[Great Outdoors] Dream another sunset

[Connor Manning]

Several weeks at a summer camp hadn't been Connor's ideal way to waste away his summer. That was exactly what the seventeen year old planned to do - waste the summer doing anything and everything he wanted to. Summer camp, though... it didn't exactly sound all that appealing to him though. He brought home the pamphlet at a bit of a gag, show it to his sister and soon to be brother in law, make some jokes about it, and move on. Several weeks later, though, Connor found himself at Cadlys Glasllyn.

It had been a bit of a struggle that brought him there, his parents wanting him to do something with his summer other than bumming around, his sister wanting him out of her hair so she could plan her wedding. Needless to say, Connor wanted to get out of the madness that included pre-wedding preparations. He lacked any real plans, which led to the suggestion of the two week summer camp. It would be good for him, yadda yadda yadda, he would have fun... Connor seemed to think that he was a tad bit old to be attending camp, but his parents wouldn't hear of it.

Connor didn't actually believe he was attending the camp until the day before, when his dad wouldn't stop pestering him about packing. The boy took it as a joke at first, but then settled down and really began to pack. Two weeks worth of clothes, in fact. He had gotten settled in, but now that he was here... he didn't know what to do. Within hours of arriving he took a small tour of the grounds and was quick to locate a large oak tree, perfect for reading. The seventeen year old plopped himself down on the ground rather unceremoniously, leaned against the old tree and settled in. He glanced around, taking notice that it was around the time for the campfire to begin, just around eight. The lack of light didn't bug him too much as he cracked the book and began reading.

( tag - Celina )

[Celina Jedynak]

It was an escape… literally. Between being constantly drilled on her techniques and lessons of purity, Celina’s mind had been completely rung out and strained through that of which was now her destiny. Celina really didn’t believe that her mother would allow her father to marry her off or anything, but as hard as he was perfecting her every skill and movement, Celina almost wondered if her mother would be enough to stop him. Even Alfonz was nowhere to be found, of course, Celina knew better of the reason. She’d not even received a letter from him… it was obvious to the Raven girl that their father had said something to him… or worse, forbid him from seeing her. Celina’s mind raced about this often, and even more often it distracted her from her father’s lessons and teachings… the outcome was always… less than wanted.

The camp was her mother’s idea. Two weeks of pure freedom and solitude. And surprisingly enough, Celina’s father agreed. It was obvious to even him that her mind was feeble, fragile, and worn and so he allowed it reluctantly. When her parents dropped her off, Celina didn’t even hug them or peck them softly on the cheek as she normally would have. No, she looked at them blankly, not even cracking the smallest of smiles and turned from them, walking away toward where she was to stay for the entirety of the weeks.

After settling herself, Emerald as always right behind her, Celina started to walk around the grounds to familiarize herself with places that were secluded and to themselves. All she wanted was to relax and get her mind off of the skills and techniques and everything her father had been drilling into her mind. Unfortunately, if one looked closely enough, they could see the difference, even as small as it was, that Celina had been made to go through. Her movements were just that much more fluid, and her posture straighter, her hair tied back in a bun of sorts, a few strands falling straight behind her head. And though they were small, they weren’t the only changes that one would notice. Her speech would be more robotic, and her ways of thinking… that much more pure.

Night started to fall and Celina took out the pamphlet made from parchment about the camp that her mother had given her. It had the schedule of the events and she realized that most would be heading on over to that of a campfire. Definitely where she’d not be going… Celina didn’t want to be around a large crowd, and definitely didn’t want to see anyone she knew. Not yet… she just wasn’t ready for any social interaction. What if she messed up the basic rules? Poise, structure, subtleness, soundlessness, and tactfulness… or in other words, as her father liked to call it… Pssst! He’d made the rules up just for her, saying her mouth was much to open for it’s own good… her posture and the way she held her body, too muggle, and her clumsiness, highly unattractive. No one will ever give you a second glance… her father had said on many occasions, only increasing the look of terror that now hung around and hinted in the glint of Celina’s eyes.

Rounding a tree, trying to find a place to hide, Celina held her head up high trying to keep her back straight, not realizing until she’d kicked something that she wasn’t the only one avoiding the crowds. Her head looked down, ruining her posture incredibly and only noticing whom it was a few minutes after thinking about it. Connor went to… summer camps? “Connor?” Celina said softly, as if it was too good to be true, and yet, really believing that it was only her imagination. Shutting her eyes tightly, Celina reopened them only to find the boy still sitting where her mind had left him. A smile started to form on her face… relaxation… she didn’t know any longer. But anything had to be better than staying at home… didn’t it?

[Connor Manning]

Connor sunk into the background, letting himself lean against the tree as he flipped through the pages, trying to find his former spot. With a free hand he absently brushed at his leg, getting off bits of grass that had clung to him when he had gone to sit down. Upon finding his page, Connor began to read. It was actually a muggle story, one that he knew well. To Kill a Mockingbird. He had read it several times before, and as it was one of his favorites, he had decided to read it once again. He let his mind flicker on and off between paying attention to what was going on around him to focusing on the book. He attempted to let the words sink in, to let them wash over him, but he was having a hard time concentrating.

He closed his eyes, his thumb hesitating on the page before setting it page down onto the ground. What time is it? He didn't want to open his eyes back up to check his watch, as he felt rather comfortable just sitting with his eyes closed against an old tree. It was familiar to him, a characteristic he welcomed.

His sweet solitude was interrupted by a soft kick to his sneaker, and a soft voice. ' Connor? ' Immediately, the boy's eyes opened, coming to rest on Celina's form. He quickly jumped up, brushing his hands off on his pants. " Celina? " He said, wondering what was going on. He wanted to touch her, just to make sure she was real. " What are you doing here? " He asked, resisting the slightly random urge to grab her hand. She looked real, as real as could be. He smiled, although in the back of his mind he began to calculate the differences he was starting to notice. She looked a little... worse for wear, a bit tired, and maybe even a little scared.

His hazel eyes traveled the length of the girl's body, noting that she looked a little skinnier. He paused as he looked back at her face, taking in her the tentative smile. Was she... happy to see him? His face glowed a light red color and he was thankful for the setting sun.

[Celina Jedynak]

It was the sudden movement of Connor rising to his feet that caught Celina off guard the most. Though there were weeks left of summer, she knew that these could probably be the best weeks that she’d have. Unfortunately, she couldn’t get her father out of her mind… but Connor had always been different. Reluctantly, she allowed her smile to grow, and a small giggle let through. Elizabeth told her to have fun and to relax… that nothing here would hurt her…

“Relaxing?” she asked, yet answered when she was spoken to. Again, she giggled, her face drained from much emotion but she was happy to see the Slytherin. “That was what I was told this place was for.” She nodded and stepped a bit closer to her friend. Her eyes examined Connor just slightly, trying to figure out what, if anything was different about him. Comforting enough tough, it didn’t seem much was.

“Course, this doesn’t seem like much your place…” again Celina allowed a giggle to come forth, only to hush it just as suddenly. More questions came into her mind, and yet she wouldn’t ask them. Not just yet… not until she knew it was safe for sure.

[Connor Manning]

He hadn't written to her, and he hadn't seen her around. Connor was trying to convince himself that those were the reasons that he was so happy to see her now. Right.

' Relaxing? ' She said it in a questioning manner that urged Connor to nod and agree with her, so he did just that. " Something like that, yes. " He mentioned, feeling his stomach tossing and turning at the mere sound of her laughter. Giving in to a small temptation he let his hand trail down Celina's arm, lacing his fingers with hers. He took another small step closer to Celina, nodding his head with a slight smile. " It's not. But when you're trying to run away from your wedding crazed lunatic of a sister, there aren't that many options. " He laughed softly despite the truth in his words. But that was another story entirely.

" And you, I never pictured you to be a summer camp sort of girl. " He wasn't sure what type of girl he figured her to be, but he was positive that summer camp probably didn't fit into the description he would have guessed for Celina Jedynak.

[Celina Jedynak]

She laughed and he moved again, catching Celina off guard. His hand traveled down her arm sending shivers up her spine. She’d never felt so uncomfortable in her life, and just as he laced his fingers with hers she couldn’t take her father’s voice in the back of her head any longer and she pulled away, backing up just a step and smiling half heartedly as she wrapped her arms around herself. Was this ok? She doubted it but she couldn’t help but think that it could be. “Run away?” Celina questioned, listening to Connor’s every word. “I think I know what you mean…” she said softly.

And you, I never pictured you to be a summer camp sort of girl.

Celina shrugged and sighed. “I… I dunno…” Celina stuttered over herself, her eyes drifting from the boy to the ground. Celina hadn’t wanted to go to the camp, but when her mother had told her it would be away from everyone and everything, there was no way she could refuse. Not to mention, her father also insisted she go. He had business he said he had to do… whatever that meant.

“I… Connor…” Celina looked up and stepped towards Connor, tilting her head slightly. She tried to smile and reached out hesitantly for his hand. It had always comforted her before… would it still do the same? “I’m glad you’re here… I didn’t think anyone would be that I knew.” Celina sighed… she missed Alfonz… and Felicity… and most of all, she’d missed Connor.

[Connor Manning]

In reality, his sister was tolerable, but Connor didn't like to hear about guest lists and who would sit next to who and what company was catering. He didn't care about that stuff, and he didn't see how Brandon, his soon to be brother in law, could handle it. Between Connor's mum and his sister, he was about to go insane. The solitude of the camp had been kind of strange for the first hour or so. It was mostly the quiet that had been weird. When he had left his house for the camp there had been five bridesmaids sitting in the living room, eating and talking of plans for the big day. It was loud, to say the least.

" It's quiet here. I kind of like it, " He shrugged his shoulders, keeping his head up as Celina stepped away from him and released his hand. He was still getting over the shock of just seeing the Ravenclaw girl at all, let alone having to deal with the initial surprise of seeing her here of all places. It just seemed off to him.

He took a small step back away from Celina, getting the hint that she didn't really want to be too close now. He couldn't see why, but he didn't want to go against her at the moment. Just as he was about to turn and pick up his book for lack of something else to do with himself, he felt Celina's hand reaching for his. He stiffened slightly, unsure of how to react. She didn't want to be close to him, then she did. He squeezed her hand tentatively, gently as he was still caught off guard. " I'm glad you're here too. I wasn't sure if we'd see much of one another this summer. " He had only seen her two times last summer, but now that they were both at the camp together, it appeared that things would be a bit different.

[Celina Jedynak]

He took her hand again and Celina sighed. It was almost as if nothing bad had ever happened between the two of them. As if their like for one another stayed the same, though consequences and situations always were changing around them. Between her friends, her brother, and just their different lifestyles… She squeezed his hand back and walked into him a bit more. It took all of her strength to do so, for with as much had been done to her, Celina really was unsure of what was the appropriate thing to do anymore…

“Yea, it is quiet…” Celina agreed out loud, though in her head her thoughts were never ending. So much had to be retained, learned to be perfect. Anything less was unacceptable. She’d already lost everything at Hogwarts… anything that really meant anything. Celina looked up, nodding slightly. “I like it too,” she whispered.

Looking away from Connor, Celina looked around, as if scared that someone may see or hear them. Celina knew of how pricy this place was, and more than likely, there were only purebloods, or people with money who had gotten to come. Anyone of them could know of her family and tell them what they would see… eventually, whatever Celina did at the camp would find it’s way back to her father…

…even if he had to pluck it from her mind, himself.

“I know…” Celina agreed with Connor about not knowing if she’d see him. She doubted she would see anyone that summer, even her visit to Alfonz was cut down greatly. “I’m scared I won’t even see Alfonz…” she said, looking back to the slytherin as worry danced in her eyes. Shrugging, Celina really wasn’t sure of what to do. Her hair was falling out of it’s bun, her clothing was that of a dress was very much old fashioned than it was accustomed to, and even standing there with Connor seemed out of the norm. “Connor…” Celina started, only to stop short and decide not to say anything. It’d get back to him… and she didn’t want to bring her friend into any trouble. “…I… I was wondering if you wanted to walk?” she asked him, though it was obvious that that was not the direction she’d meant the conversation to truly go.

[Connor Manning]

Connor tensed slightly as Celina stepped back in closer to him once again, closing the distance between the pair. He didn't know what she wanted, but as the seconds continued he relaxed slightly, thinking that Celina maybe did want to be close now. He wished he knew, but he didn't want to ask directly. He decided to play it cautious, on the safe side for now. It was evident to Connor that things weren't headed in a definite direction, but he wasn't stressing about it too much. Just being able to see her... it confirmed that everything he had been trying to put away about his feelings was there to stay for him.

He was initially surprised to hear that she hadn't seen much of Alfonz this summer. Then again, Connor didn't know of the changes that had taken place in the Jedynak household. There was just something different with Celina, that much he knew. He couldn't really put his finger on it exactly. " At least you'll see him at school, " He offered up with a small shrug.

' Connor… ' He looked up, catching her gaze with a light smile on his face. Connor nodded, welcoming her to go on if she pleased. " Yeah? " There was a small pause before Celina responded once again, and what she asked wasn't what he had really expected. He gave a small nod, and upon a spur of the moment idea, placed a light kiss on the girl's cheek. He hoped she would eventually bring up whatever it was she had originally intended to say, but for now he simply leaned down to grab his book, placed it into his back pocket, and turned back to face her.

" Any destination in particular you have in mind? " He glanced around, not seeing anything of too much interest. There was a small pond just across the way, a couple of swings hanging under some trees by the cabins. There was probably more things to do, but Connor didn't take too much time to think about it before looking back at Celina.

[Celina Jedynak]

There was warmth she hadn’t felt from anyone in a long time. The kiss to her cheek made Celina close her eyes as she accepted it and only wished she’d had such caring from her father… but anymore, he was more business than actual father. Sighing, she opened her eyes and saw Connor’s smile and as he bent down to pick up his bag, her cheeks flushed, and the heat was also comforting. The fact that no one was around to tell her why what she was feeling was completely wrong also helped.

Any destination in particular you have in mind?

Celina thought to herself for only a moment before she shook her head. “Doesn’t matter as long as your there.” Again, she smirked and her face continued to burn with emotions she felt guilty about having. Her stomach flipped and it was almost as if her heart began to beat again… all restraints were off, and though Celina knew it was wrong, she couldn’t help but long for more of the emotions she was now feeling.

Bottled up for about a month and a half wouldn’t have usually effected the Raven girl… but usually, her father left her alone. Breaking out… that’s what she found herself doing, and it was almost more than she could control. “I want to go swimming…” Celina said randomly walking away from Connor and in the direction of the pond.

[Connor Manning]

' Doesn’t matter as long as your there. ' Connor's face flushed - he wasn't sure what to say, but appreciated the comment and the sincerity in which she had said it. The smirk that soon followed quickly brought about one on Connor's own face, but he forced it aside with a slightly embarrassed smile. That simple sentence seemed to embody how the boy felt for her, didn't matter where they were or what situation they were in - as long as she was there then he didn't really care.

" Ah, that provides a dilemma for us then. After all, I can be just about anywhere. " And if Celina was there, he wouldn't mind going, either. If she was hungry then they could head up to the mess hall. If she just wanted to sit, they could probably come across some place to just be still and talk. Connor could think of a million different places to go, but he wanted Celina to decide. After all, she had been the one to ask him if he wanted to walk.

" Swimming? You sure? " He couldn't see why she would joke, but all the same it seemed rather random of her to want to go swimming. Who was he to say no, though? He made his way towards the pond, working his way up until he was next to the girl once again. " Swimming it is then. I haven't been in here yet... Dunno how the water is. " He shrugged, though, thinking that it didn't matter too much if the water was a bit chilly or a bit on the warm side.

[Celina Jedynak]

Celina could feel her blood rushing through her body as she felt more alive right then, than she had in a long time. She wanted to run, but instead marched, undoing the front of the dress she wore. It wouldn’t be too difficult to get out of it, though as she saw some bare skin, her spine crawled as her father’s voice whispered in the back of her head. Clothing was what kept the suitors separated from the impure. That’s why proper women wore such clothing… elegant… many layers… unusual for Celina in so many ways.

The dress she wore was a two piece. The top was more like a jacket of sorts, and the bottom was a long skirt. Both were that of a royal blue, and underneath she wore a simple and yet full bodysuit undergarment. To the untrained eye, the black, lacy, body suit could have been a bathing suit. In all actuality, it was to make a body appear more curvy and thinner.

The pond in front of her, and on her face the biggest smile Celina had smiled since she’d left Hogwarts. Her dimple showing through, but just barely as if it had been rubbed out of Celina’s face. Celina at first didn’t know what exactly to do. She’d never been the adventurous one in anything she usually did. Felicity and Alfonz always had that covered for her…

Looking over at Connor, Celina giggled nervously and undid her jacket shirt the rest of the way and took it off, reminding herself all the while that it looked just like her blue bathing suit… except it was black. “Yea… I want… I need to.” She couldn’t explain it, but she had to feel the water against her skin… as if she’d never ever feel it the same way again. “I don’t care how it is. I hope it’s really cold…” and with that she sat on the ground and started undoing the laces on the brown boots that laced all the way up her ankles. Taking them off, she also scotched the skirt off… her father was yelling at her now in her head… telling her that whatever she did, he’d find out.

“Oh…” she stopped everything suddenly, her feet getting into the water first and her hands against the ground, flat palmed as she looked back at Connor, worried flowing through her eyes. “…Connor, do you know any memory whipping spells?” Celina whispered, her voice slightly cracking. She was scared… her father would find out… what he’d do then, Celina would know later… this was two weeks she’d never want to forget… but if she could, it would be all the better for all of those she met up with.

[Connor Manning]

Connor noticed that Celina's actions seemed to be a bit... sporadic at best. He couldn't make heads or tails of her right now. He went along with it, though, knowing that there was a reason behind what she was doing. He diverted his eyes as she began to undress herself, feeling his face rise a heated red color now. He lowered his gaze to the ground, wondering if he should just dive in as well.

He gathered a slow breath in, pulling off his shirt as he walked towards the edge of the pond, hoping that he wasn't wearing boxers with embarrassing images on them, like kittens or something of that nature. " Okay, if you want to. " She did, though, which was what was sort of strange. He didn't see Celina as a... randomly take a dive in the pond sort of person. He shrugged it off, willing a small smile to form as he let himself look at Celina, although he did make sure he kept his gaze above her shoulders. His cheeks were still flushed, but Connor did his best to ignore it as he kicked off his shoes and socks.

He glanced over to Celina and spotted her already in the pond, although she was looking back at him, her expression somewhat awestruck. " I don't know any, why? " He asked back, crouching down in front of her so he was more or less on her level. It felt like a rather serious question, so Connor halted all his other movement for a moment just to look at her.

[Celina Jedynak]

He didn't know any. It didn't surprise her, for she didn't know any either. Those spells were not something that seventeen year olds usually knew unless they learned it in their seventh year, or they were in ministry training. Sighing, Celina's mind started going over all the possibilities of what would happen to her when she returned home if her father searched through her mind to find out everything about the camp. Maybe he would find it trivial enough to not care to know? But if he even snuck a peak, and Connor was at the bridge of her mind... "Because... umm...." How did she say that she wanted to forget the next two weeks? How did she say that she wanted to forget this time with him so that she could keep him safe and ultimately all to her own? He couldn't know about her father. It was family business and that would get her into just that much more trouble... "I just think I've forgotten something... that's all." Celina shrugged as she guiltily lied. Her stomach knotted... she hated to lie to Connor.

"It's no matter," Celina said getting into the pond the rest of the way finding that it was colder than she'd expected and she loved it just that much more. "Swim with me...?" Celina asked, looking over the Slytherin a bit more than she would have normally. If she was going to be punished for anything, at least she'd have some good memories to herself... she hoped any ways.

Celina backed into the water, bending her knees so that her entire torso was submerged and her head was the only thing above the water, though she could still touch the bottom with her feet. She giggled and shook her head, though only the loose strands of hair even dared to move, everything else was still tied back. "This is the best day..." Celina said to herself as she closed her eyes and enjoyed the water, a small tear unnoticeably escaping the corner of her eye.

[Connor Manning]

Maybe this was part of the whole... going with the flow thing. He didn't have a clue how to handle it. ' I just think I've forgotten something... that's all. ' Connor smiled, nodded his head and responded, " I'm sure you'll remember whatever it was you've forgotten in no time. " He was relieved to hear that it was just something she'd forgotten, and not for some other reason. He stood back up to his full height and brushed his hands off absently on his pants, now second guessing himself to see if he had forgotten anything at home.

' Swim with me...? ' He was pulled away from his thinking by her words, wondering if it was his imagination or if she had sounded kind of... suggestive as she said it. He smiled sheepishly and nodded, slipping out of his jeans to leave himself standing in his blue and red plaid boxers. He looked down at himself, thinking that it didn't look much different from swimming trunks. Except he knew better, and he knew better than to think that Celina was just wearing a swimsuit. He gulped back his nerves and stepped into the pond, finding the cold to be a bit of a shock at first.

He waded into the water, going to where the water reached up just past his shoulders before he turned and looked back to Celina. In the dusky hues of purple and pink she looked even more beautiful...

" It's colder than I thought it would be, but yeah, it's not that bad. " He said with a small grin, filtering his fingers through the water. It was refreshing despite the cold feel of it. He peeked at Celina, noticing the serene look on her face as she said that it was the best day... He couldn't help but smile at her.