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 Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 6:52 pm
Who: Annabel, Simon.... and everyone's favorite host. D8 Uh-oh... Where: Da woodz When: Day 10, some hours before the firepit ceremony.  Talk about an exhausting day... no real sleep and the less-than-meager breakfast had been enough of a way to start it, but then there was that hellish obstacle course. That was an entirely different brand of challenge from what they'd come to expect with McLean: whereas the host's were sadistic in their own special, twisted way, Hatchet's just ran you to the ground and proceeded to keep pushing you straight to China. He couldn't fathom how so many of his teammates were able to run that gauntlet of death five times - Simon barely had the energy to run through it just once!
It was almost enough for him to say he preferred McLean's challenges more. Almost.
He'd stumbled back to the cabin with the intent of taking a nice, long nap to fully recuperate from the ordeals of the day (and the previous night as well), but was stopped from putting this plan into motion when he noticed his bed was already occupied... by a neatly folded little piece of paper. A note...?
"Dearest:
I am sorry I did not catch you in person; finishing the course quickly, I wanted to take a thorough shower, and get myself cleaned up should our paths cross once more! Should you care to know- there is, admittedly, a selfish part of me that hopes you do- I am off to spend the day with my thoughts, as to be calm and collected should we meet this evening. In truth, that is why I leave this letter- I believe a walk through the woods tonight would be... dare I say it, Romantic, should you be interested. I shall meet you behind the cabin at ten, if you so desire. I count the minutes till I am once more able to see you, and hope you wait with baited breath as I do. My heart is yours, Dearest Tiger! Till we meet again!
-Belbel"
He couldn't help but... reread it two, or three, or half a dozen times before folding it back up and tucking it into a pocket. It had definitely been rejuvenating in ways that a nap wouldn't have been - Annabel's likability had somehow rose even more upon knowing that not only did she want to meet up again as much as he did, but how much she'd put into expressing it.
Meeting up with her had gone by wonderfully smoothly, for once. No crying, no fretting over each other or emotional confessions... they'd just stood there giddily looking at each other before Annabel suddenly grabbed Simon's hand and led him away from the campgrounds. A small gesture, to be sure, but one that was making his heart rush with the thrill of just how it had happened so easily.
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 7:21 pm
 A shower and time alone had been good for Annabel- after dropping the note off for Simon, she'd been overly giddy, and had nearly gone to find the boy early. But no, no- that would've killed the romance of the situation! It was like her own personal Mr. Darcy! Maybe without the attitude, sure, but that was alright- Simon's inherently sweet nature was what made him so wonderful. Up on the Thousand Foot Cliff- slowly turning into one of her thinking spots- Annabel had spent the day catching up with Journal. He'd missed so much of the events at camp, and Annabel had felt guilty. So, really, it'd been like a day with an old friend- gushing to him about the evening's plans- and luckily, Journal couldn't give her any grief for being so over-the-top about everything. As willingly as he'd accepted her rants about the Rat b*****d, Journal took the gushing about Tiger in stride.
...Alright, so maybe she was unused to the concept of having real friends to talk to. But Journal, in his own right, was a person! ...Sort of.
Having spent some time alone, and gotten herself together, Annabel had rushed down to the cabin around nine- taking a moment to dip into Noel's makeup kit and grab herself a hint of lipgloss. N-not that she was expecting anything, mind you, just for the sake of being prepared. It never hurt to be ready, damn it! Overly excited and tail wagging, she'd quickly brushed up her hair, made sure she looked decent- more effort than she typically did- and headed out around back to meet him. Taking his hand and guiding him into the woods, she'd lead him up the path leading to the River. Bold? Yes. But, at the least, it was familiar, and at least held memories. Turning to look up to him as they walked, Annabel very gently swung their connected hands, giving him a bright- if not nervous- smile.
"I-I'm really glad you came walking with me, Simon." Annabel started, a slight pinkish color in her cheeks. Alright, so maybe she wasn't as good at this actually as she was with words- dealing with boys and feelings was difficult, damn it! Flicking her ears a bit, she continued.
"I- ah. ..Sorry to have signed it Belbel. It's the only nickname I've really ever had, even if HE uses it- kind of ruins it, but I've always... liked the idea of it." She was rambling a bit- talking more than usual out of nervousness, but hopefully Simon wouldn't mind.
He'd come out here with her, though. That had to mean SOMETHING... right?
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 8:08 pm
When they reached the river, Simon could feel a flush creeping up through his cheeks to the ends of his ears - she couldn't have possibly led him here by random chance. The place did have a fair bit of sentimental value to the both of them, though, so it was more than appropriate to come here for their first d-- their first meeting in a long time that didn't start with one or both of them as an emotional wreck. He even slowed his stride just a tad as they got closer to the spot, hoping it would be enough of a hint that they could stop here if she wanted, and just stay there for a few minutes. To talk or otherwise, he didn't care either way.
His smile was just as nervous-looking as hers... but that fact helped to ease the anxiety a bit, at least for him. It was comforting in a strange way that neither of them were totally sure what they were doing; that made room for some mistakes to be made and learned from. While she swung his hand, he gave hers a comforting little squeeze as she started to talk.
At the mention of nicknames he took a ponderous expression, before the smile returned just as bright as before. "W-well," he tried, "If you're n-not comfortable using that nickname, I... I could always... give you a different one...""
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 11:55 pm
His hint was very well received- slowing her pace to match his, which meant... scurrying less quickly, due to differences in leg length. This was nice, though- Annabel had hoped he'd catch on to the river's importance. Symbolism and what-not; hey, this river could probably be a motif! Amused terribly at the thought and deciding she'd have to tell Journal later, she was pleased that he was fond of this spot. Sure, their meetings here had been a bit awkward, but not this time. This nice, casual... whatever this was, really... it was a good change of pace. There were cameras everywhere, sure, but it felt like alone time without some sort of mental breakdown- something they both desperately needed right about now. Day ten, and it was starting to show- exhaustion, even if just from the course, seemed to have a firm grip on most of the campers.
It was sweet and endearing, though, that Simon was as nervous and shy as she was. They were holding hands like a couple of kids in elementary school- even if it was a bit awkward on Annabel's part with the height difference. But still, it was nice. Maybe, with things calmed down, they could have some semblance of a normal resemblance. A peaceful, romantic walk... maybe a little peck? But that was probably fast thinking. Best to enjoy the moment for it was without planning ahead. Besides, Simon would probably be scared off if she started thinking like that.
At his bright smile, Annabel flushed- matching his with one of her own. Forcing herself not to look away in embarrassment, she nodded happily.
"I-I'd actually really like that, Simon. Something more personal than Belbel- special- like you are." ..Oh god, that sounded corny. Inwardly groaning, Annabel convinced herself not to facepalm at that. It'd ruin the moment. Hopefully, it'd just smooth itself over, no harm done.
(( I :HEART: CHRIS MCLEAN, THE SEXY b*****d! ))
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Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 1:26 pm
Simon's tail swished happily behind him, easily betraying the fact that beneath the calm-for-once atmosphere and general nervousness between both of them, he was filled with a great deal of giddiness at being able to spend some relatively stress-free time with Annabel. Sheer exhaustion was keeping him from looking as excited as he honestly was... that, and he didn't want to end up making her uncomfortable by seeming overeager. Besides that, they both needed a bit of quiet. No need to jump into anything here, it was wonderful just allowing each other to relax and take a breath of fresh air with someone they enjoyed being around.
If they could only read each other's minds, though, Annabel would find that Simon's hope for this MEETING were near-identical to her own. Not the romantic walk part-- that was kind of a given-- but the idea of sealing it off with a kiss made him want to shiver with glee just thinking about it. Wouldn't that just be so perfect? Scaring him away, hardly.
His smile quirked into the smallest of amused smirks at Annabel's response, but didn't say anything about how corny or otherwise it had sounded. Instead, he freed his hand to place it on her back in a half-hug, drawing himself closer. At his height, he could lean down and whisper directly into her ear, and that's what he was intending to do, as if somehow afraid that he might be overheard by someone. It was entirely possible with the cameras, after all, and at this moment he really didn't feel like giving McLean more ammo to fire back at him later.
...That, and it was a lovely excuse to get closer to her.
"I think I can come up with something," he started, and then, with his voice dropping to a whisper...
"...Belbird."
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Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 8:46 am
 Oh but McLean didn't need cameras, not when he was witnessing this touching scene himself.
Back early from his hosting gig, Chris -had- been on his way to go change out of his bloody costume and get back to Chef-man for a bit of seagull shooting fun. However...really -how- could he pass up an opportunity to scare the s**t out of Simon with this outfit? The fact Annabel was with him simply made this a 2 for 1 of -awesome-.
Being as stealthy as his assassin training had taught him to be, the host snuck closer and closer to the pair. He was careful not to make too much noise, but definitely stepped on something here and there to make just a bit. Afterall it was more fun to make his prey worry about what was in the woods.
Stepping on a final twig with a loud CRACK, Chris silently made it the rest of the way to a prime spot to leap out. Now to just wait and let them fret a moment....
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Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 12:00 pm
"That's perfect, Tiger. I love it." she responded in what could be considered a stage whisper, instantly moving in to wrap her arms around him in a full embrace. Belbel was cute- something she'd done by, to certain people, since childhood. It was one of those things that held the tiniest remaining hints of her outright femininity. But Belbird? Belbird would be special, and just for Simon- between the two of them. Belbird and her Tiger- the thought made her, admittedly, giggle, making her cheeks take just the slightest hint of a pink. So maybe it wasn't a date, but so far? This was turning out to be absolutely perfec-
W-what was that? Tensing at the first noise in the distance, Annabel was suddenly terribly aware of what sounded to be like someone- or something- following them. Pulling herself away from Simon, eyes wide and ears pricked and alert, Annabel was looking over the area, hunting for any sign of something out of place. This? This wasn't just an overactive imagination- not at Wawanakwa, anyway. God, Chris had probably sent something in here after them- some deranged man-eating horde of chipmunks, or something as equally bizarre.
God DAMN she should've thought about this! You NEVER went into the woods with your boyfriend in horror movies! They'd sealed their deaths, alright; she was the token slut. First one to go wayside to the killer. That was such an obvious rule, why hadn't she thought about it?! Whirling around to face Simon, still listening intently for... any sign of anything, really, Annabel practically growled out in frustration.
"You heard that, right?" The fur on the back of her neck had started to rise, ever so slightly, in admitted worry.
"Something's out here. T-that THING I heard, off in the woods. You don't... you don't think THAT'S it, do you?"
(( I heart CHRIS MCLEAN, THE SEXY b*****d! ))
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Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 6:30 pm
Annabel approving of the petname nickname was wonderful in and of itself. But Annabel calling it perfect in that little whisper? Her hugging him was probably the only thing keeping on the ground right now. Simon leaned into her embrace with a happy, audible sigh, wearing the kind of blissful smile that the cameras would be sure to gobble right up. Sure, it wasn't as big a deal as a kiss or a heartfelt confession, but... it was still a secret they were sharing together, and their first one, no less! It would be a lie to say he didn-
snap
Like a switch, the first of the noises made Simon's ears jolt upward, the fur on the back of his neck unpleasantly bristling. He began brushing his gaze everywhere he felt Annabel wasn't, hoping that perhaps having a second pair of eyes with him meant that they could spot whatever (or whoever) was approaching them before... well, he didn't know before WHAT, but that didn't make it any less scary!
"Y-y-yeah," he stammered back, after flinching a bit from her whirling around to speak to him. "B-but I'm n-n-n-not sure w-w-what it is... besides that it d-d-doesn't sound that big..."
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Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 7:30 pm
Alright McLean! Game face on! A deep breath and then.....
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"
The wary campers were treated to a blood curdling scream right before the battered and bloody host BURST from the forest and landed in front of them.
"DUDES, R-RUN BEFORE THEY GET YOU! THE BEARS MAN. THE BEARS."
Chris flailed, eventually ending up in 'death'-writhes on the ground. In his mind he was doing a damn good job of faking his death! He had, afterall, never -actually- died...but he imagined this would be a good way to do it. It's how the movies went, at least! A final twitch here, and there...and then Chris went still on the floor. Eye shut, tongue hanging out, and body completely still.
Hehehehehhee.
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Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 8:43 pm
Annabel hadn't even heard Chris's ramblings after her broke out of the woods- she'd started squealing in terror, like an absolute little girl, scrambling toward Simon as quickly as possible. Looking like nothing more than a ball of fluff, eyes widened, Annabel was in a great state of panic. Oh my god, he looked like he'd been massacred! By... bears?! Wasn't he supposed to have them trained, or something?! Holy s**t. If those things were willing to turn on him, man, that meant the campers were BONED. Downright dead, if this had any warrant over future events. Terrified scream finally disappearing, Annabel hung desperately close to Simon, ears pinned in terror and whimpering.
"Man, I even WATCH horror movies! I should've KNOWN not to go into the woods at night!" She whimpered, tone honestly one of great concern and fear. Trembling slightly, Annabel shook her head.
"I may have hated the guy, but s**t- not even CHRIS deserved to go like this! And god damn it, being here with you makes me the horror movie slut! That means I'm the next one to go!"
Irrational? Just a little. But HEY. Growing up on horror flicks, you learned this kind of thing fairly quickly. God damn it, she should've KNOWN that rule. You were NEVER the first one to go for a guy in survival situations! s**t. She was going to die!
(( I heart CHRIS MCLEAN, THE SEXY b*****d! ))
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Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 9:09 pm
Simon should have screamed, or at least jumped - but as it were, he only jerked up ramrod straight, all the color leaving his face. Being jumped out at or having a megaphone blasted in your ear was one thing, but this... this was very different. Oh God, he just saw someone die! Annabel's scream was dull and muffled in his ears, as if he were hearing it through water, and her horrified ramblings? A smeared buzz in the shape of her voice.
His lack of a response besides a tiny, strained squeak would be an obvious sign that as bad as things looked, they were about to get a lot worse. As quickly as every muscle in his body tensed, they suddenly went slack, the poor boy falling unconscious straight into Annabel.
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Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 9:58 pm
Chris kept up the act...at least for a little bit. Yeah man, he majored in theater! He could do this!
...And then when he braved opening an eye he was treated to the image of Simon fainting onto Annabel,and at this point his game was doomed. The 'dead' host quickly sat up, placing a paw on his face as he busted out laughing.
"Oh MAAAAAN, dude...DUDE! Your reactions were PRICELESS ehehehehehe!"
Oh yes. He -was- a jerk, wasn't he?
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Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 4:13 pm
Giving an awkward little yelp as Simon fell slack onto her, Annabel shifted in an awkward scramble to prop the boy up, trying to figure out what the hell to do. Fear had quickly dissipated to anger and outright embarrassment. Face colored red as Annabel struggled with his limp body, her temper flared when Chris sat up laughing, and she turned to glare at him with a snarl.
"You have NO consideration for other people, do you?!" She snapped- giving a slight yelp when she mishandled Simon, and stumbled back a few steps. Sighing in frustration, she crouched to the ground, letting Simon's body slide with her. Then, in a surprising move of strength for such a small girl, she hooked her arms under his legs and lifted him, very much bridal-style. Size difference made the seen absolutely hilarious, with Simon's head lulling every-which way when Annabel attempted to move. Thankfully, the boy wasn't horribly heavy- much lighter than she'd earlier guessed. Muttering things like 'augh' and 's**t' under her breath, and struggling with the weight, Annabel attempted to move away from Chris as quickly as possible. God damn b*****d, Chris! AUGH.
"W-we'll.." she breathed deeply, here, re-shifting her hold on Simon as she went. Like hell she was sticking around for Chris to make fun of- or leaving Simon alone in the woods. Huffing in frustration, Annabel attempted to make her way out of the trees.
Hopefully, as he pissed himself laughing over this, Chris would be too distracted to follow them. Goddamn Rat b*****d.
(( I heart CHRIS MCLEAN, THE SEXY b*****d! ))
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Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 10:30 pm
For a few strained minutes, carrying the blacked-out Simon was about as uneventful as it could be under these circumstances. His limbs dangled and swung unhelpfully, and his head rolled from side to side in time to Annabel's stride - even when not awake, it seemed the boy was doing his part to make this encounter as humorous for Chris as humanly possible. Thankfully, or unfortunately depending on one's take on things, he wasn't going to stay out of it for very long, and soon enough he was crawling back into reality. A tail twitch here, an ear flick there... and then his eyes were fluttering open, the LARPer greeting the world with a confused groan.
When he came to his senses, he was quick to notice that he was moving, but he wasn't touching the ground. Curious. He shifted his posture to see exactly why that was--
--and nearly fell out of Annabel's grip, causing him to yelp in surprise and catch his arms around her neck, which only served to yank her to the ground along with him.
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