When they arrived at the place Camilla told Ava to pick her up, Ava was surprised to find her standing on the side of the road in front of a large, heavy looking iron gate. Camilla waved from where she stood, smiling softly, and they pulled over to let her in.

Camilla climbed into the backseat gracefully, though she made an effort to sit as far from the twins as she could. Ava attributed it to the fact that the twins were fighting again.

“We could have picked you up at your house,” Ava said, twisted around in her seat to look at Camilla. “You didn’t have to wait for us here.”

“The driveway up to my house is a total disaster,” Camilla said with a sheepish smile. “Besides, I don’t mind the walk. So where are we going? A club, right?”

“First we’re going to eat at Ry’s friend’s family restaurant,” Abigail said, smiling in the rearview mirror. “I’m Abigail, by the way. Ava’s packmate and best friend. The crazy idiots you’re unfortunately stuck with are Blake and Isaac. Boys, chill out.” The twins stuck their tongues out at her in response.

“Nice to meet you,” Camilla said, smiling back. “Ava’s talked a lot about all of you.”

“Oh, good, I was worried she didn’t like us anymore,” Abigail said teasingly, pulling back on the road to follow Ry to the restaurant. “She’s talked a lot about you too. I hear you’re an amazing artist.” Ava couldn’t help but stare at the pale flush across Camilla’s cheeks at the compliment.

“Oh, I don’t know about amazing,” Camilla protested. “I’m decent, but I’ve never had any real training before. This is my first time taking a class. But I’m learning a lot.”

“Right, Ava said you were home schooled up until now,” Abigail commented. “Well, glad you like it so far.”

“Abby, how long till we get to Jackson’s?” Blake asked, leaning forward in his seat. Ava flicked his forehead and he swatted at her hand. “Come on, I’m hungry.”

“Yeah, hungry,” Isaac said, rolling his eyes. Blake smacked him in the arm and Ava raised an eyebrow. “Hey!” Isaac complained, turning pitiful eyes on Ava. “Blake hit me,” he whined.

“Oh please, like that hurt,” Ava said, smirking. “You’re fine. And we’re almost there Blake, don’t worry, you won’t starve.” Both of them glared at her, but she could see them trying to hide smiles. Camilla wasn’t bothering to hide hers, and Ava grinned at her before Abigail took back the reins on the conversation, chattering away until they reached the restaurant.

Ry and Diana were already out of their car by the time they pulled in, waiting outside for them. Ry was on his phone, but Diana was watching for them, waving excitedly when she spotted them. They quickly climbed out of the car, following Diana and Ry into the empty restaurant.

“Hey, you guys made it!” A voice called from behind the counter. Ava looked over and saw it was the guy who - along with Ry - had stood up for her on that first day. “Come on in, have a seat wherever. No one else is coming in, we’re closed. Mom left us a ton of food before she and dad left.”

“You’re closed?” Abigail asked, eyes darting around, taking in details. “On a Friday night?” Ava was surprised too; they’d grown up in Argent’s restaurants, which were only ever closed if Argent herself was sick - she never was.

“Yeah, mom had an appointment out of town, and dad drove her,” Jackson explained, grinning. “Just a checkup. Gotta make sure that cancer’s ass is still kicked.”

“I’m glad she’s still doing well,” Diana said with a smile before sliding into a window seat. “What did your mom leave for us?”

“So much. I’ll go get it. Blake, could you lend me a hand?” Jackson asked, smiling brightly at Blake. He nodded, quickly sliding out of his seat and following Jackson back to the kitchen. Abigail turned to Ry and Diana, smiling.

“I like him,” Abigail said. “Very much.” Diana’s face seemed to fall a bit at that, but she quickly recovered, smiling back at Abigail. Ry’s expression didn’t change when he spoke.

“He won’t be interested in you,” Ry told her. “You aren’t exactly his… type.”

“You can say he’s gay, you know,” Abigail said softly. “That’s not what I meant when I said I liked him. Besides, it’s not like we’ve never been judged for things we can’t help.”

“It’s not like I don’t have any experience being called unnatural or wrong for something I can’t change,” Ava added. Ry smiled sadly.

“Not everyone is as accepting as the two of you. He used to get bullied for it, before he learned to fight,” Ry explained, his voice soft. It was obvious that he cared a lot about his friend. Ava could respect that, could respect him for that.

“That’s why I learned to fight, actually,” Jackson said from behind them. Ava swore softly. She hadn’t heard him approach. “Don’t feel bad for me though. I’m perfectly happy with who I am, and my family loves and accepts me for who I am.

“Besides, I’m sure most all of us have had to deal with ignorant hate. I’m not special,” Jackson added. Diana stared out the window, refusing to meet anyone’s eyes. “But let’s not talk about that. So depressing. Just eat up,” he ordered, setting down trays of food.

Everyone was quick to obey, even Ava. The conversation had gone a little further than anyone had wanted.

“Hey, Jackson, you’re in the boxing club, right?” Isaac asked around a mouthful of food. Abigail glared at him and he swallowed before speaking again. “Are you any good? I bet Ava could kick your ass,” he added with a cheeky grin. Ava nearly choked on her food.

“Do you box?” Jackson asked, turning a 1,000 watt smile on her. “I’d love to have you join the team, if you’re any good,” he added lightly.

“I don’t really box,” Ava said. “I know how to fight, but no one ever taught me the rules of organized boxing. I can definitely kick your ass though.”

“I can teach you, if you want,” Jackson offered. “I’d love a new addition to the team, or at least someone to practice with. Especially if you can kick my ass.” Ava laughed, nodding.

“I’ll take you up on that,” she said, grinning. “Just let me know when.” Jackson nodded, then turned to Blake to talk about some class they shared. Ava took the chance to turn her attention on Camilla, who’d been quietly sitting beside her the whole time. She was staring out the window, an almost sad look on her face. From that angle, Ava couldn’t see the bandage on her face, but she was still furious thinking about it.

“Hey,” Ava said softly. When Camilla didn’t look at her, she reached out and lightly tapped the back of Camilla’s hand. Camilla jumped slightly, turning to look at Ava sheepishly, reaching up to toy with her hair.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to zone out like that,” Camilla murmured. “What’s up?”

“Just checking on you,” Ava said with a smile. “Making sure you’re having fun so far. Though we haven’t actually done much.”

“More fun than I’d be having if I stayed home,” Camilla responded, smiling back. “Thanks again for inviting me. It’s nice to get out of the house.”

“Call me anytime you want out of there,” Ava said, holding Camilla’s gaze, willing her to understand that Ava was there for her, would do whatever it took to help her.

Camilla nodded, but Ava had a sinking suspicion she still wouldn’t come to her for help if she was in trouble. Ava would just have to keep showing her friend that she could trust her with anything until it stuck.