As Josh and Martin ran towards aquatics, the rain started, soaking them almost instantly as it started coming down in sheets. The two hopelessly held their towels spread out on the their arms over their heads to try to ward it off, but just ended up with soaked towels.
"We're almost to aquatics and can hide out at the shelter there." Josh said looking towards the lake.
"Arts and crafts is closer." Martin stated as he headed down one of the trails.
Josh knew Vince would be at that station and he really didn't want to be around the large rhino for some reason. "They'll be expecting us at aquatics." Josh said lamely. He knew they'd be checking on the campers through the radios.
Martin looked at Josh and even in the rain could tell there was some anxiety on the deer's face. "Fine." Martin turned back to follow Josh then went tumbling as his paw slipped on a wet mossy rock. Josh came rushing over to check on him.
"You okay?"
"Yeah. Just a.. ow ow ow." Martin tried to get to his feet, but the one paw protested having any weight put on it. He blinked through the pouring rain and over to Josh. "I don't think I can walk on it."
The deer frowned and lowered himself next to Martin. "Arm over my shoulder, we're going to get you to first aid."
"That's even further than Arts and Crafts." Martin was suddenly protesting, though he did as Josh instructed and put his arm around the deer's shoulders.
"Closer than aquatics though." He replied with a small smile. "Ready?" When Martin nodded he stood slowly, helping him to balance on his one good paw. Both boys were thoroughly soaked as they started their trip back to the main camp grounds. Martin hopping along and Josh guiding his steps. "Maybe we'll bump into a counselor on the way."
"Sorry." Martin lamely offered.
"It happens. I've had to be carried off the court before when I broke a leg." Josh tried to smile reassuringly.
"Broke?" Martin looked down at his leg.
"Probably not, you'd be crying like a baby." Josh kept leading them forward. "Watch for the mud puddle."
Martin hopped to the side of the puddle, using Josh as support. "Thanks." Which came out less lame than the apology.
"What? Like I would leave you there." The deer scoffed.
"The old Josh would have." Martin stopped for a moment to peck Josh on the cheek.
Josh felt pleased and ashamed at the same time. Martin was right on two counts, earlier today Josh would have just left him, but so would old Josh. Old thirty year-old human Josh, who didn't give a shit about anyone else. Strung his girlfriend along for ten years because she was hot but he didn't want to share his money with her or pay what he knew would be eventual alimony, and was now wasn't even certain he wasn't attracted to men then, too. But would never have admitted it. Had he really been that ugly, horrible person? Better if that old Josh didn't exist anymore. He banished the thoughts and the memories away, focusing only on helping Martin get to first aid.
The two boys eventually stumbled in to the first aid building, soaking wet and a little muddy. The nurse quickly gathered both of them off, giving them towels to dry themselves with and getting Martin onto one of the cots. A quick examination and a cluck of her tongue later, "Just twisted." We'll ice it down, but you'll need to be off it for a couple hours. "Should be right as rain by dinner, maybe a little sore."
Josh took a seat by Martin's cot and took the other camper's paw in his hands. "I'm really sorry about how I was earlier. Really. That's not me." Martin just smiled.
The two just kept each other company as the rain started to die down. Though the door opened again to admit Vince carrying a unconscious Jared and a worried looking Ricky in tow. "He got another whiff of that vine plant." Vince rumbled to the nurse as she went to check on him, clucking her tongue in annoyance again.
"He just needs rest and water then." She looked at the group of four, about to scoot them out of her domain when a paw fell on her shoulder. She looked at Alex who had come to check on the campers, and he was shaking his head. The instruction was clear, let them be. The nurse had worked long enough at the camp to know Alex wouldn't stop her unless this was important to those four. She just sighed and went about her business.
The three campers who were awake were swapping their stories, each trying to out do the others for coolness as teens do. But that wasn't why Alex was smiling. Josh had completely let go. He was worried he would be difficult but here he was happily settling in to his new life. In fact, Martin was the only of the four not to have accepted his new life yet, though the way he clung to Josh's hand it wouldn't be long. Even Vince was smiling a little as he looked at the four boys.
"C'mon Vince. Dinner's waiting. I'll bring some to these four, you go eat up. Good work today." The rhino grinned and nodded to his boss before heading out to the dining hall.