Run Run Lost Boy

     “I ain’t goin’ to stop you,” Mereck replied, cocking both brows as a grin consumed his lips. It was nice to be admired. Truly admired. Mereck was accustomed to being looked at. He knew he was attractive, but this was different. Somehow, this mattered more. He knew Jonathan, cared about him deeply, despite having only just met him in person, and that made his affection and adoration so much better.

      They kissed like that for quite some time. Bodies pressed together, tongues meeting tongues meeting lips and teeth and warmth and Mereck never wanted to part, never wanted to stop. It was just what it was, soft and gentle and warm and eager all at once. They were almost attached, their bodies one. Everything around them disappeared. There were no sounds of chirping birds and a forest that was very much alive. There was no background noise of their campmates dressing and talking and getting ready for the day ahead as they escaped tents and gathered for breakfast. There was no wind, no sun, no breeze. It was only him and Jonathan.

      Until a rattling of their tent followed by the sound of the counselors voice. 

     “Boys, I know you can’t hear out here,” he called, referring to the fact that they’d set their tent away from everyone. “But it’s time to get up if you want breakfast, and I suggest you eat something. It’s a long day of hiking.”

      Mereck had paused against Jonathan’s lips, his breath caught in his throat as he listened. 

     “Okayyy,” Mereck replied, pulling away slowly. He waited until he could hear the sound of footsteps crunching leaves and snapping twigs, fading back towards camp to release a soft giggle he had not realized he’d been containing. “Shit. Shit shit. Time has…”

       Mereck exhaled a long breath and slowly sat up, running his fingers through damp hair to set it in place. He scrunched his nose and glanced around, grabbing his clothes and phone and the light they’d used the night before, quickly rolling things up and packing them back in his bag. With a sigh, he unzipped the two sleeping bags that’d been attached down the middle and rolled his up, securing it to the bottom of his bag. Now, they’d just have to take the tent down, but that could wait until after breakfast.

       “C’mon, gorgeous. Time to eat,” he said, offering Jonathan his hand to help him stand.

     Smiling at Mereck’s comment, Jonathan let out a bright laugh, his gaze trailing along the other happily. He was so stunning, his body defined, every part of him beautiful and it was mind-blowing to him that someone like him would want him. But he did, he wanted him, and it was indescribable how giddy that made him. He wanted to jump, to shout, to let everyone know that he had found someone so incredible, even though he knew he shouldn’t. 

     It felt as though they kissed forever and no time at all. Lips slid against lips, bodies pressed tight together, the pounding of his heart against his rib cage vibrating throughout his body. He couldn’t handle the way it made him feel: alive, precious, and full of possibilities. Nothing else seemed to matter, the world having gone a soft yellowish orange behind his lids, bursting into color with each tip of their heads, each slid of their tongues. It was a masterpiece, they were a masterpiece, and he wanted to paint it all, to capture the quiet lingering moment of peace and happiness in it’s purest form.

     The rattling startled him, his hands jerking, gripping at Mereck’s arms tightly, as his eyes went wide, catching the poet’s with his own. It took everything in him not to laugh as the other pulled back and responded, his hand pulling away from his arm, moving to cover his face, unable to cover the smile that was breaking out across his expression. 

     “Oh my God, I can’t believe that just happened,” Jonathan said with a laugh, his cheeks feeling warm, knowing they were undoubtedly pink. Shaking his head, he moved from where he was lying, reaching out to grab his bag and put his belongings back, knowing they would have to come grab them before they took off.

     Glancing over at Mereck, he took in a deep breath, his gaze lingering on him as he got himself ready, pulling himself together. It was impossible to not want to reach out and pull him back down, to not want to say screw it to the rest of the trip if it meant spending time together, but he knew that wasn’t really an option.

     Mereck smirked. He was already adoring the sound of Jonathan’s voice. The lilt in his accent was adorable and he found himself enjoying the way he pronounced certain words. He had an overwhelming amount of affection for the boy that he was unable to explain. 

     “I donno,” he replied honestly, smiling softly as he leaned into his boyfriend, feeling the warmth of his body against his as they laid there together, the risqué photo between them. He was just glad that Jonathan had taken it in stride, had smiled and laughed with him about the photo rather than feeling embarrassed or upset that he had been staring at them. “I’ll happily stare at you here, now, too,” Mereck replied, smirking at the other. “In fact, think you’d have to go’n blindfold me to get me to stop.”

      The warm feeling of Jonathan against his body left him tingly and wanting. It would be so easy to just get lost in that moment, to take everything and give everything that he had. But that would be far too much in a short span of time and Mereck knew that neither of them were ready for that.

     “Yeah,” Mereck breathed against Jonathan’s lips, feeling a little foolish. His cheeks felt warm. He wasn’t sure why he had made the suggestion, but he was so new to this. “Yeah, I wan’ to.” Without another word, Mereck pressed forward and caught his lips against Jonathan’s in a soft kiss. It was smooth and lingering and it made him feel warm from head to toe. One hand moved to rest on Jonathan’s waist, growing more and more accustomed to the sensation of kissing and the feel of Jonathan against him. There was a confidence brewing inside of him, a confidence he typically had but had lost in the moments before, afraid of his own body and just how to kiss this beautiful boy. He wondered if he would ever get used to kissing him, would ever get used to the idea that this boy was his, but for now, he just wanted to enjoy this moment. It would not last long enough.

     Slowly, Mereck parted his lips and pressed forward into Jonathan, deepening the kiss and allowing his eyes to squeeze shut, enjoying the moment.

     Letting out a laugh, Jonathan glanced over at Mereck, looking at him affectionately. There was a warmth between them that he couldn’t deny, an attraction that drew him in and made him want to be with him in ways he’d never felt possible before. Somehow, the poet brought him to life and gave him hope for a future that he never believed possible, yet now he thought of all the time.

     “You can stare at me, but only if I get to stare at you in return,” Jonathan teased, letting out a small laugh, pressing a kiss against his jaw lightly as he did. It was crazy to think that they hadn’t known one another face to face a short while ago. It felt as though he’d known Mereck his entire life, like he’d been waiting for this moment, but it had only been a summer of texting back and forth. He wasn’t sure what it was about him that maybe him feel secure and cared for, but he was glad that the other existed.

     There was a brief moment when he felt as though he wanted this to last. He wanted to stare into the poet’s eyes and feel the raw desire that he held for him, the want and passion that had driven them to touch one another through the sheet they had hung the night before they’d left on the trip. 

     “Good,” he whispered in return, smiling against Mereck’s lips happily, feeling warmth trickle down his spine as the other confirmed his own desires. “Me too.” Without warning or a second to think or respond further, the poet’s lips were upon his, gentle and soft, welcoming in the way they moved against his own. Tingles raced throughout his body, a flood of languid happiness settling low in his gut. Slipping in closer to his body, he smiled into the kiss, lifting his hand to press against his neck, to draw him in closer. His body curved and angled, fitting snug against Mereck’s, and he wasn’t sure he ever wanted to be parted, everything feeling unbearably good, though he knew the moment wouldn’t last. 

     Mereck’s face scrunched up as he released a soft chuckle, slightly embarrassed. He pulled his phone away from his body to show Jonathan the image on the screen, his other hand covering his face. 

     “Sorryyyy,” he whined. “I couldn’t help myself. Now that I know who– you are. Something is even more appealing about this goddamn pic.”

      He could not help but smile, his expression warm and open as he gazed at his boyfriend. It was crazy to think of Jonathan as his boyfriend, but it was something he had quickly gotten used to. He was so fucking cute, admitting that he liked him and wanted to spend time with him and do things with him. It was exciting to have this person here with him, this person he was going to experience so many things with. 

      “Good. I like you, too. Obviously,” he whispered, watching as Jonathan easily sunk down with him. Mereck made room in the sleeping bag for the other, his body automatically pressing against his and his arms and legs wrapping around him as they settled in. Jonathan’s suggestion insinuated that more than just kissing was possible in that moment, and the thought caused his breath to get stuck in his throat. Mereck nodded.

      “Sounds dangerous,” he replied. “But I like danger.” There was a smile on his lips as Jonathan made the first move, leaning in to kiss him. Lips brushed against his tentatively and he allowed them to linger like that for several long moments. It was so soft and affectionate and Mereck would be fine to do this forever. After several moments, he tugged away for just a second. 

      “Stranger?” Mereck asked quietly, chewing down on his lower lip. “Can we make out?”

     Looking at the picture as Mereck showed it to him, Jonathan let out a soft chuckle, shifting in closer to him to rest his chin on his shoulder. He could feel his cheeks warming, knowing that he was the one that his boyfriend was looking at, his gaze flicking to his face.

     “Why are you apologizing about oogling my half naked pictures? Though, to be fair, you could just oogle me in person,” Jonathan teased, looking across at him, a playful, lopsided smile tugging at his lips. “At least it’s me you’re eyeing up.”

     Shifting in closer to Mereck, he slid his arm around his waist, his dark gaze taking in the curves of his face in the early morning light. It was crazy, being able to touch him, being able to see him, and not just text him every hour of the day. It hadn’t really all connected in his brain yet, but he knew he was lucky. Lucky in so many different ways to have the poet there with him.

     “Is that so? I don’t know if that’s so obvious,” he whispered in return, leaning in close, a grin stretching across his face. He released a soft breath as their bodies came together, wrapped in one another, wondering to himself just how far they might go and how fast. He didn’t really want to rush things, but it was hard not to crave everything, when he could feel the press of Mereck’s body against his own, the feel of his heartbeat drumming against his chest.

     “Mm, that’s good, because I’m all about the danger too,” Jonathan joked, letting out a soft laugh against his lips, smiling against them as he lingered. There was something so beautiful and whole about the moment, his body tingling, his heart feeling full. 

     Mereck’s eyes bulged even further, embarrassed that Jonathan had caught him in the act just as he had begun feeling a tug in his shorts. His lips curled into his mouth, between his teeth, and he shook his head minutely, shrugging. There was nothing to be embarrassed about, he told himself. It was Jonathan, the boy he’d talked to all summer, the boy he had flirted with and touched and kissed and who had become his. 

      “Mayyybe,” he answered, smirking as he kept his phone pressed against his body so that Jonathan couldn’t see it. He licked his lips, ducking his head to hide his face against Jonathan’s shoulder, laughing softly. “Just some photos.”

      Jonathan was absolutely adorable. Mereck couldn’t help but smile, reaching his hand out to brush over his face. “You wanted to get back to me,” he commented quietly, a smile on his lips. “Well, you’re here. What should we do now?” Mereck slid to lay down, getting cozy beneath the sleeping bag again, tugging his boyfriend down beside him. 

       “Kiss? Cuddle?” he paused, his eyes just inches from Jonathan’s. He exhaled a shaky breath. “Something else?”

     Jonathan glanced at Mereck curiously, noting the way that he suddenly seemed shy and embarrassed, wondering what it was that was making him feel that way. “What kind of photos?” he asked, shifting to move in closer to him, letting out a laugh at the small smirk that curved Mereck’s lips. 

     Releasing a slow breath, he leaned into the poet’s touch, shrugging his shoulders. “Course I did... I like you. I want to be able to spend some time with you before we have to get going,” he murmured, pushing his fingers through his wet curls. Licking his lips to wet them, he could feel his heart begin to beat quicker as he watched the other lie down under the sleeping bag, letting out a small squeak and a laugh as Mereck pulled him down with him.

     “I don’t know...,” he whispered shyly, his gaze focused in on his face, taking in the depth of color in his silver eyes, the way he felt as though he was being drawn in by a magnet. “Maybe we start with a kiss and go from there?” Jonathan suggested, not sure how far they wanted to go. He didn’t want to push him into anything he wasn’t comfortable with. After all, they had just met, even though they had been talking for so long.

     Mereck could not stop smiling. There was something about this boy that miraculously he had just met, really, less than a day ago. It made him warm and happy, causing his stomach to twist and turn pleasantly every time he fucking looked at him. How was he going to survive without him? Soon, they’d have to go home, to separate countries, and Mereck hated that idea more than anything. He forced himself not to think of it now. It would only be temporary.

     “Lethal is righ’,” he whispered, his back arching just so beneath the feel of Jonathan’s hand against his stomach, his fingers slipping under the thick fabric of his sweatshirt. “I wouldn’ so much mind watchin’ you shower either, you know….”

      Part of him knew it was probably too soon for that, but flirting and joking around with his boyfriend was easy. A smile consumed his lips and Mereck bent over again, pressing a kiss to Jonathan’s cheek before he moved away from him just enough to let the other free. 

      “Both would be perfect,” he called after him as the other left the tent, bag in hand. 

      Mereck fell back against his sleeping bag and reached into his backpack for his phone. Quickly, he plugged it into his portable charger to give it more juice, and opened up his text messages. Nothing had gone through overnight, so he opened his texts with Stranger Danger, reading back on the things they had recently shared. It left a warm feeling in his chest. After a few minutes, he opened up his photographs and landed on the rather naughty pictures the other had sent him. Just as he was zooming in, the tent opened again and Mereck’s eyes bulged, covering his phone quickly with a red face. 

      “Tha’ was fast,” he murmured, licking his lips as he tried not to think about the way his heart was racing and his sotmach was squirming.

     It wasn’t fair the way that Mereck sat upon him, arching his hips, his entire being looking like a sun-kissed God. He could feel the warmth of his skin against the palms of his hands, the way he fit against his just right, and he swore he was going to lose his mind. He didn’t know how he was going to be able to survive the coming days, or the weeks to follow once it was all taken away from him. 

     Unfortunately, he knew he had to get ready or risk being left behind, so he rushed his way through a shower, the water icy as he scrubbed his body clean and washed his stubborn curls. Brushing his teeth as quickly and as thoroughly as he could, he rinsed before zipping back towards the tent, hoping that he’d managed to leave them with enough time to do everything that they wanted to.

    As he ducked into the tent, he saw the way Mereck quickly tried to hide his phone, his cheeks tinting red, and he tilted his head to the side curiously.

     “What are you doing?” Jonathan asked, making his way inside, pushing his bag to the side as he climbed over towards his boyfriend. “Were you involved in something you shouldn’t have been?” He questioned, letting out a soft laugh as he raised his brows, looking at his boyfriend curiously.

      Mereck couldn’t contain his smile as Jonathan woke. There was something so soft and sweet about his boyfriend’s sleepy state. He watched him as realization dawned upon his perfect features and allowed Jonathan’s simple touches to melt him. Sinking down against him, he allowed their kiss to linger before he sat up again, gazing at his face. 

      Mereck nodded.

     “Yeah, you looked so bloody peaceful. Didn’ wanna wake you,” he replied. “Figured you needed rest if you’re goin’ to keep up with me today, slim.” One hand rose and cupped Jonathan’s face, his fingers squeezing his cheeks and forcing his lips to pucker. “So cute.” With a soft laugh he shrugged. “What, you sayin’ you wanna watch me shower?” 

     With a quick glance down, he realized their groins aligned as he straddled the other and Mereck released a soft laugh. “At least you don’ have mornin’ wood. Would’ve been a lot more dangerous.” He did not move right away, though, instead lingering on the other’s lap as he stared into his eyes. Gods, he was cute, with his hair a mess and expression so sleepy. After a moment, he forced himself to move off of him and sat beside him. 

     “Go clean up and get back in here. We’ve time before breakfast if you hurry. We’ll have a quicky,” he teased, winking at Jonathan. “Or maybe just a bit’ve snogging’. Whichever.” 

     Smiling up at Mereck, he stretched a little beneath him, his hand flopping down over his head, his gaze observing his boyfriend. He looked hot, his hair wet, his skin dewy from the steam. If he’d already cleaned up himself, he was certain he would be on him, kissing him and holding him without a second thought.

     “I appreciate the consideration,” Jonathan said with a laugh, puffing out a breath as Mereck pinched his cheeks together. “Have you looked in a mirror recently? Of course I want to see you shower, poet. Though, that might also be dangerous,” he teased, letting out a laugh as he slid his hands up under Mereck’s hoodie, attempting to keep his hands warm. 

     Pursing his lips, he raised both brows as he looked up at his boyfriend, letting out a low chuckle. “That would have been lethal, not dangerous,” he retorted, holding up a finger to accentuate his point before slipping his hand back under his hoodie. It took every ounce of willpower in him not to arch and press up against him or pull him down. He looked so warm and soft, his handsome features making it impossible for him to pull his gaze away.

@jonathanpaxton

      It was before the sun rose the next morning that Mereck woke slowly, then all at once. At first, he was groggy, his mind longing to cling to every ounce of sleep that remained in his body, in his mind. Dreams still lingered on the edges of his conscious, pleasant and inviting. And then, at once, Mereck remembered where he was and who he was with. His heartbeat jumped to his throat and his eyes jerked open. 

     There, before him, was Jonathan Paxton. The boy he’d been texting all summer. The boy he had grown to care about more than he imagined possible, and Mereck smiled to himself. He watched him sleep, silently observing how relaxed he appeared. He really was handsome, his features appealing. His curly hair was a mess and it took every ounce of restraint not to reach forward and mess it up even more. 

     Very slowly, and very quietly, Mereck grabbed his bag and slid carefully out of the tent, leaving Jonathan to sleep.

      Fifteen minutes later, he’d managed to wash up, brush his teeth, and get dressed in a pair of jersey shorts, a t-shirt, and sweatshirt. It was a chilly morning, and he knew he’d take the thick material off as soon as they got going with the sun high in the sky, but it kept him warm for now. The sun was just beginning to rise and the other campers slowly started to wake, crawling out of their tents to get ready for the day, and Mereck unzipped the tent again to crawl back inside.

      Jonathan was still sleeping soundly, tucked away in the sleeping bag, and the sight of him caused a smile to curl on Mereck’s lips. He quietly crawled up over his body, his hands and legs straddling him, and he lowered his head to wake him with a kiss to the cheek.

     All at once, the night before came back to him, flooding his memory and causing him to smile. He had finally met the boy that made him feel accepted and happy, the one that had been texting him from the beginning of the summer, reminding him that he wasn’t alone. 

     There was something so warming about the thought as he stared up into the silver gaze of his boyfriend. Somehow, he’d managed to get a boyfriend. What was the world coming to? He’d never believed this was possible, yet here he was, half awake, Mereck’s body pressing down upon his own, his hair mussed and his expression pleased.

     “Morning,” Jonathan managed, his voice coming out in a hoarse croak, causing him to laugh. Smiling to himself, he pulled Mereck back in towards him, pressing a light kiss against his lips, knowing that he should probably brush his teeth before going any further than that. “Did you already shower?” He asked, realizing his hair was damp, his fingers brushing away a few locks from his forehead. “You should have woke me up, I could have gone over with you.”

     “You can’t say that,” Mereck whispered against Jonathan’s lips, his eyes remaining on his. They were so close, now, that he could hardly see him, but he could smell the delicious taste of his mouth, could feel the softness of his skin against his, could feel his heart beating in his chest. “My mind will wander, wondering what you’re thinking, and that just wouldn’t be pretty…” He released a soft laugh, brushed his nose against Jonathan’s and pulled back to look at him properly. One hand rose to rest on his cheek. “You are seriously gorgeous. Christ. I can’t stop looking. I donno what I was expectin’. I didn’t care what you looked like, honest. But I– I really scored big eh?” He smirked as he leaned in and kissed Jonathan’s forehead gently. His hand slid down the other’s neck, over his shoulder, and around his back to rest gently above his ass.

    Mereck snorted. “Mm, I know. Shocker. But I am. I like readin’ and writin’. I like playin’ music, and singing… Writin’ music. An’ I like nerdy boys named Jonathan, so that makes me a nerd by association,” he teased. Jonathan was so close, his body pressing in and closing the soft space between them. It felt surreal to hold him here in his arms and he was hyper aware of everything. It almost made him self conscious, wondering if Jonathan could feel how fast his heart was pounding or the imperfections in his body. He chewed down on his lip and closed his eyes, trying not to think of it and instead, enjoyed how Jonathan felt. It was bizarre. He’d never held anyone like this before and it was something he knew he never stop loving. 

     “You are mine,” Mereck promised. “I wouldn’ let anyone else have you.”

     He was warm and heavy and his limbs exhausted from overexerting himself that day. He knew sleep was necessary because they would have to continue on the following morning, and as much as he wanted to stay awake and talk to Jonathan, he also knew they had to sleep. Quietly, he pushed himself up and reached for the small flashlight. 

     “Alrigh’,” he whispered as he flipped it off and stored it behind him, by his bag. “I’ll sleep if you do, Stranger. An’ I promise. This isn’ a dream.” Mereck wiggled around slightly, getting comfortable. He grabbed one of Jonathan’s legs to rest between his as he overlapped his to rest behind Jonathan, tangling them up. He forced Jonathan’s arm to wrap around him and his went slack around the other as he closed his eyes and exhaled a long breath. “Sleep well, gorgeous. I’ll be up at the crack’ve dawn.” He smirked, releasing a soft laugh. “But I’ll let my little prince sleep as long as he wants.”

     “I can’t help it that you’re so curious,” Jonathan teased, feeling warm all over as they laid so close. He’d never before been able to do this with someone he cared about, with something he’d actually chosen and wanted the way that he did. There was an unexpected thrill to it. “I could tell you what I’m thinking but that might be even more dangerous than letting you consider the options...,” he whispered, closing his eyes the moment Mereck’s hand came to rest on his cheek. He felt a shiver make it’s way down his spine, his heart palpitating, and he wondered if this was what it was like to have everything you ever wanted. “Me? You think I’m handsome? God, poet. Looking at you is like looking into the sun. You’re the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. You could have been anyone in camp, but somehow I managed to have a crush on you twice. That might be lame, but how lucky am I?” 

     Grinning, he raised both brows as Mereck spoke, a soft laugh escaping his lips in response to his words. “Oh, you’re a nerd by association, are you? Because none of that other stuff sounds all that nerdy,” he joked, pressing soft kisses against his chin. “In fact, I would say you’re definitely more of a jock than a nerd, if it wasn’t for the fact that I know you and have a phone full of texts where you’re a little bit silly and one hundred percent sweet.” Taking in a deep breath, he looked into his boyfriend’s gaze, lifting a hand to cup his cheek. “Who made you? How are you real? Who texts someone and manages to change their entire life by being kind to them?”

     Watching him for a long moment, he felt his heart skip in his chest. “My hero,” he whispered, pressing a gently kiss against his lips.

     “Becauseee,” Mereck whined, his stomach curling inward as Jonathan’s cold fingers touched his bare stomach. “We’ll be up all bloody night…” He chewed on his lower lip as his expression fixed and his eyes locked on Jonathan’s. “And we’ve got loads to do tomorrow.” 

     Mereck released a soft, breathy laugh and shrugged lightly. His arms wrapped around Jonathan’s body, squeezing him tightly as his hand rested on the bare skin at his lower back. “Mm. I’m nerdy, too. I know. Shockin’. You’d’ve never guessed.” He yawned and squirmed, his body shifting just so has one hand moved to rest beneath his pillow, his other wrapped loosely around Jonathan. 

     “Yeah,” he whispered. “I mean that. I mean– Jonathan, Christ. I think we’re– I donno. S’been jus’ a few hours in person an’– I feel so much. I know it’s soon, but… Guess we’ll figure it out. We got time.” He didn’t want to think how little time left they had, but he would spend as much time with the other as possible before they had to go home. Mereck leaned forward softly and pressed a gentle kiss against Jonathan’s lips, allowing it to linger for a few moments. “Jus’ wanna be yours, Stranger.” 

     He exhaled a long, shaky breath and laid back, closing his eyes lightly, feeling sleepy. 

     “M’tired,” he muttered, allowing his body to fall quite still and warm. He was silent for a few, long moments and he realized that despite how wired his brain had felt, how pent up he was from everything that had transpired, how excited and nervous he’d been to just be in Jonathan’s presence, he knew he’d fall asleep if he allowed himself. “Strangerrrrr.”

     Smiling at Mereck, he crinkled his nose, knowing that he was right. There wasn’t time for them to really enjoy one another’s company under the circumstances, but he definitely didn’t want to stop talking or pull back. “Alright, that’s fair,” he whispered, leaning in to brush his lips over his boyfriend’s gently. “But it doesn’t stop me from thinking about it.”

     Releasing a soft grunt as he was squeezed, he burrowed in tightly against Mereck’s body, pressing his face into his neck, his eyes closing momentarily as he breathed him in. He smelled like soap and musk, the smoke from the bonfire they had lit lingering. “You? Nerdy? No way. Now I’m starting to think you’re delusional,” he teased, dropping kisses along the line of his jaw, unable to stop touching him and kissing every inch of exposed skin near his lips.

     “We do have time,” he whispered in return, his gaze fastening on his face, taking in the soft curves of his cheeks and warmth in his eyes. It all felt as though it wasn’t enough, but he knew they would make it work, no matter what. They had to. “I feel so much when I’m near you. Even just talking to you before on the phone, I couldn’t stop the way I reacted. You make me want to be in your presence always. I feel... good when I’m with you.” Flushing, he smiled, shrugging a shoulder. 

     Taking in a breath, he leaned into the kiss, the touch a soft promise. Tingles slide down his spine, settling low in his stomach, happiness fizzing like effervescence. “I want to be your too.”

      “Very true. You’ve always been quite a naughty boy. And I like it more’n I should,” Mereck replied, giving the other a side smirk. He exhaled a long breath, closing his eyes to revel in the warmth of the blankets and sweats and Jonathan’s body. It was comfortable here despite minimal cushioning beneath firm bodies. 

      Mereck shrugged and grinned stupidly. “Yeah. Want to remember this night forever,” he commented, kissing Jonathan’s cheek quickly. He continued smiling as Jonathan answered, glancing between his eyes. His heart slammed against his chest as he listened. “Gods. That’s a leading question.” He sniggered, kissing the corner of Jonathan’s lips. “S’amazing. Wouldn’t change it for the world. Even though you’re a total nerd. Kind’a like that about you, actually. If I’m bein’ honest.” 

      It was ridiculous to think of, how his goals at the beginning of the summer were so different from his current reality. He would not change it for the world, even if he could go back and be guaranteed to achieve everything he had thought he wanted out of this summer. “I sure will feel confident goin’ off to college. But tha’s ‘cause I got you now, supportin’ me through my crazy dreams and desires. Plus, I’ll now have the perfect excuse to maybe transfer my studies to France…” He knew that was a heavy, rather intense comment to make so early into their relationship, but it was something they would probably have to talk about before they left for the summer. If they were serious about one another and their growing relationship, they’d have to address their inevitable distance and what they might do to rectify this in the future. 

     “No,” Mereck whispered. “S’not crazy. I feel that way too. I jus’– wish we had more time in general.” He brushed Jonathan’s hair back, away from his forehad, and kissed him between his brows. “But we will. Eventually. I’m jus’ happy for what we do have ‘cause it’s more’n I expected.” 

     Laughing, Jonathan pressed his nose against Mereck’s cheek, shaking his head slightly. “Why is you liking it a bad thing? I think it’s very good for the future of our relationship,” he teased, sliding his hands under the front of his boyfriend’s sweatshirt, allowing the warmth of his skin to sink in against the palms of his hands. 

     Smiling shyly, brown eyes met silver as he lay there, refusing to look away. His chest felt tight with emotion, his lips pursing, his mind trying to process all the feelings that flooded through him. “I know how you feel,” he whispered, closing his eyes briefly to take in a deep breath, feeling joy wash over him. “Hey, I am not a nerd,” he joked, laughing, prodding Mereck in the shoulder with one of his fingers. “You take that back or else,” he muttered, narrowing his eyes at him, knowing he had no intention of punishing him. “Well, as long as you like my nerdiness and aren’t too cool for me, I guess we’re alright.” 

     Pressing in tight against him, he kissed him softly, his senses overwhelmed by the man who meant so much to him. It felt incredibly to be able to smell him, to taste him, to touch him, to be able to bask in his proximity. He didn’t know if he would be able to let this go when the summer ended. While he knew he was just getting to experience it for the first time, there was something in the moment that made him feel like this was what happiness felt like. This was what it was like to be at peace. 

     “Of course you have me to support you,” he said quickly, his mind not even processing the rest of the sentence until a moment after the words passed his own lips. Freezing, he sucked in a breath, his gaze shifting to meet Mereck’s. “Wait, what... you... you mean that?” He asked, unsure if he had heard him right, if the poet was just messing with him. “You’d want to consider transferring to France?” It felt like a lot all at once, but joy bubbled low in his gut, knowing that the other was thinking long term about their possible future. “That would be --- I mean, I don’t want to sway you, but... that would be incredible.”

     “Didn’ realize you were so naughty,” Mereck whispered, smirking against Jonathan’s lips. It was simultaneously terrifying and thrilling that he and Jonathan could joke about things like this and know that they entirely meant it. 

      Jonathan didn’t shy away from the picture-taking, and that made Mereck instantly happy. Some people hated photographs and he was hoping that he hadn’t annoyed him with his spontaneous selfie of the pair of them, but Jonathan took several more, and Mereck smiled stupidly over at him. “’Course I will. Let’s take a video,” he whispered before he turned it to video mode and began filming. He grinned stupidly at the camera and then looked at Jonathan. “Hey,” he said quietly. “We’re here. Together. How’s it feel?” 

       Jonathan spoke heavy words that cause Mereck’s stomach to squirm. He wrapped his leg around the other’s and pressed against him, closing his eyes momentarily to revel in the moment. “I jus’ want to be able to make you happy. Always,” he whispered. “I am so bloody happy, too, y’know. S’just… unreal. I honestly… I was hopin’ to maybe get a few hookups this summer. Jus’ to get a bit more experience before college, y’know? Nothin’ serious. But this. This is so much better. Completely blows my expectations out’ve the water And it does feel right.”

       He pressed a hand up Jonathan’s sweatshirt, feeling his bare skin against the pads of his fingers. It was warm and soft and he drew soft circles against the small of his back. 

       Mereck released the softest whimper as Jonathan kissed him hard and pushed into him, muttering soft words that made his heart pound. He shrugged and brushed the other’s hair back, kissing him again. This time, it was rougher, with more rigor and desire, his tongue shooting into Jonathan’s mouth and his teeth biting down on his lower lip as he pulled away.

      “Donno. But if it is, I’m already dead,” he whispered, meeting his gaze with a shy smirk. He ducked his head, pressing against Jonathan’s shoulder.

       “I don’t think I’ll ever sleep either, by the way. As exhausted as my body is… I’m mentally keyed up.” 

     “Yes you did,” Jonathan joked, letting out a soft laugh as he flicked his tongue against Mereck’s upper lip. “You’ve been texting me for how long now...? You certainly know I’m this naughty by now. Look at all the things I’ve done with you.” 

     Smiling back with what he was certain was a dopey grin, he laughed, shaking his head, pressing his nose into the other’s cheek. “Are you interviewing me on camera?” He murmured, his hand lifting to turn Mereck’s face towards him more, meeting his gaze. “You know that it feels incredible. Dream come true,” he chuckled, leaning in to give him a soft, slow kiss, unable to stop smiling into it the entire time. “How does it feel to finally get to spend the night together?” He asked softly, unable to look away from him, despite knowing the camera was filming them. 

     Stroking his thumb along his cheekbone, Jonathan watched Mereck’s shifting expression up close. The warm feeling of his breath on his cheek soothed him, reminding him that he was really truly there. "I am happy. I’m here with you. There’s no better place,” he said softly, gazing at him earnestly. “You wanted a few hook ups and you end up with me. I feel like this is the end to some kind of twisted romantic comedy.” Grinning, he searched the poet’s face, wishing that he could memorize it, that he could immortalize it in this moment. “You think this is enough experience for you? You going to be able to go off to college now and feel confident?”

      Taking in a sharp breath at the feel of the hand on his skin, he closed his eyes, trembling at the sensation of his fingers tracing along his back. Releasing a soft grunt into his mouth, he pulled him in tighter, the rough kiss causing him to feel invigorated. His heartbeat resounded in his head, blood rushing in his ears, and it felt impossible to pull back, but he did, releasing a whoosh of air as he stayed in close to the poet.

     “Me too,” he whispered, letting out a soft laugh, pressing a light kiss to Mereck’s forehead as he pressed in against his chest. Lifting his hand, he carded his fingers through the soft strands, feeling his body’s exhaustion hit him as the adrenaline began to wear away.

     “God, don’t you tempt me,” Mereck whispered, smirking tiredly as he pressed himself closer. They were warm and close, now, their bodies pressed together. Mereck could not help but press soft kisses against Jonathan’s lips over and over. “I used to be able to hear the smile in your voice. Now I can feel it when I kiss you. Christ. S’almost too much.” He gave Jonathan a soft smile and rested his forehead against his. 

      Vaguely, he wondered what time it was. They’d gone to bed quite early, but it was dark now, and the temperature continued to drop. Even here, beneath the thick insulation of the combined sleeping bags with thick sweats on and Jonathan’s body against his own, he could feel the chill in the air. Quietly, Mereck reached behind himself for the phone he’d left against his bag to check the time. 

       “Only 8:30. Feels later,” he whispered. Mereck was about to put his phone back when a thought struck him. He twisted his lips, slid open the lock screen, and opened his camera on selfie mode without a word. Mereck shifted and scooted closer to Jonathan. “C’mere. Let’s take some photos. S’our first night together. Gotta remember it.” He pressed a quick kiss to Jonathan’s cheek and snapped the picture before he turned and watched them on the screen. “Damn, we look good together.”

       Mereck took a deep breath and nodded. He understood just how Jonathan felt. All he wanted was to be able to share things with him and to learn everything there was to know about the other. “S’fate, Jonathan. I trust you. And I want everything. I want to fuckin’ tell you everything. And I want to hear everything you want to share with me. And experience everything with you.”

      He was entirely silent as Jonathan spoke softly, whispering promises of things they could do together. Of things he could learn about Jonathan. He’d believed he knew a lot already, but now that they were here, in person, Mereck realized there was so much more to learn. He’d barely scratched the surface. The words caused his throat to swell, the emotion behind them making Mereck want to cry, but he held back, instead, nodding softly. “I’d love that,” he whispered. It was all he could say. 

      Mereck couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Maybe,” he whispered. But Jonathan pressed on and his lower lip immediately caught between his teeth. “Stopppp,” he whined. “We are way too close and you know how bloody dangerous that is.” He smirked, knowing he was the one who started it, but realizing how easy it would be to just roll over and take things a little too far. “S’crazy how nervous you make me.”

     Grinning into the kisses, Jonathan crinkled his nose, lifting his hand to caress Mereck’s cheek, lightly as he looked across at him. He felt warm and whole, lying there with him wrapped together. “Maybe I want you tempt you,” he teased, nipping playfully at his bottom lip, wriggling in closer to him.

     Closing his eyes, he rested against his boyfriend, his body tucked in tight against his side. He felt exhausted and content, but his mind refused to let him nod off, thoughts racing now that he was finally in the presence of the person he’d been texting all summer. It was as though he’d drank a particularly strong coffee, his heart racing, his mind sharp, knowing that he would never get this moment back again if he let it pass.

      “Really?” Jonathan muttered, opening his eyes again, his brow furrowed. “I’m never going to be able to sleep, you know,” he pointed out, a sheepish smile tugging his lips. Before he was able to register what was happening, Mereck was there, at his side, kissing his cheek and taking pictures, causing him to flush, joy bubbling up in his gut. His gaze flicked to the picture, observing it, a grin stretching across his face as he reached out tilting his head to the side. “Wait, we need more,” he said with a laugh, taking another with them both looking at the camera, and a third with him kissing the poet’s cheek. Chuckling, he shook his head, burying his face in his shoulder. “You better send all those to me,” he whispered, lifting his gaze to meet his.

      “It’s just amazing to me that I’m here at the right time to have met you,” he said, his fingers plucking at the sweatshirt the other was wearing. “I could have been getting told I’m a piece of shit for being gay and having people trying to make me straight instead, but no... here I am, and now I have a boyfriend and it feels so good to be able to be myself and not worry about anything else,” Jonathan murmured, swallowing tightly, releasing a slow breath. “It not only feels like I was meant to be with you, but that I was meant to be this person. That it’s confirmation that I’ve always been okay all along, despite what other people say or do. And... and now, I get to be with the most handsome, hot, incredible guy I can imagine, and it feels so right.”

    “Explode?” Mereck asked, chewing down on his lower lip as one brow quirked in curiosity. “If that’s a sexual innuendo, we’re quickly going to have a problem.” His tone was teasing and he ducked his head, pressing a soft kiss to Jonathan’s lips once again. They were warm and inviting and he could get lost in them if he allowed himself. It was tempting, too. The whole night would waste away and there, they would lay, their bodies entwined until morning came and they were forced to part. 

      Sighing, he pulled back, giving Jonathan a soft nod. It was emotional, the things he spoke, and Mereck had to swallow thickly. He could not allow his thoughts to wander too far, thinking of the things that they endured to get to this moment. 

      “Shit. Someday, I think, I’ll tell you everythin’. But I think– I think you’re right. Maybe it’s the universe givin’ us a break from all the shit we put up with, y’know? Or maybe tha’s jus’ me bein’ ridiculously idyllic. Whatever, though. I believe it was fate. ‘Specially since you said that before we came. Shit. Couldn’t’ve known,” he said quietly, his tone laced with disbelief. How had this wound  up this way? It was almost too perfect. 

     Mereck’s arm rested loosely around his boyfriend’s body, his fingers gently caressing his back as they ran up and down his spine. It was so warm and comfortable here. “Glad I combined the sleepin’ bags,” he whispered, releasing a soft snigger. “Gets real cold out here. Gonna need you to keep me warm.”

     He laughed again, shaking his head. “Mm, I’d like to see you try’n beat me,” he teased. “I kind’ve like the challenge. Kind’ve like seein’ you all sweaty even more….”

     “What if it is an innuendo?” Jonathan teased in return, letting out a small laugh, his fingers tight in Mereck’s shirt, the warmth of his body seeping into his own. “What are you going to do about it?” He smiled into the kiss, lifting his hand to cup the side of his face, drawing him back in the moment he attempted to pull away. Basking in the feel of his proximity, he allowed his lips to linger, wanting nothing more than to waste time memorizing the feel and taste of his lips. While he knew it wasn’t wise, that they would be exhausted if they stayed up too much longer, he felt as though if he fell asleep, all of this would fall away.

     Smiling across at Mereck, he trailed his fingers along his chest lightly, his gaze searching his features, taking them all in. For so long, he had no idea what the boy on the other end of the phone would look like, had no idea that the boy he crushed on from a distance was the one that was meant for him, and now he couldn’t get enough of him. There was something so magical about the experience, about the fact that they had been drawn together in this place, far away from everything either of them had ever known.

     “I want to know everything. I want to know what happened to you, what your life has been like... who your friends were, how you managed to come to be here, if there is anyone you trust...,” Jonathan murmured, trailing off as he realized it was all a lot to request of someone. Taking in a slow breath, he nodded his head, licking his lips to wet them. “The funny part is, I didn’t really believe in fate that much when I said it,” he said quietly, swallowing thickly at his words. “But now... I think I might.”

     Taking in a slow breath, he closed his eyes at the sensation of his boyfriend’s fingers trailing along his spine, sending shivers throughout his body. “I can do that,” he said with a laugh, placing a kiss against Mereck’s chin lightly. “One day I’ll tell you everything too. Maybe I’ll show you the first art piece that I ever did and tell you the story behind it. The way that it made me feel to be able to create something that showed what I was feeling. Maybe one day, I’ll be lying in bed with you like this, and I can read you the first book that made me feel like I could get away. Maybe I’ll show you my scars and tell you everything about them... or maybe, just maybe, I’ll kiss you until we both forget everything that hurts.”

      “Yeah,” Mereck whispered. “That stupid smile’s goin’ to kill me. God. Look at you.” He pulled back just slightly so their eyes met, so he could see Jonathan fully. His eyes drank him in, studying everything from his expression to body language to that damn half smirk of his. “Perfect.” Mereck pressed forward suddenly and captured the other’s lips with his own, kissing him roughly before he pressed him down on his back and half crawled atop him to kiss him deeper. He couldn’t help it; this urge to just be with him, on him, kissing him, touching him consumed him suddenly. He’d waited for this for a good portion of the summer and now that he was here, with Jonathan, he couldn’t stop. 

       But he had to. He pulled away and drew his hands up to Jonathan’s face, cupping it to look at him, his thumbs brushing softly against his skin. He leaned down once again, slowly this time, pressing the softest kiss to Jonathan’s lips. 

         “I’m glad we met how we did,” Mereck whispered. “It’s perfect. I wouldn’t’ve had it any other way. S’fate.” He felt himself choking up again but he would not allow it to spill over. He swallowed tightly and slowly moved off of Jonathan, instead laying on his side and tugging him close against his body. “I’m glad you’re comfortable with me. I jus’ want you to feel like you can talk to me.”

        Mereck closed his eyes, enjoying the sensation of Jonathan’s fingers against his skin. He smiled softly. “You more’n lived up to the hype,” he whispered. “I donno. But I’m glad we live in this universe.” His fingers trailed down Jonathan’s neck and the side of his arm before coming to a rest against his side, feeling his bare skin. 

       “You are faster’n I thought you’d be. Can’t get over it,” he laughed.

     Unable to stop smiling, Jonathan glanced across at Mereck, releasing a soft laugh at his words, feeling his cheeks flush from the attention. He wasn’t used to having someone look at him the way that the poet did, so closely and with such affection, and while it warmed him from the inside out, he also felt slightly nervous. Glancing away for a moment, the kiss came unexpectedly, his breath catching between their lips, a small sound permeating the air between them. His body rose to meet the other’s, pressing into the spaces that felt made for him, his fingers knotting int he material of his shirt. Air felt impossible to inhale, his lungs screaming, his hands shifting to explore the curve of Mereck’s back, the soft comfort of his skin. Want flooded him all at once as his tongue warred with his, one of his legs hooking carelessly around his knee to keep him close. 

     As soon as it started, it stopped, Jonathan chasing Mereck’s lips as he pulled back, sucking in a sharp breath now that air had become available again. Slowly opening his eyes, he smiled at the feel of his hands on his face, holding him like he was the most precious thing in the world. 

     “And you say I’m going to kill you,” he whispered, licking his lips to wet them, tasting Mereck on them still. “You’re going to make me explode.”

     Turning his head, he pressed a light kiss to the palm of Mereck’s hand, feeling a sense of comfort and calm envelope him. “It is fate,” he whispered, swallowing thickly, shifting his body once his boyfriend moved, curving to fit snug against his side, his arm slipped tightly around his waist. “All these years thinking that we were alone, going through so much pain, and... this is what was in store for us. I feel like we were just waiting on one another. That somehow the universe knew exactly what we needed to feel understood.” 

     Pressing his face into the poet’s shoulder, he took in a long, deep breath, his eyes closing, doing his best not to get emotional. Nothing in his life had ever gone to plan, and he had expected that things with Mereck would follow the same path --- that somehow, they would wind up not meeting or something would go horribly wrong. Yet here they were, together, wrapped in one another’s arms. While it was still nerve-wracking and new, they had time together now; time before they would have to leave camp and figure out the distance. 

     A tremble worked down his spine at the feeling of his touch, Jonathan opening his eyes to look up at him once again. Leaning in, he pressed a lingering kiss against his lips. “Me too,” he whispered in return, nudging the tip of his nose with his own.

     “These things become somethin’ve an extension’ve us, don’t they?” Mereck asked softly. “Art. It’s a necessity. I never understood people who weren’ creative in some way, y’know? Maybe s’why we got along so well. We share that.” 

      Mereck watched Jonathan carefully as he flashed the photo at him, smirking as the other seemed slightly embarrassed. He hadn’t meant to embarrass him, but it was quite adorable that he had gotten so. Quietly, he pressed a kiss against his cheek. “You’re gorgeous,” he whispered. “Like– far more gorgeous’n you realize. You fuckin’ stud.” Mereck smirked, releasing a soft laugh. “I’m obsessed with your smile.”

      Jonathan’s fingers touched his bare skin, sending a chill down his spine. He was cold, but he didn’t mind. Instead, he just pushed in a little closer and buried his face against the crook of Jonathan’s neck. 

     “Good,” Mereck whispered, closing his eyes as their lips met once again. God, he could get used to this. Kissing and holding one another, their bodies pressed firmly together beneath insulated blankets. It was comfortable and cozy even though they were on the ground. 

      “I donno. I reckon it would’ve been scarier in some ways. Too much time to think, I guess. Could’ve backed out easier, but I’d like to think I wouldn’t do that. I’m far too attached to you,” Mereck whispered. “I wouldn’t’ve wanted to leave here without knowing you.” 

       Mereck smiled softly and pressed his forehead against Jonathan’s, closing his eyes. “Can’ believe I’ve gotten to kiss you,” he whispered. “Been thinkin’ about that all bloody summer. Wondered what it’d be like to snog a bloke, at first. Then was jus’– wonderin’ what it’d be like to snog you, to snog someone I care about so much.” 

     “They do,” Jonathan said quietly, releasing a long breath. “I never understood either. It fills something in me that I didn’t know needed filling until I did it. That ability to create something out of nothing is more rewarding than anything else I’ve ever experienced. I do think that’s part of it, though not all of it.”

     Laughing, he tried to hide his face against Mereck’s shoulder, wrinkling his nose at the kiss to his cheek. Pulling back just slightly, he looked into the other boy’s eyes, pressing a kiss to the tip of his nose. “You really think so?” He asked, pulling him in tighter to himself, grinning at his words. “My crooked smile that I freaked you out about due to my description?” Placing kisses up along his cheek, he curled in tight. “The only one I can see right now is you and this sculpted masterpiece. You realize I’m going to want to lick those abs, right?”

     Burying his nose in close to Mereck’s neck, he breathed in the sweet yet musky scent of him, allowing his mind to linger on the fact that this was very real. Everything felt so good with him. Holding one another, kissing one another, merely lying there face to face. Reaching out he traced the soft curve of Mereck’s cheek, unable to comprehend the full breadth of the feeling inside his chest. 

     “I don’t know what I would have done. I didn’t want to leave without knowing you but sometimes I do the complete opposite to what I want. I guess to protect myself,” Jonathan whispered, swallowing thickly, his gaze searching the other’s. “Though I feel more comfortable with you than I have with anyone else before so I like to think I would have persevered. It’s just... whether or not I let the thought of having to part with you stop me. I’m glad I didn’t have a choice.” 

    “Mmhm,” Mereck replied. “I almos’ always have one with me. The one I brough’, has some stuff in it, yeah. Mostly some poems, some journalin’. I wan’ to write a story. Short story, maybe. Or even a novel. I donno. I was plannin’ on maybe brainstormin’ on the hike, writing things down in camp… It was gonna be a distraction because I knew I’d miss you.”

     Jonathan crawled back into the tent and Mereck allowed his phone drop to the side for a moment, peering over at him with a soft grin. They were zipped back up and Jonathan crawled towards him. Quickly, he flashed the phone at Jonathan, showing him the photograph that he’d been staring at, winking.

     “Just starin’ at my boyfriend’s hot body,” he said quietly before he tucked his phone away as the other crawled into the combined sleeping bags. He released a soft, breathy laugh as the sleeping bag shifted and Jonathan’s body slid inside, beside him. 

      “Yeah,” he whispered, immediately obeying the other and turning over onto his side to face Jonathan, wrapping his arm around him. He chewed down on his lower lip and wrapped a leg around Jonathan’s, tugging one of his legs between his own. His hand slipped up the back of Jonathan’s shirt, his fingers touching his bare skin. 

      Mereck shook his head, frowning. “I jus’ want you to feel good,” he whispered. “I really, really like you.” He pressed forward, brushing his nose against his and exhaled a shaky breath. “You smell so good. You feel so good. Christ, I can’ believe I’m here with you you.”

     “That’s like me with my sketchbook. Don’t leave home without it. Well, in this case, don’t leave camp without it, but same thing,” Jonathan rambled, letting out a small laugh as he focused his gaze on Mereck’s face. “I’d like to read more of your work... if you’d let me? You can look at my sketches in return, if you like. A trade of hopefully equal measure.”

     Flushing, he glanced over to see the picture he had taken of himself naked reflected back at him, in the dim light of the tent. “Oh,” he murmured, clearing his throat, letting out a shy laugh. “I guess it’s easier to take those when I don’t think about it too much... especially now that I see you here, it’s very real,” he said quietly, shaking his head. “Not that I wouldn’t have done it regardless...” 

     Smiling, he shifted, curling in towards Mereck’s body heat, feeling icy from being out in the cold. Slipping his hands under the other’s shirt, he tried to warm his fingers, letting out a small laugh when they made contact with his warm skin. “Sorry,” he mumbled, wrapping his other arm around his waist loosely, releasing a slow breath at the feel of his touch against his body. 

     Pressing a light kiss against the poet’s chin, her looked into his eyes, his stomach flipping as he watched him. “I do feel good with you. In every sense of the word. I feel... awakened somehow. Different in the best possible way.” Tilting his head back, he leaned up slightly, his lips brushing against his, his lips parting to drink him in. He allowed himself to linger, to bask in the simplicity of the moment, the bright elation that had settled in his chest.

     “Okay,” Mereck replied softly, feeling content and warm like he could just melt into the ground and never move again. If this was how his life ended, here, in Jonathan’s arms, he would be okay with that.

       “If I got bored, which I somehow doubt I would, I’d write,” he whispered. “I brought a journal. Kind’ve wanted to– to do somethin’ while I’m out here. It’s inspiring, isn’ it? Nature? Bein’ out there. So bloody quiet and peaceful.” He exhaled a long breath and leaned in, brushing his nose softly against Jonathan’s with a small smile. “Water’s hard to capture. I’d love to see you do that…”

       It was warm and gentle and exciting all at once. He had this person here that he felt so much for and that he knew felt for him in return. They could kiss whenever they wanted, could touch one another softly, could lay here, in each other’s arms, curled up and comfortable. He had not anticipated this, had not imagined something could feel so good, so right. 

      Jonathan’s mouth tasted sweet and he could not get enough. The way he kissed threatened to drive him mad. 

       “Yeah, ‘course I would. If you wanted to find him, Stranger, I’d help you in a heartbeat,” he whispered. “Whatever you want. We can look for him someday. When you’re ready.” He cupped his hand on Jonathan’s cheek and smiled softly as he looked into his eyes. 

        He released a laugh as Jonathan said he had to pee and he nodded, sitting up slightly as the other moved to crawl out of the tent. He smiled at the other, watching him leave, already missing his warmth, when all at once, Jonathan burst back in towards him for a quick but hard kiss. Mereck closed his eyes and released a soft whimper and it was over. Jonathan pushed out through the zipper and Mereck released a sigh. 

       He didn’t want to sleep in separate sleeping bags and had not even thought of the possibility that they wouldn’t have to until Jonathan had zipped the tent back up and Mereck glanced over at the empty space beside him. Without a second thought, he pushed himself up to his knees and unzipped his own sleeping bag and then unzipped Jonathan’s. He moved quickly and efficiently, zipping them up together to make one, big sleeping bag. Before Jonathan could return, he slid inside of it and pushed the middle down so it wouldn’t be obvious. As he waited, he reached into his bag for his phone. There were a few texts from his mates- both from camp and home, but he ignored them in favor of opening up his photos.

      Almost immediately he landed on the picture Stranger had sent him just days before where his body was bare. Mereck chewed down on his lower lip, feeling his stomach squirm. He didn’t look away, even as the tent opened again and Jonathan returned.

     “You brought a journal?” Jonathan asked, a small smile tugging at his lips as he looked into Mereck’s eyes. He felt a strange mix of excited and calm when he was with him, as though his body wasn’t quite sure how to react to his presence yet. “Do you have anything in it already?” He asked curiously, wondering if there were pieces in there that would give away insights into Mereck’s mind. He admired the way he was able to craft his words, to paint a picture without any of the tools he was used to. 

     It was difficult, walking away from the tent, even though his full bladder demanded it. The cold night air felt like a shock to his system, a shiver making it’s way down along his spine as he rushed to go to the bathroom so he could return to the warmth and to the poet. He felt flustered, his heartbeat present in his throat as he thought about the fact that they were now together. How many nights had he gone to sleep dreaming of this moment, even long before that first text message from Mereck had graced his phone? He hadn’t obsessed over it, hadn’t believed it would happen, but in the back of his mind he’d hoped, and now it was finally here. 

     Finishing up going to the bathroom, he washed up before making his way back to the tent as quickly as possible. The air had gotten considerable chillier, making him wish he’d bundled up more before going out. Unzipping the tent, he ducked in, quickly doing it back up before turning around, spotting Mereck in his sleeping bag. He smiled as he saw how close their two bags were together, a small laugh rolling off his lips.