to one arm at a time sweeping through the water, and one breath after another until suddenly his hand encountered the smooth fiberglass of the buoy. He looked over toward Angel, and laughed when he saw another hand touching right beside his, as if they'd both reached it at the same moment. "Tie, then?"

He smiled, looking at Chance. When the other said go he took off as well. He felt the rush of the cold water against him, moving against the current. He did not mind either winning or losing, he was not to much of a competitive guy. The other was fast, the two of them keeping up speed together with eachother. He made sure to pace himsekf, taking it one step at a time. The two of them were nearing the target, still neck and neck. Then it was over, both were touching the bouey at the same time. He smiled, looking over at him as he nodded "tie it is." He laughed, leaning back a bit to tread water. He looks up at the sky, smiling warmly. That had been nice. "You're a great swimmer" he smiles, looking over at him. "Seems I'll have to get some training in, if I am going to stand a chance in a rematch" he teases.

"Heh... yer already better than Ah am ef you kin really think of a rematch so soon." Chance laughed. He wasn't really tired, but he didn't want to risk a rematch that might ruin his reprieve. He treaded water for a moment and took a deep breath. "Ah do feel... like Ah owe you a little explanation... Last year at school... Ah lost a lotta friends. Ah'm afraid ta lose my friends here, too."

Chance gazed off into the distance for a moment, debating whether to say more. "Ah don' think you'd... stop bein' my friend, it's jus'... if one person knows, others might find out, an'..." He trailed off and shook his head. The face he turned back to Angel was almost sick with anxiety, but there was some relief as well. One of his two greatest fears was out in the open, and it felt good to share it with someone he trusted, even if the act of sharing was terrifying.

He was silent as he listened to the other. His full attention moving to him as a slight saddness formed inside of him. "Chance..." he took a breath, "vous aurez toujours en moi un ami,,,you will always have a friend in me." He smiled warmly, looking straight into the other's eyes. "You know I would never tell anyone anything you did not wish for them to know, and I would never be upset, or hate you for anything as well...it kind of goes against everything I am" he chuckled lightly. "It is alright if you do not wish to tell me, it is no pressure, when you are ready you will say what you need to" he nods, "and you will hae me there with you for support and whatever you need."

He ment that, he cared about Chance a lot, and he hated to see him upset and hurting. To change the subject to a lighter one he smiled, "since it was a tie and you shared...we can still do something of your choosing...whatever it is just name it." He thought for a moment then added, "unless it is a prank...I am horrible at them and would probrably end up regretting it." He laughed, moving towards shore. He stepped out of the watter, running a hand through his wet hair as he moved over to his towel once more. He would let the other choose what they did next, hopefully, that would help to cheer him up.

The knot of anxiety in Chance's gut loosened as he listened to Angel, knowing that the other's words were true. He wasn't even sure Angel was capable of lying, and certainly not with that much sincerity. He summoned a small but genuine smile for his friend. "Thank you... Ah knew all that, but... Ah think Ah needed ta hear you say it."

There was a rush of euphoria in having confessed his fears, and he almost laughed as they headed toward the shore. "Maybe Ah'll be less of a wreck now, knowin' Ah kin talk ta somebody."

Chance left the water a few steps behind Angel, and watched him dry off for a moment of purely aesthetic admiration. Even the straightest man in the world would have to admit that Eros's son was a pleasure to look at. His admiration was tinged with just a hint of affectionate envy, and he shook his head in amusement as he went to collect his own towel. "Maybe we should go beat 'em at volleyball?"

Angel smiled, looking over at him. "Of course you can talk to me" he says. He finished drying off a bit, looking over at him. He watched him for a moment, glad to have him opening up. It was also good to see him relaxing and feeling better. He glanced towards the volleyball net down the beach. "Alright, if that is what you wish to do...lets show them what we've got" he smiles. Again, he wasn't a competitive person, but there was no harm in a little friendly one. He had just raced Chance after all. He had played a little back home, though in Paris there wernt really beaches to slip away to and beat a ball around.

The other was probrably better than he was. Perhaps after, he would suggest lunch before he headed back to the medic tents. He wanted to get some more help in before night fell. There was also a competition scheduled this afternoon, one that would pit the campers against eachother in a welcome back obstical course to get them fired up for the coming season here. He glanced at Chance, "are you taking part in this afternoons events?" he asked curious. It was probrably going to be mostly Ares members and such, since many relaxed throughout the time away of here. But Ares members were more likely to keep pushing and training themselves.

"Nobody'll race against me on foot anymore, so Ah was jus' gonna ride herd on th' new campers." He shrugged and wrung water out of his hair. Truth to tell, he didn't mind not running. It wasn't fun if there was no real competition. Pranks had their own challenge-- seeing how much trouble he could cause without making anyone truly angry. Most people seemed to accept his pranks in the good nature they were meant, except for Ares' sons. Chance therefore considered it his moral duty to continue pranking them until they developed senses of humor.

Volleyball should be fun, though. He didn't play much, which meant it would be a challenge. And, he privately admitted to himself, maybe he could impress Angel, just a little. And if not, they should at least have a good time. He waved at the volleyball players as they approached. "Room for two more?"

The volleyball-playing girls were more than welcoming, although somehow Chance and Angel wound up on different teams as the girls all tried to be on the same team as Angel. Chance didn't mind, though-- this gave him opportunities to watch his friend through the net-- when he wasn't busy trying to keep the ball in the air, at least.

Angel nodded, so the other was not going to enter. That was alright, he would be there to watch and for support anyways. The two moved over to the court with the others playing volleyball. He was happy that the two of them were accepted to play, but they were soon separated through teams. He blushed a bit as the females seemed to be more interested in him then in the game. He tried to focus though, it seemed a lot more fun than he had been expecting. He helped keep the ball in the air, as well as scoring points for his team. He smiled at Chance through the net, catching a few of his glances.

A slight crowd had begun to form, cheering the two of them on within their game. He laughed lightly, glad they had chosen this, it was turning out to be more fun than he had thought. The game was soon tied, Angel focused on working with his team, the ball moving from one person to another and moving closer to the net. He saw an opening, one of his teammates catching his eye and giving a slight nod. He smiled a bit, moving to the net, striking at the ball from their side. It flew into the air, and over the net heading towards Chance and the back of his teams side. No one else in range to catch it in time.

Chance had been moving away when the ball was suddenly hit in his direction, and the soft sand wasn't the best footing for a quick course change. He dove for it anyway, and punted the ball back across the net before falling heavily to the sand. He climbed back to his feet, laughing and shaking his fist at Angel.

The game was a close one-- or it probably was. The girls spent most of their time trying to impress the son of Eros, and no one remembered who was supposed to be keeping score. Chance didn't mind, though-- he was having fun, and the exercise sparked the appetite he'd been lacking. Finally, after a particularly bad miss by his team, he waved his hands to get their attention. "Ah'm gettin' pretty tired... an' hungry. Reckon Ah should go get lunch while there's still some left."

Angel was enjoying this, it was interesting to see how each member reacted to eachother and the game. He could sense a few interesting feelings between a few of them, but in the middle of a game was not the time to bring it up. He hardly noticed the girls really, slightly oblivious at times when it came to feelings directed towards him such as this. It was ironic, but his innocence made it so. Soon enough, he noticed Chance giving a wave and speaking. He was right, it was getting later, and he himself was getting a bit hungry as well. The other members gave a slight nod, taking a break from the game at the other's words. Angel walked over to Chance.

"Should change first...unless you're planning on allowing the mess hall a show" he teased lightly, since both were still in trunks. He was interested in what would be there today. They often chose foods and such from all over the world. It was nice to see the more cultural side of the camp at times. Although, you could typically tell those who were forgien from their accents. He noticed Chance had once, it was probrably regional as well...it was nice and unique, another good quality of his. Angel was aware of his own accent as well, he was used to speaking in french most of the time, but his english was good as well. Hopefully it did not get in the way, and it seemed most could understand him, so no worries there. He smiled, turning to head back up to the cabins to change.

There was still food left when Chance arrived at the mess hall, and he automatically grabbed a plate to fill. Despite the rumbling of his stomach, he was so interested in watching the door that he didn't give the food any thought. He shuffled around at the beginning of the food line, arranging his plate, napkin, and utensils just so in between glances at the entrance. Finally, Angel appeared in the doorway, and Chance looked down at the food to pretend he hadn't been waiting quite so eagerly.

What he saw was... disappointing. Whoever had been in charge of today's lunch was obviously either lazy or uncreative. On second thought, lazy might not be accurate, because despite major inroads from hungry campers, the tables were still fairly full... of sandwiches. Staring in almost disbelief, Chance identified three trays of pb&j sandwiches-- each with a different flavor of jelly--, tuna salad, ham and cheese, an empty plate that had probably held roast beef, and a tray of green-filled pitas in an apparent nod toward vegetarianism. He looked back at Angel, his voice bubbling with laughter. "Ah reckon Hebe's kids made lunch taday."

Angel changed into a pair of jeans and a blue gray sweater. He then headed back up towards the mess hall. He said hello to a few people along the way, stopping for a moment when a group of girls got in his way to talk. He finally made it, opening the door. It was when he was heading up to the line, that he heard a familiar voice. He looked over to Chance, before he glanced at the food on the table. "Perhaps...though I suppose a quick lunch when getting back into the swing of things could work" he smiled. He did not have much of an appetite for a sandwich, leaning past Chance for a moment to grab an apple. He did not even notice the close proxemity of their bodies for a moment, before he flashed another warm smile. He headed to a table, sitting down.

He pulled out his phone after a moment, a gold angel charm hanging from it. It had been a bit of a joke from a friend of his back home. He smiled, sitting the device on the table. He looked at the apple, the skin perfectly red. He knew of stories about apples, that apparently one could tell how good of a kisser someone was by how they bit into it. It was a silly little story, who would believe such a thing really? He nudged the thought away, before he took a bite. Apples were one of his favorite fruits, there were many kinds, each with their own flavor. This one seemed to be perfect. He did have a knack for choosing and picking....in love...and many other things. It wasn't really a power or a tallent, he just had an eye for things. In a way it was more luck and skill from a life of having to notice details about things, it was highly important when it came to his field of love.

Chance smiled wryly when Angel leaned past him. The moment of emotional overload by the buoy seemed to have purged his anxiety-- temporarily, at least. It left his mind clear enough to whimsically muse that at least Angel was comfortable around him. Perhaps that was a good omen for the future.

He collected a couple of sandwiches and an apple and deposited them on the table along with the small bottle of hot sauce he always carried to lunch and dinner. He didn't always use it-- he loved spicy foods, but he also appreciated more subtle seasonings. Unfortunately, he didn't usually appreciate sandwiches. They tended to be bland and insipid, without even an interesting texture to define them. Hot sauce couldn't solve the lack of texture, but it at least helped the flavor problem. He doused them liberally, and was about to bite into the first when he saw Angel start on his apple.

If he didn't always look like that, I'd think he was trying to be seductive. Instead... I think he just is seductive. It's genetic, like blonde hair or green eyes, he reflected. The reason for it didn't really matter, though. What mattered was that Angel's company made him happy. Even if things between them never went the direction Chance would prefer, he still just enjoyed being near Angel, even if they were just sitting quietly. It felt right, and comfortable. Well, it felt comfortable when he wasn't caught up in anxiety that his desire for closeness would cause separation, anyway.

Shaking his head to banish his brooding thoughts, Chance devoted attention to his lunch.

He could not help but his allow his eyes to move to the other. He was a bit curious as to what was on the other's mind. He sighed a bit, "alright spill it..." He spoke up, unable to stand just sitting back anymore. He looked at the other. "You've been deep in thought and distant ever since this morning...did something happen?" he asked, nott really even putting it together with the feelings of love within the other, since he had agreed to let that stay for the moment. But still, if there was something more going on, he could not just sit by and say nothing. "Que pensez-vous" he sighed once more, sitting back again. He nudged him a bit with his foot under the table. "I understand it is an adjustment being back...leaving life, family and friends behind...but if that is what is bugging you it will get better" he was worried, "you have friends here...and those who are probrably close enough to even be considered a second family."

He looked out at the rest of the camp, "and you have to admit it is beautiful here....this place does have its charms." He figured he might sound odd really, he brushed a bit of hair from his eyes. "I'm sorry...perhaps it is none of my buisiness but here and now needs your attention...and life is to short to be stuck up in your head all the time, you need to have fun and live while you can" he smiles, "or is that little prank this morning all you have in you?" It was more of a playful tease and a challenge, looking at the other. He took another bite of his apple, pausing for a moment as a few guys from the Ares cabin stepped in. Swallowing, his eyes returned to his friend, "the summer and time back here is just begining..who knows what it has in store for us, perhaps this time there is something waiting around the bend."

Chance shook his head, smiling gently. "It's different for you,

Angel... everybody loves you. The rest of us have ta worry about

things like that. Ah'm not homesick... well, not much, anyway..." Angel's sympathy melted the anxiety that had been building, and if they'd been alone he would have confessed everything then and there. The people within earshot, however, made him cautious. "Ah'll explain after we eat. Ah'm not ready for everybody ta know yet, and you know how gossip is."

I don't have to tell everything... I can just tell what happened, and leave out who I've been thinking about. Doubly reassured, he applied himself to a sandwich, pausing to grin at the challenge. "Ah'll think of somethin', Ah'm sure. Ah've got an idea, even, it just needs the right timing."

Chance finished eating and grinned at Ares' sons, who glowered back helplessly. They knew better than to try and chase him twice in one day-- really they knew not to bother trying at all, but they never thought about it in the heat of the moment. He stretched lazily, realizing he was being smug about it. Better do something humbling before he got too full of himself. "Ef you're done eatin'... we kin go talk somewhere?"

(Took me long enough, didn't it? )

(It's ok lol, I understand)

Angel tilted his head slightly. A light blush formed on his face from the compliment that the other gave to him. "It's not quite true" he says, "there are those who hate me....and I worry about plenty of things as well" he picked at his apple a bit. He was thinking about it all, back home, he sighed. He then looked up, when the other brought up the idea of going somewhere else to talk. He glanced at the Ares table, nodding slowly. He stood from the table, streatching slightly himself.

His body had slightly gotten stiff from the booth. He wondered what the other wanted to speak to him about. It was making him slightly nervous, but at the same time slightly happy. He was glad the other was wanting to open up to him. His eyes moved to the other once more. He wondered for a moment as well, if he should tell the other a little more about himself as well. Perhaps it would help him to calm..and help Angel to get something off of his chest at the same time. He nodded inwardly to himself. He would do just that, once they decided wherever they were going. He allowed the other to make the first move, and lead him to where he desired to go.

(kinda small but it will have to do for tonight )

Chance wrapped the last peanut butter sandwich in a napkin and put his plate in the pile waiting to be washed by whatever cabin was on kitchen cleanup today. Checking to see that Angel was following, he led the way along a circuitous path to an isolated bit of lake shore. A tree, perhaps influenced by one of Demeter's children, had wrapped roots around a smooth flat rock, providing a shady bench that overlooked the water. Small birds flitted away as they approached, then began cautiously moving back toward the seat when crumbs from the sandwich were tossed in their direction.

The cool stone made a surprisingly comfortable seat, and for several minutes Chance seemed intent on feeding the birds while he marshalled his thoughts. When he finally spoke it came suddenly, and the startled birds scattered again, despite the treat. "Last fall Ah told my best friend at school that Ah was gay. An' then Ah found out she'd liked me and was expectin' me ta ask her out instead of coming out. By the next day, everybody at school knew about me, an' none of my friends wanted anything ta do with me."

He kept his gaze focused on the ground, trying to keep his throat from closing up and cutting off the explanation. "My best friend told my biggest secret to everybody. Ah couldn't change for gym class 'cause all the other guys were worried Ah'd be starin'-- had ta quit track fer the same reason. None of my friends stuck by me-- the guys avoided me an' the girls either laughed at me or tried ta 'fix' me. Ah know camp is different, but that hurt. Ah can't help bein' afraid of what'll happen if Ah tell people here-- an' you already know there's somebody Ah like. If I told him... everybody would find out..."

Chance trailed off, letting the admission sink in while he mustered his courage. Taking a deep breath to try and calm his nerves, he finally looked up at Angel to see how Eros's son would react. He said he wouldn't stop bein' my friend...

Angel followed Chance along down to the water's edge. The two of them alone now in a private area. They sat upon the shaded rock, and his eyes moved out to the water. A light breeze ruffled through his hair, as he watched the light waves make their way to shore. The other began talking, and he stayed silent for the moment listening to what he had to say. When he spoke, the story made a sadness wash over Angel's heart. He did not look at the other for a moment, more to make him not feel as if all eyes were on him when he was telling something so deep and personal.

Angel did feel a bit honored that he trusted him enough to tell him, but then again being the son of the god of love and such kind of made him more.....cultivated to this topic. Once Chance had finished, for a moment he let the silence stand between them. His eyes still out to the sea, it was a bit hard to read what was going on behind those hazel eyes. He finally turned his head to look at the other. "Love is a funny thing....it's not black and white....just like most of the world is not..." his eyes moved back out to the water.

"Everyone's heart is different....we feel happines...pleasure...pain...sorrow....and yes love. Love is a powerful and dangerous emotion, one that no one can completely control...not even the gods themselves, the heart wants what the heats wants. But it does not mean one thing is right, and another is wrong...many can not accept what they do not understand and what they can not explain away easily.. Your friend was hurt...but she should not have chosen to handle it in that way, nor should the others... just because you prefer something different, does not mean that you are any less you then you were before" he looks at him, "and I believe that you are an incredibl..brave..and strong guy." He smiled, then slowly stood, stepping to the water. "I have a confession of my own if it would help any?" his hands slipped into his pockets.

Relief washed over Chance, both from having talked about it with someone and from the fact that Angel wasn't hostile. It's gonna be okay... he's still my friend, at least. I'm not alone. He smiled and resisted the urge to take Angel's hand. "Thank you... that means a lot. Ah know it was dumb, bein' afraid you'd hate me, but... Ah never woulda thought Kerri would have, either. Ah didn't mean ta hurt her..."

He fell silent a moment, and watched Angel walk toward the water. What kind of confession could he have? Is he in love? That... I wouldn't act like Kerri... I'd still be his friend. I'd try to be happy for him. "You don't have ta tell me anythin' you don't want to. But.. Ah'd be happy ta listen to anythin' you say."

Taking a breath, he closed his eyes. "Most of my life...I have been the target of being either seen as a flirt or as an item that plenty have been after...." his eyes slowly open. "I have been called plenty of names...for having had to turn down many...and I have had plenty of rumors spread around about me" he sighs. He turns to look at him. "Truth is...it has made me pull away from people a lot...I do not tend to talk about it here as well, people think my life is this one big dream...for who my father is....what I look likes and who I am...but that is not true" he sighs once more.

"I know it is kind of pathetic of me to complain about my life...but I have also been afraid to ever allow myself to get close enough to someone...what would they have to deal with because of me?" he runs a hand through his hair. "Truth is, even though I have never admited it...you and I are not so different...even in the sense of being interested in more than just females" he turns away again.

"I have thought about it a lot and honestly...gender does not matter to me as much as one might think. It is what is on the inside that is important...a person's heart and personality. Weather guy or girl...I want someone who can accept me as I accept them...someone who loves me and is not afraid to say so or stand up for us in the face of such..." he pauses and lightly chuckles, "I'm ramnbling myself now...I'm sorry" he falls a bit silent, moving back to sit next to him. He lets out a breath, feeling a bit happier now that he had been able to get that off of his chest as well.

Chance's heart skipped a beat when he heard Angel admit to liking men. It was too much like one of his wild daydreams to be true... but the next sentence brought things back to earth. Was he ready to face everything? He thought he was... especially if Angel was there to face them at his side. But maybe not yet. If he was going to confess everything, he wanted to make it a special occasion. Plans began forming in his mind, but he set them aside while he tried to respond to Angel.

"There's no need ta be sorry. Ah guess nobody ever thinks about it from your side... Ah know I didn't." Chance looked thoughtful, and tried to choose his words carefully. He hoped they were the right words, but he was confident now that they'd be taken in the best light. "We jus' see how much everybody wants ta be near you an' wish it was us. Ah guess it would be pretty bad, now Ah think of it. Ah don't know how you manage ta turn 'em down so gracefully that most of 'em don't have hurt feelings. It must be hard."

He smiled sympathetically and tossed the last few crumbs to the birds before walking forward to set a comforting hand on Angel's shoulder. "Ah'll always be happy ta listen if ya need ta ramble."

His eyes turned to the other. He takes a breath. A light smile forms on his lips. "I hate hurt...I hate having to turn them down...I can feel them...those feelings...The negative side of love...the longing...rejection...the hurt" he leans in, placing a soft kiss on Chance's cheek. "Thank you...for listening, I am here whenever you need me as well" he smiles. It had gotten a bit colder out. He lightly nudges the other playfully, leaning against him. It was a bit warmer with the contact between them. His eyes moved back out to the water before them. "I'm going to get stronger..." he says.

"Emotionally...spiritually...and more...as strong as I can...I want to be able to become a better me...to do something with my life" a determined look settles into his eyes, as he takes a deep breath. He closes his eyes, before letting his body slip back to lay on the the rock by Chance. His arms behind his head, he was calm and feeling good right now. He was happy, the rest of the world seeming to fade away at the moment. The two of them alone there, it was perfect to him. He was glad he had decided to come out with him, to have talked. His mind slipping a bit, his chest rose and fell with calm slow breaths. For a moment, he felt as if he was drifting off to sleep. He wondered a bit what Chance was thinking right now, what he was feeling. He thought of asking, but there was no need to speak and ruin this perfect moment.

Soft lips on his cheek, warm breath against his ear, and the brief closeness combined to a moment of utter happiness and contentment for Chance. He closed his eyes and savored the nearness, resolving to complete his plans for a special evening soon, so he'd have a right to enjoy moments like this all the time. He laid back on the rock beside Angel and considered his words. 'Being stronger...' Ah'm not really strong... Ah don't even know if Ah want ta do somethin' with my life... Only thing really important ta me is my friends and family bein' safe and happy. Maybe that's what Ah'm supposed to do.

The comfortable silence grew, and Chance glanced over to try to divine what Angel was thinking. Seeing him apparently asleep, he took the rare opportunity to gaze without risk of being caught. Feasting his eyes, he let his mind wander toward making plans and daydreaming. Within a few minutes he found himself growing sleepy, as well, and he daringly leaned over to brush the lightest of kisses on Angel's cheek before resting his head back on the stone. A last whimsical thought crossed his mind as he was drifting off, Ah always wanted ta sleep with Angel...