He’d been up since four a.m. when he and Hunter had dragged their tired asses over the border and into the valley that was home to both camp and New Athens. Their first stop had been a diner. Twenty-four hour diners, man. A literal godsend. But even after a heaping plate nachos, he felt like shit. And if he had to guess, he probably looked like shit. He could really use a shower, but hey, at least he had clean clothes and a few bucks in his pocket. His brother hadn’t lost his phone, so Hunter was being responsible as always, figuring out the messes that Drew had gotten them into. 

What was Drew doing? Looking for Ruby, of course. Sure, he was almost positive Hunter was just going to text the final addition to their trio, but it was still crazy early in the morning. Perfect for watching the sun come up. It took some figuring out, but eventually, Drew made his way to the path that lead to the beach. 

Carrying his shoes in one hand, Drew walked in the chilly surf, watching a piece of driftwood moving in and out with the tide. It was colder than he wanted it to be but the sky was turning a peachy pink as a bright sun was just peeking over the horizon. As he walked, he wished he had brought his board with him— though admittedly, the waves of the Sound looked supbar. He scanned the waterline, spotting a person crouched at the end of the water, probably poking at some shells. Wait. He knew that person. Drew quickened his pace to a jog, cupping his hands around his mouth so that his voice carried over the sound of the waves. “Hey! Rue!” He let out a wild laugh at the sight of his best friend. “Ruby!”