New Beginnings (Mai and Cam)

[Cham]

Gia felt familiar hands pulling her off, and she completely lost it. Collapsing into Isaac, and sobbing. Shouldering shaking, and throat choked. She didnt want to look at the faces around her. She didnt want them to see her like this. It was embarrassing, an horrifying.

Feeling Isaac's soft, but stiff caress was confusing. There was clearly something more than this wrong with him. Looking up with puffy, red eyes she questioned him with only a look. But now was not the time. Not with the others here. There would be another time to talk.

Everyone trouped back over to the blanket, and Gia sat in Isaac's lap. Turned to the side with one of his arms wrapped around her belly, the other softly stroking her back. She took deep, cleansing breaths, and managed to calm down. When she looked around, Wes had a small smile on his face. Everyone else seemed to be trying to keep a grin off their own mouths as well.

"What is it?" She snuffled. Wes couldnt hold it in at that point "You whooped that bitch's butt. I've been craving to see that for years. and finally Ive gotten my wish" Gia choked out a giggle, and swallowed softly. Looking back up at Isaac's paled face. "Its ok darling... Its over... Its all over" She murmured, tenderly running her own calming fingers up and down his arm. Following the definition of his muscles.

[Lotus]

Isaac headed back to the blanket with the rest of them and he tried to laugh along with all of them when Wes mentioned how Gia got her own back, but he just couldn't find it in him. Those two words were the only thing he could think of and he didn't want to ruin the mood of the picnic.

When Gia tried to comfort him he forced a smile on his face and shrugged his shoulders, running the hand he had on her back all the way to entwine his fingers in her hair. "I know it is..." He leant forward and kissed her nose to try and show her he was okay and then turned to the others and shot them the best grin he could. Wes and Max knew him better than that, as did the girls and Gia, so in other words, he had to cheer up.

[Cham]

Gia relaxed in his arms, and the conversation chaged quickly, becoming more light-hearted and happier. But Gia remained quiet. Commenting only a little. The tousle and tears had taken a lot of energy out of her, and along with the exertion of the morning, she was pretty tuckered out.

Leaning into Isaac's chest and actually dozing, her head bobbing softly on his shoulder when she forced herself to wake, blink, and fell back to sleep.

[Lotus]

Isaac watched as Gia started dozing off and he leant down to kiss the top of her head. "Just take a nap baby. We'll still be here." He smiled softly and wrapped his arms tighter around her. He looked up at his group of friends and grinned. They weren't losers, far from it.

"Wes, no more throwing food when ma lady is sleeping okay?" He flashed him a grin but still, a grape was thrown at his head. Instead of full on retaliation, Isaac just glared back playfully.

[Cham]

Gia giggled, and moved a little in Isaac's lap, blinking several times to try and stay awake, but she couldnt. shivering slightly in the cool breeze, and snuggling closer.

Opening an eye when a grape grazed her head. She sat up and reached for the basket, rummaging to the bottom and pulling out the box of chocolates. Pulling out Isaac's favourite and holding it up to his mouth. Then kissing the corner of his lips, and smiling "Better?" She whispered.

[Lotus]

Isaac took the chocolate greedily and smiled down at Gia, feeling his cheeks get a little hot at their little intimate moment. He nodded his head, "Much better." He heard groaning sounds coming from the direction of Wes and he couldn't help but chuckle.

He picked up one of the chocolates and held it to Gia's mouth. "Close your eyes and tell me what it is." He grinned and kissed the top of her nose as he placed it in her mouth. He glanced up at Wes and raised an eyebrow; smirking. Max seemed to be getting the idea though and reached for a chocolate. This was going to be funny.

[Cham]

Gia looked up at him slyly. Closing her eyes and opening her mouth just a little. Slightly nervous. Chewing slowly, and squinting when she felt a peck on her nose. "Hmmm..... Was it Raspberry chocolate?" She guessed, kissing his lips softly. Glancing over and swatting Max's hand "Not for you, your conspiring with Wes to launch grapes at my fiancee."

Max looked slightly stunned, and Gia winked "You dont get any until you apologize." Sticking her tongue out. Rylee and Danielle roared with laughter.

[Lotus]

Isaac chuckled and kissed her back softly on the lips. "Exactly right. Now, don't tell me, you're some crazy skill with detecting chocolate?" He chuckled and kissed her nose before turning to look at Max's shocked face.

He saw Rylee tug his arm as if to say apolgise so she could have chocolate and Max being the softy he is, agreed. He nodded his head and turned to Isaac and Gia, "Sorry for conspiring against the loved up couple. Now, can we have some chocolate?" Isaac could not help but laugh and for the first time since Issabelle, it was a proper laugh. He nodded his head and handed him the box saying,

"One at a time."

[Cham]

Gia chuckled softly, crossing her legs, and licking her lips "No, i just know what i like!" Shrugging her shoulders to relax, then scooting down, taking her previous position with her head on his thigh. Giving her the chance to gaze up at him as he laughed.

She snatched one as he handed the box away, putting half of it in her mouth and leaning up towards him with a grin on her face. Knowing she would pay for the sweet act with a comment from Wes, and the strand of caramel that would seperate between their lips.

[Lotus]

Isaac looked back down to Gia after passing the box around and a genuine smile spread across his face. He cast a glance at Wes and grinned mischievously as he leant down closer to Gia. He raised his eyebrow at her and smirked, biting the other half of the chocolate; their lips brushing past each other tenderly.

When pulling apart, the toffee split between them and he couldn't help but grin; licking his lips. He heard Wes snort and he looked his way as if to say, 'Have a problem?'

[Cham]

Gia giggled and crossed her eyes as the string of sweet fell between them. Attempting to lick it off her chin, but failing. Reaching for a waterbottle, and a napkin, she wet it down, and cleaned herself off. She then reached forward and held Isaac's chin gently, washing off the stickiness.

"There we are, much better" Looking into his eyes to see if he caught her meaning it in a deeper way than literally skin surface. Was he ok? She would find out when they got home...

[Lotus]

Isaac smiled at her caring attempts to clean him off. He looked into her eyes and tried to hide every emotion other than 'happiness' away from them. "Much better." He moved closer and gave her a quick peck on the lips before pulling away with another snort from Wes' direction.

"Do you have a problem?" He raised his eyebrow and looked at him, his gaze not wavering. "Wes? Surely, you should have no problem with being public about things like this. You were always in love with it and now you can't seem to stand it. So, I'll ask again, problem?" At the end Isaac let a grin take the place of where his straight face had been; lightening the mood.

[Cham]

Gia smiled, but she could see through the shabby wall Isaac had thrown over his emotions. Taking his hand in both of hers, and stroaking it tenderly. "Calm down darling." She whispered.

Wes seemed to shrug it off, holding his hands up, in defense. Danielle beside him looked slightly embarrassed. Gia understood in a moment what the situation was. Leaning over to Isaacs's ear she whispered "Danielle is a little uncomfortable with it all. And Wes looks slightly frusterated that she doesnt want to."

She felt him relax somewhat, and she nibbled gently on his ear, giggling softly and waiting for his reaction.

[Lotus]

Isaac nodded his head and looked towards Wes, "Sorry man, and sorry Danielle..." He trailed off and looked back to Gia, trying to ignore what she was doing to his ear. He sighed and rested back on his hands, looking up at the sky.

Sorry. The one word that would never do any justice to how he felt right now. He was more than sorry. He'd give up everything he has and ever had to just try and start making amends for everything he'd done wrong. He shook his head and looked back down to Gia, trying to be happy. He entwined his fingers in her hair again and tried to relax. "Is there a packet of crisps in the basket?"

[Cham]

Gia stopped, and sat to the side. Rummaging through the basket. Frowning when she came up with none. "No im sorry babe. I can run back home and grab some if you like though?" Questioning, biting her lower lip, cursing herself out for letting any of this happen. She was so stupid...

Looking at Isaac, wondering what she could do ti make it up to him. She wanted to give him some space, but st the same time she just was ready to go back home...

[Lotus]

Isaac looked back down and smiled softly, shrugging his shoulders. "No biggy, just wondered." He smiled and leant down to kiss her cheek softly. "I love you." Maybe that would help with her forgiving him, or anyone forgiving him.

He felt the heat from the sun and closed his eyes, sighing softly. It felt nice on his skin and he soon opened them to stare in wonder at Gia. A small smile spread across his lips and everyone seemed to have gone quiet, all in their own little conversations. Gia was his world.

[Cham]

Gia tried to preoccupy herself with repacking the basket except for the snackies that everyone was still munching on. when she turned to check on Isaac, she found his eyes on her. Blushing, she realized he had been studying her.

A breeze ran through, and she shivered, zipping up the hoodie of Isaac's she wore. Then grabbed a blanket and curled up beside him. Her head on his chest body parallel to his.

[Lotus]

Isaac's face flushed a little as he got caught observing her, but he just smiled in return. Who wouldn't watch her as she moved around daintily? She was a beauty to behold. He wrapped his arms around her as she snuggled closer and she kissed the top of his head, looking around the group of them. All in their own little worlds with the loves of their lives.

He smiled and kissed Gia's head again, as Max looked up with a soft smile.

[Cham]

Gia smiled when she felt Isaac's strong arms wrap around her. Things were back to the way they should be. It was so nice to be able to sit in silence and just know that everyone was content at that moment. To give each other a peaceful feeling. Especially when the next day was the reaping. And everyone knew how ugly that could get.

She felt an odd peircing of eyes boring into her. Turning her head toward Max and Rylee, she saw Max's intence gaze at her. They were grateful. As though they had a little conversation. Gia smiled softly, and showed it was no big deal. That she was glad he was treating her best friend well.

[Lotus]

Max wasn't looking at Isaac and when he realised Max was looking at Gia his whole body tensed up. He didn't understand the feeling as he looked between the two of them. It was like he didn't exist, but Gia was his and Max was his best friend. Why would anything be going on? He shook his head and tried to not let it show. He caught eye contact with Max as he looked away, and Max looked shocked and the slightly fierce gaze he was giving.

Isaac turned away and sighed, looking up at the sky and releasing his hold on Gia a little. Jealousy. The word sprang to mind. He was jealous of what had just happened and the fact the look between them look so strange and threatening. He shook his head and tried to clear his thoughts. All he wanted to be was happy because tomorrow everything could twist out of proportion all over again.

[Cham]

Gia frowned when Isaac basically released her. His arms going limp around her. Turning his head to look into Isaac's eyes with a questioning gaze. But all she saw was annoyance and a flame of anger. It seemed to be directed at her! What had gotten caught in his boxers?

They lay together for the next several minutes, and Gia tried just about everything to cheer him up. But nothing... Wes was kissing Danielle softly, and she shook her head at them. Danielle's cheeks flamed, but bravely she continued on.

Feeling like an interloper, Gia sat up. "I think we should head out, Isaac's mum should be home soon. We want to make sure she gets our gift." Hugging everyone feircely, wishing them all luck for the next day. The last time she could have her loved ones ripped away from her. But also the first say she would see her brother since she was kicked out. And also Isaac's father and sister. Plus her own parents.

that was not going to end well...

[Lotus]

Isaac hardly knew what was going on. Everything in his mind was so much, all floating round and battling for dominance. When Gia jumped up he was shocked but nodded his head anyway. He stood awkwardly at the side while things were cleared up. He looked back to where he'd 'spoken' to Issabelle and ran a hand over his face. When it was time to say goodbye, he hugged everyone; even Max, even though he was stiff and didn't smile.

He didn't want to think about tomorrow. It could be the last time he saw any of them. Would his father and sister want him in the games? Probably. He sighed as he held his hand out for Gia, calling back to everyone a goodbye as he turned away from his group for what could be the last time. He hung his head down and asked, "What gift do we have for mum?"

[Cham]

Gia took his hand and clenched it tightly. Why was he being so distant... It was weird not knowing exactly what was going on. He seemed depressed, but angry. So odd. "I dipped some strawberries in chocolate. Theyre chilling in the fridge. I thought she might appreciate that" she said softly.

Stopping once they were a distance away, "Ok Isaac, what the hell is going on? Have i done something?"

[Lotus]

Isaac nodded his head and mumbled, "Sounds nice." He needed to act properly. She'd know something was up otherwise and he couldn't be dealing with that as well. But, surprise, surprise she realised and he was bombarded with her angry face. He took a step back and shook his head, his eyes slightly wide.

"Nothing's going on. Absolutely nothing." He turned away and continued walking back home, hoping she'd follow soon enough.

[Cham]

Sagging her shoulders she waited. Letting him walk ahead. After several minutes she began to follow. But when she reached the house, she sat on the front step. needing some time to think of what she couldve done wrong...

Besides tackle his sister of course.

Was he angry about this? Hurt? Upset? Confusion struck her, and she couldnt shake it.