Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Hickory!! Get your ass back here now! Or else !!.” Dickory shouted in fury as he tried his best to prevent his younger brother from escaping home. He felt stupid deciding to ignore all the noises he heard coming from outside his room. Should’ve known Hickory would try and pull a stunt like this considering how much he hated going to camp, but now it was too late. The only thing there’s left to do now is run and chase like he had never before.

“Or else what Dickory?? Huh?? I told you I ain’t going and that’s final!! You can’t make me!!” Hickory yelled back angrily as he slammed the door shut and proceeded to lock it in an attempt to buy time.

“Damn you Hickory!! OPEN THE DOOR NOW!!” Dickory banged aggressively from the other side to the point where Hickory feared that it might break.

Tch, take that you controlling freak. He scoffed before sprinting towards the garage before his older brother could get out of the house. This is the one and only chance he’ll ever get to get away, there’s no turning back now.

“That kid is going to be the death of me I swear” Dickory groaned in annoyance, already feeling the headache forming from the stress of the situation. Deciding that he still wanted his door in one piece, he gave up trying to forcefully open it and instead going with the first idea that came into mind. Without much time to think, he opened the window and tried his best to squeeze out of the house. Having a small and short body at his age was extremely embarrassing to say the least, and so this just might be the first time that he was grateful for it.

As Hickory was opening the garage door, he decided to glance back for a few seconds, almost causing him to burst out laughing. If only he could just snap a few photos of him trying to get out through the window. Boy did he look like a complete idiot, out of all the other windows in the house, why did he decide to choose the smallest one? For a few seconds Hickory blatantly laughed at his brother’s situation, he couldn’t stop himself anymore, but then it was immediately replaced with fear, panic, and realization. Dickory could get out any second. He can’t be stopped, not when he’s this close.

“Shit” Dickory cursed when Hickory’s laughter came to a halt and proceeded to run inside the garage. “HICKORY!! DON’T YOU DARE!! DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT, I’M WARNING YOU BOY!!” He screamed, trying to sound as scary as possible in hopes that he would give up. Obviously that didn’t work, as he started to hear the car engines being started. Thankfully, not all hope was lost, because at the same time he managed to pop himself out of the window.

“Finally!!” Hickory cheered as soon as the car started. Without much time to waste he hastily stepped on the accelerator. Hickory was beyond overjoyed now that he doesn’t have to spend this year’s summer on that wretched summer camp DIckory forces him to go to every single year. It was incredibly annoying that his older brother had to drag and force him to attend the camp with him, just because he works there. But this year, it’ll all change. Hickory daydreamed about all the things he could do in these few short months. Maybe he should visit other places? Any activity honestly sounded like absolute bliss compared to that boring old camp. He grinned like a silly little idiot imagining all the things he could possibly do now that he has all the freedom in the world.

However, his daydreaming was cut short as soon as he saw a familiar figure jump in front of the moving car. The car was just a few feet away from leaving the driveway, it was so close! But just Dickory had to step in and block it.

“HOLY SHI-” SCREEECCHH!!!!!!!

Hickory’s heart was pounding heavily against his chest. “DICKORY ARE YOU FUCKING INSANE??!!” he shouted. “WHAT IF I DIDN’T REACT IN TIME???? I COULD’VE HIT YOU!! YOU COULD’VE DIED YOU DUMBASS!!!!!” he panted in relief.

If he stepped on the breaks just a second later, he was sure that he would’ve hit him. The headlights were literally just inches away from touching his body.

“Ha! Got ya you little shit” Dickory grinned triumphantly, “now get out and go back to bed, we have to get up early tomorrow.”

Hickory spent the next few seconds eyeing him in disbelief. Does he not value his own life??? “No”

“Don’t be difficult with me Hickory. It’s bad enough that you made me go after your ass and make all of that noise in the middle of the night.” Dickory rolled his eyes in irritation. “not to mention I’m still in my robe” he added while looking at the surroundings in paranoia that the neighbors might spot him looking this ridiculous in the middle of the night . Miraculously, nobody seemed to have woken up despite all of the ruckus and screaming.

“I’m Seventeen years old Dickory. I can do what I want.” Hickory scowled.

“C’mon, just bear with it, this is gonna be your last year anyway since you legally turn 18 next year. Now get back inside, we have a lot going on tomorrow.”

“I said no!” HIckory spat back, “Just because you work there doesn’t mean you have to bring me along. Just let me be Dickory, I don’t wanna go”

“Hickory.” DIckory switched his tone into a more friendly and sympathetic manner, one that wouldn’t put more strain in the situation at the very least. “ I’m not just making you go for no reason, you know that.”

..…

“Dickory that happened years ago, and I ain’t a child anymore . You’re being overprotective, please just let go a little.” Hickory pleaded but to no avail. It was obvious that he wasn’t gonna get anywhere based on the blank and stern look painted in his older brother’s face.

The elder sighed before calmly responding to Hickory’s objections. “Look, sorry but I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here for two whole months, so you’re going.” he stated, earning an annoyed growl from the other. “Geez you’re overreacting , what’s so bad about the camp anyways? There are lots of fun activities every year, the cabin is cozy, they provide lots of extracurricular lessons, and most of all you’ll be out with nature the entire time. Is that really so bad?”

Hickory simply rolled his eyes. “I go to the same place every single year Dickory. Those extracurricular lessons are just sugarcoated extensions of school. The cabin is only cozy for you because you get your own room since you’re the ‘camp counselor’.” He mocked. “ and I have to share a room with half the people in camp!”

Dickory scoffed, “But still-”

“I’m not done”

Despite being slightly ticked off from being disrespectfully cut-off like that, Dickory obliged and allowed his younger brother to continue with an unimpressed look.

“Those ‘fun activities’ you and Uncle Pete come up with every year is bullshit”

“Excuse me?” Dickory gasps offended.

“Let’s face it, you two only come up with those torturous, ridiculous and stupid games because you find it entertaining. I heard you guys talking on the phone about it you jackass, and then you have the audacity to label it as team building games and tell us to enjoy??”
….….

“Boy. I will not repeat myself, get inside the house and sleep. Now.”

“Power abusing prick”

“Now Hickory!”

__________________

Because of Dickory’s crazy stunt from last night, Hickory inevitably failed to escape. Although he tried several more times to get away between the moment they went back inside the house up until morning, Dickory made it absolutely impossible to get away. Every time he opens his bedroom door, the little midget was already there waiting for him outside, it was as if he could sense him trying to leave the house. Hickory also tried during the morning while Dickory was cooking breakfast, yes it was risky to try and attempt in broad daylight, especially since his older brother/Prison Guard was just in the kitchen, however he was desperate. But obviously that pipsqueek wasn’t stupid, the guy already had the house and car keys in his pocket, thus destroying all the remaining hope he had left. So unfortunately, he is now in the car, agonizingly waiting for their arrival.

“Hickory, fix your frown, we’re here” Dickory called out groggily as he parked the vehicle and started to carry his bags.

Hickory let out a defeated sigh. There’s nothing he could do now, he was going to be stuck here for the next two months, whether he liked it or not. There was no use resisting, so what else was there to do? He grabs his own luggage and follows Dickory outside the car.

“Look who finally showed up, Long time no see you two” A gravely voice caught both of their attentions

“Pete!” Dickory exclaimed with glee, “how have you been?”

“Great as I’ve always been” Pete responded quickly and simply. He was a man of few words and every time he did speak, it was in a very low pitched and sandy voice. Hence why people gave him the nickname ‘Growly Pete’. “How bou’t you?” Pete raised a brow at the dark bags under Dickory’s eyes “You look…….. tired” he struggled to find the words but eventually settling.

“Oh yeah, this one gave me some trouble last night.” He glared at Hickory, who gave him a tiny scoff in return. “But I’ll be fine”

“Trouble? First time we’ve seen each other in a while and the first thing I hear is this?” Pete laughed looking over to the other brother

“Oh please, Dickory did that to himself.” Hickory sneered. “He was the one who decided to stay up all night watcing me like a creep”

“and if I didn’t would you still be here wight now?”
Probobly not. “It’s not like I have to be here now do I”

“Ugh” Dickory groaned. “Just go settle in with the other campers, me and Pete will organize everything before the ceremony starts. It’s been a long night, I don’t want to deal with this again.”

“Mhm, I told everybody to gather at the main area before the announcement starts.” Pete added. “It won’t take long, so just wait patiently, and take this with you” He shoves a box of items into Hickory’s hands.

Surprised, Hickory took it with a grunt, almost dropping it from surprise. “What’s all this?”

“Hand em’ over to Delta for me, those are just some stuff for the camp. She’ll know where to put em”

Hickory sighs, “and where is she supposed to be?”

“just by the main area talkin’ to the other kids. Now get going, we’re going to run late, there’s a tiny stool inside that box that yer brother’ll use for the announcement so make it snappy” Pete chuckled before Dickory lands a small punch to his shoulder looking embarrassed.

“Just go already.” Dickory blurts out with his face still evidently red from Hickory playfully grinning at him.

_______________________

Running around the camp was tiny little 11 year old Branch along with some of the other children he recently just made friends with. His brothers had been the one to encourage him to go talk and play with the other kids. Obviously, he didn’t want to because why can’t he just play with them?? They were so fun to play with already, why does he need to be with other people? But they said he needed to go make friends because it’s good for him or whatever, so against his will, he decided to approach all the other kids. Man he was glad that they made him play. He learned almost immediately that being with a larger group of people was way more fun than just him and his brothers, don’t get it wrong, they were still very entertaining, but this type of thing was new compared to just the 5 of them all the time. The other children are also very kind, kinder than Branch feared them to be at least, so they got a long pretty quickly.

They were currently playing tag since they’ve all been told to wait. Bra nch was laughing crazily, so engrossed in their little game that he didn’t notice the person in front of him in which he was about to crash into.

Hickory let out an ‘oof' sound when something or better yet someone bumped into his stomach. He really couldn’t see very well since the box he was carrying blocked some parts of his vision. Thankfully, all it did was made him stumble a bit, though he was dangerously close to dropping it.

Instantly, he set the box down and looked over to the kid on the ground. “hey are you ok?” Hickory asked

The boy didn’t answer. Instead, tears started rolling down his cheeks as he started sobbing while clutching his kneecap.

Ah shit, must’ve scraped his knee

Hickory needed to give the box to Delta like what he’s told, but he didn’t want to just leave the kid like that either, so in an attempt to comfort the crying child Hickory crouched down to his level and grabbed the stuffed animal beside him. “Hey” he tried to sound as gentle as possible. “Is this your-”

“HEY! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO BRANCH!!”

A voice coming from a pink haired little girl erupted. “Why are you taking Branch’s stuff!!”

“Wait what? I didn’t-”

“What’s going on?!?”

Hickory was once again interrupted by another voice. This time, it was from a guy with teal-ish hair and weird goggles running just behind the pink haired girl.

“Branch are you ok??” he asked

Hickory was about to answer, however the girl was much faster. “This guy was taking Branch’s stuffed animal!” she pointed towards Hickory, specifically his hands that were still holding the toy.

Damn did the guy looked pissed.

“No!!” Hickory said defensively. “T-that’s not what happened.”

“Then what did” The person practically growled as he scooped the sobbing boy and cradled him into his arms. “Did you make him cry?” He glared viciously which sent shivers up Hickory's spine. At this point he was starting to get a little irritated about how they misunderstood the situation and started ganging up on him. He was just trying to help?!?

Hickory shot the guy an annoyed look before opening his mouth to speak, however before any words could come out, he was interrupted by yet another voice. This time a more familiar one. “is everythin’ alright??”

“Delta?” Hickory turned his head to meet her.

The scarlet haired girl scoffed. “No shit, now what’s happening here?”

“This guy is a big fat bully!!” The talkative little girl spoke again.

“Wait what?” Delta chuckled, sounding almost amused.

“I keep trying to tell you people that’s not what happened!” Hickory talked back and instantly regretted it, he didn’t mean to raise his voice like that, especially now the other guy gave him a much sharper glare. He looked as if he was ready to kill and the pink haired girl looked a little scared too. He screwed up big time.

“Ok look” Delta sighed. “We don’t have much time left. Uncle Dickory’s already waiting up there and he needs his stepping stool. We’ll settle this whole situation later so please calm down everybody.” she mostly looked at John Dory as she said those words. “Hickory take that and go, now. I’ll take care of this.”

Hickory picked the box back up and immediately started walking away. Based on the look on his face, he’s almost certain that the guy would most definitely have put his hands on him if only he weren’t holding the crying boy. So he walked without daring to look back.

___________________

“About damn time!! What took you so long Hickory??” Dickory hissed as soon as he arrived

“I ran into some problems”.

“Problems? You’re basically like a magnet for problems at this point” Dickory says as he goes through the box.

“Shut up”

“Yeah yeah whatever, just run along with the other campers or something.” He shot back as he placed the stool down to where the microphone was.

“GOOD MORNING TO EVERYBODY!!………….” Dickory started

The announcement went exactly like how it went every year. Opening remarks, introductions, attendance, a detailed explanation of camp rules including the do’s and dont’s, camp activities, and so on and so forth. Hickory basically dozed off the entire time since he knew everything there is to know already.

“.……. And I guess that will be all! Any questions?”

Oh it’s done already? Hickory thought. Great

“Okay! If none then why not start this year’s camp with a short little activity” Dickory grinned.

…...What?

“This sort of thing usually doesn’t happen here, but since we see a lot of brand new faces in this camp. We figured it wouldn’t hurt to let you guys have a ‘get to know each other game’ !”

Is he serious??

“So buckle up and let’s get started!!”

You have to be kidding me

Chapter Text

“PETE!! BRING OUT THE GOODS!!” Dickory yelled with a large grin plastered on his face. Next thing you know he, along with a few other people come around the corner carrying big large boxes.

“What’s happening?” Spruce asked with a look of curiosity in which he shared with almost all the other campers while they set the boxes down all over the place.

“Mister? What is all this?” Clay nudged one of the people after he finished putting the box down. His eyes were practically shimmering with excitement. “You’re an impatient one aren’t you?” The man laughed. “The game will start very shortly so just wait. Have fun Kid.”

“ooohhhh, Spruce!! Floyd!! did you hear that??” Clay practically jumped with excitement.

“Wonder what’s in the box?”

“Do not open that, you don’t know whats in it and they didn’t say we could” Spruce spoke almost instantly

“Pshh” he rolled his eyes, “Why are you acting like there might be bombs inside this thing, plus I wasn’t going to open it.”

“Floyd I am having a fairly nice day so I’m not gonna let little sass sass get under my skin skin.” Spruce rubbed his temple while Floyd stuck his tongue out to him when he wasn’t looking. Clay was fighting demons trying not to laugh.

“Where is John anyway? Things are about to start” Spruce sighed

“Hey wait a minute, Branch isn’t here either?”

“huh??” Spruce’s eyes widened as he looked around, left and right only to find that his little brother was indeed not with them. “I thought he was with you two??”

“We made him play with the other kids cuz why not” Clay answered

“So you just ditched him with strangers??????”

“Uh no?? Duhh?” Floyd looked at him offended. “We stayed and made sure he got along with them before leaving, but how about you huh?” Floyd jabbed at his brothers sides. “Where were you?”

Spruce scoffs, “Exploring the place?”

“Weren’t you talking to that girl just now?” Clay teases

“Wha- You guys were spying on me????”

“You two were the middle of everything for Everybody to see Spruce.” Floyd sighs at his brother’s ignorance. “So who is the unlucky girl anyway?”

“Whatever smartass, let’s just get on with this stupid game already”

“What about John and Branch?” Clay questioned

“They’re probably together or something”

____________________

“The little girl said that he was picking on him. What kind of person does that!!?” John Dory was seething with rage while walking out the clinic along with the red headed girl. By some miracle, he managed to resist the urge to strangle that guy to death, but on the bright side it kind of worked out in his favor since John would never want any of his brothers seeing him do stuff like that. Though after holding it for what felt like forever, he was pissed beyond reason.

“John right? Uhm I don’t know how to tell you this but before you decide to……. assault anybody, can we please hear what really happened first? I seriously doubt that Hickory of all people would bully children” Delta attempted to defuse the situation

“I didn’t say anything about beating him up” John Dory rolled his eyed, trying to make it look like he seriously never thought about throwing hands with Hickory. Delta was most certainly unconvinced. “and we already did hear what happened, or at least I did. The pink girl told me”

“Yeah but it’s better to hear the story from either your brother or Hickory himself. I’m not saying I don’t believe the girl” She didn’t believe shit. “But we can’t just assume anything without proof”

“Wha-!? But there is Proof!! Even a monkey could tell what was happening back there!! How that stupid orange haired prick picked on Branch the girl said it herself!! she was there, she saw it!” JD carried on, “besides, I tried talking to Branch but he still seems pretty shaken up”

“Yeah, that’s just how kids work sometimes I guess. Dr. Moonbloom is great so I’m sure your brother is in great hands.” Delta reassured. “And I’ll try to go find and talk to Hickory, so for now you can go join the rest of the campers. We can both go check up on your baby brother later.” She pats his shoulder.

“Yeah yeah do whatever you want, and if you do find that turd then do me a favor and give him a piece of my mind” he said before starting to part ways

“John Dory, it is admirable that you’re protective of your brother, but please try and tone it down, cuz if you get worked up that easily, it WILL lead to problems. Just a little advice” Delta smiles cheekily before finally running off.

“Tsk, like I asked for your advice” John Dory murmurs as soon as she left.

The walk back to the main area was excruciatingly painful especially because of the fact that he was lost. The universe knew exactly when to dump misfortune on him, it was as if it were trying to irritate him more than he already is.

“ -ARE YOU PEOPLE READY??!!”

John Dory’s ear twitched at the loud voice. “that’s definitely from the main area” he deduced, starting to jog towards the direction of the sounds, and in a few seconds found exactly what he was looking for.

“You can open the boxes now!”

John watched the oddly short? Speaker talk from the sidelines. “What?” he whispers to himself confused but soon notices one of the many large boxes all over the area. What the hell is all of this for?

“I can see from the lovely smiles many of you have on your faces that you can already tell what’s gonna happen” Dickory chuckled lightly as the children basically start lighting up upon laying eyes at the contents of the box. “That’s right!!! WE’RE GOING TO START THIS YEARS CAMP WITH A FREE FOR ALL WATER BALLOON FIGHT!!!”

The crowd mostly filled with children 14 years and under, all cheered and screamed excitedly while most of the older campers including John Dory just stood there dumbfounded. “Are they serious?” he almost couldn’t tell if it was a joke or not.

“The purpose of this camp is to enhance your basic skills AND for you to enjoy, so this little game will serve as a reminder for that. We want to erase any fears or tension you might have about camp especially since there are a lot of newcomers whom are mostly children. So let’s all have fun!!” Dickory stated simply and laughed before proceeding to drop the microphone and start walking away.

That was the moment where all hell breaks loose. Pete watches in concern at how most of the people immediately started going absolutely feral with the balloons, running, screaming, laughing, throwing, like they were out for blood, no actually he was sure that a kid or two was legitimately out for blood. “Are ya sure this was a good call?” Growly Pete asks Dickory as soon as he arrived beside him.

“Why not?” Dickory laughed manically. “They deserve a little fun don’t you think? Who wants the same old boring summer camp year after year after year, blegh” he continued laughing while pulling a camera from out of his bag. Pete eyed him suspiciously. “HAHAHAHAHAHA- LOOK PETE DID YOU SEE THAT???? THAT DUDE JUST GOT HIT IN THE FACE TWO TIMES IN A ROW AHAHA-” Dickory wheezed his tiny little ass off as he continued recording all the mayhem.

Growly Pete sighed. “You just wanted some entertainment you jackass”

John Dory smiles at the ongoing chaos all around the place. He didn’t know how this was even allowed to happen in the first place but he wasn’t complaining, oh not at all. Ultimately he decided that he NEEDED to find the rest of his brothers so that he can join in on the shenanigans. Although it was really sad that Branch wasn’t able to be a part of this possibly once in a lifetime experience, at least he had Spruce, Clay and Floyd for this. They are gonna get destroyed.

John navigated through the wild and overall vicious crowd as discreetly as possible to avoid being turned into a target, but unfortunately for him, fate is an unpredictable bitch. Why? It wasn’t because one of the little demons spotted him and decided to toss a balloon his way, but rather because of the bright, vibrant, and familiar orange hair he spotted among the crowd. John Dory was a little startled at first, he stopped in his tracks and had to look a little closer to confirm if it really was the person he thought it was.

It is.

“What the fuck is he doing?” JD stared blatantly, examining Hickory’s movement. Surprisingly, he looked like he was trying to do the exact same thing as him, sneaking around the edges to avoid getting spotted. Except something was different…….. was he trying to get away?

John felt a surge of annoyance shoot right through his veins. Internally he was having a debate whether he should just leave him be or not since he did want to hang out with his brothers while this whole thing was still going on.

….

Nah, he was too petty to just let him slide like that.

__________________________

“Dickory you asshole” Hickory muttered silently in hopes of trying to lurk around unnoticed. The very least he could’ve done for him was warn him about whatever was happening right now, BUT NOOOO of course Dickory didn’t! Hickory was certain that his brother wanted him to be a part of this mess despite knowing full wel tahtl he himself didn’t want to be. Call him a miserable fart for not wanting to be involved with something that could easily be described as the literal purge but he still wants to come out in one piece by the end of this thank you very much.

Hickory’s smiled with glee as he laid eyes the perfect hiding place around the corner. It was absolutely perfect in his opinion, he could hide there until this was all over and then maybe pay his older brother a little visit after.

However the world was not so kind to him

Hickory yelped loudly from shock as he was hit by what he was assuming is a balloon. Immediately his face burns with embarrassment as soon as he realized how high pitched his voice sounded earlier. He was SO close to being safe, so close to come out of this game clean and dry. And if that wasn’t enough, Hickory sulked in shame as he heard laughter erupt from behind him. He just wished he could turn into a rock at this point.

“WHAT WAS THAT?!?” The eerily familiar voice spoke before going back to cackling. With no time to waste, Hickory snapped his head backwards only to prove his suspicions. It was him, the goggles guy from earlier except now he looked like he was about to double over in laughter. All of Hickory’s earlier embarrassment was replaced by pure genuine rage. “That’s how you wanna play it?” He grit his teeth before going for the nearest box of balloons and throwing it in John’s direction with all the strength he could gather.

John Dory quite literally almost fell over from the sheer force of that balloon, making his laughter come to a halt. Surprised, he turned his head towards the other to find that he was smirking at him. The motherfucker was smirking at him.

“You’ve got some nerve boy” John Dory said loud enough for the other to hear while at the same time securing his goggles around his eyes.

“Yeah? And what would you do?” Hickory smiled wider

John hated how that worked so well. He knew that Hickory was trying to taunt him and he hates that it’s actually working. JD tried not to show it on his face as he started throwing but the way NONE of the balloons were hitting Hickory was insane.

It wasn’t like JD had bad aim either, just the fact that Hickory was sickeningly slick with his moves. It was almost insulting how easily that dude could just maneuver like that, and the way he keeps giving him false hope makes it all the more irritating. For one second, the balloon looked like it was definitely going to hit him, then next thing you know he simply just moved out the way as if it were nothing. Hickory had to be doing it on purpose just to annoy him. IT WAS FRUSTRATING.

“You suck at this you know that?” Hickory chuckled. “Maybe if you replace those goggles with glasses then you might actually be able to hit me”

“IF YOU’RE SO GOOD THEN WHY DON’T YOU TRY HITTING ME!!!” John Dory snapped

“Easy” Hickory picks up a balloon and proceeds to bring his throwing arm all the way back while raising one of his legs in the air. John Dory watches Hickory’s stance in absolute awe. Is he seriously gonna give him a baseball pitch? The thought scared him, however he decided to stubbornly stand his ground, not wanting to look intimidated.

‘You can do this John Dory, so what if he has some fancy throwing technique, you can still dodge it’ He pathetically tried soothing his own nerves, but what he didn’t expect was for the balloon to be so slow? Hickory seemed like he put all of his effort into that throw………. Guess he must’ve overestimated him, John Dory snorted before side stepping out of the way. “is that all?” the ignorant fool mocked, not knowing Hickory’s true intentions.

Hickory didn’t say anything back, making John assume he simply felt ashamed to the point that he went speechless. Boy was he wrong. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t realize his major error until it was too late. JD’s eyes widened as the balloon started changing direction mid air. Exactly towards his direction specifically.

SPLAT!!!

The water balloon exploded directly on his face earning Hickory a wide celebratory smirk. “Idiot. Ever heard of a curve ball?” he couldn’t help but rub it in his face, the amount of satisfaction he got from that was pure heavenly bliss.

“Just go away or something loser, you’re a waste of damn time” Hickory sighs before turning around and walking away. His shirt got wet from the time he got caught off guard and it felt icky, but was it worth it? Absolutely! He just wished he could see the look on John Dory’s face though, too bad he was wearing goggles. What is up with that anyway?

“Hey, who said we were done?”

Hickory raised a brow before looking back at John Dory. He was reaching into one of the many pockets he had on his pants making Hickory all the more confused. “You think you won? Let me try again” John spoke after pulling out a roll of tape.

“Oh don’t be such a baby” Hickory scoffed, not even bothering to pay attention to the tape. “Just accept the fact that you lost and go cry about it instead of bothering me”

“Yeah right, we played your game and you won cuz you were good at it. But let’s see how well you’d do with mine” JD spoke as he took one of the balloons

Hickory watched him like he had said the most stupidest thing ever because wasn’t HE the one who started this??? What the fuck did he mean ‘YOUR game’. “Whatever” He sighed. Hickory knew that reasoning with him at this point was close to impossible, so why go through all the trouble. “Just make it quick”

“Oh well don’t you seem confident?” Well at least John was right about one thing “You think you’re so good from afar, so let’s try this again up close”

….…..what?

“Pardon me?” Hickory stared at him with fear in his eyes, only for it to get worse when he realized that John Dory had quite literally taped a balloon to HIS FIST!??

“HEY HEY HEY WHAT???” Hickory took a step back while John Dory took a step forward. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing??” His voice came out shaky at the devilish smile the other had on his face.

It wasn’t that long until John Dory started sprinting at him like a madman on drugs.

“COME BACK HERE AND FACE ME LIKE A MAN YOU COWARD!!”

“GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME!” Hickory yelled back and ran like his life depended on it (It did)

___________________________

Pete yawned audibly as he watched the little gremlins play. Their Job was to ensure that nobody would go too far with the games where they actually hurt each other, but so far none of that seemed to be happening so all of them just stood there bored.

“AHAHAHAHA-”

Correction, most of them stood there bored. Dickory was having the time of his life watching them like it was some sort of high class theatre. Growly Pete and the other staff members just hoped that it would be over soon, they’re bound to run out of balloons at some point anyway.

“Pete?” Trollex, the newly hired sports coach spoke up with concern.

“What is it” He grumbled in response

“I think something’s up, we might want to check on it”

“Huh?” Pete scratched his mustache in confusion as he squinted his eyes towards the direction Lex was pointing.

….…..Hold up, isn’t that…..

“HEY DICKORY! AIN’T THAT YOUR BOY?”

___________________________

Hickory thrashed and screamed when John leaped into the air and tackled him into the ground. “YOU PSYCHO!! GET THE FUCK OFF ME!!” He kicked JD right in the face, creating an small window to escape, but sadly the other recovered quick.

John Dory grabbed one of Hickory’s ankles causing him to fall back into the ground as fast as he stood up. Taking advantage of Hickory’s fall, John once again attempted to try and land his balloon fist tape on Hickory’s face for revenge. He wasn’t actually going to punch him with everything he had, just enough for the balloon to pop. But Hickory doesn’t know that, and it was hilarious watching him fight for his life.

The two of them continued wrestling on the dirt, completely oblivious of the stares they were receiving from all of the other campers.

“Hey!! What’s the meaning of this!!!”

John and Hickory froze like statues. The both of them knew they were screwed because that sounded like an adult, and judging from the footsteps a few of them were coming.

“Dickory!” Hickory shoved John out of the way. Rude but it’s not like he could do anything anyway. “I-I can explain!”

“Yeah? Then get on with it before I knock the lights out of both of ya” Growly Pete threatened before pulling both of their arms closer to him. Dickory hadn’t even spoken a word yet, he only glared at him with disappointment painted on his face, which only served to make Hickory deflate.

“Well???”

“I- We were j-just playing?” Hickory stuttered out

“Great Job dumbass, now we’re seriously gonna get in trouble” John whispered but made sure to make it loud enough for Hickory to hear.

“Oh shut up!! You’re the one who fucking started this!! If anything only you should get in trouble!!”

“And what about the time you were picking on my brother huh???”

“Damn it I told you that wasn’t what-”

“ENOUGH!!!” Dickory yelled. “You two are unbelievable, on the first day??????” The two teens ducked their head down in shame. “after the game gets done, I want the both of you to clean EVERYTHING”

“But Dickory! It wasn’t even my fault!! He’s the one who started it!” Hickory pointed towards John Dory.

“I don’t want to hear it!!”

Both John and HIckory accepted defeat and stood there awkwardly. There was the urge to just tell everybody to stop staring at them, but neither of them dared. It was beyond embarrassing.

“Now you know the drill when people fight here” Dickory clapped.

“huh?” Hickory and JD said in unison

___________________________

Being Forced to go to camp, getting into a fight on the very first day, and then being punished for something that wasn’t your fault, Hickory couldn’t think of anything worse. There was no way it could get worse than this.

Wrong and Wrong

“Oh come on DIckory, isn’t this enough?” Hickory was on the verge of tears, it was all too humiliating. Everybody was watching them

“No. The two of you have to hug each other for exactly five minutes to make sure that you guys make up” Dickory spoke coldly

“Damn it just shut up” John mumbled. “you think I want to do this either?”

The tremble in his voice didn’t go unnoticed by Hickory. For a split second, Hickory turned his eye to the side, and just like he thought, John’s face was painted absolutely red with embarrassment. It wasn’t fair, Pete warned that he would make them clean the bathrooms if they didn’t hug each other. Though now he almost liked that idea more.

What a wonderful way to start off camp

Chapter Text

“What Brings you here?” Dr. Moonbloom asks the sopping wet child meekly standing around the entrance of the clinic.

“I…. uhm fell down? and I might have scraped my arm.”

 “Are you asking me or telling me?” She raises a brow

…

“Whatever, come in.” Moonbloom sighs before grabbing her first aid kit for the second time this hour.  “what happened to you?”

“I just told you I fell down didn’t I?” Creek rolls his eyes

“From what.” Moonbloom shoots a sharp glare sending a wave of icy chills down Creek’s spine

“I got knocked over when those dummies threw 2 balloons at my face- AAAH! Hey!!?” The boy yelped in pain when Moonbloom  started cleaning his wound without any warning. “I told Dickory that this was a bad idea” She muttered, ignoring Creek’s complaints while continuing with her work  “There, all good. You can go now, if not then take a seat next to that boy over there and rest.”

“That hurt you know??” Creek whined although Moonbloom once again payed no attention to him and went back to her paperwork.

“Tch, whatever” Creek grumbled. Though he supposes a tiny break wouldn’t hurt right?  Without much thought, Creek got up, only to sit again but this time next to another kid. He seemed quiet, not that Creek minded, but the silence was getting a little uncomfortable……..

“Hey, are you ok?”

Creek’s ears perked up at the voice. He turned his head to find that the question came from the boy beside him. “Of course I am” He scoffed. “What do you think I’m made off? Glass? It’s just a scratch.”

“I’m sorry”

That, he did not expect. Creek instantly felt bad for sounding so mean without any real reason, for all. The words just slipped out of his mouth so easily without thinking anything through due to his sour mood. ‘That stupid doctor ‘“No No, you don’t have to apologize! Thank you for asking, but I’ll be fine” He cleared his throat trying to recompose himself after feeling his face burn up with embarrassment

Creek’s sudden switch up initially startled and overall confused Branch. “W-what’s your name?” he decided to question since he couldn’t think of anything else to say.

“Oh, I’m Creek”

“Hello Creek”

“Hi”

…

…

That’s it??? Creek couldn’t bare the unpleasant silence, did he really just ask for his name just to say that???   “So, what’s your name?” He attempted to resolve the awkward tension, but unfortunately Creek felt like that made it even worse. Luckily, the other didn’t think the same.

“I’m Branch” his lips form a wide smile. The happiness in Branch’s tone doesn’t go unnoticed, and soon Creek lightens up as well.

“Sorry, I don’t really talk much with other people” Branch admitted, but to his surprise Creek found it funny. “Why are you laughing?”

It’s nothing, nothing at all” He responds but still continues to laugh much to Branch’s dismay. “You know? I think I like you” Creek says after the laughter died out. “If you want, you could go back to camp with me?”

“Go back?”

“Yeah, I don’t wanna sit here forever, and I need to change my wet clothes anyway.” Branch noticed Creek shivering slightly. “but how about you? What are you even doing here?”

“I don’t know?”

Creek raises a brow, “What does that mean?”

“I-I don’t know?” Branch repeated, “I guess maybe I’m waiting for my brother to come back? He didn’t say he would but there’s nothing for me to do out there anyway.”

“Then come with me?” Creek suggested although it sounded more like an unsure question. “I could help you find your brother if you like?” he added after noticing the uncertainty written all over Branch’s face.  

“Okay”

_________________________

“You two are a bunch of idiots” Delta watched John and Hickory pick up all the remaining pieces of balloon scattered all over the ground.

“Me???? Delta, he started it!!!” Hickory accusingly pointed his finger at John Dory. Surprisingly, the only thing he received back was a scoff.

“Do I look like your mother?” she answered “Just get back to cleaning so that we could join the others”

“Yeah, stop whining about everything and get back to work already you baby” John added. Hickory was about to snap at him again but before he could even open his mouth to say anything, Delta stood up.

“Don’t think I’m on your side either goggles because what kind of delinquent picks fights on a damn summer camp?? and on the first day?? What is wrong with the two of you”

“Geez we get it, I already heard that shit from Mr. Dickory and for your information I am not a delinquent.” John huffed. “If it makes you feel any better then I’m sorry” He looked at Delta, “And I guess you too” he briefly glanced towards Hickory’s direction.

“You better be” Delta replied sternly. Hickory didn’t even bother responding being all tired from his shenanigans

“wait a minute…” Hickory’s eyes narrowed “Delta what are you even doing here? If you’re not gonna help then whats the point.”

John Dory felt a little peeved at how Hickory didn’t even acknowledge his apology. Other than saying sorry, he didn’t know what else to do or say to make it up to him. ‘what the hell am I supposed to do now??? What else do you want me to say damn it??’

“The other kids are getting cleaned up right now. Some of them are a little muddy and I do not want to deal with that” Delta answered

“So I take it you cleaned up early to escape?”

“Huh? What do you mean Clean up? What’s there to clean?”

Both HIckory and John Dory stared at her confused, waiting for an explenation.

“What makes you assume I joined in on that brutal game” She chuckled.

“Wait a damn minute, you weren’t there??” John gasped. “How is that fair?? I thought we were all supposed to be a part of that”

“Sorry, I’m too pretty for that sort of thing”

They stared at her as if she said the most offensive thing the world has ever heard.

“What? It’s true?? and I did not spend a whole hour styling my hair just for it to be ruined by some kid with a water balloon”

“Your never changed” Hickory sighs

She simply laughs it off “You sound like that’s a bad thing but I’ll take it as a compliment.”

“You two know each other?” John Dory asked

“Is that not obvious? Why don’t you just get back to work-” Hickory jumped at the sudden force he received from the back of his head while Delta slapped him. “what the hell was that????”

“Hey! No need to be mean anymore Hickory” She scolded “Johnny over here sounds like a good guy and he apologized, so try to get along okay?”

“What happened to  ‘Do I look like your mother?’  “ Hickory mocked

“Don’t try me Hickory, It ain’t gonna be funny when I go and get your brother” She threatened. Apparently she did not find that as amusing.

“His brother?” JD raised a brow

“The guy who made you guys hug it out in front of everybody? Don’t you remember?” Delta almost laughed out loud recalling what happened

“THAT WAS YOUR BROTHER???????”

“Yes now don’t yell, you’re so annoying” Hickory massaged his forehead. “It’s not like I’m fond of that idiot either”

“To be fair, the two of you deserved that because I don’t know what went into your brain that made you decide to wrestle on the dirt.”

“I TOLD YOU THAT WASN’T ME!!! HE STARTED IT AND I WAS JUST DEFENDING MYSELF!!!!”

“I said I’m sorry!!!! what more could you want from me!!???” John spat back in frustration

“Very Good Hickory!! Very Good John Dory!” Delta clapped for the two of them which only served to confuse the living hell out of both. “Just keep that up and I’m snitching on both of yall’s asses”

….……..

“That’s what I thought” She glared. “You know John, I was excited when I heard that another person our age joined camp. There’s really not not that much people who still attends at our age, but God was I disappointed with you.”

“Well sorry to disappoint Mom, we’ll do better to behave for you I guess” John Dory scoffed.

…...

“YOU DUMBASS ARE YOU TRYING TO GET US KILLED??!” Hickory whispered as he pinched JD’s shoulders.

“Ow ow ow ow ow!!! stop that!!!” John slapped his hands away.

“Delta, t-that was just a joke… okay?” Hickory’s voice trembled slightly. “He was joking, let it go”

Surprisingly, the redhead’s reaction was somewhat tame? No, it’s definitely tame. Hickory didn’t know if the blankness in her face was scarier than her throwing a fit, but nonetheless it’s terrifying. Meanwhile John Dory is still rubbing his painful shoulders unaware of what he’s done.

“You seriously disappoint me with your immaturity, If you both won’t cut that out I’m actually gonna call Uncle Dickory”

“Hey! Why do you always make it sound like I’m also at fault when I didn’t do anything??”

“we’re in this together bro” John jokingly held his arms up for a high five making Hickory’s face scrunched up with disgust. “Don’t ever call me that again, and stay the hell away from me”

Both John’s arm and face dropped. “I’m kidding, don’t actually go and think that I’d try and be all buddy buddy with you after what you did to Branch”

“who the hell is- “ Hickory tried asking before realizing who he was referring to “I DIDN”T DO ANYTHING TO THE KID DAMN IT I WAS TRYING TO HELP HIM!!”

“Yall are unbelievable” Delta stood right up and started walking away

“Woah woah WOAAAHHH hold up Delta” Hickory threw the trash bag containing the balloon pieces directly at John Dory’s face and ran towards her. “What do you think your doing”

“Going to talk to Dad and Uncle Dickory about what they should do to you and him”

“Since when did you become a snitch ? Come on, we can talk about this”

“I must admit that this is all amusing and funny at first but if you guys are gonna argue the entire time you’re here then I don’t want to be dealing with that.”

That was the moment where everything clicked in Hickory’s head. “ I knew it!! Dickory sent you here to keep an eye on me didn’t he??”

“Ugh, Fine” Delta groaned. “But don’t go hatin’ on him again, he’s just worried about you. ESPECIALLY since a certain somebody decided to throw hands with you.” Chills shot up John Dory’s spine

“Forget that dumbass!! I would’ve mopped the floor with him anyway but please just don’t bring Dickory into this” Hickory pleaded desperately. “Knowing him, I wouldn’t be surprised if he installs some kind of tracking chip in me or something.”

“I’d love to see you try.” John Dory sneered at Hickory’s earlier comment. “If I remembered correctly, I definitely wasn’t the one screaming earlier. So come, try and mop the floor with me and see what happens”

“Can’t you see that I ain’t talking to you?? Your ass is the reason why everything happened, so please do me a favor and shut up already”

Delta just stared at the two with the most fed up expression on her face “You know what, the two of you have proven to me MULTIPLE times that I can’t make you guys get along. So congratulations!! I give up! That is quite the achievement” She grinned cheerfully which, not gonna lie looks straight up creepy in both John Dory and Hickory’s eyes. “W-what does that mean” Hickory forced out a laugh to match her obviously forced happy vibe.

“If a hug isn’t enough to stop your pointless and irritating bickering then let’s try a kiss”

…...

“WHAT?????” Hickory and John yelled at the top of their lungs

_________________________

“Excuse me Mister? Have you seen our older brother? Teal hair with goggles?” Floyd tugged on Dickory’s shirt. After the incident at the main area, the rest of the staff called all campers to get cleaned up and settle in their assigned cabins, all except two very specific people. Spruce, Clay, and Floyd didn’t expect to hear that one of their missing brothers was apparently part of the huge commotion earlier that they did not get a chance to see due to the immense crowd. Despite the excitement radiating off of Clay, the paranoia he got from thinking of Branch and John Dory was slowly eating him from the inside, and now that the games were over there was nothing to distract him anymore. Floyd and Spruce knew that they needed to find their brothers, and fast.

“Oh him?” Dickory tried to mask his annoyance the best he can. Unfortunately for him Floyd still manages to catch it.

“Is something wrong?”

“No no, nothing is wrong” Dickory cleared his throat. “Him and another guy are cleaning the main area as punishment.”

“Punishment??” all three of their eyes widened.

“For starting a fight? Were you three not there” Dickory questioned

Clay gasped “John was in a fight??????”