"We're doing what now?" Oliver questioned.

Vinny could see it in his face that he hoped he heard them wrong.

"Camping! We're taking you all camping" Madison beamed.

Corey and Panuleon shared an interested glance, liking that idea. Rayvon and Luka shared a happy glance, also liking that idea.

But Vinny watched Oliver, knowing he may object to this idea.

He's not fond of camping.

He may look manly but he can't cope with bugs, cold nights, uncomfortable beds and toilets that are at the other end of a field.

"Now Oliver, I know you don't like camping but the weather's supposed to be great and it'll be nice to get away for a few days" Duke smiled.

"It's just for a few days?" He asked. He likes to be outdoors, just not sleeping in it.

"Just for a few days" He repeated with a nod.

"When are we going?" Corey asked.

"After lunch I want you all to pack and we'll go when everyone's ready."

Vinny could tell that Oliver really didn't want to go.

"So, we're going today?" He asked.

Madison and Duke smiled at Oliver but taking him would be more amusing than anything.

"Yes and don't worry, you can pack as much as you like."

"Are we going for two nights or for three?"

"Three."

Oliver's face made everyone chuckle.

"Why not one? I can handle that."

"No," Vinny said. "You're coming for three, purely for my entertainment."

Oliver gave him an emotionless stare but he knew there was no getting out of it.

"You might like it Oliver" Panuleon smiled.

"Yeah, you'll probably have a great time," Corey said. They were amused by his reaction but apparently he was the same last time they went camping.

The kids were around four years old and they only went for one night but Oliver hated it.

It's just not for him and they know that but it'll be nice for the kids to get away too, so he will at least put up with it for their sake.

"Okay fine" He mumbled and crossed his arms.

Vinny grinned at him and kissed his cheek.

"Right, eat up and we'll tell you where we're going on the way" Madison smiled before her and Duke went to inform John.

"Are you excited Rayvon?" Vinny asked, wondering if he liked the idea or hated the idea.

"Yeah, I think I remember the last time we went camping."

"Really? You were so young" Oliver said.

"I remember too. But I only remember sitting in a really shallow lake with Rayvon. We were trying to catch tadpoles" Luka said quietly.

"I remember that" Rayvon smiled. They didn't know this, but their memories get shared from one mind to the other if they're vivid enough.

So what Luka remembers, Rayvon remembers too.

"I remember getting really upset because you hurt your hand and I couldn't mend it."

"That is so cute" Oliver sighed happily. "You couldn't stand it when each other was upset or hurt."

The boys looked at one another, understanding that there was a lot of signs indicating that they were soulmates, right from the beginning.

"Do you think if you told us we were soulmates then we might have connected the bond a lot sooner?" Rayvon asked.

"There is a very good chance that would've happened," Panuleon said. He could sometimes hear the angels talking about it and they often think that too. "But it was clear, even from outsiders that there was something special between you both."

"You never argued or made each other uncomfortable. You always wanted to make each other happy and be with each other all the time" Corey smiled.

"I-I remember when I was little and I would always wake up excited because I'd get to see Luka again," Rayvon said while looking down to him.

Luka blushed and looked at his hands.

Rayvon's eyes melted into his cuteness. He wanted to hug him, comfort him and love him. But they are not confident enough to showcase it in front of their parents just yet.

So he simply nudged his shoulder, making everyone smile.

Oliver was grinning to himself and Vinny couldn't help but to stare at him. They locked eyes with each other and Oliver loved his soulmates face when he was completely relaxed and carefree.

They took each other's hand, feeling the love.

Corey and Panuleon were leaning against each other, as usual. They were excited about this camping trip. The angel has never been camping before and was eager to learn how it was done.

* * * * *

"We're here!" Madison said as she looked out of the window.

Jed pulled up outside a busy looking camp site.

The field was big with tents lined up around the side. There was a big space in the middle with kids playing with Frisbees, footballs and kites.

Vinny was quite surprised that they picked somewhere so full with the public but they had many bodyguards with them and after what he did to the paparazzi, they won't be bothering them again.

"Just a question," Oliver said and unbuckled his seatbelt. "Why did we go further up north, where it's colder?"

"Well, we always go to a beach and I thought it would be nice to experience somewhere different," Duke said before patting him on the shoulder. "It's only three nights."

Oliver smiled but he has always hated camping, even when he was little.

Everyone piled out of the big car and helped to unpack the boot as Madison and Duke went to greet the other vampires who own this part of the land.

To them, it was an honour to have the Vanderwood's staying on their land. They are very well known and very loved all around the world. They come with angels and extraordinary power.

Who wouldn't be pleased to meet them?

"A ten man tent?" Panuleon questioned as he lifted the bag up with no problem at all. "This is built to accommodate ten people?"

"Yeah," Corey smiled. "I think you'll like camping."

The angel loved to be outdoors and adventuring new places. That's why they both travel a lot because Panuleon hates being inside for long periods of time.

"I think I will too."

Oliver and Vinny grabbed some bags as John and the boys collected everything else.

They all started walking across the grass to their designated area and just as expected, the public were losing their minds.

They gawped at the powerful, important and authority figures, walking casually past their tents and their children.

Nobody would ever expect to see the Vanderwood's on a camp site.

"Why is everyone staring? Do I have something on my face?" Oliver questioned sarcastically.

Vinny chuckled and walked closer. Their hands were too full to be held.

Luka was holding onto Rayvon's shirt as they walked. He was trying to remain calm but he gets exceptionally shy and timid when he's around strangers.

He cannot bring himself to trust anyone who he doesn't know.

Rayvon thought it was cute when he gets all shy and he was very pleased that he came to him to seek protection. He loved the idea of being able to look after him and to care for him.

Panuleon put the tent bag down in the middle of a big patch of grass.

"I don't know how these tents work, but I'm happy to help."

Corey chuckled and put some stuff next to him.

He loved the innocence of his angel. Even after all these years, there are still things for him to learn.

"It might be better camping without running after four year olds this time," Vinny said to Oliver as they put the bags down. Last time, Corey and Panuleon didn't come with them, that's why the angel has still never been camping before.

"Very true" Oliver chuckled. "But I already want to go home."

Vinny rolled his eyes and put an arm around his waist.

"Why do you not like camping?"

"Because if it rains, it makes life difficult. I bet the toilets are at the other end of the field and I bet it'll be cold tonight. Plus, we tall people cannot stand up in a tent and airbeds are not comfortable."

Vinny watched him with a growing smile.

"Okay, I sounded like I was complaining a lot just then but I've never enjoyed it."

"It's not for everyone" Vinny smiled. "And it's definitely not for you. But you've come along anyway even though you know you won't have a great time. I'm proud of you for that."

"I know you like it and it's nice to get a break. But if I'm cold tonight, you have to hug me all night long."

"Deal," He said and kissed his temple. "You're so adorable."

Oliver grinned before kissing him back.

"Yes, I am."

Vinny rolled his eyes and gave him a little shove towards the tent bag that was currently being emptied out.

Rayvon and Luka were looking at the instructions. This was a big tent to put up and would probably take quite a while.

Almost everyone on the campsite was watching them and Luka was sticking right next to Rayvon's side.

"It's okay Luka, I want you to stay close," Rayvon thought in his head.

They looked at each other, knowing that was going to happen anyway. It was just confirmation for Luka so he knew it was okay to stick to him like glue.

"Thank you," He thought back and even in Rayvon's head, his voice was quiet.

Duke and Madison started making their way to the boys, wanting to help set up camp.

They were excited to camp but didn't realise the camp site would be so busy. Although the vampires they just talked to reassured them that no paparazzi would step foot on this land and if anyone bothers them, they'll be told to leave immediately.

"So, do the poles go through the coloured slots here?" Panuleon asked while Jed tried helping with whatever he could.

"I think so," Corey said as Luka showed him the instructions.

Duke stopped when they were almost there, making Madison stop too.

"Just look at our family," He said. His tone was soft and calm. "Vinny has brought all of these people into our lives and I don't think we've ever thanked him for that."

It's true that ever since he connected the bond with Oliver, their lives have been more than interesting.

"I think he knows though" Madison said.

Vinny didn't need people to show him their gratitude, he just knew that's how they felt.

"I couldn't be happier with the people that are in our lives."

"Me neither, now let's go and help Oliver before he has a fit" She chuckled.