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The camp was much quieter than usual. Not silent, it was never silent. It was just quieter, the crickets and whatever other creatures were there just sounded.. softer.
The fire had burned down to embers, laughter from the "shelter" and cabin fading into sleepy murmurs. The Crickets's chirps filled in the empty, much more silent spaces in between.
Ren wasn’t sure why he’d left. Maybe he did know but just couldn't place the feeling. He didn't really care right now, he just couldn't sleep and needed a walk. Or a climb. Probably just a walk. And that is what he was doing.
She walked slowly along the edge of the treeline, hands tucked into the sleeves of her long sleeved crop top looking shirt. The air was cool, brushing against her cheeks and calming the anxious, restless buzz in her chest. Camp during the day was loud, challenges, shouting, alliances, strategy, but at night, it felt almost honest and calm.
Like you could actually breathe. Especially without someone shouting down your neck
They stopped near the lake. Moonlight spilled over the surface, turning the water silver. For a moment, they just stood there. Staring into the water like it was some kind of mirror. Like it would tell them what happened or why he came there.
“Couldn’t sleep either?” a voice, a familiar voice sounded out beside him. Ren startled so hard he nearly tripped over his own feet.
Bruno stepped out from between a tree, hands raised in mock surrender. “Relax, I’m not here to .. uh... I don't know what you thought.” he nervously chuckled.
Ren rolled her eyes, but a small smile betrayed her. “You just snuck up like a horror movie villain. You know that, right?” she let out a quiet chuckle.
“Wow. And here I was worried you’d miss me.” Bruno moved closer, boots crunching softly against the sand of the beach. “You okay?”
There it was. That tone. It wasn't teasing, it wasn't competitive. Not at all. It was just Bruno. Soft and gentle and kind Bruno.
Ren shrugged, gaze drifting back to the calm water. “Just needed air.. I think.” then he just nodded to themself, as if confirming it for herself or something. Bruno didn’t push. He stepped beside him instead, shoulder almost brushing Ren’s. It was close enough to feel the warmth from under Bruno's hoodie sleeve. But Ren didn't mind at all, it felt nice to have him this close.
The silence stretched, much more comfortable this time. Like the world decided peace was needed right now. “You think about what life would be like after this? The show?” Bruno asked quietly.
“All the time,” Ren admitted. “I don’t know what will happen when it’s over exactly. Everything here feels…more intense than I thought it would be. I don't know how else to explain.” Bruno hummed and nodded in agreement. “Yeah. It’s weird. I didn’t expect to ….. um..care.. about anyone here.”
Ren glanced at him. “oh? Care as in…” they said curiously. This had gotten them interested. They had a small smirk now. Bruno’s lips twitched and his cheeks became more red. “Don’t make me say it like that… please.”
Ren’s heart did something very inconvenient inside his chest. Like a cart wheel, the same cart wheel that Ren liked doing sometimes. She bit her lip now and stared at Bruno as they stood in silence at the water’s edge.
The moonlight had caught in Bruno’s black hair. He looked much softer like this. Less stressed out and upset. Much more happy and carefree in the moonlight. Much much cuter as well.
“I’m glad you’re here.. and the others… definitely,” Bruno said, almost like he wasn’t sure he meant to say it out loud. His cheeks had darkened a bit more. His cheeks were usually rosy but this was cute and funny.
Ren blinked, smiling before chucking. “You literally got made fun of on day one. By three people.” he said this in a gentle way, not teasing or anything.
“well… it wasn't you that did so,” Bruno replied immediately. “and you actually listened to me. Along with Sam and Manu….” He sighed. Clearly missing his brother figure and Sam a bit too.
That earned a quiet laugh from Ren, the kind that slipped out before she could stop it. It was a soft and kind laugh though. Luckily. Bruno’s expression changed when he heard it. He had that sparkle of admiration in his eyes as he glanced at them.
“There it is,” he murmured. “What?” Ren had asked. “That sound. That laugh. You don’t do it enough.” Ren’s cheeks warmed like Bruno's had been doing earlier. “You’re being weird.” was all she said as she glanced away.
“how? It's the truth. And you have a pretty laugh.” Was all Bruno continued with. He was smiling more now as he said that too. Ren sighed dramatically but didn’t move away when Bruno’s shoulder finally brushed against his. It was subtle at first. As if he was testing how close he could get.
Ren didn’t pull away. So Bruno didn’t either. They stood there, pressed together lightly, watching the water and the gentle waves on it. The warmth between them felt brighter than the fires ever had. It was nice as they scooted ever closer, as if to stay warm.
“You came looking for me, didn’t you?” Ren asked after a while. He had a gentle look in his eyes, which Bruno didn't notice since Ren's eyes were covered by his bangs. Bruno hesitated, just a second too long.
“…Maybe… okay yea.” Ren smiled, small and knowing. “Why?” Bruno exhaled slowly. “Because when I was in the favorite’s cabin… without you, even now after a couple days. Well.. you not being there feels wrong.”
That did it. That was all it took for Ren. Ren’s fingers twitched before he gathered the courage to hook his pinky around Bruno’s. It was slow and cautious due to her not wanting to scare Bruno.
Bruno looked down at their hands like it was something fragile. Then he laced their fingers together properly. He was practically clinging to Ren's hand now. “Good,” Ren whispered. “I’m glad it felt wrong. It felt wrong not seeing you too.”
Bruno squeezed his hand once, a gentle and kind squeeze. “You know,” Bruno said softly, “if you ever need air again… I’ll walk with you. You just have to come visit me. Somehow.”
Ren leaned just slightly closer, resting his head against Bruno’s shoulder. “Okay man. …..” Bruno laid his head on Ren's and they cuddled close to each other, looking like a couple watching the stars and moon reflecting on the lake. Or whatever this island sat in.
They stayed like that for a long time, until the moon dipped lower and the chill in the air forced them back toward the shelters. But neither of them let go. They didn't want to. Bruno acted as a gentleman and walked Ren to the fan’s camp. As they walked, Ren whispered to Bruno about Dunia and Nura bonding like they had just did, making Bruno smile.
And when they reached the fans camp, Bruno tugged Ren back gently. Ren barely had time to process it before Bruno pressed the softest kiss against her cheek.
“Sleep,” Bruno murmured. “Please.."
Ren smiled in the dim light. “Only if you do.” he really wanted to say ‘with me’ but he didn't let that out just yet. Bruno smiled with a small giggle. “Deal.”
They pulled each other close and kissed, then pulled away with their fingers brushing one last time before separating for their respective areas. both carrying the quiet certainty that, whatever happened in the game, after everything was said and done.
They wouldn’t be walking alone anymore.