Breathe || Max X Reader - Camp Camp

XXXVII

Word Count: 2,268
David's POV

     "We've looked everywhere!", Preston shrieked. "We are never going to find Y/N! She's probably dead by now! She probably got eaten by like, a bear or something!"
     I chuckled. "No, the worst that could've happened is that she's just a little bit lost.", I reassured him. I was nervous for Y/N, but I was confident that she'd remembered her wildlife safety training. "I think the best course of action from here is to head back to my office and-"
     Preston balled his fists and threw a lousy punch at my side. "Are you fucking kidding me, David?", he fumed. It quite clear that Preston was livid. "We have a lost girl and you want to go to your office? You're a lunatic!"
     I couldn't help but laugh. "Goodplay, you need to let me finish!", I chucked. This only seemed to make him angrier. Preston gritted his teeth. "Back at the office we have an announcement system that's hooked up to some megaphones attached to different poles set up around camp. Now I haven't used it before, but if I can get it up and running then I'm sure Y/N will know to follow the sounds coming from the megaphones." I placed a hand on Preston's head and messed up his hair.
     He swatted my hand away. "If this doesn't work, I'm going to fucking lose it!", Preston threatened. He cracked his knuckles and walked away towards the direction of camp. I allowed Preston to keep his distance while still following behind.
     I snagged a large branch to use as a walking stick. This whole thing is quite important to Preston. I was aware of the fact that Y/N and Preston had closely bonded over the summer, but I had no clue that it was strong enough to make Preston lose his wits. I also wasn't aware of the fact that he and Y/N still had their bond. I'd been convinced they had cut their ties as a result of Max's stubbornness.
Each of my campers all had something unique about them, but for Preston, it was his passion. When Preston chooses to dedicate himself, he always dedicates himself entirely. Y/N was lucky to have a friend who'd do anything in the world for her. Preston's goal was protect Y/N, to make her feel safe. She was his dedication. I was made aware of the camp gossip surrounding Preston and Harrison, but part of me couldn't help but wonder if Preston felt something for Y/N that was more intense than just a friendship. It was just so jarring to me, how Preston would do anything in a heartbeat for her. Preston had always been so overprotective of Y/N. Isn't it sensical that his actions would mean something?
     David, you're reading in between the lines. Be realistic. Okay, so in the back of my head I knew I might've been wrong. But track with me here- if you loved somebody, wouldn't do anything in the world for them? Preston would do anything for Y/N. As a counselor, it's not my business to metal with the camp drama, but being around these kids for so long makes me feel interested in what they're up to.
     I shook away the invasion of thoughts. Oh, it's not like it'd hurt anything to just probe a little. "You know, Preston, I'm very sorry if I frustrated you earlier.", I tried.
     He took the bait. "No, it's ok David. You're just doing your best, and that's the most you can do.", accepted Preston. He turned back for a moment to smile at me. "I guess I can just be a bit dramatic sometimes."
     Snap! "Oh, my walking stick!", I cried. It had broken in two right before my very eyes. "Preston, you're not dramatic, you just care a whole lot about somebody who you think might be in danger." As I continued to speak, I surveyed the area for a new walking stick. "And, you know, it's absolutely okay to care about somebody as passionately as you do." Perfect! I picked up an enormous branch and tested it as a walking stick. "I can't help but ask, why do you care so much about Y/N?"
Preston groaned. "David, I don't know.", he insisted. "And if I did know, my life would probably be a whole lot easier."
I watched Preston's hair bounce as he walked in front of me. "What would be easier about it?", I prompted.
"Pardon?"
"Your life.", I reminded him. "What about understanding your feelings for Y/N would make your life so much easier?"
In the back of my head, I knew what I had done was wrong, but I just couldn't handle being left in the dark. "Why are you asking me this, David?", Preston sassed. He stopped walking and turned to face me. "Why, and since when do you give a rat's ass about my personal life?"
     I leaned onto my branch. "Well," I started, "I think it's my job to help you explore yourself a bit more than what you've managed on your own.". As I spoke, I motioned with my free hand.
     Preston rolled his eyes. "I wasn't born yesterday, David.", he warned. Ah, shucks! "You just want the scoop." Preston turned back around and continued hiking to camp. "And, for the record, I've got nothing to say. I'm in my situation and Y/N is in hers, separately."
     The wind had escalated to an uncomfortable speed. It caused a brisk chill to nip at my arms. As I breathed in, the air tasted jarringly minty. I dropped my walking stick and crossed my arms together. "You like her, don't you?", I asked. My teeth began to chatter a bit. Odd weather for the middle of summer.
     Preston let out a hearty laugh. "Well, wouldn't you wanna' know?", he teased. As he walked, he pulled a comb from his pocket and touched up his hair.
     A toad hopped along in front of my feet. "You can keep your secrets if you want to, Preston.", I surrendered. It was hard to hear myself speaking out loud over the sounds of grasshoppers' calling. "But, you know, I can't give you any advice as your counselor if you don't tell me what's going on!"
     By this point, between the wind and animal noises Preston and I had our work cut out for us if we wanted to speak to each other. "Yeah, well I don't need your advice!", Preston hollered back. "I'm sure there's an Eight Ball somewhere around here that I could talk to instead!"
     "Good one!", I praised.