The Other Hikers

Heather watched as Ashley wrapped a hand around Zack's and pulled him towards a tucked-away trail, she would have tried to tell them that it would take them to old Silver Lake Camp but the pair took off so quickly she didn't have the chance. It didn't take too much thought for the brunette to figure that Ashley ran off with Zack to avoid any more interaction with Brandon. Though part of Heather did wonder if Ashley was overacting but she knew better than to get involved.

Stepping back towards the park entrance Heather rejoined the others, "Where's Ash?" Brandon immediately asked while looking around,

"She and Zack are already heading down a trail," Heather replied with a short glance behind her,

"What? We just got here? How are they already gone?" Brandon snapped out his brow starting to frown,

Victoria felt a small amount of irritation form in her chest, "What she does isn't your concern anymore, Brandon. So why not just leave her alone," The blonde surprising told the jock,

"Excuse me?" Brandon almost growled looking back at Victoria with a set of flared eyes, "Care to say that again?"

"You care to back off little miss sweet?" Kurt said, taking a firm, confident step between Brandon and Victoria, "Or do I gotta make you?"

"Whoa!" Chloe instantly interjected, stepping towards the two men whose fists were now clenched, "This doesn't need to get violent, we all just need to take a damn breath. Brandon, why don't you come with me on the mountain trail, clear your head," The redhead suggested, "Kurt, you could head on the trail around the base,"

"That sounds like an excellent idea, I was already thinking of that, and I'd love his company," Victoria swiftly agreed, moving to Kurt's side, though staying just behind his muscular arm, "That okay with you?"

Kurt kept a hard glare on Brandon for a minute before looking back to Victoria with an easy smile, "Anything for your sweetness," He said in a charming tone,

"God, get me the hell away from these people," Brandon grunted while turning to Chloe, "We going or what?"

"Yeah, come on," Chloe instantly agreed, heading up a trail with Brandon in tow. Victoria took the same moment to pull on Kurt's arm, leading him down their separate path, finally leaving Gavin and Heather alone, both in some stunned silence.

"Wow..." Heather murmured out as soon as the others were far enough away,

"Tell me about it," Gavin instantly agreed, "I don't understand how that fight almost just happened, things were going so well this morning," The geek said back to himself, "I hope Chloe will be alright with Brandon,"

"I wouldn't worry about Chloe, that girl definitely has a fire in her, my money would be on her if Brandon doesn't get his shit in check," Heather said with a short breathy laugh, "So, where are you going?"

"I don't know, it looks like this trail around the lake is shortest," Gavin shrugged, "I guess I'll just do that one then head back to the cabin,"

"Oh that sounds fun, I'll go with you," Heather said with a warm smile, "Besides, so far you're like the only one here who's being normal or not drowning in drama. So, if it's all the same, I'd prefer to stay next to you,"

"O-Okay," Gavin nodded with a quick, nervous gulp. His heart thumping a bit harder as Heather stepped past him, leading the way down their path.