Archive of Our Own

Twilight leans back, tipping his head to see the world upside-down from his bed. His legs stretch up the wall, next to a creased sci-fi art poster and the collage of shiny photos of home that he'd put up with a combination of sticky tack and pins. Some blue sticky tack smears show where photos had been before he'd rearranged, after he and Four both received a fat envelope from home over Christmas. There are also a dozen or two smaller photos in a column of Twilight posing with various groups of school-aged kids in front of a tiny wooden lighthouse, all wearing dark green bandanas somewhere—Twilight’s way of keeping track of his kids at camp. 

“Hey, Four!” Twilight calls, dropping his hand and his phone to the bed. 

“What?” Four yells back from the opposite side of the apartment they share, which isn't saying a lot, because it's a fairly small apartment: two bedrooms, two offices, and a communal area. It's a bit bigger than many apartments square footage-wise, though, because each doorway and walkway are wide enough for Four’s wheelchair. 

“Wanna go on a hike?” 

There's silence. 

Twilight grins as he hears Four shoot across the apartment, wheels squeaking as he shows up in Twilight’s open door. Four doesn't mind yelling across the apartment, but this in particular seems to warrant his full attention. 

“A hike,” Four repeats flatly. 

“Wind brought up the idea on the group chat I know you have muted.” Twilight turns over and sits up on his bed so Four isn't upside-down. “Big old group picnic up on the mountains by Time’s farm. Hyrule thinks it sounds like fun. Legend’s not too grumpy about the idea, so I think he's actually excited.” 

“You told them about the backpack, didn't you?” Four shakes his head.

Twilight shrugs, hooking his heels on the metal bedframe. “Wind saw the big box outside our door last month and asked about it. I played cagey for a while, but the kid is slippery.”

That makes Four snort. “Yeah, all right. If you're good with it, then let's take the thing out on a real adventure. When?” 

“This weekend.” Twilight grins, a familiar sort of restless energy building up inside his chest. “You can be our designated snack giver and water break mandater.”

Four cracks a smile, a big, genuine one. “A duty I shall approach with gravity befitting the station.”

Twilight matches the smile and picks up his phone to text everyone else that the two of them are very much in. 

---

“It's a beautiful day,” Hyrule says, throwing his head back so his freckles catch the golden sunshine. Beside him, Legend grumbles something vaguely pessimistic, but that just makes Hyrule grin harder. 

As usual, his enthusiasm is contagious, and Warriors agrees—it is shaping up to be a beautiful day. A few clouds drift across the early morning sky, and the weather forecast is good. He checks through his hiking bag again, confirming to himself that he has everything he needs. Maybe he's a bit overprepared, but it's better to have more than you want than less than you need. Besides, Warriors is an expert at packing light. He has everything he needs in a small pack, including flashlights and extra socks for Wind and himself, just in case. 

“I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm so ready,” Wind says, rocking back and forth on the gravel drive. His sturdy tennis shoes and two hiking poles, both rather new and bright blue, crunch into the rocks. “When are they gonna be here?” 

Warriors shrugs and pulls his backpack on, doing up the buckles over his chest.  

Hyrule answers first. “I'm not allowed to help with the dishes anymore, so Wild and Time told me to go ahead after we ate. They'll probably be a few minutes. And didn't Sky say something about grabbing breakfast on his way?” 

“Yeah,” Legend says, squinting at his phone in the light. “But his location tracker says he's just entering the ranch, so not much longer on him.”

Warriors waves once for attention. “Why do you have his location tracker?” he signs to Legend. 

“He shared it with me once and never stopped,” Legend says, tucking his phone back into the side mesh pocket of his own bursting backpack. 

“That's fair.”

“Hey, Wars,” Wind says, turning a sun-bright smile on him, “got any snacks?” 

“You had breakfast thirty minutes ago,” Warriors signs with raised eyebrows. “The snacks are for the trail.”

“But thirty minutes is such a long time!” Wind leans one elbow on a hiking pole and rocks his head back dramatically. 

Having anticipated something like this, Warriors reaches into the zippered pocket of his windbreaker, then throws a single pack of all-natural fruit snacks at Wind. The colorful pack smacks Wind’s arm and falls to the ground. 

“Sweet!” Wind bends over to pick up the dusty pack. 

Warriors is nicer to Hyrule and actually hands him a pack of fruit snacks, which Hyrule happily tears into with a thanks, his own dented hiking poles leaning in the crook of his elbow. Legend shakes his head at Warriors’s offer, so Warriors shrugs again and opens the pack for himself. 

More crunching gravel heralds the arrival of Twilight’s beaten-up black truck among birdsong, Sky’s newer red sedan close behind. Wind cheers somewhat thickly, his mouth full of fruit snacks. 

Wild waves at them from over the roof of Twilight’s truck. “Hey, guys!” 

“Hey!” Wind yells back. “Come on, you guys! We're burning daylight!” 

Hyrule, head still tilted back to catch the sun on his face even as he slips fruit snacks into his mouth one at a time, hums. “A travesty.”

Twilight pulls his truck up next to Warriors’s and Legend’s cars, and Wild hops out. Wild’s backpack is more of an overnight hiking bag, with an aluminum frame that extends above his head, but he's also in charge of the picnic part of the trip, so Warriors supposes it makes sense. Wild’s boots are like Hyrule’s—tall with ankle support, laced tightly, and absolutely battered. 

Wild and Wind perform a bit of their “secret” handshake, then Hyrule wanders over to casually lean an elbow on Wild’s shoulder, and Wild immediately launches into an explanation of the sandwich stuff he's prepared for the picnic. It apparently includes marinated, roasted meat and tomatoes that Wild grows in the ranch's greenhouse. 

Warriors and Legend head over to Twilight’s truck, sharing a fondly exasperated look. 

“—and Dad’s coming over tomorrow with some stuff he swears will fix it—” Time says, continuing some complaint. He hops out of the truck’s passenger seat and turns to slide the seat forward. 

Four, sitting in the backseat, leans forward. “Look, Time, just give me half an hour with a toolbox, and I'm sure I can figure something out that doesn't involve tomato juice.”

Warriors has no idea where this conversation came from. 

Four continues, handing out a bag that Warriors recognizes as Time’s. “I'll take a day off of the garage—or find a day I'm off anyway, I'm taking summer off for camp as usual—and come with Twi to work. Then I can take care of every tractor, not just that one.” 

“I’d be happy to have you,” Time says as he swings the bag on over his shoulders. “And pay you for the time. But I do have to humor Talon tomorrow.”

“Look on the bright side,” Twilight says, coming around the front of the car. 

“What bright side?” Time grumbles. 

“At least it isn't Ingo.” 

Time makes a face and steps back to give Twilight room. “I suppose that is a bright side.”

“Need any help?” Legend butts in, cutting off the conversation with a not-so-subtle way of saying hurry up.  “I think we're all ready to go, Wind is getting anxious.”

“Just give us a second,” Twilight says, blocking off Warriors’s view as he leans into the backseat of his truck. He and Four work together for a minute, talking about buckles and straps and “—this goes there, Twilight—” and “Comfortable?” Then Twilight turns around, slides his arm through a strap and does up a couple buckles with Time's help, and when Twilight stands, Four’s head pokes above his own. 

They're carrying Four in a backpack?

Legend circles Twilight as they head for the rest of the group, unashamedly inspecting the contraption. “That's a very fancy backpack.”

“Very expensive, too,” Four remarks. “We’d better go hiking more than once this summer, get our money's worth out of it.”

Wild shades his eyes and sends them a thumbs-up. “That's awesome.”

“Much better than my crutches for hiking.” 

“Yeah, I was a little worried about that,” Hyrule says. “So there's a backpack?” 

Wind nods, more concerned with collapsing and uncollapsing his hiking poles. “Yeah, like a piggyback, but hands-free. Or…” He glances over. “Hand- free, I guess!” 

Warriors pokes Twilight's arm. “Are you going to be okay?” he signs. “Carrying that much weight for so long?” 

“We've been training,” Twilight says with a grin. “I can go for, like, four hours. More with a bit of rest.”

“Right. Goat-throwing muscles.”

“Damn straight.”

“Sorry guys!” Sky comes jogging up around the cars, slipping his phone into his own jacket pocket and carrying a hiking bag of his own. “Had to text Sun to let her know I made it.”

Legend makes a face. “You two disgust me.”

Sky, used to Legend’s ribbing, just smiles. “Do I need to bring up the Flower Incident?” 

“...no.” 

Sky looks as serene as ever as he pulls his old hiking bag onto his back. There are several patches of colorful duct tape repairing parts of it, and Sky’s giant metal water bottle hangs off of a carabiner, decorated with dents and stickers of birds, inspirational quotes, swords, and one large black-and-white “HARD OF HEARING” sticker. 

Four apparently notices the water bottle too, because he smacks his forehead. “Twi, I think we forgot your water bottles.”

“Oh, shoot.” Twilight pulls a face. Usually, he likes those disposable water bottles with pop tops that he can pull out with his teeth, but Warriors knows he can make do with the normal twist-caps if necessary. Lucky for him, Warriors brought plenty of those.

And then Twilight’s expression comically falls from consternation to intrigue. “Hold on. Wars, got an extra?” 

Warriors nods, and takes five seconds to retrieve one of the normal water bottles from his bag. He tosses it, and after catching it, Twilight lifts it up over his head. 

Four's face clears. “Ohh.” With Twilight holding the bottle, Four reaches forward and twists off the cap. 

“Symbiosis,” Twilight announces, then guzzles the entire bottle. 

“Look at you knowing fancy words,” Wild teases, bouncing on the balls of his feet. 

Twilight hands the empty bottle back up to Four, who crushes it and screws the lid back on, then tosses it—with the appropriate “yeet!” —at Wind, who's holding his arms up like a football player. Wind snags Warriors’s keys from his windbreaker pocket and opens up one of the car doors long enough to dump the trash in the backseat. Warriors narrows his eyes at Wind, making sure he knows that this is just a temporary solution. 

“Excuse me,” Twilight says, “I’m a vet tech. Of course I know what symbiosis is.” He gestures to the backpack. “This is disjunctive symbiosis. Or maybe ectosymbiosis.”

Hyrule scrunches his nose. “Ecto, like ghosts?” 

“You need to stop reading so much Danny Phantom fanfiction,” Legend tells him. 

“And what were you doing at the devil’s sacrament?” 

“I hear it whenever you put your screen reader on without headphones!” 

“Nah,” Twilight says. “Ecto like external. Disjunctive—”

Time interrupts. “Let's get going, everyone. It's a three-hour walk.”

The group slowly starts to migrate toward the trailhead at the edge of the gravel, marked by a gate in the wood-and-wire fence that surrounds the ranch property. Wind and Wild lead the pack, though Wild lingers a bit to listen to Twilight give a science lesson to Hyrule. Warriors isn't sure Hyrule needs it, since he's studying to be a physician, but Hyrule seems interested anyway. Maybe they haven’t gotten to that unit in his classes yet. 

The trail is narrow and curved, but it cuts pretty clearly through the aspens, green with new growth. Grasses and wildflower bushes burst up between the trees, and the birds would be annoying if Warriors hadn't already decided that he wouldn't be annoyed by them. The growing sunlight filters through the shaking round leaves, and laughter flows back to him at the very end of the line. Warriors knows from previous hikes here that cell service stops just beyond the treeline, so he takes the opportunity to check the forecast one more time. 

Still clear, and a beautiful temperature. He smiles and turns on airplane mode to conserve some battery. 

Warriors carefully monitors everyone for the first fifteen minutes of the hike. He doesn't think that anyone would overestimate their abilities and risk slowing the group down, but he does think that everyone can be very confident and not always remember their limitations in the excitement. This is the first hike they've been on as a whole group, officially, so he's interested to see how everyone gets on. 

He knows already that Sky and Legend can handle this trail, and they do seem to be totally fine. Legend isn't leaning on his hiking poles, though he probably will be by the end. He walks near Hyrule, verbally alerting him to large rocks and roots sticking up out of the path. Hyrule uses his own poles to feel out each step before he takes it, letting the spurs on the end of the poles drift a few inches in front of each foot. It doesn't quite look like the same technique that he uses with his usual white cane, but it seems to work just fine. Judging by the dents in his poles and the wear on his boots, Hyrule has done this a time or two. 

Wind and Wild scamper on ahead, pushing through the underbrush and taking the occasional small detour to look at flowers or cool mushrooms on the side of the trail. Even with his big pack on, Wild does fine, and Wind is quickly figuring out how to use his new hiking poles to keep his balance. Warriors had tried to get Wind to wear something more substantial on his feet to protect his ankles, but Wind complained too much of the weight of hiking boots, so they found a pair of running shoes on clearance. It's fine by Warriors, especially since this is an easy trail, and their mom paid for the shoes as a gift. 

Time isn't having any issues, of course, and neither is Sky, though Sky is keeping to the middle of the pack and not particularly trying to keep up with anyone’s conversations. His bright red hearing aids are visible beneath his hair, occasionally catching the light. 

And Twilight, of course, is carrying Four. That backpack is a neat bit of design, with straps and cushions in all the right spots. There are even little stirrups for Four’s feet to sit without swinging into Twilight's sides. Twilight has enough of his right arm to keep the backpack where it's supposed to be, but it clearly isn't intended to be worn by someone with only one arm, judging by the buckles that Twilight could undo with one hand, but definitely not do up. If he and Four tested this out before, how did they do it all up? Warriors doubts that they came to Time’s ranch just for that… though it would make some sense if that's what they did. 

For the most part, Warriors hopes that Twilight won't get too tired. There are several other people here who could and would take Four even if it wasn't necessary, but Warriors knows that Twilight would fuss and feel awful if that had to happen. He gets it. If their positions were swapped, and Warriors was Four’s older brother instead of Wind’s, he'd probably feel even more protective and fussy. He does his best to keep it at a minimum, because Wind and Four are very independent, but the urge to fuss over both of them is still there. 

Well… the urge to fuss over all of them is there. Warriors has extra water in his bag, a travel purifier, snacks, more snacks of different kinds, bits of lotion, extra socks, two sunhats, an umbrella, a sewing kit, sunscreen, allergy meds, pain relief pills, bug spray, a satellite phone, duct tape… He’s ready for pretty much anything. 

He catches a bit of Wind and Wild’s bright conversation about… fish guts? Fish scales? Something like that. Warriors exchanges a smile with Time and keeps watching everyone. 

---

“—here’s the thing,” Hyrule says to Twilight, adjusting his trajectory a bit based on his poles’ feedback. “Why can't it be both? It's dis junctive because it isn't con junctive. You're separate organisms, and not fused together at all. That is what conjunctive means in this context, right?” 

“Right,” Twilight says. 

“And then you're definitely not… uh, intro symbiotic, because Four doesn't live inside you at all. You're definitely ectosymbiotic, which sounds so sci-fi.”

“Makes sense to me,” Four says. “They aren't mutually exclusive terms, from how you've described them.”

“I guess…” Twilight hums, hesitant. 

Legend turns to join the conversation, though he keeps several steps ahead of Hyrule. “You're all missing one very important part of this whole thing.”

Hyrule raises his eyebrows and fixes the gray shadow in front of him with the most innocent look he can muster. “Oh yeah? What is it?” 

“Four definitely does not live on Twilight, and I'm pretty sure neither of you meet the requirements for actual symbiotes.”

Twilight bursts out laughing, probably more at Legend’s offended tone than his actual words. Even Four snorts. 

Hyrule smiles along. “We know, Legend, this is just fun. Don't pretend that you don't like arguing over dumb stuff just for the fun of it.”

Twilight laughs again. “So, Legend, how much caffeine is in coffee, exactly?” 

“Oh, shut up!” Legend snaps, though Hyrule can hear a smile there. “Root at three o'clock, Rule.”

“Thanks.” Hyrule’s pole runs into it, but he now knows that it's just a little obstruction, so he can step over it just fine. 

This hike is wonderful. Hyrule's been on a lot of trails and a lot of mountains, and has even hiked this one a bunch of times with Wild, but being out in nature never ceases to make him happy. He loves the sound of the wind through the aspens, the tree-cooled breezes curling through his hair,  and the smell of grasses that permeates the air. He hears people talk about the beautiful colors and views, but he wonders if they hear, smell, and feel all the wonder around them, in addition to seeing it. If not, they're certainly missing out. 

“Are you dropping leaves on my head?” Twilight asks suddenly. 

“…no…” Four says, which means he definitely is. 

“I'm not smacking you because I'm worried you'd bite my fingers off, and I need those. So count yourself lucky.”

“Oh, I do,” Four promises sweetly. “I am so, so lucky to have a big, strong brother like you who never gets mad at me ever.”

“You're pushing it, runt.” Then Twilight sputters, making a host of weird, spitting noises. “Leaves in my face now, too?”

Four cackles. “I'll stop. Sorry. Want some water? Or we have these trail mixes.” Something, presumably a packet of trail mix, crinkles. 

“Yeah, actually, both would be nice.”

“Wars!” Four calls, his voice turning the other direction. “Can we steal another water?” 

A pause, and then—

“Yeet!” calls Warriors, his voice a little gravely but pretty clear with the yell. 

A crinkly smack and a thud. 

“Ow?” says Sky, sounding more bewildered than hurt. 

Legend cracks up, gasping for breath. He stops walking, so Hyrule pauses too, giggling along with him. Another breeze rattles the aspen leaves above them, and Hyrule hears Warriors’s footsteps catch up to Sky, presumably to apologize. 

“Okay,” Time sighs, then yells on ahead. “Wind! Wild! Come back here, we're getting water!” 

“I have water!” Wind yells back, but there isn't further argument, so they must be headed back. 

Hyrule takes the opportunity to fish his water bottle from his bag. It's an old one he got for free from some college thing, but it keeps his water cold and he's covered it with textured stickers. It’s sometimes just a bit of a hassle to stop and get it out, since he can't use his poles to keep walking and screw the lid off. 

“Wars is trying very hard to apologize,” Legend mutters to Hyrule. It sounds like he also has his water bottle in hand. “Sky tried to tell him it was fine, but now he's leaning into it and demanding that Wars pay him for damages.” 

Hyrule smiles and drinks his water. 

“Aaaand now it's settled with a fruit leather. Ew, Sky, you could do better. Wars has fruit snacks in there.”

“The good kind, too,” Hyrule comments. 

“Could you two see the river from up there, yet?” Time asks to the side, crunching on a snack of his own. 

Wind swallows quickly to answer. “Yeah! Good news and bad news.”

“Uh oh,” Time says warily. 

“The bad news,” Wild begins, “is that the runoff is really strong. The river is full -full. The stones we cross on are really underwater.”

“What about the plank?” Hyrule asks. He knows he can cross on the stones, but they did put an old board down last summer, just in case. 

Wild makes an mhm sound. “That's the good news. The plank is still there, just below the water, and it looks sturdy. But there's way more water, so falling in could be dangerous.”

“We'll find a way,” Time says. “And if it really doesn't work, we can eat by the river instead.”

“Lame,” Wind mutters, but then he makes a happy noise and crinkles a package. 

Warriors’s hand taps the side of Hyrule’s shoulder, and he reaches up to feel another offered pack of fruit snacks. Hyrule smiles and very happily accepts. “Thanks!” 

Warriors pats a you're welcome on Hyrule’s shoulder before moving away. 

“How far have we come?” Sky asks, his water bottle clinking. “About an hour?” 

“The river is roughly halfway to the meadow,” Time says. “So it's been about an hour and a half, I think. This first half always feels the longest. Anyone ready to keep going?”

Hyrule tucks his water bottle away and zips up his bag. “I am!” 

---

The river is, indeed, quite full. Legend doesn't think it's too dangerous yet, but it's deep enough that falling in would be miserable. He has no intention of falling in. 

The plank is still there, too, but it's just barely beneath the water, and Legend does not look forward to getting his feet and socks wet. From the look on everyone else’s faces, neither do they. 

Hyrule listens to Legend describe what they're dealing with, then nods. “Well, we could use paracord again. That might help.”

“Oh yeah,” Wild says, lighting up. “Good thinking!” 

“How would paracord help?” Wind asks. 

Hyrule mimes stretching a string with his hands. “There are trees in pretty good spots on both sides of the river, if I remember correctly, so we can tie a paracord that goes straight across over the bridge. It won't do much for balance because paracord is too stretchy, but it'll help me know where to go, anyway.”

Time eyes the plank with a resigned expression. “That’s a better solution than just walking, I suppose.”

Warriors starts to pull his backpack off, presumably to get some paracord. 

Legend’s mouth falls open. They're… going to use paracord? He groans loudly. “You guys are idiots.”

He shoves his hiking poles at Hyrule and pulls his backpack off. It drops on the ground with a clink, and he rummages in it for the real rope and screw-shut links he keeps in there. “Paracord? Honestly. That stuff is fine for a tent, but not for, like, anything else.”

“Are you going to make a line we can use to balance, then?” Twilight asks. “I'm… not actually surprised that you have rope in there.”

Legend stands, though his knees protest, a long length of red-cased rope in his hands and a string of threaded screw links hooked to his belt. They're shaped like links in a normal chain, but one side of them has a long nut that screws to open and close the link. “A balance line? Ha. Hold my beer.” He doesn't have beer, but it's the thought that counts. 

He picks a non-aspen tree on their side of the river and wraps one end of the rope several times around it at about knee-height.

The bark is rougher and the trunk thicker than the aspens around it, so he just wraps it four times. He attaches one of the links to that end and clips it loosely around the rope as insurance. Then, trailing his rope behind him, he walks over the plank bridge—shuddering at the cold water that courses over his boots, but thanks to what he's doing, he's the only one who has to get his feet wet—and chooses a similar tree on that side. He makes a knot and loop in the line a few feet away from the tree, hooks two links in the loop, and wraps the end around this tree a few times, too. 

On one of the loops around the tree, Legend attaches another threaded link, then runs the rope through that, one of the links in the loop from before, then back through the one on the tree, then through the second link in the loop. 

The others stand on the other side, watching Legend. Four squints like he's taking mental notes, and Wild’s taken up the job of describing to Hyrule. They're laughing at some dumb joke. 

Legend pulls very hard, putting as much tension in the rope as he possibly can. It stretches and creaks a little, pulling tight. Keeping the tension, Legend runs around the tree a few times, then secures it there with another screw link. He taps the finished line, and it barely wobbles. 

He repeats the entire process on a second line, still part of the same rope, but this time as high as he can reach. When he's done, he’s on the side of the river with everyone else again, and there are two strong lines running across the river. 

“There,” Legend announces, gesturing. “Safe bridge.”

“Will it hold us?” Warriors signs. “You barely knotted it.”

Legend tugs on the lower line to prove that it doesn't have slack. “This rope should hold about six hundred pounds at a time. You can use both to get across, or hang on it like a monkey if you really want to.”

“I know which one I want to do,” Wind says with a smile. He's collapsed his hiking poles and attached them to his bag with a velcro strap, so he readily hops up onto the lower line, grabbing the upper line in his hands. He bounces a little. “Wow, it feels pretty sturdy.”

“Of course it does,” Legend grumbles, though he can't keep the smug look from his face. 

“You'll have to teach me that one.” Four leans forward, his elbows on the small cushion between his stomach and Twilight’s head. “Seems useful.”

“Clearly it is.” 

Wind jumps, hooking his knees around the upper line, and starts pulling himself toward the other side upside-down. 

“Ooh, I'm gonna try that too!” Unsurprisingly, Wild jumps up to do the same, but on top of the upper line instead of hanging from it. 

“Maybe wait until Wind is all the way across?” Sky suggests with a little wince. 

“Each line can hold six hundred pounds,” Legend repeats, signing it this time as well as saying it out loud. “They're fine.” 

Sky shrugs. “If you're sure.”

“Of course I'm sure,” Legend protests. “I'm not an idiot.”

“I know, I know.”

On the other side of the river, Wind tries getting down from the line, but ends up falling flat on his back. Legend winces, and beside him, Warriors reaches out, but Wind gets up quickly and sends two thumbs up back to the group with a grin. 

“I'm fine!” he shouts. “Don't get your panties in a twist, Wars!” 

Legend smirks. “Too late,” he mutters, just loud enough for Warriors and Hyrule to hear. “Those panties are twisted.”  

Warriors shoves him, and Legend stumbles, but laughs. 

Wild descends from the line more gracefully. He brushes leaves and dirt out of Wind’s hair, then inspects the way that Legend’s done the tension on the tree. 

After that, it's just a matter of everyone getting across. Legend goes first to show everyone how he intends the bridge to be used—feet on the lower line, hands on the upper line for balance, shuffling along. Hyrule's next, confident because the ropes are very straight and he knows exactly what step to take next. Legend directs him when and where to get off. 

Time’s next to cross, using the upper line liberally to balance, then Warriors, and finally, Twilight and Four. Legend knows the line can hold them, but he still feels his grip on his hiking poles go a little slick as he watches. Twilight isn't stupid, though, and takes it slowly. Four also goes still, leaning forward, probably in an effort to help Twilight keep his balance with just his one hand. They get across just fine. 

Before they get going, Warriors elbows Legend, who turns with snark on his tongue, but his prepared barb abruptly dies when he sees the reason for the elbow. Warriors holds out a dry pair of thick woolen hiking socks, probably more expensive than Legend’s entire sock drawer. 

He looks at Legend expectantly, making the offer even clearer. 

“...thanks,” Legend says. He takes the socks, then sits down on a convenient nearby rock to pull off his boots and peel off the wet socks beneath.

“Legend,” Time begins. He turns around and pauses. “Ah, dry socks. Good idea. Do you want us to take these ropes down?” 

Legend waves a hand as he dries off with a little towel from his bag and puts the new socks on. They're so soft. “Nah. Leave ‘em. We'll come back this way, and grab them then.”

“Good plan.” Time waits until Legend is back on his feet in cushy socks—his boots are still a bit wet, but they'll dry, and he's much more comfortable now—before herding everyone back onto the trail. “Come on everyone, we’re only halfway to the picnic spot.”

Wild turns around to walk backwards. “What you mean is: we’re already halfway!” Time rolls his eye to the clear sky, and Wild winks at Legend, who's giving him a flat look. “We're working on his positivity. This is Malon-sanctioned work.”

“I'm sure.”

Legend feels… refreshed as they all begin to walk again. That had been a good little break. He enjoys showing off a little, and is honestly surprised that nobody else brought real rope. He thought that was pretty important for a hike. 

…if nobody brought rope, then what are the chances that anyone else brought a compact camping tarp and hammock? Or a flintbox? Or a lantern? 

Legend suspects the answer is “low. Very low.”

They're lucky they have him around. This is what he's good at. 

---

Instead of running ahead of the group during the second half of the walk up, Wild wanders off to the side of the trail. Wind gets caught up in a conversation with Sky about raccoons, so Wild is free to walk out on rougher terrain than he'd choose with Wind by his side. He's just fine being alone, but stays within eyesight of the group so nobody scolds him later. The aspen trees give way to needly evergreens at a certain elevation, changing the smell and the sounds of the trail. 

Wild happily spends the next hour and a half or so with his DSLR camera in his hands, lining up shots of wildflowers and wildlife, when he can find it. Birds are difficult to catch, but he manages to get a nice photo of a deer that watches the group from afar. 

He snaps photos of a couple of the others, too. His first favorite is a very unattractive angle on Legend as he speaks and gestures, and his second favorite is a very nicely lit one of Twilight holding another water bottle up for Four to open. Both of those are going in the group scrapbook that Wild and Malon work together to keep. 

When he sees the treeline break ahead, Wild goes on first to get out to the familiar meadow. He has a million pictures of this view that overlooks the mountain range and the ranch below, but he takes a few more, because every day and every hour is different. He puts his camera away into his big hiking bag and starts unpacking for the picnic as the others arrive. 

“Ohh,” Sky says as he looks out at the view, hands on his hips. “This is beautiful. I can see why you suggested this trail.”

“The view never gets old,” Hyrule agrees. He waits a beat for the joke to sink in, and when Legend makes a disgusted noise, Hyrule giggles madly. 

Wild laughs too, spreading out the blanket to sit on, which is the heaviest thing in his bag, despite it being of the “lightweight” variety. The insulation inside crackles a little, but it lays flat. 

Warriors retrieves a little folding camp stool from his own bag and sinks down onto it, facing the valley. He glances at Wild and signs, “Need any help?” 

“Nah. Everything's already done, I'm just setting up.”

“If you have a second, Wars,” Twilight says, headed over, “I could use a bit of help setting Four down.”

Without complaint, Warriors stands again to help get the fancy backpack off of Twilight’s back. 

Time wanders over to hover. “I can spot, if you need it.”

“Can you?” Twilight asks lightly, a laugh in his voice. 

“I can do half,” Time says with a smirk. He holds his hands out as insurance against a fall as Twilight squeezes open all the buckles and shrugs out of the backpack. 

Wild spreads out his offerings on a handy log bench that he and Hyrule had put together last summer: fresh ciabatta buns, already cut neatly in half; a jar of homemade tomato pesto sauce, baggies full of shredded turkey, sliced ham, and grated mozzarella; a lidded bowl of arugula for the greens; and finally, some sliced guindilla peppers for those among them that can handle a little spice. These sandwiches are heavenly, and one of Wild’s favorite kinds, ever. He's been meaning to make them for everyone for a while, but it's kind of rare that they all meet up and have the opportunity to eat something he cooked. Usually they go out, through the drive-through window, as long as Warriors isn't the one behind the wheel, because he can't order with his voice. 

(They've found that wrestling with accessibility at most burger joints is more trouble than it's worth. Mobile ordering and minivans are godsends.) 

Well, today, Wild finally has the opportunity to share his favorite sandwiches with everyone. He double-checks that everything is in order—knife with the pesto, paper towel roll at the beginning, bags of chips and fruit snacks at the end—and shoves his backpack out of the way. 

While he's been busy, the others have gotten comfortable, relieving themselves of their backpacks and their jackets. Hyrule lies in the long grass, arms and legs spread out so he can feel the sunlight, and Wind copies him. Legend and Sky have claimed the stump chairs, simply cut logs that make small seats, and dragged them over next to the blanket. Time sits on the blanket itself, arms behind him and legs extended out in front of him, and Twilight stretches out next to him. Warriors has his stool, and apparently Four’s backpack has a stand in the back, though he freed himself from all the straps and sits in it sideways, which gives him support but isn't restricting. 

“Ta da, sandwiches!” Wild announces, gesturing like a showman to his little sandwich bar. 

Immediately, Hyrule and Wind poke their heads up over the grass and flowers. 

Wild snorts. With everyone’s attention, he explains, signing as he speaks. “Homemade buns, pesto instead of mayo, ham and turkey I cooked myself, mozzarella, arugula, and peppers. Time, Sky, don't eat the peppers. You won't like them.”

“Noted,” Sky laughs. 

“That sounds really good,” Four says as he leans forward with wide eyes, looking at everything. 

Wild nods, impassioned. “It is. Here, I'll make you one right.” He starts on the sandwich bar, using the paper towels instead of plates, and assembles two sandwiches with the perfect ratios of ingredients, with just one extra pepper because Four likes things spicy.  

Warriors is quick to follow. “Looks and smells delicious,” he tells Wild before picking up a paper town and bun of his own. “Thank you.”

“Yeah, I'm happy to share good food.” Wild grabs two of the chip bags, four of the fruit snacks, and sits cross-legged on the blanket next to Four. He hands over half of the food and happily bites into his sandwich. The ciabatta crunches just right, and the medley of greens, tomato, meat, and cheese sing in his mouth. He closes his eyes and hums. 

Four laughs at him, but the laugh dies as he starts into his own sandwich. 

“Good?” Wild asks after finishing his first perfect bite. 

“Heavenly,” Four assures him, mouth full. He chews for a second longer, then continues. “I didn't know a sandwich could taste like this.”

“It's that good?” Twilight says, waiting at the end of the small line, just before Time. 

From his camping stool, with his paper towel across his knees, Warriors puts his sandwich down to give Twilight an answer of his own with his hands. “Yes. Yes, it is.”

In short order, everyone settles down with a sandwich, and there's enough left for everyone to have a second if they want one. Wild alternates between the savory sandwich and the salty chips, finding a nice balance between them. He winces a little at Wind, who puts his salty chips on his savory sandwich, but lets it happen. 

“You need to send me the recipe for this sauce,” Sky says earnestly. “I think it would go great with eggs.”

Wild’s eyes widen. “Oh, yes it would. It's pretty simple, just sun-dried tomatoes with fresh basil, combined with onion and garlic and olive oil. Pesto, you know?” 

“I can't say I do. I'm not much of a cook.”

“Never too late to start!” 

“Everyone could use a Wild in their house,” Hyrule says, holding his sandwich with both hands. “Everything he makes is this divine.”

“Hear, hear.” Time lifts his black water bottle into the air like a toast, his ranch’s horseshoe logo on the side glinting in the sunlight. 

Wild feels his face begin to heat. He smiles on one side, avoiding stretching his scars. They always get a little tighter up this high, or maybe it's just his imagination. “I like cooking. And sharing food. I've wanted to make these sandwiches for you guys for a while.”

“I'm very glad you did,” Twilight says. “Why did you ever let us go to Subway?”

Legend doesn't say anything out loud, but he raises his eyebrows and nods along. 

“It’s more convenient and you all wanted to,” Wild defends. “Besides, they have soda.”

Four raises the last few bites of his sandwich. “I'll happily give up soda if it means I can have a sandwich like this. I'll even make lemonade.”

“Don't let him make lemonade,” Twilight says, quickly swallowing his latest bite. “It's way too sour, every time.”

“It’s good that way!” 

Time opens his bag of chips with a nonchalant expression. “Sounds like we need a lemonade tasting of some kind.”

“Contest!” Wind bursts, getting to his knees. “Lemonade contest! It's the beginning of summer, that's perfect timing!” 

“Yeah, okay.” Four shrugs, then balls up his paper towel and shoves it into his empty chip bag. “I can handle that.”

Legend smiles. “I hope you're all willing to lose.”

“You make lemonade?” Warriors signs, confused. “Since when?” 

Everyone blinks at him, the conversation stalled as everyone processes his words (and Wind whispers them to Hyrule), and Warriors realizes his mistake a moment later. He turns bright red and slaps his forehead. 

“Right. Sorry.”

Legend puts a dramatic hand to his heart. “Wars, my friend, did you forget that I'm a state-famous bartender and have won multiple competitions for my mixing? I'm hurt!”  

Warriors shakes his head, resigned. “Not really.”

“Sounds like you did. That's okay, I forgive you. I haven't actually made you anything good before. That will change after the lemonade contest. You'll never be able to forget.” Legend smiles again, smug. 

“Right.” Warriors rolls his eyes but sits back to enjoy the rest of his sandwich. 

Almost everyone eats a second sandwich, hungry from the hike and eager for more. It warms Wild’s heart to see everyone enjoying the food so much. He put a lot of effort into these sandwiches, and he thinks it all paid off, so it's nice that everyone else seems to think so, too. 

They banter, bicker, and settle down to spend a bit more time in the meadow, intending to wait until the sun is too hot to stay in. It'll be much cooler on the trail, so they'll spend the hottest hours of the day beneath the trees. 

After cleaning up, Wild settles down on the blanket to take a bit of a nap, indulging his food coma tendencies. Sky is already passed out with his jacket over his face, and Four climbed out of the backpack chair a little while ago to curl up next to him. Time and Twilight hold what looks like a deep conversation with Warriors, though Wild can't hear or see what they're saying. Wind has a hatchet and is having the time of his life splitting some of the dry logs they keep there for campfires, though pretty much everyone awake is keeping half an eye on him. Legend pulled out a travel watercolor kit and now works on capturing the view while he chatters away with Hyrule about energy drinks or something.

It's peaceful—except for Wind’s cackling as he hits things—and the atmosphere easily lulls Wild into a pleasant nap. 

---

Getting going again after a nice break is more difficult than Wind had expected. He wants to be tired after walking, not after sitting around for an hour. But the expected swelling in his leg has gone down a bit after the first part of the hike, and he took a little painkiller for the achiness (thanks, Wars), so he feels pretty good. He empathizes with Legend’s performative grunts and groans more than he lets on, though. 

Everyone is more subdued as they start back down the trail, though no less cheerful. Wind sticks near Sky at the front instead of running out ahead again, just enjoying being part of the group. Sky seems content to stay quiet, too. 

The trail is a bit steep for the first little while, requiring most of Wind’s concentration to keep balance. He's used to his prosthetic leg, but it can get dicey sometimes. He can't always tell if a bit of dirt is going to slip out from under him or stay firm. His hiking poles help a lot, able to dig into the ground an inch and stay upright. Wind feels Sky’s close attention, but only once does Sky reach out to help, and that's when Wind really did slip and almost fall. Thanks to Sky's outstretched hand, Wind is able to catch his balance again and avoid slipping down more of the hill. 

Wind is one of the first down, so he waits at the bottom of the slope with Sky, sucking on the straw of his water bottle as he watches everyone else make their ways down.

The others are being just as careful as he is. Legend and Hyrule go slowly, communicating closely and managing the downward slope as they'd managed going up it earlier. Twilight has Four to worry about, though Four appears to be well aware of the situation and stays still, leaning close to Twilight’s torso. Wind thinks it must be harder for Twilight to balance, with only the one arm, but Twilight has never even had that other arm, so he must not even notice. 

Sky nudges him with an elbow. “So I saw you were hired as the sailing director at camp this summer.” 

“Hm?” Wind puts his water bottle away as he processes the statement. He grins, and signs his words as he answers, a bit choppy, since signing has such different grammar. “Yeah, finally got up to director instead of just assistant! I mean, about time.”

“It’s only been two years,” Sky says, smiling back. 

“Two years of working there! And four of being a camper myself! I'm the only person who knows anything about boats there!” 

“What about Linebeck?”

Wind throws a hand into the air. “Oh, don't get me started. I swear he hates kids. Why he works at a summer camp confuses me.”

Sky shrugs. “He likes you.”

“Well, yeah, that's because I actually know my stuff. Is he on shore watch again?” 

“Yep. He likes that little lighthouse.”

Wind laughs. “Yeah. Hey—if you know all that, does that mean you got that promotion?”

Sky’s smile is telling enough, sly and proud. 

“Sweet! You're going to be the best assistant director ever. I mean, besides Wars. Much better than Cia last year, anyway.”

Sky winces along with Wind. “Yes, that was… bad.”

“I still think he should've gotten more money out of her,” Wind mutters darkly. Then he brightens. “I bet you're glad to get out of the fencing hut with Ghira, huh?” 

“Yes.” Sky nods fervently. “Very glad—Oh, is that everyone?” 

The caravan begins to move again, Sky and Wind hovering in the middle this time. The evergreen needles rustle, shading them from the hot sun above, and the trail now is pretty even, making for a nice smooth walk. Wind breathes deeply, filling his lungs with the smell of evergreen and the dappled light of the sun. 

Sky shifts the subject. “I've been meaning to ask, since I'm over the shore area now, what other accommodations you might need. I noticed you having a hard time last year, since you have to take your leg off before swimming or sailing, but put it back on to walk anywhere…”

Wind lights up at that. He hops on his good foot to lift up his prosthetic leg and point to it. “I got a new one!” 

“New?” Sky repeats. Wind can't sign and walk at the same time when he’s using his hiking poles, so he's relying on his hearing aids, which Wind knows are pretty great but not always perfect.

“Yeah!” Wind puts his leg down to walk normally and tries to speak a little louder—he doesn't change his enunciation, and definitely doesn't speak slower, just up a volume notch or two. “We got a water-resistant one this time, and there's a thing I can put over it so I can go underwater. Works perfectly!” 

Sky nods along, smiling. “Oh, I see. That's great, I'm glad you won't have to deal with that again.”

“Yeah, that was a pain. Man, I'm so excited for this year, now, it's going to be so much fun with you as one of the ADs!” 

“I'll get you into shape,” Sky says, teasing, and Wind laughs back. 

“Do you have any spoilers for who else is gonna be on the team?” Wind asks, ducking around a branch. “I know Legend was talking about coming back this year.”

Legend glances back at them. “What about me?” 

“He's wondering about camp,” Sky says. 

It might just be Wind’s imagination, but he thinks Legend’s face gets lighter. “Yeah, Rav’s at the trading post again, so I decided to join in for a few weeks.”

“Ooh, what are you gonna do? Management again?” 

Legend snorts and shakes his head. “Counselor, every other week. I'm sharing with Twilight.”

“Seriously?” Wind can't believe what he's hearing, delighted. “Both of you? I mean, I was looking forward to Twilight, but you too? So who are we missing, then?”

“Missing?” Sky repeats. “Oh, I see. That would be… nobody?” He brings up his hands to count. “Wars and I are ADs. Time’s the truck guy. Twi, Ledge, and Wild on the counselor team. Wind on boats, ‘Rulie at the first aid, and… Four doing projects. That's everyone, then. We're all up at camp this year.”

Wind takes a few skipping steps, smiling widely. “Aw, sweet! It's gonna be awesome.”

---

The day and the hike wears on, and Time is beginning to feel slightly anxious. They've been up on this mountain for six hours or so, which is a lot of time for nothing to go wrong. He's become used to chaos with this group, as much as one can become used to chaos, so for this hike to go so well so far… 

It just makes his blind spot itch. 

Without Wild and Wind and whoever else running off in every direction, Time leads the pack, which also makes his back itch. He's sure someone is staring at him, but every time he turns to check, everyone looks wrapped up in their conversations. It's a pleasant day and it's been a pleasant trip. Time tries to relax. 

It gets a little easier when Twilight catches up to him, slowing on Time’s left side instead of in his blind spot. “So how's Floros doing?” 

Time smiles and shakes his head. “It's been one day since you saw her. I imagine she's doing just fine.”

“That's the new foal you're obsessed with, right?” Four says. 

Twilight rolls his eyes. “I'm not obsessed with her. She's just the cutest thing I've ever seen, that's all. And I love her.”

“Isn't that what you said about Curry two years ago?” Time says lightly, nudging Twilight lightly with his elbow. 

“I can't help it!” Twilight protests. “All of Epona’s babies are cute! And Curry is still pretty much perfect.”

“That he is.” Time ducks past a low-hanging branch, holding it long enough for Four to duck under it too. “You do a good job with them.”

“Learned from the best!” 

“If you're talking about me—” Time begins, but Twilight interrupts. 

“Nah, I'm talking about Malon.”

Time pauses, then nods. “Yes, she is the best.”

“That's true,” Four agrees, too. He reaches out to brush his fingers against some tree needles, picking a few as they pass and breaking them to get the sap all over his fingers. 

“Are there any nuts left?” Twilight asks Four, who reaches into a backpack pocket, tears off a corner of a packet of nuts, and hands it up to Twilight. “Awesome.” He dumps half of the entire packet into his mouth. 

By the time he's finished with the snack, they've reached the clearing around the river and Legend’s rope bridge. Time takes a moment to inspect the tension and see exactly how Legend did this—a lot of the structure relies not on knots, but on the grip of the rope casing on the rough bark of the trees he'd picked. It's smart. Knots actually tend to weaken ropes, Time knows, so limiting their use helps keep the bridge as strong as it can be. 

Wind and Wild get across first again, actually using both the upper and lower lines this time. They pause in the middle of the bridge to bounce for a second until Time sighs loudly, which they can obviously hear, because they glance at each other and break into laughter before continuing to shuffle along. 

“Someone will have to cross on the plank to get your ropes back, right?” Time guesses, muttering to Legend, who's hanging back, sitting on a rock. 

Legend shrugs. “Well, yeah. I'm planning to do it.”

“I can. You did it the first time.”

“Well… yeah,” Legend says again, blinking up at Time with a scowl. “That's because I'm the one who knows how to do it. Seriously, just let me.”

“Do you have another pair of dry socks?” Time gives Legend a look. 

Legend holds his gaze for a second, but breaks away with a slight dust of blush on his cheeks. “No, but if you do, I can just use yours.”

“I think my feet are a bit bigger than yours.”

“Fine, whatever. Do the thing, you stubborn idiot. Just don't break my stuff.” Legend rolls his eyes and stands up to join the line. 

Time watches with a combination of exasperation and fondness. Twilight and Four get across the bridge just fine again, as does Sky. Warriors is more careful than he needs to be, but it pays off, because he does slip once with a shout. Everyone reaches out, anxious to help, but he regains his footing and inches the rest of the way across. 

After that, Hyrule goes slowly, but doesn't slip, and neither does Legend following him. Time’s heart calms down slightly. 

The ropes aren't too complicated to figure out, so when Legend steps off the bridge, Time starts to unscrew the links and disassemble the structure. He carries the mess in both hands and takes the wet plank bridge quickly. His boots are high-traction, meant for wet conditions, and though he’s a little anxious about it, he makes it across just fine. He's relieved. He did not fancy a dunk in the river. 

“I'll take care of this other side,” Legend says, taking his ropes from Time’s hands. “Change your socks.”

“Fine, fine,” Time laughs. Legend cares too much sometimes. Time takes a seat next to Twilight on a boulder to manage his shoes, and notices Twilight tugging a little at the straps on his backpack. 

“Need to switch?” Time asks, keeping his voice low while he pulls off his wet socks. 

Twilight pauses, but shakes his head. “Nah. We're eighty percent there. I got it.”

“The fact that you had to think about it—”

Four interrupts quietly. “Twi, it's okay if you have to switch for a minute. I really don't want you to get hurt, and there's still a bit of maneuvering to do to get back home.”

Twilight frowns, but after a second, deflates. “Yeah, okay. I guess you're right. I don't want anyone to feel obligated to help, though…”

“Hey, Sky!” Four calls, and Warriors taps Sky’s shoulder for attention. Sky turns around, curious. Four switches to signs instead of spoken words. Time knows that he isn't fluent in sign language, but he's been studying. “Want to switch backpacks with Twilight for a little while?” 

Twilight looks up and over, but doesn't seem to be able to read Four’s signs from where he is. 

Sky smiles, immediately coming over and pulling off his backpack. “Sure!” 

Time reties his boots and stands to help a flushing Twilight get the backpack off of him to reposition it on Sky.

---

Four is a little heavier than Sky had anticipated, but they just have an hour or so left on this hike, and Sky knows he can ask for help if he needs it. Besides, the backpack does a very good job of spreading out the weight and not putting strain on Sky’s back. He can handle it for a while, at least. 

They get going again, and Twilight hovers near Sky and Four. He's a little anxious, Sky can tell, but Four throws a packet of nuts at Twilight’s face, and things calm down. 

The sun shines above the trees with a vengeance, and Sky is glad to have the shade. It's pleasant here, with a lot of dense trees and a trodden dirt path. Sky keeps his attention on the ground, because he very much does not want to fall, so he misses a lot of conversation. He doesn't mind too much. He's comfortable in this group, and knows that they don't leave him out of things out of ignorance or malice. He likes the feeling of choosing to leave himself out if he needs or wants to. 

When the group pauses on an unremarkable patch of trail, Sky frowns. He taps Warriors and signs to him. “Something wrong?” 

Warriors frowns, but his face clears quickly as he realizes what Sky's getting at. “No, we’re just stopping for water.”

“Already?” Sky checks his watch and blinks at the time. It's been half an hour. Huh. Time flies when you're having fun? 

“Need to switch?” Warriors asks, gesturing to Four up above Sky. Sky can hear him talking, though he can't quite parse the words right now. 

“No, unless someone else wants a turn. I can finish it out.”

Warriors shrugs. “If you're sure.” He reaches out and grabs Sky’s water bottle off of the bag that Twilight is carrying. He hands it over. 

Sky brightens and takes it with a thank you that's returned with a smile. He’s almost out of water, unfortunately, but he's also a little bit proud of himself for drinking the whole thing within the span of this hike. It's a big bottle, and his favorite. Usually he gets through it all in one or two days of inactivity, so he feels like he's doing well. Sun will be proud of him. 

Four's hand appears in Sky’s vision, and Sky looks up the best he can. “OK?” Four signs, somewhat awkwardly. 

Sky nods and answers aloud. “Oh, yes. Just fine, thank you. I'm sorry I can't really talk to you right now.”

Four's hand waves in what Sky is sure is that's all right. And then he hands down a packet of M&Ms, so Sky knows that everything is definitely all right. 

“Ooh, thanks.” Sky rips open the packet and slips the chocolates in his mouth one by one. 

Wild and Wind have found their second winds, it seems, and are jumping around again, metaphorically. And literally. Warriors has resorted to handing out what has to be the last of his fancy fruit snacks, which at least keeps Wind and Wild nearby. 

Legend leans against a tree, trying to be subtle about the way he's taking pressure off of his knees. Hyrule's next to him, and they're sharing one of the last bags of chips that Wild had carted up here. It looks like they're mostly getting crushed crumbs, but they seem happy about it anyway. 

Time talks to Warriors, something about their plans for afterward. Sky hopes that it involves sitting down and taking a nap, or food. Actually, he hopes it involves all of those things. Preferably inside the cozy ranch house. The ranch house has wifi, and Sky wants very much to text Sun all the pictures he took. 

Twilight has one of Warriors's twist-cap water bottles, and he's struggling just a little. Well, he clearly knows what he's doing, but to Sky, it looks like it's more difficult than it should be. Twilight has wedged the water bottle under the little bit of right arm he has, and is using the other hand to twist the cap off. The only catch is that he has to lean his whole body in the right way to prevent all the water from spilling out. 

Sky doesn't make a comment, but he does suck a little on his own water bottle and ponder. He's seen many types of fancy water bottle caps out there, and he can think of several that would work with just one hand. It's high time that Twilight had a real water bottle of his own… 

In fact, the more Sky thinks about it, the more excited he gets. Every year at camp, the director chooses a new color for the logo to represent that year, and Sky is getting stickers printed this year to hand out to staff and the kids. He has a bunch of hiking-related stickers from previous projects, and he knows where to get more. He knows that Hyrule has good sticker recommendations, since his are based mostly on texture and shape. Four undoubtedly will have ideas, too. 

In satisfaction, Sky nods to himself. He's on a mission, now: get Twilight a water bottle for camp, and find him a variety of fun stickers to put on it. He can think of several already that he wants to search for.

Sky finishes off his M&Ms and lets Four tuck the trash away in whatever pocket he's keeping all that in. He tightens the backpack straps around his shoulders and waist, then follows Warriors and Twilight down the trail again. 

---

Night has truly fallen by the time Four picks up his crutches to get ready to leave. 

He hadn't expected to spend all day after the hike hanging around the ranch house, but he’s happy they did. Sun even showed up to play some board games with the rest of them, and Wild took a few rounds off to cook some of the best pasta that Four has ever had the privilege of tasting. 

Now, everyone but Twilight and Four—and the people who actually live here—have left. The bright moon peeks in through a gap in the window curtains, and the warm lights from the rattling ceiling fan make everything yellow. Four pulls himself up from where he'd been sitting against the couch and kicks Twilight on the way to the door. 

“Take some of the brownies with you, guys!” Wild says, rushing to get a bag or plate or something. “We can't eat them all.”

“Speak for yourself!” Hyrule sits at the coffee table in old yellow pajamas, finishing off what Four thinks has to be his sixth brownie. 

Four continues to the chair by the door so he can put his shoes and jacket on. “I think I'd be happy to take some. Sorry, Hyrule.”

Hyrule waves a hand. “This is definitely enough sugar for me. We're fine.”

From the couch, Time looks up. “Don't you have classes tomorrow?” 

“Tomorrow’s off, actually! I can stay up allllll night.” 

“Well, I can't. As long as you keep it down.” 

Malon rolls her eyes from her spot against Time’s side. “Stick in the mud.”

Hyrule laughs. “Oh, you know me—loud movies and video games galore.” 

Wild reappears with a large ziploc baggie stuffed with triple-chocolate brownies. He'd had the gall to apologize for the fact that they're made from a box mix, but of course he'd altered the recipe a little anyway. Four finds them divine, and takes the bag before Twilight can. 

“Rude,” Twilight says without any bite. He flips his truck’s keys in his hands, already wearing his boots. They had left the big carrier backpack in the truck after loading it to drive from the trailhead to the house, so he doesn't have anything else to grab. “Sorry for wearing out the welcome a little, Miss Malon.”

“Oh, you never could. Drive safely home, all right? We'll see you tomorrow.”

“Definitely.” 

Four pulls himself back to his feet. “Good luck with Talon and the tomato juice tomorrow, Time.”

Time groans. “Oh, I forgot about that.”

“You have my number,” Four reminds him with a laugh. Twilight holds open the screen door, and Four takes the short ramp instead of the stairs. 

“Bye, guys!” Hyrule calls. 

“Bye!” Twilight lets the screen door swing shut with a bang and takes the short way to the truck—jumping over the porch banister. 

“Showoff,” Four accuses with a grin. 

“Slowpoke.” Twilight gets the passenger side door of his truck and puts the seat back up, then helps Four climb up. Four can do it on his own, but it's a tall truck, and it takes a minute. It's easier for everyone to accept the help, and Twilight is the person Four least minds giving it. 

The rumble of the truck is familiar and comforting, the engine starting and wheels rolling over the gravel drive. Four leans his head against his seatbelt and sticks his tongue out halfheartedly when Twilight turns on country music. At least he recognizes this playlist as being one without lyrics. The barns and the fence and the trees scroll past the windows, all lit in moonlight and yellow headlights. 

The drive home is only about fifteen minutes, this late at night, a familiar route for both of them. They're lucky to have found an accessible building so close to where they both work. 

“Thanks for today,” Four says when Twilight pulls off the main road. “I know carrying me for like, five or six hours isn't easy.”

Twilight scoffs. “I can handle it. And you bullied me into letting Sky take you for the last bit, anyway.”

“Bullied?” Four smiles. “I'm being serious.”

“Yeah, me too. I'm glad we trained a bit, and I'd be happy to do it again in a little while.” Twilight pulls his truck into their apartment’s second parking spot under the roof, right next to the van outfitted for Four to drive. 

Four nods and works on exiting the truck, which is easier to do on his own than getting in. “Yeah. Me too. I don't remember the last time I went somewhere nature-y that wasn't a park or camp.”

Twilight shuts his door and waits for Four to get his feet and crutches under him, holding the empty carrier backpack in his arm. The truck beeps when he presses the lock button on the key fob. “I mean, there was that garden last year.”

“Eh, that’s too… cultivated. I mean, I liked it, but you know what I mean. Real nature.” Four follows Twilight into the building and through the hallways, lowering his voice between the echoing walls. The baggie of leftover brownies swings in his grip. “I'm trying to tell you that I appreciate it.”

“And I appreciate having a water bottle opener,” Twilight teases back.

“I'm sure.” Four thinks of the everyone-but-Twilight group text that Sky had sent out at some point during dinner. A real water bottle is an excellent idea, and though Warriors already hopped on getting the actual bottle, Four has some ideas for stickers he can get that he knows Twilight would appreciate. He wonders how much it'd be to get a couple photos of home and their family printed into little stickers. It makes him smile to think about.

“I definitely need a shower, though,” Twilight continues, heedless of Four’s internal monologue. He unlocks their apartment door and turns the light on with the stump of his right arm, since this left is currently occupied. The button he uses turns on all the main area lights. 

Four drops the brownies off on the countertop, then sits to take his shoes off. “Yeah, get those leaves out of your hair.”

“They're only there because of you, gremlin.” 

“What, me? Putting leaves in your hair? Never.” 

“Watch out, Four, you're declaring war. We have all summer and all camp.”

“Bring it on.”