Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1

"This could be Heaven or this could be Hell" — Hotel California

There is an audible smirk in Exer’s voice as he says, “Are you pitching a tent or are you just pleased to see me?”

David rolls his eyes as he finishes rolling the tent poles out of the back of Harry’s car, which they've borrowed for the weekend since Exer’s car does not have as much space. 

“I promise you, the only tent around here is not in my jeans. It's this pile of canvas sheets.” David flicks one of the smaller tent poles towards Exer, trying to thwack him on the leg, but it only ends up with the rest of the poles falling all over the place. 

As David tries to catch one that is swinging on its little elastic string and fold it back up again, he adds, “you could help, you know. This was your idea!”

It’s not that David hates camping—he used to love it. But it definitely wouldn’t have been his first choice for a summer group activity. When Exer suggested the idea, though, everyone else was too excited for David to argue against it. After a disastrous final semester, they all wanted to end high school on a positive note.

And so, here they are. 

Exer’s smirk only grows as he watches David fumble with the poles. “But you’re doing such a great job,” he drawls, leaning lazily against the car, arms crossed. “Really. It’s like watching a nature documentary. ‘Man versus Tent Poles.’ Riveting stuff.”

David huffs, finally folding one of the poles into place. He turns to Exer, planting a hand on his hip. “You do know your arm’s out of the cast now, right? No excuses. You can actually help instead of just standing there.”

Exer laughs softly, shaking his head in amusement as he pushes off the car. Without a word, he starts gathering the scattered poles, easily slotting a few together.

“You could’ve started helping ten minutes ago, you know,” David mutters, more to himself than anything.

Exer glances up at him, his smirk still firmly in place. “I like to keep you on your toes.” Then, almost as an afterthought, he adds, “Besides, you’re cute when you’re frustrated.”

David lets out a sharp laugh, shaking his head as he tries to hide the blush he feels heating his cheeks, turning his attention back to the tent. “Yeah, well, I’m about to be even cuter when I make you sleep outside tonight.”

“Worth it,” Exer says with a wink, his tone light but warm. And as he silently slots another pole into place, David feels his irritation melt just a little, replaced by a familiar affection that he’s never quite sure how to put into words.

Maybe camping wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

Maybe this could be a chance to replace the memories of camping with his—

“Okay, so the lake is amazing,” Brenda’s voice cuts through his thoughts as she and Pamela stroll up, her tone bright and excited. Her shoes crunch lightly against the gravel as she gestures enthusiastically toward the trees behind her. “It’s just down that trail—like, maybe a two-minute walk. There’s this little beachy spot with tons of space, and the water is crystal clear. You have to see it.”

Pamela, trailing just behind, steps closer and peers at the half-assembled tent with a curious look. “How’s it going over here? Need an extra hand?” she asks, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

David pauses, looking down at the mess of poles and canvas at his feet, then at Exer, who has resumed slotting poles together with effortless precision. He gives a small shrug, nodding toward the direction Brenda pointed. “You could help carry this to where the rest are setting up.”

Pamela claps her hands together. “Great! Let’s go. I think the rest have already started setting up their tents.”

Brenda and Pamela start gathering the smaller items, leaving David and Exer to handle the larger pieces. As they all walk toward the others, Brenda continues chattering excitedly about the lake’s view.

The next hour and a half is spent setting up the campsite, filled with plenty of chaos, and a few unexpected detours that slow them down. By the time the last tent finally stands, the sun has dipped low, painting the treetops in hues of amber and pink, with the sky steadily darkening above them.

As David steps back, hands on his hips, to admire the end result, Ken breaks the brief silence. “You know, I think it’s pretty impressive we managed all this with only two collapses.”

The group bursts into laughter, and Brenda gasps, swatting Ken on the shoulder. “You’re the one who made me help, so don’t even start!”

“Well, it is our tent,” Jolie chimes in with a grin, brushing some dirt off her hands. “Seemed fair at the time.”

Brenda rolls her eyes dramatically. “Yeah, well, unlike most of you, I’ve never been camping in my life. This is my first tent—and I better get points for effort.”

David glances at her, smiling faintly, but the comment stirs an all-too-familiar ache in the back of his mind. Because the reason Brenda never went camping is—

“Hey! You guys done over here?” Pamela’s voice interrupts his thoughts as she strolls toward them, waving a hand. “The hotdogs are almost ready!”

Ken cheers like they’ve just won a championship, pumping his fist in the air. “Finally! I’ve been starving all day.”

Exer steps up beside Brenda, his teasing smile widening as he glances at her. “So let me get this straight,” he says with a soft chuckle, “They managed to build a fire and cook hotdogs in the time it took us to finish one tent?”

Brenda groans in mock frustration, throwing her hands up. “I don’t want to hear it! I did my best, so you can complain all you want, but at least I helped.” 

As the group gathers their scattered tools and belongings to head toward the fire, David lingers for a moment, taking in the now-cozy campsite. The flicker of the campfire glows warmly in the distance, and the sound of lighthearted chatter fills the air.

He can’t believe he’s going camping again. Though this time, it’s different. Back then, there had only been one tent—and a lot less company. Just him and his—

“You coming?” Exer’s voice breaks through his thoughts, pulling him back to the present, before his mind can start to wander to unwanted memories. He turns to see Exer watching him with a small smile, though it falters slightly when he catches the look on David’s face. “You okay?”

David takes a deep breath, steadying himself before nodding. He forces a smile, one that grows more genuine as he walks up to Exer and takes his hand. They’re a little apart from the others now, the perfect excuse to lean in and press a soft kiss to Exer’s cheek without feeling like anyone is watching.

It’s not that the others don’t know about them—most of them do, if not all. But David still struggles with being openly affectionate in front of everyone. It’s a work in progress.

Exer’s smile brightens at the gesture, and the warmth in his expression makes something in David’s chest loosen, even if just a little. For a moment, it’s enough to push away the memories that linger in the back of his mind. “I’m okay,” David says softly, and this time, he means it.

Exer exhales, a quiet, content sigh, before sliding his arm around David’s shoulders. Together, they turn to watch the rest of the group settling in around the campfire.

“I’m glad we’re doing this,” Exer says, with a content sigh. “It feels like this is the first time everyone has looked this happy and relaxed.”

David nods, though the older memories still tug faintly at the edges of his mind. It’s hard to fully let them go, but Exer’s closeness helps. He lets himself lean into it, wrapping his arm around Exer’s waist in return.

They stay like that for a few seconds, the quiet comfortable between them, until David’s stomach lets out an unmistakable rumble. His face flushes in embarrassment as Exer chuckles, breaking the moment. “Sounds like the perfect time to join the others and grab a hotdog,” he teases.

David laughs, feigning mock offense as he lightly pushes Exer away and starts walking toward the campfire. “Bite me.”

He gets a few steps before realizing Exer isn’t following. When he turns, he’s met with the mischievous grin on his boyfriend’s face—the one that instantly reminds him why those words were a mistake. Exer has proven more than once that he’s not above biting, and the glint in his eye says he’s about to prove it again.

“No. Nope. No, no, no,” David says quickly, shaking his head as he backs away. But Exer is already nodding, his grin widening, and it’s clear what’s coming.

David takes off running, and Exer chases after him without hesitation. Their laughter carries through the campsite as David weaves between tents, shouting protests while Exer keeps gaining on him.

For a moment, it feels like they’re kids again—chasing each other with carefree joy, the world around them forgotten.

Eventually, the inevitable happens and David is tackled to the ground by the boy who used to be the quarterback. But David doesn’t give up so easily. He twists, turning onto his back and doing his best to push Exer off him. His laughter betrays the meaning of the half-hearted “Stop”s tumbling from his mouth.

It goes on like this for a while—laughing, wrestling, both of them trying hard to get the upper hand—until David yelps. Teeth graze his arm in what could barely be considered a bite with how soft it was, but Exer clearly counts it as a victory. 

With a triumphant grin, he rolls off David and flops onto the grass beside him, his chest heaving from laughter.

“You’re ridiculous,” David says between breaths, still catching his own.

“You love it,” Exer replies with a smirk, and David, just like always, shakes his head. He tries to downplay the way Exer always gets under his skin, how effortlessly he can still make him flustered. It’s stupid, how Exer can still make his cheeks warm even after all this time.

The laughter fades, leaving them lying side by side, gazing up at the sky. The sunset bathes the horizon in hues of gold, pink, and orange, casting everything in a soft glow. Momentarily David feels silly for how much he dreaded this trip. Right now, with Exer beside him, he feels lighter than he has in months.

The faint sounds of laughter drift over from the campfire where the rest of their group is gathered. The rustling leaves in the soft breeze and the fresh scent of pine and earth only add to the moment. David takes a deep breath, letting it all sink in—the crisp air, the painted sky, and Exer’s steady presence beside him.

But the calm is broken when another rumble fills the air, this time from Exer’s stomach. David immediately chuckles, rolling onto his side to face him. “Looks like I’m not the only one who needs food.”

Exer laughs, pushing himself upright. “Alright, alright,” he says, standing and brushing grass off his pants before extending a hand to David. “Time to join the others.”

David grabs Exer’s hand and lets him pull him to his feet. Together, they head toward the campfire, where the sound of crackling flames and familiar voices welcomes them back into the warmth of their friends.

“Look who finally decided to show up,” Pamela calls out, spotting them first. There’s no malice in her tone, just playful teasing. “Took you guys long enough.” She grabs the last two hotdogs from the plate and hands them over before turning back to the fire to continue grilling more with Jackson and Elijah.

“Thanks,” David and Exer say in unison, taking the hotdogs and finding an open spot to sit on a log nearby. The chairs they brought are already occupied, but neither of them seems to mind. With a grin, they clink their hotdogs together in a mock cheer before taking their first bites.

As David eats, he overhears a snippet of the conversation happening next to him between Jolie and Timothy. Something about a bet. His curiosity piqued, he leans over and nudges them. “What are you two betting on?”

Jolie and Timothy exchange a glance, clearly debating whether to answer. Timothy shrugs after a moment, though Jolie still looks hesitant. Finally, Timothy smirks and tilts his head subtly in Ken and Brenda’s direction. “Those two.”

David blinks, looking between them. “Ken and my sister?”

He glances at Exer, who raises an eyebrow, equally intrigued. Turning back to Timothy, Exer asks, “Why?”

Before Timothy can answer, Ron chuckles from his seat next to them, having clearly been listening in. The group’s attention shifts to him as he gives David and Exer a pointed look, “Not obvious?”

“No?” David says like it’s the most obvious thing, not understanding what he’s missing. He doesn’t like being left out, not knowing something, especially when it comes to Brenda.

Ron rolls his eyes, gesturing toward the pair with his head. “Just look.”

David and Exer both turn their attention to where Ken and Brenda are sitting. Ken is holding his hotdog, using it to mimic… something David can’t quite figure out. Whatever it is, it has Brenda laughing loudly, her focus entirely on Ken as he continues his over-the-top antics.

David frowns, still not understanding. He has no idea what everyone is seeing, but Exer must’ve noticed it as he starts chuckling, his gaze still on the pair. “Who would’ve thought.” 

David narrows his eyes. “What? Thought what? I don’t get it. What am I supposed to be seeing?” His frustration is evident now as the rest of the group exchanges knowing glances and soft laughter.

Exer places a hand on David’s shoulder, trying to calm him as his laughter subsides. “Look closely,” he says, his voice encouraging. David gives him a blank, unamused stare. Exer sighs, his grin fading into a soft smile, and nods toward Brenda and Ken again.

With a reluctant sigh, David looks back at the duo. Exer leans in slightly, whispering, “Notice the blush on Ken’s face?”

David squints, and now that Exer’s pointed it out, he notices it—the faint pink on Ken’s cheeks as he watches Brenda laugh at his jokes with what can only be described as awe.

Oh.

“And now listen to Brenda’s laugh,” Exer adds. David does, and it clicks. It’s that laugh, the one Brenda only lets out when she’s completely at ease and genuinely finds something super funny.

Ugh.

“That doesn’t mean anything,” David mutters stubbornly, taking a bite of his hotdog and chewing as he glares at the scene in front of him. His reaction only draws more laughter from the group around him, which makes him groan louder.

“Oh, come on, Day. Don’t you think it’s at least a little cute?” Exer starts, but one warning glare from David shuts him up. Exer wisely raises his hands in mock surrender, shaking his head in amused silence.

Turning his attention back to Jolie and Timothy, Exer asks, “So, what’s the bet anyway?”

“We bet ten dollars on whether they’re gonna get together,” Timothy says with a smirk. “I think Ken’s finally gonna ask her out this weekend, and Jolie thinks he’s gonna chicken out.”

David huffs but keeps his thoughts to himself, focusing on his hotdog while occasionally glaring in the direction of Brenda and Ken. Deep down, he’s hoping Jolie wins the bet.

“It’s not that I don’t think Ken’s brave,” Jolie explains, clearly defending her stance. “I just think, in this case, he’s too scared of ruining their friendship. He might be reckless with a lot of things, but when it comes to love, he’s a secret softie.”

David makes a face at the word love. So what if they’re blushing at each other? That doesn’t mean they’re in love. He hears Exer beside him say, “Well, I personally hope they figure it out.”

David’s head snaps toward him, his eyes narrowing in betrayal. “What?”

Exer shrugs, completely unbothered, and takes a bite of his hotdog. After chewing, he replies, “If they like each other, then why not? Brenda looks happy, doesn’t she?”

David turns his gaze back to Brenda, who is now blushing as she listens intently to Ken, her expression soft and genuinely happy. He lets out a sigh, dropping his chin onto his hand, elbow propped on his knee. Exer’s right. She does look happy. And she deserves to be.

After all, David’s the one who’s with her ex now. He’s also the one who made her life so much harder these past few months, having to share her room with him, being the reason she lost a father..

His stomach churns at the reminder, and he stares down at the hotdog in his other hand, suddenly not so hungry anymore. But as his eyes flick back to Brenda’s smile, he forces himself to take another bite.

At least he knows Ken better now. The guy’s been kind, supportive, and is genuinely liked by his closest friends, which is a good sign. Another heavy sigh escapes him. “I guess you’re right,” he finally admits. “But I’m still her brother, so don’t expect me to enjoy whatever they’ve got going on.”

“I’m with you there,” Jolie chimes in, drawing everyone’s attention. “If those two get together, me and Elijah will be the only single people left,” he sighs dramatically.

“That’s not true,” Timothy cuts in before David can. “Me and Ron are single too.” Ron nods beside him, his expression neutral, but the rest of the group exchanges knowing glances and stifled laughter. 

David’s brow furrows as he watches Timothy and Ron shift uncomfortably, a faint blush creeping onto both their faces.

David’s jaw drops. What?!

First his sister, and now his best friend has a crush too—without him knowing? Did he miss a chapter? Did he live under a rock?

Well… technically, he almost did. But that’s not the point.

He’s definitely going to have to talk to Ron about this later. For now, he leans toward Exer, intending to whisper and ask if he knew about Ron and Timothy, but before he can, Pamela and Elijah approach the group with fresh hotdogs. They hand them out to everyone—except David and Exer, who are still working on their first.

Everyone thanks them as Pamela takes a seat beside Exer on the log. She leans in close and whispers, “Are we talking about Ken and Brenda?”

David sighs, feeling a pang of guilt. How is it that so many people have noticed his sister’s feelings, but he, her brother, completely missed them? Exer nods in response to Pamela, who chuckles softly as her gaze shifts toward Ken and Brenda.

Elijah, however, seems oblivious. “What about Ken and Brenda?” he asks, his tone curious but tinged with something David can’t quite place—discomfort, maybe?

Jolie leans over and quietly explains. As she does, everyone’s attention turns back to Ken and Brenda, now joined by Jackson, who hands them fresh hotdogs. David shifts his focus to Elijah, studying the subtle change in his demeanor. There’s something there—something faintly disappointed, like hearing everyone’s assumptions about Ken and Brenda struck a nerve.

Interesting.

David glances around to see if anyone else is picking up on it. His eyes land on Ron, who’s already watching Elijah with the same suspicious look. When Ron notices David watching him, they share a knowing glance, unspoken understanding passing between them.

Yeah, this was definitely going to be a conversation for later.

David looks away from Ron, letting the silent exchange linger as he turns his attention back to the group. Pamela, still sitting beside Exer, nudges him lightly and smirks. “So, since we’re on the topic of lovebirds,” she says, her tone playful, “what about you two? Where were you guys?”

Exer laughs and just takes a bite from his hotdog while David rolls his eyes, “Oh please, we were only alone for like a few minutes.”

“Mm-hmm,” Pamela hums knowingly before leaning back and David just shakes his head in response, ever since Pamela caught them kissing in the hospital that one time, he’s pretty sure she assumes they’re kissing every second they’re alone. 

The group falls quiet for a moment, the crackle of the fire filling the space as the conversation lulls. Exer leans over and bumps David’s shoulder lightly. “Hotdog’s getting cold,” he murmurs, a quiet way of reminding him to eat as he takes the last bite of his.

“So, what’s the plan now?” Exer asks the moment David finishes the last bite of his hotdog, clearly having been waiting for this. David chuckles softly, still chewing as he wipes his hands on a napkin.

“Well, it’s already pretty dark,” Pamela says, jumping in before David can respond. “I was talking to Jackson, and we thought for tonight we could just chill around the campfire and make s’mores.”

David catches the faint flicker of disappointment on Exer’s face. It’s subtle, but David can tell this wasn’t what he was hoping for. Still, Exer nods, accepting it without complaint. They’d already anticipated this—after a long day of travel and setting up camp, tonight was bound to be more about settling in than jumping into any big activities.

“Me and Ken were talking about plans for tomorrow,” Brenda pipes up, her smile warm as she glances at Ken, who nods encouragingly for her to continue. “We thought it’d be fun to have a game day by the lake. Ken brought a ton of games we can play, and we could end the day with a party!”

Ken grins, clearly excited. “Yeah, we could do party games, play music with Ron’s boombox, and…” His grin turns mischievous as he leans forward. “I may have bribed my siblings into buying some beers, so there’s a cooler full of them sitting in Brenda’s car.”

There’s a collective pause as the group processes this. Jolie is the first to speak, raising an eyebrow. “And you didn’t think to share this information earlier?”

Ken shrugs, feigning innocence. “Wanted it to be a surprise. Plus, I wasn’t sure how many would actually survive the trip here.”

Brenda rolls her eyes but laughs softly. “Don’t worry, I kept him from cracking into them before we got here.”

“Barely,” Ken mutters under his breath, earning another laugh from the group.

“So, beer and games tomorrow?” Jackson says, leaning back with his arms crossed. “Sounds like a decent plan. I’m in.”

“Sounds fun,” Exer chimes in, his smile more genuine this time. “But what are we gonna do in the meantime? Just sit here, eat s’mores, and call it a night?”

“What, you got a better idea?” Jackson replies, his tone light, without any real edge. But the words seem to hang in the air awkwardly, and the group falls into a brief, uncomfortable silence. The tension between Jackson and Exer from their final semester lingers, even if no one wants to acknowledge it.

David notices the flicker of regret in Jackson’s expression, the quick realization that he didn’t mean to step on a sensitive moment. There was no real malice in Jackson’s words, but the shame on his face is unmistakable. Beside him, Exer shifts slightly, his discomfort obvious in the way his shoulders tighten.

David feels the urge to ease the tension, to do something to distract everyone, to make that frown on Exer’s face disappear. 

His mind flashes to the guitar case he spotted earlier when unloading the car, and an idea sparks. Nudging Exer lightly, he asks, “Why don’t you grab your guitar?” Smiling encouragingly. “It’d be the perfect way to officially start the trip.”

Exer’s surprise is quickly replaced with a soft smile, but it’s the group’s reaction that seals it. Gasps and cheers ripple around the campfire, excitement lighting up their faces. “Yes!” Ken exclaims, while Brenda claps her hands together. Even Jackson offers a small smile.

David grins, feeling a swell of warmth at the way Exer’s expression softens further. “Let’s grab it together,” David says, standing and holding out his hand.

Exer takes it without hesitation, letting David pull him up. The two of them start walking toward the car, David leading the way.

Of course, the group can’t let them go without commentary. Whistles and teasing follow their retreat, Ron adding, “Don’t stay away too long!” He wiggles his eyebrows dramatically, a mischievous grin plastered across his face, making everyone burst into laughter.

David flushes, instinctively starting to pull his hand away from Exer’s, but Exer tightens his grip, squeezing gently. “Ignore them,” he murmurs quietly, his voice low enough that only David can hear.

David glances at him and exhales, letting the tension ease as they continue toward the car, the noise of the group fading behind them.

When they reach the car, Exer doesn’t open the trunk. Instead, he leans against it and gently pulls David closer by the waist.

“What are you doing? We’re supposed to be grabbing your guitar,” David says, trying to sound disapproving, though the corners of his lips betray him, curling upward despite his best efforts.

Exer just shrugs casually. “Well, if they already think we’re making out, I guess it won’t hurt to be a little late,” he says with a smirk, leaning in to kiss David.

But at the last second, David teasingly leans back, his smile turning mischievous. “Don’t you want to prove them wrong?”

David’s resolve, however, is already wavering. Exer’s gaze lingers just below his eyes, fixed on his lips, and David feels his own eyes flick down to Exer’s mouth, betraying his internal battle.

Exer notices. His smirk softens into something more genuine as he looks back up, meeting David’s gaze. “No,” he says simply, with a quiet confidence that makes David’s heart skip.

This time, when Exer leans in, David doesn’t stop him.

Their lips meet, familiar and warm, moving together in the way they always do—effortless, unhurried, and just right. David’s chest tightens with something that feels like both relief and joy as his arms find their way around Exer’s shoulders, pulling him closer. He can’t help but smile into the kiss, losing himself in the moment, in the feeling of being here with Exer and not caring about anything else.

For now, the guitar—and the teasing group by the fire—can wait.

David sinks deeper into the kiss, his fingers curling into the fabric of Exer’s shirt as he lets the rest of the world fade away. Exer’s hands stay firm on his waist, grounding him, the warmth between them radiating in the cool night air.

Then, a sudden noise from the forest breaks the spell. A sharp crack—like a twig snapping underfoot—echoes from the nearby trees.

David instantly pulls back, his heart leaping to his throat. “What was that?” he whispers, his voice low and edged with tension as his eyes dart toward the forest.

Exer doesn’t look nearly as startled. “Probably just an animal,” he says calmly, though his hands linger protectively on David’s waist. “Relax. We’re in the woods—stuff like that happens.”

David’s eyes remain fixed on the dark treeline, his heartbeat still racing. “I know, I know. It’s just…” He trails off, shaking his head as if trying to will away the unease.

Exer studies him for a moment before his lips quirk into a soft smile. “You’re jumpy.”

“Am not,” David replies quickly, though the tension in his shoulders says otherwise. He takes a half-step closer to Exer, almost subconsciously.

“You are,” Exer counters, his tone teasing but gentle. He lifts a hand to brush a strand of hair from David’s forehead. “But that’s okay. I like that you get a little jumpy. Makes it easier for me to play the hero.”

David narrows his eyes at him, though the faint blush on his cheeks betrays his irritation. “Oh, please. You’re not exactly equipped to fight a bear, you know.”—or someone like his father, someone who doesn’t like seeing two boys together—“And if I remember correctly, you don’t have the best experiences with squirrels either,” he adds quickly, forcing a joking tone to mask the unease that lingers in his stomach. 

Exer raises an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a smirk. “One time. I had one bad encounter with squirrels one time.”

David huffs, leaning back slightly but still glancing toward the woods, half-expecting something else to appear. “Let’s just grab your guitar and get back to the group before something decides to attack us.”

“Alright, alright,” Exer says with a chuckle, finally letting go of David and turning to open the trunk. As he reaches for the guitar case, he adds with a smirk, “But you’re right, if it’s a squirrel uprising, you’re on your own.”

David can’t help but laugh, the tension in his chest easing just a little—until something soft hits him in the face. He grabs it, pulling it away to reveal a sweater he recognizes as Exer’s, one he remembers seeing in the backseat earlier that day. Confused, he looks at Exer, who’s now slinging the guitar case over his shoulder.

“You’re shivering, David,” Exer says simply. “Just put it on.”

David glances down at his hands and notices the faint tremble Exer must’ve seen. He hadn’t even realized the chill in the air that came with nightfall, though deep down, he doubts that’s the reason for the shaking. Still, he pulls the sweater over his head without argument, refusing to dwell on the unease lingering at the back of his mind. “Thanks,” he murmurs.

As soon as the sweater is on, the familiar scent of Exer washes over him. It reminds David why he loves wearing Exer’s clothes, and for a moment, the tension fades just a little more.

“Let’s go,” Exer says, slipping his hand into David’s and giving it a reassuring squeeze before leaning in to press a quick kiss to his cheek. The gesture sends a rush of warmth through David, leaving him flustered in the best way. He allows himself to relax as they begin walking back. 

The sound of laughter and the glow of the campfire in the distance start to pull him back to the present, and by the time they step into the circle of light, he’s smiling again—almost like nothing had happened.

This time, thankfully, the group doesn’t comment on how long David and Exer were gone. Instead, they cheer when Exer holds up the guitar case triumphantly.

The two of them return to their spot on the log, and Exer pulls the guitar out of its case. “Alright, you guys think of songs while I tune this,” he says, his voice casual as he starts fiddling with the strings.

The group doesn’t need to be told twice—suggestions immediately start flying, everyone talking over each other. But David doesn’t pay attention to any of it. His gaze is fixed on Exer’s fingers as they move expertly across the strings, adjusting the tuning pegs with practiced ease.

The soft, melodic notes that follow seem to weave effortlessly into the crackling of the campfire, and David can’t help but notice how calm Exer looks as he works.

It helps David relax. Maybe camping wasn’t so bad after all. So far, he’s managed to keep the memories of those old trips with his—

“Oh, I know!” Ken suddenly jumps up, cutting through David’s thoughts. “What about Hallelujah?”

The suggestion catches everyone off guard, and David can’t help but laugh along with the group. Even Exer glances up from the guitar, a surprised grin on his face. “Hallelujah? Really?”

“Yeah, it’s the perfect song for a campfire!” Ken says, his enthusiasm unshaken.

More laughter follows, and Ken raises an eyebrow at the group. “What? It’s a classic.”

The group exchanges amused glances before Jackson finally says what everyone’s thinking. “It’s just not what I’d expect from you.”

Ken huffs dramatically, running a hand through his hair. “Why? Because I’m too cool?” The silence that follows speaks volumes, but Ken just shrugs it off, undeterred. “Come on, who doesn’t enjoy a good classic? Don’t judge me.”

The group chuckles, and Ken sits back down beside Brenda, who places a supportive hand on his shoulder. “Well, I think it’s a great choice,” she says with a smile. Then, turning to the group, she asks, “Anyone else have a better idea?”

And oh, the others weren’t wrong—David catches the blush creeping up Ken’s neck as Brenda speaks, and it’s clear to anyone paying attention. 

For once, David finds himself more amused than annoyed. Shaking his head, he suppresses the urge to laugh, though he reminds himself to keep an eye on Ken. The guy might seem decent, but David’s not one to let his guard down completely when it comes to Brenda.

When no one offers another suggestion, Brenda turns back to Exer. “Do you know how to play it?” she asks.

Everyone’s attention shifts to Exer, who glances up from the guitar with a slight shrug. He strums a few test notes, letting the sound fill the air before nodding. “Yeah, I think I can manage.”

The group cheers again, the lighthearted energy circling back as Exer adjusts his grip on the guitar. 

Exer begins to play, and the group falls into a quiet hush, everyone captivated by the soft, familiar melody. As the intro winds down, Exer nods toward Ken, encouraging him just before the lyrics are supposed to start.

Ken lights up, visibly excited. He clears his throat, takes a deep breath, and starts singing, “I’ve heard there was a secret chord.” Then, with a wide grin, he points at David and continues, “That David played, and it pleased the Lord.”

The group erupts into laughter and cheers, all turning to David, who can’t help but laugh along. He rises slightly from the log and does a theatrical little bow, which only makes everyone laugh harder before Ken continues, “But you don’t really care for music, do you?”

Ken’s voice isn’t exactly good—pitchy and uneven—but it doesn’t seem to matter. Everyone starts swaying to the rhythm, enjoying the moment. “It goes like this,” Ken sings, and with a nod to Brenda, she joins in, the two of them dramatically belting out, “the fourth, the fifth.”

“The minor falls, the major lifts,” they sing together, their contrasting voices—Ken’s rough and Brenda’s melodic—creating a strangely endearing harmony. David can’t help but smile, watching his sister’s bright, happy expression as she leans into the song. “The baffled king composing Hallelujah.”

Then, Ken looks around, lifting his arms in the air and waving them to the rhythm, and sings the first “Hallelujah!” in a way that’s both encouraging and inviting for everyone to join. 

The group doesn’t hesitate, mimicking his movements, their arms swaying in time to the music. Exer remains focused on playing, but the rest of them belt out the chorus together, repeating “Hallelujah” in unison.

As the chorus fades, David nudges Exer gently, smiling in encouragement. He wants to hear Exer’s voice sing the next verse. When he looks around, he notices he’s not the only one—more eyes are on Exer, waiting expectantly.

Exer smiles softly, looking back down at the guitar as he begins to sing the second verse. “Your faith was strong but you needed proof.” David exhales slowly, warmth blooming in his chest at the sound of Exer’s voice. “You saw her bathing on the roof”

As Exer sings the next line, his eyes lift to meet David’s again, filled with so much quiet affection that David’s chest tightens, “Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you.” For a moment, he feels like he might cry. He’s determined not to, though, and when Exer fumbles a note and has to glance back at the strings to recover, it pulls David back to the moment, making him laugh quietly.

“She tied you to a kitchen chair,” Exer continues, his voice steady as his fingers glide over the strings. David finds himself mesmerized, wishing Exer would play the guitar more often because wow, he looks beautiful right now. “She broke your throne, and she cut your hair.”

As much as David doesn’t want to look away, he glances at the others and realizes he missed the moment when everyone started cozying up. Now, the group is huddled together in pairs or small clusters.

Jackson and Elijah have their arms slung around each other’s shoulders, swaying gently to the music. Brenda is now curled up against Ron on one side, while Pamela is pressed into his other side, his arms draped around both of them. Brenda and Pamela’s hands are clasped together on Ron’s lap, and a blanket—that David has no idea where it came from—is wrapped around all three of them. Meanwhile, Ken sits in the middle of Timothy and Jolie, both of them resting their heads on his shoulders.

David becomes aware that he and Exer are the only ones not holding anyone. With a gentle movement, he slips his arm around Exer’s waist, careful not to disturb his playing, and rests his head on Exer’s shoulder.

Looking down, David watches Exer’s fingers working the strings as the melody continues.

“And from your lips,” Exer sings quietly, his voice warm and steady, “she drew the Hallelujah.”

Everyone joins in again for the chorus, their voices blending together in an imperfect yet heartfelt harmony. Those who can’t carry a tune sing like they don’t care, their enthusiasm making up for what they lack in pitch.

As the chorus fades, David notices Exer glancing across the fire at Jackson. With a small, almost imperceptible nod, Exer cues him. Jackson’s smile widens, and he begins the next verse, his voice steady and clear—a reminder to everyone why he’d been cast as the lead in their school musical.

“I did my best, it wasn’t much,” Jackson sings, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity that draws everyone’s attention.

David listens intently, smiling as he leans slightly closer to Exer. He’s pretty sure Jackson has skipped to the wrong verse, but it doesn’t matter. Not tonight. “I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch,” Jackson continues, his voice smooth but laced with emotion.

“I’ve told the truth,” Jackson sings, this time locking eyes with Exer across the fire. There’s a quiet understanding in his gaze, and David watches as Exer meets it without hesitation. “I didn’t come to fool you.”

Though the two sit on opposite sides of the fire, the warmth between them feels palpable. David can’t help but notice the subtle exchange—the smiles, the silent acknowledgment of how far they’ve come.

“And even though it all went wrong,” Jackson continues, his voice unwavering. As he sings, he and Exer share another brief smile, and David feels a swell of pride. The two of them have been through so much—things most people wouldn’t be able to imagine—but here they are, still connected, still caring for one another. 

There was a time when David doubted they’d ever be friends again. Yet now, there’s no denying the bond they’ve rebuilt.

“I’ll stand before the Lord of Song,” Jackson’s voice crescendos, his tone strong and full of purpose.

“With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah,” Exer joins in seamlessly, their voices melding together in a way that feels natural and effortless. Both are smiling brightly now, the light of the fire reflecting in their eyes.

As they finish the line, the entire group jumps back into the chorus with renewed enthusiasm. “Hallelujah,” they sing, swaying in unison as the energy builds. Each repetition grows louder and more spirited.

By the time the song draws to a close, everyone is practically belting out the final “Hallelujahs,” laughing and grinning as they sway to the fading melody. The music slowly fades into the crackling of the fire. For a moment, no one speaks, basking in the lingering glow of the song.

Ken is the first to break the silence, grinning as he says, “I told you guys it was a good campfire song.” His comment earns a round of laughter from the group.

“Well, I’m glad you all enjoyed it, but,” Exer begins, carefully placing the guitar back in its case, “I’m getting a little cold, so I’m going to grab a sweater.”

“What, David not warm enough?” Ron teases, his tone playful.

David immediately feels his cheeks heat up, suddenly hyper-aware of the arm he still has around Exer’s waist. But Exer, completely unbothered, raises an eyebrow at Ron. “Says the guy sitting between two girls and wrapped in a blanket.”

The group bursts into laughter again, with Pamela and Brenda nudging Ron, who shrugs dramatically.

“Well, if you’re heading to the tents, can you grab the stuff for s’mores from my bag?” Brenda asks. At the mention of s’mores, Ron’s face lights up with excitement, and David can’t help but chuckle at the sight.

“Chee-huh!” Ken cheers, throwing his arms in the air, accidentally knocking Timothy’s shoulder in the process. “S’mores time!”

Exer nods, turning to David with a soft smile. He reaches down to gently, almost imperceptibly, caress the arm David has around his waist. “I’ll be right back,” he says softly before slowly standing up.

“Oh, and there are extra blankets in there too if you want one!” Brenda adds kindly.

David watches him go, the spot beside him suddenly feeling colder, though he can’t help but smile as Exer heads toward the tents.

David barely has a second to himself before Pamela takes a seat beside him, settling in with a warm smile. “You excited for the lake tomorrow?” she asks casually.

Truthfully, he’s not sure how he feels about it, but he nods anyway. “Yeah.”

As a kid, David was terrible at lying. He never got away with it, and even up until last year, his attempts were painfully transparent. It wasn’t until recently that he started to get the hang of it—enough to convince people he’s okay, even when he doesn’t always feel it.

But this isn’t entirely a lie. It’s not that he’s dreading the lake itself; he just doesn’t know how he feels about going. Honestly, he’s relieved he and Exer didn’t have time to check it out today. He knows his friends will find a way to make it fun—they always do—but the thought of stepping into a space tied so tightly to old memories makes his chest tighten.

So many memories of spending long, carefree days at the lake with his—

“Good,” Pamela says, interrupting his thoughts. She smiles softly as she leans her head against his shoulder, her gaze fixed on the fire. David follows her eyes, watching as Ron adds another log, sending sparks dancing into the air.

“You look happy,” Pamela observes, her voice quiet.

David takes a deep breath, letting her words settle over him. After a moment, he smiles and says, “I am.” This time, it’s not a lie. Today has been better than he expected—better than he ever thought camping again could be.

He thought he’d feel the weight of missing someone much more intensely out here, but so far, his friends have done an incredible job keeping his mind off it. For now, he lets himself relax into the moment, watching the fire crackle.

“I’m really glad,” Pamela says. The sincerity of her words fills David with a quiet comfort, and he instinctively wraps an arm around her.

“Are you happy?” he asks softly. The past year has been hard on all of them. It’s been especially hard on Jackson, and naturally, that had its impact on Pamela too.

Pamela lets out a soft, quiet laugh before answering, “I am.” Her voice is light but sincere, and it makes David smile. He squeezes her arm gently in response, repeating her words back to her.

“I’m really glad.”

The silence that follows is warm and comforting, but it’s soon interrupted when Exer returns, carrying a bundle that includes not just his sweater but also the marshmallows and a few extra blankets he must have grabbed along the way. “Alright,” he says, dropping the marshmallows onto Brenda’s lap with a playful grin. “Time to make Ron’s dreams come true.”

The group bursts into laughter and cheers, with Ron nodding enthusiastically as he reaches for the marshmallow bag. Before he can open it, though, Brenda snatches it back. “Not so fast, big guy,” she says, holding it just out of reach.

The look on Ron’s face is priceless—wide-eyed and utterly defeated, like a scolded puppy—but Brenda ignores it, a playful smirk on her lips. “I’ve never actually been camping before, so this is my first time having s’mores at a campfire.”

David feels his chest tighten slightly at her words, memories threatening to surface, but he quickly refocuses on Exer who takes a seat beside him.

“Am I interrupting something?” Exer teases, gesturing toward him and Pamela. His grin is teasing, but the warmth in his tone is unmistakable. David laughs, letting the conversation about the lack of Brenda's camping experiences fade to the background.

Pamela lifts her head from David’s shoulder to meet Exer’s gaze, raising an eyebrow with mock suspicion. “Sounds to me like you’re jealous.”

David barely registers Exer’s response as his attention shifts. Across the fire, he catches a glimpse of Elijah showing Brenda how to make the perfect s’more, his hands gesturing animatedly as he explains each step.

“All right, listen up, kiddo,” William says, holding out his stick with a perfectly golden marshmallow spinning lazily over the flames. “You can’t rush this. The trick to a perfect s’more is patience. Too close to the fire, and you’ll torch it. Too far away, and you’ll be here all night.”

David nods quickly, gripping his stick tightly. He’s trying, but his marshmallow already looks lopsided on the end of his stick, and the heat feels too intense. He adjusts the distance like his dad showed him, but he’s holding his breath, afraid he’ll mess it up.

It’s their first camping trip, and David is determined to be the best camper his dad has ever seen—something to be proud of.

He’s been excited ever since his dad first mentioned camping, calling it “father and son” trips, just for the two of them. Out in the wilderness like ‘real men,’ while Brenda and his mom stayed home to do ‘girly things,’ as his dad had put it.

“See how mine’s getting golden all around?” William says, turning his marshmallow for David to see. It’s perfect, of course. Evenly toasted, no burnt spots, puffed up just right. “That’s what you’re aiming for. Just keep turning it slow and steady, no jerking it around.”

David bites his lip, doing his best to mimic his dad’s smooth, confident movements. The marshmallow hisses faintly, the edges darkening to a light brown. For a moment, he feels like he’s got it, but then the flames catch a rogue spot, and the marshmallow bursts into a tiny fireball. 

David panics, yanking it back and blowing frantically. His heart sinks as he stares at the charred remains.

His dad laughs—a warm, low chuckle David doesn’t hear often. “Well, that’s one way to do it,” William says, reaching for the bag of marshmallows. He slides the burnt one off and replaces it with a fresh one, handing the stick back. “Here. Let’s try again. You’ll get it.”

David’s hands are a little shaky as he repositions the stick over the fire. “What happens if I burn it again?” he asks nervously, leaning forward slightly.

“Then you eat it anyway,” William replies, chuckling. “Burnt marshmallows are still good. But if you really want the perfect s’more, you’ll want this.” He gestures to his perfectly toasted marshmallow, still spinning gently on his stick. “Golden, gooey, just soft enough to melt the chocolate when you put it all together.”

David nods, swallowing hard. His dad isn’t mad—that’s good—but there’s still a knot of pressure in his chest, the need to do it right, to impress him.

“Not so close,” William says, his voice quieter now, almost patient. “You’re not in a hurry. It’s like… fishing. You’ve gotta take your time.”

Fishing. David nods again. He doesn’t like fishing as much as his dad does, but he knows what he means. Steady, deliberate. No rushing. He keeps turning the stick, the marshmallow darkening gradually to a soft, golden brown.

“There you go,” William says, nodding in approval. His voice carries that rare tone he uses when David does something right, and it makes David’s chest swell with pride. “See? Told you you’d get it.”

William finishes his own marshmallow and slides it off onto a graham cracker. He adds a square of chocolate and tops it with another cracker, pressing down just enough for the marshmallow to squish out the sides. He holds it up like a trophy. “This,” he says, handing it to David, “is what perfection tastes like.”

David hesitates before taking it, glancing at his own marshmallow still cooking over the flames. It’s not quite as perfect as his dad’s, but it’s close. “What about mine?” he asks cautiously.

William leans over to inspect it. “Not bad, son. Not bad at all. Looks like you’re a quick learner.” He pats David on the shoulder, making him smile. “Now, make your s’more, and let’s see if it’s as good as mine.”

David carefully assembles his s’more, mimicking his dad’s precise movements. The marshmallow squishes out a little around the edges, sticky and warm.

“Let’s see,” William says, leaning in. His expression is serious again, inspecting the s’more like it’s a piece of equipment. After a moment, he nods once. “Looks good to me.”

David beams, relief flooding through him as he holds up the s’more. “Really?”

“Really,” William says, leaning back on the log. “You did good, champ.”

David bites into the s’more, the sweetness and warmth filling his mouth as chocolate smears at the corner of his lips. It’s messy, but it tastes amazing and makes him grin from ear to ear. His dad watches him, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, and for a second, the usual tension in his dad’s face seems to melt away.

“You know,” William says, poking the fire with his stick, “first time I made one of these, I burned it to a crisp. Couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong.”

David stares at him, wide-eyed. His dad, admitting to messing up? It feels almost unreal. “You did?”

“Sure did,” William says with a low chuckle. “Took me a few tries to get it right. Guess you’re ahead of the game.”

David giggles, wiping a sticky bit of marshmallow off his thumb. He doesn’t say it, but something swells inside him—a quiet, glowing pride. For once, it feels like he’s done something right.

For a moment, they sit in silence, the fire popping in front of them. David stares at his dad with wide eyes, who’s leaning back now, looking up at the stars. The light from the fire softens his face, making him seem almost peaceful. 

David doesn’t say it out loud, but he thinks this might be one of the best nights of his life.

A gentle shake pulls David out of the memory, the sight of Brenda learning how to make the perfect s’more having triggered it. He gasps softly, blinking as he turns to see Exer’s concerned face.

“Hey, are you good?” Exer asks, his voice quiet but steady, his gaze searching David’s face.

David blinks again, nodding quickly as he forces a small smile. “Yeah,” he replies, trying to keep his voice steady and ignoring the faint lump forming in his throat. Exer’s eyes linger on him a moment longer, clearly debating whether to push further, but David beats him to it, not wanting to give him the chance.

“I just…” He hesitates, scrambling for an excuse. “I just need to take a leak,” he says, chuckling awkwardly as he stands quickly. His movement is almost too abrupt, and he clears his throat, trying to lower his voice as he adds, “Be right back.”

“Day, wait—” Exer starts, but David is already walking toward the trees. He hears the call but ignores it, taking a deep breath as he steps deeper into the forest and out of sight.

When he’s far enough from the group, he leans against a tree, his chest rising and falling as he exhales shakily. He presses his palms to the rough bark behind him, repeating slow, deep breaths to push the tears back. 

His mind feels like it’s splitting, fighting to stay anchored in the present while memories claw at the edges, threatening to pull him under.

He knew this would happen. Why did he even think for a moment that it wouldn’t? He closes his eyes, only for a tear to escape as he does. He hates it—hates the memory, the feeling, the weakness that seems to be winning right now.

He wipes at his face with frustration, cursing under his breath as he fights to pull himself together.

He starts reminding himself of his friends back at the fire—how easy the rest of the day had felt, how lighthearted the laughter and conversations had been. If he really tries, he can finish the day on that same note. He can be okay.

He just has to be.

Not for himself—at least, not entirely—but for Exer. For his friends, who’ve been trying so hard to make this trip special.

David opens his eyes and focuses on the images of their happy faces, the warmth and light they’ve shared tonight. He matches his breaths to those thoughts, steadying himself with each inhale and exhale.

He can do this.

With one final deep breath, he pushes himself off the tree and wipes his eyes dry. Stepping around the trunk, he catches sight of the firelight glowing in the distance. He glances back at the dark forest behind him, then at the warm, inviting glow ahead.

He can do this.

He repeats the thought like a mantra, over and over, as he begins walking back toward the group. Each step feels a little lighter, the sound of laughter growing louder with every stride.

When David gets back, he notices Pamela and Exer leaning close, speaking quietly so no one else can hear. The way their heads are tilted and their expressions are serious makes it obvious they’ve been talking about him. When David steps on a twig, the crack signaling his return, they both look up.

David immediately notices the concerned looks on their faces and forces a smile. “Why the long faces? I wasn’t gone that long—you didn’t have to miss me,” he jokes, sitting down beside Exer.

The joke doesn’t land quite the way he hoped. Exer doesn’t smile; instead, he frowns slightly, his hand coming to rest gently on David’s back. “Are you okay?” he whispers, his tone quiet but insistent.

David musters a convincing smile. “Why wouldn’t I be?” he replies casually, as though the question itself is unnecessary.

Exer shrugs, clearly not buying it just yet. “I don’t know, you just seemed really lost in thought,” he says, studying David closely. “You sure you’re good? It’s okay if—”

“Exer,” David interrupts, widening his smile as he wraps an arm around Exer’s shoulders, pulling him in a little closer. “I’m good. I promise.”

Exer holds his gaze for a moment longer, searching his face for any cracks in the facade. Finally, David feels the tension leave Exer’s shoulders, and a small smile appears on his face. “Okay. Good.”

Their eyes linger on each other for another moment before Exer turns back to the group. “Brenda, pass me the bag!” he calls, his voice light and back to normal.

David shifts his attention to Pamela, who’s still sitting with them, now on the other side of Exer. She doesn’t look entirely convinced, her gaze lingering on David with quiet concern. But she doesn’t say anything, and after a moment, she gives him a small, hesitant smile.

David exhales softly, grateful for the reprieve, and turns his focus back to the group, doing his best to blend back into the lighthearted energy around the fire.

But, when Exer passes him a marshmallow, David’s stomach twists uncomfortably. He hesitates for a moment, staring at it before finally accepting with a quiet, “Thanks.” He doesn’t want to eat s’mores right now—or anything, really.

Still, when Exer hands him a stick next, he slides the marshmallow onto it and holds it over the fire. He concentrates on the flickering flames and the soft hiss of the marshmallow starting to brown, doing his best to keep his mind in the present. He focuses on the laughter and conversations around him, letting their warmth anchor him as he fights off the pull of darker thoughts.

David’s eyes drift to the group, landing on Brenda as her face lights up with joy while she takes a bite of her first campfire s’more. The firelight dances across her features, her laughter unrestrained and genuine, drawing smiles from everyone around her.

It’s a beautiful sight, but it stirs something bittersweet in him. She looks so carefree, so unburdened. She deserves this, David thinks. All of them do. He wishes he could let himself feel the same—fully, without the memories creeping in at the edges. But those moments seem harder to grasp, always just out of reach.

He watches longer than he realizes, caught in his thoughts, until a sudden gasp pulls him back to the present. “David, your marshmallow!” Exer shouts, tugging urgently at his arm.

David yelps as he snaps his attention to the stick in his hand. The marshmallow is engulfed in flames, and everyone’s eyes are on him now. He quickly pulls it away from the fire and blows on it frantically, trying to extinguish the flames.

The charred marshmallow clings stubbornly to the stick as the last of the fire dies out. David groans loudly, holding up the blackened, misshapen mess for everyone to see.

The group bursts into laughter, and despite his initial frustration, the laughter is infectious. A few seconds later, David finds himself laughing too, the tension in his chest loosening slightly.

“Well, that’s one way to do it,” Exer chuckles beside him, patting David’s shoulder. He doesn’t realize how much his words echo David’s dad’s, the unintentional familiarity hitting David like a wave.

The laughter catches in his throat, and he forces out a chuckle in response, but it comes out too loud, too awkward. The sound is enough to make the group pause, a few glances exchanged as their laughter trails off.

David quickly averts his gaze, gripping the stick tighter in his hand. “Guess I’ve still got a lot to learn,” he says, his voice tight but light, hoping to steer the moment back to humor before anyone can ask questions.

Luckily, it’s Exer who saves him from the awkward moment. He gently tugs the stick from David’s tight grip and hands him his own. “In the meantime, you can have mine,” he says.

David feels his cheeks flush instantly. “Are you sure?” he asks, hesitating. He doesn’t even feel like eating, and here Exer is, offering him his perfectly toasted marshmallow.

Exer nods with certainty, grabbing the chocolate and graham crackers before passing them to David with a warm smile. That smile is enough to turn the unease in David’s stomach into something lighter, almost like butterflies. “Thanks,” David murmurs, feeling both flustered and grateful.

The group doesn’t miss the moment, letting out a collective round of “Awws,” which only makes David’s blush deepen. Thankfully, they soon turn their attention back to their own marshmallows and conversations, leaving David to assemble his s’more in peace.

Even as the taste of the s’more pulls at old memories, David manages to push past it. He focuses on the chatter and laughter around him, letting himself engage little by little. 

At first, his smiles and laughter feel forced, but soon they become more genuine. By the time he’s halfway through his third s’more, he’s laughing wholeheartedly at Ken, who’s trying to stuff as many marshmallows in his mouth as he can.

Minute by minute, the tension in David’s body melts away. By the time he and Ron are sitting across from each other, attempting to toss marshmallows into each other’s mouths, the weight he’s been carrying feels almost entirely gone—replaced by the happiness he so desperately wanted to feel.

“Okay, I promise I got it this time!” David says with determination, sitting up straight and ready. Ron grins, nodding as he tosses a marshmallow into the air. David leans back, tracking it with precision, and this time he catches it perfectly in his mouth.

The triumph isn’t without a cost—David leans back too far, losing his balance and toppling onto the ground. Still, he cheers, pumping his fist in the air as he chews the marshmallow. “Got it!” he exclaims through muffled laughter.

Ron bursts into laughter, stepping over to offer David a hand. “Nice catch,” he says as he helps David back to his feet. Once David’s upright, the two of them exchange an enthusiastic high five, grinning from ear to ear.

They continue for a little longer until David leans back against Ron with a groan, rubbing his stomach. “Too many marshmallows,” he complains, his voice muffled and dramatic.

Ron chuckles softly, though he’s clearly reached his limit as well. “You’re telling me.”

Ken, on the other hand, is far less subtle about his discomfort. Practically draped upside down on his chair, he groans loudly, his earlier overindulgence clearly catching up with him. David can only imagine how much worse Ken feels after challenging himself earlier with an absurd number of marshmallows.

“As much as I hate to say it,” Jackson speaks up from across the slowly dying fire, his voice tinged with exhaustion, “I’m getting a little tired.” Pam, sitting comfortably on his lap with a shared blanket wrapped around them, nods in agreement.

“Aww! But I don’t want the night to end just yet,” Brenda says with a pout, sitting beside Exer and Ken, frowning as murmurs of agreement ripple through the group. After a moment, her gaze shifts to Exer, and her expression brightens. “Can’t you play one more song?”

Exer chuckles softly, glancing around the group. “If that’s what everyone wants,” he says with a shrug. Despite their tired faces, there’s a collective nod of enthusiasm. Then Exer’s eyes land on David, his gaze questioning, as though David’s answer matters the most.

David offers a small smile and nods. That’s all it takes. Exer sighs good-naturedly as he stands. “Alright, one more. I’ll clean my hands first. You guys think of a song while I do that.”

When Exer returns and picks up the guitar, which has been resting on the log near David and Ron, he settles back down beside Brenda. The group, after a brief discussion, has made their choice.

Exer nods in acknowledgment, his fingers already finding their place on the strings. The opening notes are familiar, instantly recognizable to everyone. David watches as Exer begins to play with ease, the melody smooth and practiced.

David smiles as a memory surfaces—how Exer had picked up his guitar again for the first time in ages to play this very song. It was a night in Exer’s room, boredom leading David to spot the dust-covered guitar Exer had left untouched since the school musical. That night, Exer had pulled it out again, using this song to find his rhythm once more.

“On a dark desert highway,” Exer starts, pulling them into the iconic Eagles song that had come out just last year. “Cool wind in my hair.”

This time, no one jumps in right away. Instead, the group leans back, letting Exer take the lead. The firelight dances across his face as he plays, his voice carrying the song effortlessly. David’s eyes linger on him, and he knows he’s not the only one mesmerized this time—everyone around the fire seems completely drawn in.

When the chorus begins, the group can’t help themselves. “Welcome to the Hotel California,” they sing along, voices blending into a light harmony. David smiles as he quietly joins in, his gaze never leaving Exer.

In that moment, David feels a sense of peace. The night has turned out better than he anticipated. The warmth of the fire, the music, and the laughter earlier in the night all seem to settle inside him. For the first time in what feels like ages, he lets himself believe that he’s okay.

At least for now, he’s okay.

“Such a lovely place,” the group sings together, their voices rising with the firelight into the cool night sky.

The fire has long since died down, and the once lively campsite is now quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. Inside their tent, David zips up the entrance, shutting out the cool night air as Exer finishes setting up their sleeping bags.

David sits down cross-legged near the edge, stretching his arms with a quiet sigh. “Well, I think it’s safe to say I’m officially marshmallowed out,” he mutters, running a hand through his hair.

Exer chuckles softly as he fluffs up a shared pillow, his movements unhurried. “You and Ken both. Pretty sure he won’t be touching another s’more for the rest of his life.”

David smirks at the thought, leaning back on his hands to watch Exer. The soft glow of the lantern illuminates the tent, casting warm, muted light across Exer’s face as he moves with ease.

“You ready?” Exer asks, breaking the comfortable silence as he crawls into the sleeping bag beside David and pats the space next to him.

David nods, pulling off the sweater and tossing it into the corner before sliding into the sleeping bag. The warmth of Exer’s shoulder brushing his as they adjust themselves makes him feel more grounded than anything else has all day.

“Comfortable?” Exer murmurs, his voice low and soothing in the stillness of the tent.

David turns his head, catching Exer’s gaze. “Yeah,” he says softly, his lips curling into a small smile. “I am.”

They stay like that for a while, their eyes locked, both of their cheeks tinged with blush. Neither speaks, but the moment feels full—unspoken and intimate. Eventually, Exer makes the first move, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to David’s cheek before resting his head on David’s chest, his arm draping comfortably over him. Without hesitation, David wraps his arms around Exer, holding him close.

He can’t stop blushing. If Exer looked up right now, David is sure he’d burst out laughing at his flushed face. And he’s pretty sure his lips are forming a wobbly smile that’s impossible to hide.

It’s just… everything he’s ever hoped for. For so long, he secretly longed for Exer to return his feelings, to want him in the same way. It’s embarrassing, really, how much time he spent wishing for it. But now, actually being Exer’s boyfriend—even after months together—still feels unreal sometimes.

“Goodnight, Day,” Exer whispers, his voice soft and warm.

David smiles, his chest fluttering at the sound of the nickname. “Goodnight.”

Surprisingly, David feels himself drifting off just like that, despite being unable to move. He’s warm, comfortable, and tired enough to fall asleep with Exer in his arms, right here, just like this.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

“And he swims on, turning back to shore again” — Through Me (The Flood)

The faint light of dawn filters through the tent, casting soft shadows on the fabric walls. David stirs slightly but doesn’t fully wake until he feels the warmth of soft lips pressing against his temple, then his cheek, and finally the corner of his mouth. A quiet hum escapes him as he shifts, pulling the sleeping bag tighter around himself.

“Day,” Exer whispers gently, his voice barely audible in the stillness of the morning. Another kiss lands on David’s forehead. “Wake up.”

David groans, burying his face further into the pillow. “No,” he mumbles, his voice thick with sleep. “Sleep, forever.”

Exer chuckles quietly, brushing his hand lightly over David’s hair. “I wanna watch the sunrise. Come on.”

“Don’t care,” David mutters, stubbornly keeping his eyes closed, wanting nothing more than to drift back to sleep. “Go by yourself.”

Exer laughs softly, leaning down to press another kiss to David’s jaw. “But I wanna watch it with you, my Day.”

David takes a deep breath, exhaling slowly, and carefully cracks one eye open. Exer is hovering over him with a smile, looking way too adorable for such an early morning. David sighs, rubbing his eye. “I don’t wanna,” he whines, shutting his eyes again.

Exer groans, though there’s no real frustration in it. “C’mon, David, it’ll be worth it!”

“It’ll be worth it when you see it, champ.”

The words strike a chord, the memory surfacing unbidden. David exhales shakily, his dad’s voice echoing in his mind, paired with an image of him chuckling and ruffling David’s sleep-messed hair. He opens his eyes, forcing himself to focus on Exer instead of the ghost of the memory.

When he does, Exer’s brightening smile quickly pulls him back to the present, easing the weight of the memory. It’s grounding—enough to make him return a small smile of his own, though it’s soon overpowered by a wide yawn. “Can’t we just lay here a little longer?” he asks once the yawn fades.

“And do what?” Exer raises an eyebrow. “Just lie here, missing a beautiful sunrise?”

David hums, pretending to think of an alternative, then smirks as he threads a hand into Exer’s curls. “Well, I’ve got one idea—one I know you can’t resist.” It’s true; Exer has never turned down a kiss, not once.

His eyes flick briefly to Exer’s lips before meeting his gaze again, pride bubbling up when he sees how flustered Exer has become. Normally, he’s the one blushing. Fueled by confidence and the need to push his dad’s lingering words out of his mind, David pulls Exer closer, leaning up to meet him halfway.

Their lips touch, and just as he expected, Exer melts into the kiss, leaning in further until he’s nearly lying on top of David. David feels victorious—certain he’s found a way to stay cozy in their sleeping bag.

But then Exer pulls back with a mischievous smile. “You know,” he teases, “we could also do this in the presence of a beautiful sunrise. It’ll be more romantic.”

David lets out a groan, throwing his arm over his face to hide the blush spreading across his cheeks. The word “romantic” lingers in his mind, sending butterflies through his stomach. It’s one of those moments that still feel surreal, like he’s stuck in a dream.

“Fine,” he mutters begrudgingly.

“You won’t regret it,” Exer beams, peeling David’s arm away to make eye contact. “I promise.”

David sits up with a reluctant stretch as Exer rummages in his bag for some clothes. Watching him, David can’t resist teasing, “Whatever, dude. You’ve got morning breath anyway.”

Exer freezes, his cheeks immediately turning crimson. “Rude,” he mutters, but still grabbing a mint from one of the smaller pockets in his bag. David chuckles at the reaction, thoroughly enjoying himself.

In the end, though, David grabs a mint too—just to be safe.

When they step outside, David shivers slightly as the chilly morning breeze hits him. “Ugh, it’s colder than I thought,” he grumbles.

“Oh, one sec!” Exer says, disappearing back into the tent. David stands there, arms crossed tightly in an attempt to stay warm, still not thrilled about being woken up so early. He glances at the other tents, a pang of jealousy hitting him as he realizes everyone else is still fast asleep, cozy in their sleeping bags.

Exer emerges a moment later, zipping the tent shut behind him. In his hands is a blanket, and David can’t help but smile as Exer steps closer and wraps it around him. Their eyes meet, and both of them blush slightly. “Better?” Exer asks.

David nods, his cheeks still warm, though it’s not just from the extra layer of fabric. He’s pretty sure he has one of those wobbly smiles again, the kind he can never quite control when Exer does something like this. “Thanks,” he says softly.

Exer smirks, though the blush lingers on his face. “No problem, bro.”

David rolls his eyes and playfully pushes Exer’s shoulder before turning to start walking—only to pause when he realizes he has no idea where he’s going. “Uh, where exactly are we going?” he asks, turning back around.

Exer points toward the narrow trail leading into the trees. “I thought we could check out the lake.”

David’s stomach flips at the mention of the lake, a knot forming as he fights to keep the memories at bay. He swallows hard, nodding quickly before heading in the direction Exer pointed. He focuses on the sound of their footsteps on the path, determined to stay grounded in the present.

As they walk, the early morning silence is broken only by the soft crunch of leaves and twigs under their feet. The sky is still painted in faint hues of purple and orange, the sun just barely starting to rise. David pulls the blanket tighter around himself, his breath visible in the crisp air.

“You know,” Exer says, glancing over at him with a small smirk, “you look like a grumpy burrito.”

David narrows his eyes but can’t suppress the slight twitch of a smile. “If I’m a burrito, it’s only because you dragged me out here before sunrise.”

“Hey,” Exer laughs, nudging him gently with his shoulder, “grumpy or not, I’m pretty sure you’ll thank me when you see it.”

David hums in doubt but doesn’t argue. Instead, he lets his gaze wander to the trees around them, their silhouettes outlined by the soft glow of dawn. A cool breeze brushes past, and he shivers again despite the blanket. Exer notices and slows his pace, stepping a little closer so their shoulders are almost touching.

“Here,” Exer says after a moment, holding out his hand. “I know you don’t want to admit it, but you’re freezing.”

David raises an eyebrow but takes Exer’s hand anyway, feeling the familiar warmth seep into his fingers. It’s casual, almost natural, and yet it sends a quiet flutter through his chest. “You’re warm,” David mumbles, trying to sound nonchalant but failing.

“That’s the idea,” Exer teases, giving David’s hand a light squeeze.

They keep walking, the trail winding gently through the trees. Exer hums softly under his breath—some tune David doesn’t recognize but finds oddly soothing. David lets himself relax a little, the tension in his shoulders easing with each step.

When they pass a cluster of bushes, Exer suddenly stops, tugging on David’s hand to get his attention. “Look,” he whispers, pointing.

David follows his gaze and spots a small deer just off the trail, its head dipping down to nibble at the grass. Its coat glistens faintly in the dim light, and for a moment, David forgets about the chill in the air or the lingering memories tugging at his mind.

“Wow,” he whispers back, his voice barely audible.

Exer grins at him, his excitement obvious even in the low light. “See? Worth it already.”

David doesn’t respond, but the small, genuine smile on his face says enough. They watch the deer for a few more moments before it lifts its head, ears twitching, and bounds deeper into the trees.

As they continue down the path, Exer leans closer, his shoulder brushing against David’s. “Told you this morning wasn’t so bad.”

David chuckles softly, shaking his head. “We’ll see,” he says, but his tone is lighter now, his earlier grumpiness melting away as they approach the sound of gently lapping water up ahead.

As they step out of the trees, the lake stretches before them, a mirror reflecting the soft pastel hues of the sunrise. The water is still, undisturbed, except for the faint ripples from a breeze that carries the faint scent of pine and damp earth. The sight is breathtaking—so quiet, so untouched.

David stops in his tracks, the blanket slipping from his shoulders as his gaze locks on the water. The golden light creeping across its surface stirs something deep in his chest. It’s beautiful, but the calmness feels too familiar, too close to memories he’s tried not to think about.

His fingers instinctively tighten around Exer’s hand, the warmth anchoring him in the moment.

“Pretty amazing, huh?” Exer’s voice is soft, like he doesn’t want to disturb the stillness of the scene.

David nods slowly, swallowing hard as he forces himself to take in the view—not the past. He can feel Exer’s gaze on him but doesn’t look away from the lake, afraid he might falter if he does. The air feels heavier, the light too similar to other mornings spent by a different lake, with someone else.

Exer shifts closer, their shoulders brushing. He doesn’t say anything, but the steady pressure is enough. David releases a shaky breath, the tension in his chest easing as he focuses on the subtle squeeze of Exer’s hand.

The moment stretches as the lake catches the first rays of sunlight, painting everything in a soft, golden glow. “C’mon, let’s get comfortable,” Exer whispers, sitting down and patting the ground beside him. Without hesitation, David joins him.

Exer pulls the blanket around both of them, cocooning them together. Their arms naturally wrap around each other, legs tangling as they settle in. Seeking extra warmth, David rests his head against the curve of Exer’s neck, his eyes fixed on the horizon as the sun slowly rises.

“Thanks for coming with me,” Exer murmurs, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of David’s head. David is glad Exer can’t see his face right now—he’s certain it’s bright red. Instead of answering, he presses himself closer, giving Exer’s body a soft squeeze.

“I guess it’s not that bad,” David finally admits, earning a quiet laugh from Exer that feels like music to his ears. He smiles, his voice softening. “Seriously though, I’m glad we’re here.”

And he means it. Wrapped in Exer’s arms, the warmth of his body blending with the blanket, watching the sun climb higher into the sky—it makes everything worth it. All of it.

“Me too,” Exer says quietly, his voice full of sincerity.

The sun rises steadily, its golden light stretching across the water, illuminating the ripples with soft, shimmering hues. David watches the horizon quietly.

He thought it would hurt more—being here, watching a sunrise at the lake. He’d been bracing for it almost the entire walk here, expecting the weight of old memories to crush him the moment they arrived. And sure, there’s a twinge of something bittersweet, a faint ache he can’t entirely ignore. But it’s smaller, quieter than he thought it would be.

Here, wrapped in Exer’s arms, the hurt doesn’t feel as sharp. Instead, it’s dulled by the warmth pressing into his side and the soft, steady rhythm of Exer’s breathing.

“It’s beautiful,” Exer murmurs, his voice breaking the silence but not shattering it. It blends with the gentle rustling of leaves and the faint lapping of water at the shore.

David nods slowly, his gaze still on the lake. “Yeah,” he says, his voice low. “It really is.”

They stay like that for what feels like an hour, the world quiet around them. By the time the sun has fully risen above the horizon, David tilts his head to look at Exer.

His face is still fixed on the sky, and for a moment, David just stares. The golden light bathes Exer’s skin, making it glow softly, and it highlights the warm tones in his brown, orangey eyes. Exer looks peaceful, utterly serene, and it steals David’s breath.

“You’re beautiful,” David whispers, the words slipping out before he can stop them.

Exer’s eyes widen slightly as he turns to look at David, a quiet laugh escaping his lips. The sound makes David’s cheeks burn, and he quickly averts his gaze, turning his head away entirely in embarrassment.

“Beautiful?” Exer repeats, his tone light but curious as he gently grabs David’s chin and turns it back toward him. To David’s relief, the teasing glint in Exer’s eyes has softened into something warmer.

David knows it’s a compliment more often directed toward women, but when he looks at Exer, he doesn’t understand why. To him, Exer’s appearance is beauty in its truest form. But admitting all of that out loud feels too vulnerable, too much, so he simply nods.

Exer doesn’t judge him. Instead, a small smile tugs at his lips, and though David can still catch the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes, Exer spares him further teasing. Instead, he leans in and presses a soft kiss to David’s cheek.

David doesn’t say anything else, letting the moment settle between them, and Exer doesn’t question him further.

There’s a long pause as they sit quietly, just looking at each other. Eventually, David leans his head against Exer’s when they turn their attention back to the sky. “Bringing your guitar was a good idea,” David finally says, thinking about how much of a success the night before turned out to be. “It was fun.”

Exer hums in agreement, a small smile tugging at his lips. Soon, their conversation drifts to the events of the previous night. They laugh about Ken’s song choice, David’s infamous burned marshmallow, and other moments that trail off into lighthearted nonsense.

They stay like that as the sun climbs higher, the golden light warming their faces while they hold each other close.

“I’m sure he’s okay,” David says, their latest topic being Harry, and how worried he was about Exer’s first trip away from home without him—how he kept fussing over every little detail. “Lucy-furr’s probably taking good care of him.”

Exer laughs. “You’re right. He’s in good hands—or paws, in this case.” The thought makes them both laugh softly. “Though, I gotta admit, I kind of wish we could’ve brought Lucy with us.” There’s a subtle wistfulness in Exer’s voice, and David can tell he really does miss her.

“She’s a cat, Exer,” David reminds him, grinning. “Cats don’t go on camping trips. Maybe dogs, but definitely not cats.”

“Yeah, but Lucy’s not like normal cats, you know?” Exer counters. “She’s better at listening than other cats—she literally has magic.”

“Lucy? Listening?” David raises an eyebrow, laughing as he thinks of all the times she did anything but. “Magic, sure. But listening? That’s definitely not her strong suit. She does whatever she wants.”

Exer laughs too, his shoulders shaking against David’s. “True, but you know what I mean,” he says, his voice turning thoughtful. “It’s like she can understand what we’re saying, you know?”

David hums thoughtfully, not able to disagree. “Yeah, I’ll give you that. I’ve had moments where it felt like I was actually talking to her,” he admits, thinking back to the times it seemed like Lucy’s magic connected them in some strange, unspoken way.

He expects Exer to agree, but instead, Exer shifts, pulling his head back slightly so their heads are no longer touching. He looks at David with a confused expression. “Talking to her?” he asks.

David shrugs, feeling a little self-conscious under Exer’s curious gaze. “Yeah, like she was communicating with me through her magic.”

“How?” Exer asks, his brow furrowing as he studies David.

David huffs out a laugh, trying to deflect. “I don’t know. You’re the magic guy.” But when Exer doesn’t drop it, his interest clearly piqued, David sighs. “It’s hard to explain. It’s like, at certain times, it felt like she was reminding me to stay positive, or reassure me. Like there was some kind of connection. She’d use her magic, and I’d just.. understand her.”

Exer leans back slightly, his eyes narrowing in thought as he gazes out over the lake. “Huh,” he murmurs. “I don’t think I’ve ever had that with her.”

David blinks at that. “Huh,” he echoes quietly.

But then Exer’s expression brightens as he looks back at David with a teasing grin. He gives David’s arm a gentle squeeze, the one he still has wrapped around him. “My boyfriend and my cat having some special connection, huh? Lucky me.”

David rolls his eyes, though he can’t help the laugh that escapes him. “You’re such a dork,” he says, shaking his head fondly. But the corners of his mouth lift in a soft smile as Exer leans his head back against David’s, the moment settling into a comfortable silence once more.

“You still tired?” Exer asks after a few minutes of quiet, his voice soft and steady. “You could probably take a nap before the others wake up.”

David considers it for a moment. He’s sure he could fall asleep if he laid down, but something Exer said before they left camp flashes in his mind. He turns to him with a smirk, his eyes flicking briefly to Exer’s lips before meeting his gaze again. “And here I thought you wanted to do something else at sunrise,” he teases, his tone playful. “Something to make it more romantic, you s—”

Before he can finish, Exer’s lips press against his, cutting him off mid-sentence. The kiss is sudden and a little clumsy, making David laugh against Exer’s mouth, unable to properly respond at first. But Exer doesn’t seem to mind. He just keeps going, a hand slipping to the back of David’s neck to hold him close.

When David’s laughter finally fades, leaving only the lingering curve of a smile, he leans into the kiss fully, his lips moving in sync with Exer’s. It’s soft and unhurried, full of a warmth that mirrors the sunlight now bathing them.

The golden light spills across the lake and the trees, but neither of them notices anymore. They’re completely lost in each other, in the way their lips fit together so perfectly, as if they were always meant to.

When they return to the campsite, a good two hours have passed. Conversations, cuddling, and maybe a lot of kissing had taken up most of their time. As they step out of the woods, they find a few people already awake, scattered around the fire pit.

Jolie looks up from where she’s sitting, her brow furrowed in confusion. “Where did you two come from?” she asks, clearly noticing they hadn’t emerged from their tent like everyone else.

“We’ve been up for a while,” Exer replies casually, brushing some stray pine needles off his jacket. “We went to the lake to watch the sunrise.”

Ken raises an eyebrow from where he’s sprawled lazily on a log, his lips curving into a knowing smirk. “Sunrise, huh? That all you were watching?”

David immediately feels his face heat up. He opens his mouth to retort, but Pamela beats him to it, walking up with her arms full of what looks like breakfast supplies. “Oh, give it a rest, Ken,” she says with a grin. “Let the lovebirds enjoy their morning.”

“Lovebirds?” David shrieks, his blush deepening as he crosses his arms. And he throws a glare at Ken, but it doesn’t seem to faze him.

Instead, Ken just grins wider and leans back, clearly enjoying himself. “Hey, I’m just saying,” Ken continues, “It’s not every day people sneak off before dawn.”

David groans, slumping onto a log and hiding his face in his hands. “You guys are impossible.”

Exer, on the other hand, just chuckles, completely unbothered by the teasing. “I mean, it’s not my fault you all missed out on a gorgeous sunrise,” he says, leaning back on his hands.

“Gorgeous sunrise, my ass,” Ken retorts with a grin. “You two are glowing. That’s all I need to know.”

David groans even louder, shaking his head as he lets his hands fall into his lap. Before anyone can add more to his embarrassment, Brenda emerges from her tent, her hair disheveled as she yawns dramatically. “Ugh, what is all this noise so early?” she grumbles, pulling a hoodie over her head. She glances around at the scene, her eyes narrowing when she sees David practically curled in on himself. “Ken, are you messing with my brother again?”

Ken shrugs innocently. “Just pointing out some obvious facts.”

Brenda doesn’t miss a beat, snatching a rolled-up blanket from her chair and tossing it at Ken’s face. “Maybe focus on getting breakfast started instead of acting like you’re the camp comedian.”

Ken sputters, pulling the blanket off his head as the group bursts into laughter. David manages a small smile, relieved to see that Brenda’s little crush hasn’t stopped her from standing up for him

He even chuckles when Ken, looking like a kicked puppy, actually shuffles over to Pamela and starts helping her set up for pancakes. If that doesn’t prove his crush, David doesn’t know what does.

Jolie seems to notice as well. She sits down beside David, her smirk growing as she leans in close. “Ken’s the youngest in his family,” she whispers, clearly enjoying herself. “Pretty sure he doesn’t even know how to make food.”

David and Exer both laugh quietly, glancing back at Ken just in time to see the evidence of Jolie’s statement. Ken stands awkwardly near Pamela as she talks him through the process, holding up a small box of pancake mix like it’s a foreign object. They’re working with a camping skillet, balanced over a grate on the campfire, the flames licking at the edges.

Pamela hands Ken a bowl, and he dumps the mix into it with far more force than necessary, sending a small puff of flour into the air. “Easy!” Pamela scolds, swatting his arm. She passes him a small tin of powdered milk to add, but it’s clear from the way he fumbles with it that he has no idea how much to use.

“Uh, is this enough?” Ken asks, holding up the tin with an uncertain expression.

Pamela sighs, taking it from him and adding the right amount herself. “Not even close, Ken. Just follow my lead, alright?”

Ken nods sheepishly, clearly out of his depth, as Pamela hands him a wooden spoon to start mixing. He grips it awkwardly, stirring the lumpy batter with far too much force, causing it to slosh over the sides of the bowl. Jolie stifles a laugh beside David, and even Brenda, sitting nearby, can’t hide her amusement.

“See?” Jolie whispers to David. “Hopeless. Totally hopeless.”

“Hey, at least he’s trying,” David mutters back, knowing he’s not exactly a master chef himself, though he can’t keep the grin off his face as they watch Ken struggle.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group starts chatting about their first night in the tents. Timothy teases Ron about his loud snoring, and Elijah throws in a story about Ken nearly tripping over a tree root on his way to go pee in the middle of the night.

The noise and laughter start to feel like a comforting hum in the background, and David finally relaxes, relieved the focus is no longer on him and Exer.

Exer leans closer, his shoulder brushing against David’s, and whispers with a smirk, “See? Not so bad.”

David rolls his eyes but can’t stop his smile. “You owe me,” he mutters, earning a soft chuckle from Exer.

As the sound of laughter and the smell of pancakes cooking over the fire fill the air, David starts to think that maybe, just maybe, this camping trip is turning out better than he ever expected.

An hour after breakfast, everyone is getting ready to head to the lake. David has just changed into his swimming trunks and is rummaging through his bag for a shirt when the tent’s zipper suddenly opens, and Exer steps inside.

Exer freezes the moment he sees David, his face immediately flushing. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t know you were changing,” he says, quickly averting his gaze. It’s a little ironic, considering Exer has definitely seen David wear less before—in gym locker rooms, for instance. Growing up together, modesty hadn’t really been an issue.

But ever since they officially started dating, they’ve both become oddly shy about exposed skin, like it suddenly carries a new weight between them.

Still, David can’t help but chuckle, finding the reaction amusing this time. After all, he’s just wearing swim trunks, the same thing everyone else will see him in at the lake. “Relax, man. I’m just in my swim trunks. It’s not like I’m naked,” he teases, finally deciding on a simple white tank top and standing up.

He grins at the faint pink growing on Exer’s cheeks, but his amusement is short-lived when Exer steps past him toward his own bag. “Well,” Exer starts casually, acting unfazed, crouching down to dig through it for his own swim trunks. Without looking up, he tosses it out, “I am about to be naked, so unless you want a show…” He glances over his shoulder with a wink, leaving the implication hanging.

David’s grin falters as his entire face turns crimson. He stumbles over a laugh, scratching the back of his neck. “I’ll leave you to it,” he stutters awkwardly, pulling on his tank top fast and ducking out of the tent.

As he steps into the sunlight, David tries to calm the heat in his face, muttering under his breath about Exer’s audacity. Only when he’s halfway to the others does he realize he forgot his bag—the one with his water bottle, towel, sunscreen, and everything else he needs for the lake.

David glances back at the tent, biting his lip. He knows Exer is probably mid-change, so going back now isn’t exactly an option unless he wants to die of embarrassment. With a sigh, he tells himself to grab it later and keeps walking toward the rest of the group, shaking his head as he tries to ignore how his cheeks are still warm.

“Oh, David,” Brenda gasps dramatically as she spots him approaching. She strides over, grabbing his face gently and inspecting it like a worried parent. “I think you’re already starting to burn!”

David gapes, pulling back slightly. “I’m not!” he whisper-yells, his blush only deepening.

Brenda pauses, her eyes narrowing for a moment before a sly giggle escapes. “Oh, I see,” she murmurs, leaning closer. “What exactly did you two do in there?” She tilts her head toward the tent he just came from, her grin wicked.

David groans, dragging a hand down his face and slumping against the nearest tree. Her earlier save from Ken’s teasing had made him forget just how nosy Brenda herself could be. “Nothing, Brenda. Nothing,” he sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.

She hums, clearly unconvinced, but instead of pressing further right away, she glances toward the others to make sure no one is paying attention. Satisfied they’re all distracted, she turns back to him with a knowing look. “But?”

David’s blush intensifies, and he stumbles over his words. Brenda’s sudden interest catches him off guard, even though he knows by now how invested she is in his relationship. She’d been rooting for him and Exer from the moment she figured out they liked each other.

But she’s still his sister. And while he tries to forget it most of the time, there’s also the fact that she’s Exer’s ex, which makes conversations like this even more awkward.

“There’s no but, Bren,” he insists, crossing his arms and looking away.

Brenda just rolls her eyes, clearly not buying it. “Oh, c’mon,” she presses, crossing her arms. “This is your first trip away together as a couple, with no parents around!”

David’s heart skips a beat, his chest tightening. He suddenly feels like the tree at his back isn’t sturdy enough to hold him up. He knows exactly what she’s implying. It’s not like the thought hasn’t crossed his mind, but every time it does, it leaves him feeling a mix of nervousness and dread.

It’s not that David is completely inexperienced, but the idea of doing anything more than kissing with Exer fills him with anxiety. Not just because Exer is a boy, but because Exer has been his best friend for as long as he can remember. It’s a big step, an awkward one, one he doesn’t think he’s ready for yet.

“I don’t know,” he admits quietly, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. “It’s not that easy. I honestly,” He hesitates, taking a deep breath before continuing, knowing he can trust Brenda with the truth. “I just don’t think I’m ready.”

Instead of teasing him further, Brenda’s expression softens. She places a comforting hand on his shoulder, her eyes full of understanding. “I’m sorry for assuming,” she says gently. “Of course it’s okay to take things slow. You guys don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for just because you’re alone.”

David exhales a shaky breath, the tension leaving his chest. Her words are a relief, a reassurance he hadn’t realized he needed to hear out loud. “Thanks, Brenda,” he says with a small smile.

She pulls him into a warm hug, which he returns without hesitation. “Of course, little bro.”

As soon as she says it, David groans, letting his arms drop. “A few minutes,” he grumbles.

She ignores him, patting his back in a mock motherly way. “Minutes or hours, I’m still older,” she teases, grinning as she pulls away.

David rolls his eyes but can’t help but smile as she finally steps back, and for once, he’s glad to have her nosiness around.

Then Brenda’s eyes dart to something behind David, and he hears footsteps approaching. He turns just in time to see Exer walking toward them with a smile—and David’s bag in hand. When Exer reaches them, he holds it out. “Here, you forgot this.”

“Thanks,” David says, smiling as he takes the bag and slings the blue backpack over his shoulder.

“You ready for the lake?” Exer asks, turning to Brenda, who already seems prepared. She’s wearing a cute sundress over what David recognizes as the one-piece swimsuit she bought during their pre-camping trip shopping spree. He remembers that day all too well. Brenda had insisted on dragging him into every store that sold swimwear, claiming she needed a new swimsuit every year.

Brenda nods, adjusting the strap of the tote bag slung over her arm. “I just need to grab a couple more things, and then I’m good to go.” She turns toward her tent, leaving David and Exer standing together.

When Brenda disappears from view, Exer leans in closer. “What was that hug about? Everything okay?”

David nods silently, avoiding his gaze. He knows he’s not ready to talk about it yet.

Exer studies him for a moment, his eyes searching David’s face as if trying to read him. Then, with a small smile, he says, “Alright. Let’s go help the others.”

They walk back together. David joins Jackson to fill bags with food, while Exer heads over to help Ron with the cooler.

Once everything is packed and ready, the group heads toward the lake, music already filling the air from the boombox perched on Ron’s shoulder. He walks confidently in the middle of the group, his free hand gripping one side of the cooler while Exer carries the other.

The songs are a mix of everything, a result of everyone’s input. Before the trip, they had spent hours creating the ultimate mixtape, filling a C120 cassette with their favorite songs—ranging from personal picks to classic summer anthems they could all agree on. It was chaotic and a pain to organize, but now, hearing the music add to the vibe, it feels worth it. And David is grateful that, for the most part, his music taste overlaps with everyone else’s.

Right now, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds plays, and David finds himself walking alongside Ken, the two of them carrying a large bag of food between them while enthusiastically singing along.

“Hey, hey, hey, hey!” Ken belts out, dramatically swinging the bag side to side in rhythm with the beat, making David laugh as he counters with, “Ooh-ooh-hoo, woah!”

Behind them, Timothy grins. “Woah, guys, with singing like that, you should really sign up for Star Search!” His teasing earns laughter from Brenda, who walks beside him.

David glances back with a huff, his smile betraying his mock annoyance. Timothy shifts his gaze to Brenda, adding with a smirk, “I guess it’s only fair only one twin can actually sing.”

“Hey!” David protests, but Ken nudges him with his shoulder before he can say more.

“Don’t listen to him, dude,” Ken says, smirking as he adjusts his grip on the bag. “I bet if we really tried, we could be the next Wham!”

David snorts, shaking his head but playing along. “Yeah, you’re totally George Michael in this scenario, aren’t you?”

“Obviously,” Ken replies, grinning wide as he starts doing an exaggerated spin move, almost dropping the bag in the process but recovering with flair. “I’ve got the moves to back it up.”

David laughs, shaking his head again as the group continues down the trail, their chatter and laughter blending seamlessly with the music.

When they reach the lake, David expects everyone to take their time settling in, but the second the bag he and Ken were carrying touches the ground, Ken yells, “Last one to the lake has to do the dishes!”

There’s a brief pause before chaos erupts. Everyone starts racing toward the water, stripping off clothes as they run. It’s a wild scramble—David nearly trips trying to yank off his shoes mid-sprint—but by the time his feet hit the water, he knows he’s not last.

The icy cold shocks his skin, but he pushes forward, running until his entire body is submerged. A chorus of shrieks and laughter fills the air as everyone plunges in after him.

David turns back, trying to see who’s last, but before he can figure it out, someone blocks his view—and the next thing he knows, he’s shoved underwater. He barely has time to react, but he doesn’t need to; he knows exactly who it is. He’s spent too many summers at the pool with this person not to recognize their mischief.

When he bursts back up to the surface, gasping at the cold, he immediately splashes water in Exer’s direction. “You asshole!” he shouts, though the grin on his face betrays any attempt to sound serious.

Exer is laughing, his grin as wide as David’s, and doesn’t even try to dodge the splash. Instead, he braces himself as David lunges at him, tackling him into the water with a loud laugh.

Both of them going under with a loud splash. The chill is sharp, but their laughter bubbles to the surface even before they do. When they break through, David doesn’t let up, splashing Exer again as Exer tries to fend him off with his arms.

“Alright, alright! I give up!” Exer shouts, laughing so hard he’s barely able to speak.

David grins triumphantly. “That’s what I thought.”

Before Exer can come up with a comeback, Brenda swims over, flicking water at both of them. “Oh, stop flirting and help me find out who lost!” she teases, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Flirting?!” David splutters, his face heating up despite the cold water. “We’re not—”

“Sure, you’re not,” Brenda interrupts, her smirk growing as she starts paddling backward. “But I’m pretty sure Timothy’s still stuck on the shore. Guess he’s doing the dishes later!”

David looks over to see Timothy standing at the water’s edge, still fully dressed, holding a towel and clearly debating whether it’s worth braving the cold. “It’s freezing,” Timothy calls out, crossing his arms. “I am not jumping in there.”

Ken’s voice rings out from further down the lake. “Rules are rules, Tim! Get in or grab the soap!”

Everyone cheers and jeers, egging Timothy on. With an exaggerated groan, he finally tosses his towel aside and takes a few hesitant steps into the water. Just as it seems like he’s about to dive in, he pauses, his hands reaching for the hem of his tank top.

David notices the hesitation, the way Timothy’s fingers hover there for a moment. It looks like he’s debating whether to take it off or leave it on, and there’s a discomfort in his expression that David can’t quite place. Insecurity? David wonders. It’s not something he’s ever seen Timothy struggle with before.

Jolie seems to pick up on Timothy’s hesitation too. As she walks toward him, she gives Ken a sharp shove, sending him splashing back into the water with a squawk. David stifles a laugh as Jolie grabs Timothy’s hand and leans in to whisper something. Whatever she says makes Timothy smile, his shoulders loosening just slightly.

Together, they break into a sprint, Timothy’s tank top still on as they plunge into the water. The group cheers louder, and David cups his hands around his mouth to shout, “Atta boy, Tim! You got this!”

David can’t pinpoint why, but it feels important to cheer him on. Maybe it’s the look of quiet determination on Timothy’s face or the fact that he hadn’t seemed as carefree as the others earlier. Either way, David is glad to see Timothy smiling as he emerges from the water, shaking his wet hair out of his face.

Ken swims up to them a moment later, scratching the back of his neck with an awkward grin. He leans in to whisper something to Timothy, and David can guess by Ken’s sheepish expression that it’s an apology. Timothy listens, his brows lifting slightly before he gives Ken a sly smirk—and suddenly tackles him underwater.

The lake erupts in laughter as Ken resurfaces, spluttering, while Timothy grins victoriously. David shakes his head, smiling as he watches the chaos. Good for him. Whatever had been weighing on Timothy, it’s gone now—or at least, it seems to be.

After the initial chaos in the lake settles, the group starts floating in a loose circle, catching their breath and chatting about what to do next. Ken, ever the loudest voice in the group, claps his hands together, splashing water as he declares, “Alright, people, it’s game day! Time to get serious!”

“Serious?” Jackson laughs, raising an eyebrow. “You’re literally floating like a dead starfish.”

Ken ignores him and dramatically swims to the shallow edge, standing up as water drips from his hair. “Okay, so we’ve got two options,” he announces, holding up two fingers for emphasis. “I’ve got stuff for water volleyball back at the tent, or we can start with something that doesn’t require extra gear.”

“Why didn’t you bring it with you?” Jolie asks, splashing water at him.

Ken grins, unbothered. “Because I didn’t feel like hauling it all out here yet. But I’m more than happy to run back and grab it if you’re all too scared for a good old-fashioned game of Chicken.”

“Chicken?” Elijah repeats, narrowing his eyes. David grins, he already knows this is Ken’s way of baiting them into action, but it works because, of course, everyone starts yelling their opinions at once.

“Chicken first!” Brenda shouts, her voice carrying over the others.

“Fine with me,” Exer says, swimming closer to David. He leans in with a smirk. “Hope you’re ready to climb on my shoulders.”

David narrows his eyes, but the corners of his mouth betray him, twitching into a smile. “Why do I have to go on your shoulders? Why can’t it be the other way around?”

Exer chuckles, his smirk growing. “Because I’ve got more muscles.”

David gasps dramatically, pointing at Exer’s chest. “You haven’t played football in months, dude!” He fires back. He crosses his arms, then smirks. “And, let’s not forget, you’re shorter.” Exer just rolls his eyes, clearly amused, but before he can reply, David continues, the spark of another argument lighting in his head. “Plus, you had your arm in a cast for like, forever. I’ve probably gained more muscle in the mean—”

His rant is cut off by a sudden splash of water to his face.

“Are you done yet?” Exer asks, laughing as David sputters and wipes the water away. David glares playfully, stubbornly shaking his head. Exer raises an eyebrow, his grin turning more competitive. “Alright, guess we’ll just have to put it to the test then.”

Challenge accepted.

They both join the others, who are already pairing up for the game. David spots Ron talking to Timothy and realizes he needs to hurry. He starts to leave Exer behind, running toward Ron, but pauses when he sees Brenda grabbing Ken’s hands.

“They’re going down!” Brenda announces, eyes gleaming with mischief.

Ken gives a sharp nod, his grin matching her energy. “Hell yeah!”

David chuckles at the sight. Normally, he’d probably want to drown Ken for getting this close to his sister, but seeing the way Ken brings out Brenda’s mischievous, slightly wild side oddly warms his heart.

He watches for another second as Ken disappears underwater to let Brenda climb onto his shoulders. Then, remembering he needs a partner too, he spins back around and hurries toward his best friend.

“Ron!” David calls out before he even reaches him. Ron turns around, eyebrows raised. “You gotta help me beat Exer, man,” David pleads.

Ron looks uncertain, glancing at Timothy. “I was gonna—”

Timothy cuts him off with a reassuring smile. “No, it’s okay! Looks like Ken’s teaming up with Brenda, so I’ll ask Jolie before she accuses us of ditching her for our cr—” Timothy’s voice catches, his face going bright red. He clears his throat awkwardly. “For other people.”

David bites back a laugh, but a chuckle escapes anyway. The blush on Ron’s face doesn’t go unnoticed either, which reminds him that he still needs to talk to Ron about whatever’s going on here. But that can wait. Right now, he needs Ron to help him prove to Exer that he’s stronger.

“Alright,” Ron sighs, a reluctant smile pulling at his lips. “Let’s do this.”

David grins, pumping his fist. This is going to be good. With Ron supporting him, he’s gonna be unstoppable.

But when he spots Exer, he feels a pang of sympathy. Exer looks a little lost and out of place, floating by himself. David swims over to him, Ron trailing just behind. “No partner yet?” he asks as they approach.

Exer sighs, running a hand through his damp hair. “Jackson paired up with Elijah,” he explains, frowning. David feels a flicker of guilt, knowing how much it bothers Exer to see Jackson and Elijah being so close. He’s tempted to scrap the whole challenge and just climb on Exer’s shoulders himself to make him feel better.

Before he can act on the thought, Pamela swims up behind Exer. “Need a partner?” she asks brightly.

David smiles, relieved, but Exer shakes his head. “I need to be on someone’s shoulders to beat this guy,” he says, pointing at David.

Pam just shrugs, undeterred. “Then I’ll carry you. I don’t see the problem.”

David and Ron share an amused glance while Exer laughs, his tone gentle but skeptical. “No offense, Pam, but I don’t think you can hold me up.”

Pamela rolls her eyes, crossing her arms. “I’ve carried Jackson plenty of times.”

That statement makes everyone pause. David and Ron exchange wide-eyed looks before bursting into laughter. Exer raises an eyebrow. “Okay? But I’m pretty sure I’m heavier than Jackson.”

Before anyone can respond, Pamela dives underwater. David’s laughter fades into stunned silence—until Exer suddenly yelps as Pamela resurfaces with him on her shoulders. The expression on his face is absolutely priceless: wide-eyed, flustered, and utterly dumbfounded.

David doubles over, his laughter coming back with full force. Even Ron is grinning, shaking his head in disbelief. “Well, I stand corrected,” Exer finally says, though his voice is half a laugh. “Pam, you’re a lot stronger than you look.”

Pamela smirks, adjusting her grip on his legs. “Told you,” she says smugly. “Now, are we winning this thing or not?”

David wipes tears from his eyes, still chuckling. “Good luck, Exer. You’re gonna need it.”

Before David climbs onto Ron’s shoulders, Ken shouts out from the water, already carrying Brenda on his own shoulders. “Wait! Someone bring the boombox closer to the water so we’ve got music!”

David rolls his eyes, shaking his head as he wades toward the shore. “Only because you asked so nicely,” he calls back, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

The boombox is still blasting music when he reaches it, Kids in America playing somewhere in the middle of the song. He crouches down, grabbing the boombox and carefully lifting it and starts making his way back toward the water.

As he walks, the upbeat rhythm seems to energize him. The bass thumps in time with his steps, and he can’t help but tap his fingers against the edge of the boombox. By the time he’s close enough to set it down near the water’s edge, he catches himself mouthing the lyrics under his breath.

When he places it down, Ken cheers. “Now we’re talking!” he exclaims, clapping his hands in rhythm to the beat. Brenda laughs and tries to balance herself as Ken starts swaying to the music, nearly toppling them both into the water.

David shakes his head with a smirk, but he can’t help feeling a little lighter as the music fills the air.

As David steps back into the lake, he’s met by Ron, who’s already crouched in preparation. “Ready?” Ron asks with a grin.

David grins back, rolling his shoulders dramatically. “Born ready,” he says, climbing onto Ron’s shoulders.

Ken, meanwhile, points at them with exaggerated confidence. “You two are going down!” he declares, earning a laugh from Brenda.

“We’ll see about that!” David shoots back, bracing himself as Ron wades further into the water.

The music blares, the lake glistens under the sunlight, and the energy is electric. As the first round of chicken begins, David can’t help but think that this might be one of the most ridiculous—and fun—things they’ve done together.

As the song fades out, Everybody Wants to Rule the World fills the air, setting a strangely perfect soundtrack to the chaos. David watches the first rounds of chicken fights unfold, laughter and splashing echoing around the lake.

Jackson and Elijah are tragically losing to Ken and Brenda, who are dominating the match. Ken cheers Brenda on with wild enthusiasm, and Brenda, true to form, shows absolutely no mercy.

David’s attention shifts to the other match, where Exer is battling Timothy. It’s clear Exer is holding back, his pushes against Timothy noticeably gentle. The height difference alone should’ve ended the match quickly, but Exer’s reluctance to go all out is pretty endearing.

Something changes, though, when Exer glances over and locks eyes with David. A spark of determination flashes in his expression, as if he’s suddenly reminded that this isn’t just a friendly game—it’s a challenge. With one decisive shove, Timothy topples backward with a loud yelp, disappearing into the water.

Exer winces at the splash, his face apologetic, and David can’t help but laugh.

Just then, he turns in time to see Jackson take a similar tumble into the water, followed by a loud, triumphant chant from Ken and Brenda. David smiles at the sight, his heart warming at how uninhibited Brenda looks, her wild, competitive side shining through. It’s been a while since he’s seen her like this—like the mischievous, feral sister he grew up with.

Still, she’s not going to win against him. That much is certain.

First, though, he has another target in mind. David taps Ron’s shoulder and gestures toward Exer. “Let’s take him down.”

Ron grins, adjusting his stance in the water. “Finally. I was starting to think you forgot why we here.”

David smirks. “Oh, trust me, I haven’t.”

They wade toward Exer and Pamela, the water rippling around them as they close the distance. “Hey, Zair!” David calls out with exaggerated mock bravado, using the silly nickname he’d adopted a few months ago after a substitute teacher had mispronounced Exer’s name. “You ready to lose?”

Exer looks over, rolling his eyes at the nickname, his smirk matching David’s. “Bring it on.”

With that, the showdown begins. Both pairs close the distance, water splashing around them as David braces against Exer’s first push. It’s gentle at first—testing the waters, so to speak—but within moments, Exer leans in harder, and the fight intensifies.

David leans back just enough to regain balance, but the strength Exer’s putting into the shoves catches him off guard. Apparently he underestimated Exer’s strength, how he still has so much? He doesn’t know.

The fight goes on longer than David expects. Every time it looks like Exer and Pamela might go down, Pamela somehow manages to adjust, steadying Exer just in time to counter. Meanwhile, Ron keeps them stable, his height and strength giving them just enough of an edge to stay in the game.

The group around them starts cheering, some for David, some for Exer, as the match stretches on. David hears Brenda yell something about putting Exer in his place, while Jackson loudly cheers Pamela on, trusting his girlfriend to pull off a miracle.

Exer tries a fake-out move, leaning to one side as if to dodge, but David catches on and counters quickly, pushing just enough to destabilize him. Exer wobbles but recovers, his teeth clenched as he grins at David. “Not bad, Day,” he says, clearly impressed. “But it’s not over yet.”

David’s arms ache from the effort, but adrenaline keeps him going. He digs in, his focus narrowing as he pushes again and again, Exer matching him every time. Just when he thinks he might actually lose, Ron shifts under him, steadying them with a surge of strength.

“Go!” Ron yells.

Taking the opportunity, David throws his full weight into a final push, catching Exer off guard. Pamela tries to recover, but it’s too much. With a loud splash, Exer and Pamela topple into the water.

The lake erupts in cheers and laughter as David and Ron remain upright, victorious. David throws his hands in the air, whooping loudly. “Yes! I told you, Exer! You can’t beat us!”

Exer surfaces, coughing out water but laughing, his curls plastered to his forehead. “Alright, alright!” he calls, holding his hands up in surrender. “You win.”

Pamela grins as she swims back to Exer’s side, shaking her head. “Not bad, David,” she says, clearly amused. “But next time, we’re taking you down.”

David grins, looking down at Ron, who’s grinning too. “All thanks to this guy,” David says, patting Ron’s shoulder. “You’re a beast.”

Ron smirks, shrugging as if it was no big deal.

As Exer swims closer, he gives David a playful splash, grinning up at him. “Enjoy your win, Day. I’ll get you back later.”

“Hey! Don’t think this is over yet,” Ken declares, wading toward them with Brenda still perched on his shoulders. He grins, cracking his knuckles for dramatic effect. “We still need the ultimate winner. It’s time for the finale!”

David smirks, crossing his arms as he locks eyes with Brenda. She tilts her head with a mischievous smile and says, “Time to see which Miller is the strongest.”

The others cheer and quickly form a loose circle around them, the anticipation buzzing in the air. Just as they’re getting into position, a new song blares from the boombox onshore—One Way or Another by Blondie. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.

Ken, ever the entertainer, perks up. “Oh, now this is what I’m talking about! Some Blondie to take down a blondie!” he shouts, earning a mix of groans and laughs.

David barely has time to roll his eyes before Ken charges toward them, and Brenda makes the first move. She doesn’t hold back, leaning into the push with all her strength. David and Ron stagger back, caught completely off guard. For a second, it feels like the fight is over before it even begins.

But Ron quickly regains balance, gripping David’s legs tighter and adjusting their stance. “Hold on!” Ron calls, and David straightens up, glaring at Brenda.

“Hey! Not so fast,” David yells, brushing off the initial stumble.

Brenda just shrugs, her smirk never faltering. “Can’t make it too easy for you,” she quips before launching into another push.

This time, David is ready. He matches her strength, their hands locking in a tense grapple as Ron and Ken shift and maneuver to keep them upright. The crowd cheers and jeers, the energy rising with every movement.

Ken tries to throw them off by leaning side to side, causing Brenda’s attacks to come from unexpected angles. David almost topples twice, but Ron’s steady grip keeps them upright. “We got this,” Ron mutters, his voice confident.

“Thanks to you,” David replies breathlessly, focusing all his energy on countering Brenda’s relentless attacks.

It goes on like this for what feels like forever, the song blasting in the background as the tension builds. Brenda pushes hard, forcing David back a few inches, but he counters with a shove of his own, regaining lost ground.

Then Ken suddenly shifts his stance, sending Brenda lurching forward for a surprise attack. David yelps, nearly losing balance as Brenda’s palms shove into his shoulders. “C’mon, little bro,” Brenda taunts. “That all you got?”

David narrows his eyes, determination sparking. “You wish.”

He surges forward, putting all his weight into a counterattack. Brenda wobbles slightly, and for a brief moment, it looks like she and Ken might go under. But Ken adjusts just in time, keeping them steady.

The back-and-forth continues, neither side giving an inch. The crowd cheers louder, the lake splashing wildly around them.

Then, just as Brenda prepares for another push, Ron suddenly shifts his weight and lunges forward slightly, giving David the momentum he needs. David takes advantage of the opening and shoves with everything he’s got.

Brenda yelps as she loses balance, her arms flailing as Ken tries to stabilize her. But it’s too late. With a dramatic splash, Brenda and Ken topple into the water, sending a wave crashing over the crowd.

The lake erupts in cheers and laughter as David and Ron remain standing, victorious. David throws his fists into the air, grinning from ear to ear.

Brenda surfaces, spitting water and laughing despite her loss. “Alright, fine! You win this time,” she says with a grin, then adds, “But next time, I’m not going easy on you.”

“Sure, Bren. Keep telling yourself that.”

Ron reaches up to high-five him, his smirk quiet but satisfied. “Good job, partner.”

“Couldn’t have done it without you,” David replies, his chest swelling with pride. He glances over at Exer, who’s clapping along with the others, his grin wide and full of admiration.

Ken pops up beside Brenda, shaking his head with a grin. “Rematch later,” he says, pointing at David. “But first it’s time for round two—water volleyball!” he announces, his energy seemingly endless.

Pamela groans, stretching her arms. “Can’t we take five first? Some of us don’t have the energy of a golden retriever.”

Ken grins, unbothered. “Fine, you lazy bums. I’ll go grab the volleyball and net from the tent. Who’s coming with me?”

Jolie and Timothy exchange glances before shrugging. “We’ll help,” Jolie offers. “We can grab snacks while we’re there.”

Ken gives them a thumbs-up and starts wading toward the shore, followed by Jolie and Timothy. Brenda swims off after them, calling over her shoulder, “I’m grabbing my towel. Be right back!”

As the group splits, the atmosphere grows quieter. David takes a deep breath, letting the cool water soothe his skin as he watches the others head toward the shore. Exer swims up beside him, brushing their arms together. “Taking a break?” Exer asks softly, his voice low enough that it feels like it’s just for David.

David nods, closing his eyes for a moment. “Yeah. After that fight, I need it,” he admits with a small laugh. “That was intense.”

Exer hums in agreement, floating lazily beside him. “You did good, though. I’m impressed.”

David cracks an eye open, smirking. “Took down your team too, remember?”

Exer chuckles, leaning back to look at the sky. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t let it go to your head.”

The two of them drift in comfortable silence for a while, the sound of water gently lapping at the shore and distant chatter filling the air. Ron, not far off, has found a log to sit on near the edge of the lake, his legs dangling in the water as he quietly hums along to the music still playing from the boombox.

The weightless feeling of floating should be perfect, but as David leans back and looks up at the sky, it’s impossible to ignore the sense of familiarity that creeps in. The way the water cradles him, the way the sunlight glimmers on the surface—it all feels too much like before.

His stomach churns as a particular memory rises, dragging him under. His breath catches, his ears dipping below the water as the muffled sounds of the present fade, replaced by echoes from the past.

The lake is cool and still in the early morning, shrouded by mist that clings to the water like a secret waiting to be told. The forest is quiet, the world still waking up, but the calm is broken by the sound of a boy’s nervous laugh.

David stands ankle-deep in the water, his small toes curling into the pebbled lakebed. He clutches at his dad’s hand, staring wide-eyed at the endless stretch of water before him. The idea of swimming feels both thrilling and terrifying, like he’s about to dive into the biggest adventure of his little life—or maybe drown trying.

“You’re not gonna sink, David,” William says, crouching down beside him. His voice is firm but not harsh, and for once, there’s no edge to it. Just quiet encouragement. He pats David’s shoulder, his hand strong and steady, like it’s the most reliable thing in the world. “You trust me, don’t you?”

David nods hesitantly. He does trust his dad, but the water looks so deep, and it’s moving just a little. What if the lake swallows him up?

William, sensing the hesitation, straightens and steps deeper into the water. “See? Nothing to it.” The water rises to his knees, then his waist, and finally licks at his chest, but he never wavers. He looks back at David, who hasn’t moved an inch. “Come on, kiddo. It’s not gonna bite.”

David hesitates, the morning air cool on his skin despite the sun starting to peek through the trees. He shifts from foot to foot, staring at the waterline, then finally takes a halting step forward. The water feels cold, but his dad’s watching him, waiting. He can’t chicken out now.

“Come on, David,” William says, standing waist-deep in the water. His voice is steady, low, but now there’s that edge to it—the one that makes David feel like he has to get this right. Like his dad expects him to be brave, to rise to the occasion. “You can’t just stand there forever. Water’s not gonna hurt you.”

He takes another step forward, the cold biting at his knees now, and looks at his dad.

“That’s it,” William says, his voice quieter now, softening. He holds out his hands as David wades closer, the water reaching his belly button and making him shiver. “I’ve got you. Just keep coming. You’re tougher than this lake, champ. Show it who’s boss.”

David manages a shaky laugh at that, though his feet feel glued to the lakebed. He’s scared, but his dad’s watching him, his blue eyes calm but expectant.

Finally, David wades the last few steps to him, the water reaching his chest. His dad crouches down to meet him and pulls him close, his big hands firm on David’s arms. The water feels a little less scary now, with his dad there.

“Now listen,” William says, his voice dropping to that serious tone that means David needs to pay attention. “First rule of swimming: you’ve got to trust the water. You fight it, it’ll feel like it’s fighting back. But if you relax, it’ll hold you up. Got it?”

David nods, though he’s not entirely sure what that means. “But what if it doesn’t hold me?” he asks, his voice tiny.

William chuckles, shaking his head. “That’s why I’m here. You’re not going under, David. Not with me around.”

That’s enough for David to nod again, a little more confident this time. William lets go of one arm but keeps a firm hold on the other as he steps back a bit, giving David space. “All right. Lie back. Like you’re going to sleep. I’ll keep you up.”

David hesitates, looking up at his dad, who raises an eyebrow. “You want to swim, don’t you?”

“I do,” David whispers.

“Then trust me,” William says again. “I’ve got you.”

It takes a moment, but David finally tips backward, his breath catching as his ears hit the water and the world goes muffled. His arms flail instinctively, panic bubbling up in his chest, but William’s hands are there, keeping him from sinking. “Relax,” his dad says, his voice calm but firm. “Breathe. Trust the water, David.”

David tries to let his muscles loosen, to stop flailing, and slowly—slowly—he feels it. The water beneath him isn’t pulling him down; it’s holding him up. He’s floating.

“There you go,” William says, and there’s a softness in his voice David doesn’t hear often. “See? You’re doing it. You’re floating.”

David blinks up at the sky, his body trembling slightly as he realizes he’s not sinking. His dad’s hands are still there, but they’re barely touching him now. He’s floating. Actually floating.

David’s lips curl into a grin, his chest swelling with excitement. “I’m doing it!” he yells, the words echoing over the lake.

“You are,” William says, his own lips quirking into a rare smile. “Now kick your legs. Nice and easy. Pretend you’re a frog.”

David starts kicking, splashing more than anything, but he’s moving, just a little. His dad doesn’t let go completely, but he’s not holding him as tightly anymore, and for a moment, David feels like he’s actually swimming. Like he’s really doing it.

When William finally pulls him upright, David’s laughing, water dripping from his hair as he throws his arms around his dad’s neck. “I did it!” he says again, breathless with excitement.

William chuckles, ruffling David’s wet hair. “And tomorrow, we’re gonna do it again. You keep this up, you’ll be a great swimmer, son. Like me.”

David pulls back, his grin never fading. For once, his dad doesn’t look like the tough, no-nonsense coach who’s always telling him to try harder or do better. And for David, standing there in the lake with his dad’s hand on his shoulder, the water doesn’t seem scary at all anymore. It feels like the safest place in the world.

“Proud of you, champ,” William says, and those words—just a few small words—make David’s heart feel bigger than the whole lake.

The memory blurs and shifts, its edges hazy yet vivid enough to pull at him. David doesn’t fight it—he can’t. The weight of it presses against his chest, the water around him feeling too familiar, too heavy.

And then something cuts through the fog—a muffled, but familiar voice. “Day?”

It takes a second for David to realize he’s underwater. His eyes sting faintly as he blinks, taking in the distorted shapes around him, and then it hits him—he can’t breathe.

With a loud gasp, he resurfaces, his chest heaving as he gulps in air. Exer’s face comes into focus, his brow furrowed with concern as he swims closer. “You good?” he asks, his voice careful, laced with the worry David knows all too well.

David coughs, letting out an awkward laugh as he catches his breath. Forcing a smile even though his heart feels like it’s still sinking, he nods. “Yeah, just, you know, testing how long I can stay underwater.” The excuse feels flimsy—stupid, even—but it’s the best he can come up with on the spot. Besides, he and Exer used to have little competitions at the pool as kids, seeing who could hold their breath the longest. Maybe Exer will believe it.

Exer watches him for a moment longer, his gaze sharp, like he’s trying to see past the words. But then he sighs and offers a small smile. “Why?”

David latches onto the question, thankful for the chance to steer the conversation away from what’s really bothering him. “Well, to start training, of course,” he replies, injecting as much playfulness into his voice as he can manage. “Or did you forget about our annual competition?” The words come out smoother than he expects, surprising even himself.

Exer huffs out a laugh, shaking his head. “You’re ridiculous,” he says, the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. For a moment, his gaze drifts, and David can see he’s lost in a memory of his own, a softer look crossing his face. “But training won’t help you much, we both know you never won.”

David chuckles, the sound lighter than he feels. “That’s because you always cheated,” he quips, splashing water toward Exer to mask the tension in his chest.

Exer laughs, dodging the splash. “I never cheated!” he protests, looking offended. David raises an eyebrow, skepticism written all over his face. He doesn’t actually think Exer cheated back then, but with his magic, anything is possible. And if David can lean into that playful accusation, it’s a convenient way to keep the conversation light, to mask the storm still brewing beneath his surface.

Exer shakes his head in disbelief before a smirk tugs at his lips. “I’ll prove it,” he declares, his tone confident.

David forces his expression to stay neutral, though he already regrets digging this hole for himself. He doesn’t want to do this right now, not when he’s still reeling from the weight of old memories. “Prove it how?” he asks, feigning cluelessness.

“You can see my magic now,” Exer points out, gesturing to himself. “If I win without using it, you’ll have to trust I never used it before.”

David exhales, his eyes darting to the shore. He wants nothing more than to grab his towel, lie down, and take a moment to collect himself. His father’s soft voice still lingers in the back of his mind, and all he wants is quiet—a nap to drown it out.

But he started this, and if he backs out now, Exer will know something’s up. Forcing a smirk, he huffs, “Fine. Let’s see if you’re actually that good.”

Exer’s smile widens, his excitement genuine, and it makes David feel a pang of guilt for faking his. It almost feels like he’s lying by pretending to enjoy this as much as Exer does. “On three?” Exer asks.

David nods. “One.”

Exer’s eyes sparkle as he replies, “Two.”

David’s smirk softens into something more real at the familiarity of their routine, and together they call out, “Three!”

They both take a deep breath and dive under the water, their bodies floating effortlessly. When their eyes meet underwater, they exchange smiles, the light refracting around them. The world is quiet, muffled by the lake, and for a brief moment, David doesn’t have to try as hard to have fun.

Seeing Exer like this—older but still so unmistakably him—reminds him of their childhood. And how that, despite everything, some things haven’t changed. They’re still together, still those same little kids who loved doing silly challenges together.

Bubbles rise between them as they laugh silently, their distorted faces making them look funny. Even so, David can’t help but think Exer still looks beautiful, even with his curls floating around him in all directions.

The seconds tick by, the need for air growing stronger, but David refuses to surface first. He didn’t even want to do this in the first place, but now that they’re in it, he’s determined to win. He tightens his jaw, trying to hold out just a little longer.

But just as he’s nearing his limit, Exer swims closer. David barely has time to process it before Exer presses his lips to his underwater. His eyes widen, the water making them sting, but that’s the least of his concerns. He’s completely caught off guard.

The kiss is brief but enough to make David’s lungs burn—not from lack of air, but from sheer shock. He pulls back and surfaces with a loud gasp, sputtering as he wipes water from his face. Exer surfaces right after him, grinning from ear to ear.

“That’s cheating!” David yells, splashing water at him in retaliation.

Exer raises his arms to shield himself from the onslaught of water, laughing uncontrollably. “Not true! I didn’t use my magic!”

David pauses, spluttering, still trying to catch his breath. He looks toward the shore where the others are oblivious, then back at Exer. He points an accusatory finger at Exer. “What you did there—that! That was still cheating!”

Exer grins wider, unbothered by the accusation. “Hey, I said no magic. I never said no distractions.”

David groans, but the corners of his lips twitch upward despite himself. “Unbelievable,” he mutters, shaking his head.

He can always count on Exer to ease the tension in his chest, even if it’s just a little. He takes a deep breath, stepping closer until the water laps gently against them. He casts once more toward the others before carefully slipping his hand into Exer’s underwater. “I trust you,” he whispers, keeping his eyes fixed on the water where their hands are linked, avoiding Exer’s gaze.

He fights to keep his eyes dry, the words stirring an ache inside him. “You trust me, don’t you?” his father’s voice echoes faintly in the back of his mind. It’s strange how something so simple—a touch, a phrase, the coolness of the water—can unearth old memories, and with them, old wounds.

It still hurts, even now.

But David swallows the heaviness, looking up at Exer with a smile he hopes is convincing. And Exer smiles back—a smile that always feels like a lifeline—and for now, it’s enough to ground him, to remind him of where he is and who he’s with.

David’s chest tightens, not just with sadness, but with an overwhelming desire to hold Exer, to kiss him. But the thought of someone glancing their way keeps him rooted. He’s not ready for that—not yet.

So instead, he squeezes Exer’s hand, earning an even brighter smile in return. Exer doesn’t say anything, and neither does David. The moment speaks for itself.

The sound of voices cuts through the calm, and David looks toward the shore. The rest of the group is returning, arms loaded with netting, poles, and a half-deflated volleyball. Ken is grinning triumphantly, clearly proud of his haul, while Timothy and Jolie look less enthusiastic.

“See?” Ken announces as they approach the group on the shore. “Told you we had everything we needed.”

Jolie rolls her eyes, dropping a bundle of poles onto the sand with a huff. “Yeah, except instructions.”

“I don’t need instructions,” Ken replies confidently, already bending down to inspect the equipment. “This is gonna be easy.”

David watches them from the water for a moment before Exer gently nudges his shoulder. “Should we go help?”

David hesitates. He doesn’t really want to go back to the shore, where the noise and activity will inevitably pick up again. He’s still trying to shake the lingering weight of his memories, but he knows he can’t exactly stay in the lake forever. With a small nod, he follows Exer to join the rest, though his steps are slower, more reluctant than he’d like to admit.

Onshore, the group is already sorting through the equipment, trying to figure out how to assemble the net. Exer dives right in, crouching next to Ken to examine the poles and offering suggestions. David lingers near the edge of the group, pretending to look at the setup but not really contributing.

“You good?” Ron asks, glancing at him as he passes by with a handful of netting.

“Yeah,” David says quickly, forcing a smile. “Just thinking.”

Ron raises an eyebrow but doesn’t press, continuing on to join the others.

As the conversations pick up, David spots an opening and quickly comes up with an excuse. “You guys seem to have this under control,” he says casually, stretching his arms over his head. “I think I’ll lie down for a bit—y’know, recharge before the game.”

Ken smirks, not looking up from where he’s attempting to jam a pole into the sand. “Recharge? You’ve barely done anything!”

“Well, I’ve won against you just a moment ago dude,” David fires back with a smirk of his own. “Besides, I’m conserving my energy for when I crush you again later.”

Ken laughs, but the rest of the group barely glances up, too busy sorting through the tangled net and bickering over how to set it up. David takes that as his cue and grabs his towel, walking a little farther up the shore to find a quiet spot.

Once he finds a patch of soft sand, he spreads his towel out and sinks onto it with a sigh. Closing his eyes, he tries to focus on the warmth of the sun on his skin and the soothing sound of the waves lapping at the shore. The group’s chatter, laughter, and the faint hum of music fade into the background, giving him a brief moment to breathe.

He lets his muscles go slack, giving himself permission to lean into the memory, to feel the ache of missing the person who’s no longer there. It’s not something he likes to do—normally, he’d push it away—but right now, he’s alone. There’s no one to see the sadness that flickers across his face.

David is stirred awake by movement on his back, his body slow to register the sensation. He cracks an eye open and glances over his shoulder, only to find Exer rubbing something into his skin.

“You’re burning,” Exer says with a chuckle when he notices David is awake.

David groans, still trying to shake off the haze of sleep. He rubs his eyes and shifts enough to see the faint red tint on his back beneath the white streaks of sunscreen Exer is applying. He sighs heavily and drops his head back down onto the towel, closing his eyes again. “How long was I asleep?”

“Not that long,” Exer hums, his hands gentle as he continues smoothing the sunscreen over David’s back. “We just finished setting up the water volleyball, so maybe half an hour tops.” Then he laughs, the sound light and teasing. “Still long enough to burn, though. You do know you’re supposed to apply sunscreen before napping in the sun, right? Especially you. I mean, you always burned faster than everyone else, even when we were kids.”

David huffs, his lips quirking into a small, tired smile despite himself. “Thanks for the reminder, Mom,” he says, his voice muffled by the crook of his arm.

Exer laughs softly and gives David’s shoulder a playful squeeze. “Hey, someone’s gotta look out for you.”

David hums in agreement, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. While he’s grateful for it, it does stir something bittersweet in him—a reminder of the person who used to look after him on trips like this, the one who always made sure he didn’t burn, years before.

He opens his eyes just a fraction, determined to stay present, and focuses on the feeling of Exer’s hands on his back. They’re warm and gentle, lingering in a way that feels like more than just applying sunscreen. When David glances toward him, he notices Exer’s soft expression, but his hands are no longer rubbing in sunscreen. Instead, they’re lightly tracing patterns across David’s skin, almost absentmindedly. Occasionally, there’s the pressure of a massaging touch, but it’s clear that Exer doesn’t have much reason to keep going. Yet, he shows no intention of stopping.

David feels heat rising to his face, his stomach flipping with a nervous energy he’s come to recognize all too well. Quickly, he averts his gaze, though Exer doesn’t seem to have noticed him watching. Closing his eyes again, he decides to let it go—choosing to savor the warmth of Exer’s touch, despite the sting of the burn, rather than call him out.

He could, of course. He could absolutely tease Exer about this, get back at him for all the times he’s made David blush this trip. But he knows what would happen then. Exer would stop. And David doesn’t want that. Not right now.

So, he acts clueless, letting the moment stretch on, and buries his face in the crook of his arm to hide the wide, wobbly smile spreading across his face. The butterflies in his stomach flutter relentlessly, and for once, David is more than happy to let them.

Exer begins humming softly to the song playing in the background, its melody drifting over from where the group’s boombox sits. The sound takes David back to a specific memory—one of those simple, perfect moments he didn’t know would stick with him. It was the evening Exer had to close up the café after hours. David had stayed behind, keeping him company and helping where he could, rewarded with endless lattes as his unofficial payment for the extra hands.

That same song had come on the radio then, and David remembers the way Exer turned the volume up, his face lighting up as he grabbed David’s hand without hesitation. “C’mon,” Exer had said, pulling him into a spontaneous dance right there between the tables.

It had been a perfect little moment, a much-needed break from the chaos that had seemed endless at the time. Just the two of them, moving effortlessly and freely, blushing as Exer twirled him around before dramatically dipping him low, as if they were at a ballroom instead of a cafe.

“I’d like for you and I to go romancing,” Exer sings quietly now, his voice wrapping around the lyrics of the Queen song like it did that night. David doesn’t even have to look at him to know he’s smiling—he can hear it in the warmth of Exer’s tone, the way the words come out almost like a whisper meant just for him. It makes the butterflies in David’s stomach stir again, stronger than ever.

The memory feels like a gentle touch against David’s chest, pushing away the lingering unease from the one earlier. It reminds him that, despite the moments that weigh him down, there are plenty of memories—like this one—that lift him back up, filling him with happiness.

Exer’s hands eventually come to a stop, resting gently on David’s back as though reluctant to pull away. “There,” he says softly, his voice warm and teasing. “All done. You’re officially protected from the sun—and from your terrible decision-making.”

David chuckles, lifting his head just enough to glance back at him. “You’re acting like I purposely fell asleep in the sun.”

Exer arches an eyebrow, his lips quirking into a smirk. “Oh, I’m sure it was totally accidental. But your bag was right there, and you could’ve easily put sunscreen on before laying down.”

David rolls his eyes, propping himself up on his elbows. “Well, that’s why I have you. My personal sunscreen assistant.”

Exer laughs, sitting back on his heels and stretching his arms over his head. The motion pulls his tank top slightly higher, revealing a sliver of skin that David tries—and fails—not to notice. “I don’t remember signing up for that job,” Exer quips. “But I guess I’m stuck with it now.”

David huffs a laugh, brushing sand from his arms as he sits up fully. The sun is higher in the sky now, and the sounds of the others laughing and shouting near the lake bring him back to the present. He glances at Exer, who’s watching him with that same easy smile, and for a brief moment, the memory of earlier—the tracing, the gentleness—lingers between them.

“Ready to join the chaos?” Exer asks, gesturing toward the lake where Ken is loudly boasting about his volleyball skills, only to be promptly corrected by Jolie. “They’re probably about to start without us.”

David hesitates for a moment, but eventually nods, pushing himself to his feet. “Yeah, let’s go. But don’t think this means you’re off the hook for that competition earlier,” he says with a smirk as he picks up his towel.

Exer stands too, brushing sand off his legs with a grin. “Oh? Still upset about losing?”

David snorts, slinging the towel over his shoulder. “I didn’t lose—you cheated.”

Exer leans in just enough to make David’s breath hitch. “If you say so, Day.”

David’s face burns, and he quickly turns toward the lake, hiding his reaction behind a pointed, “Let’s just go.” He can’t fight the smile creeping onto his face, though, especially when Exer falls into step beside him.

By the time they reach the others, the laughter and energy of the group pulls him in, and he’s ready to win some more.

Chapter Text

Chapter 3

“Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies”

— Little Lies

“I don’t know whose bright idea it was to put the two dodgeball champions on the same team,” Jackson groans as he collapses onto the log. “But I think that person should be on dish duty.”

David nods in agreement, finishing off the last bite of his mac and cheese, though a small part of him feels offended at not being included in the so-called “dodgeball champions.” Sure, he’s never played against Ken or Elijah, but he’s won his fair share of dodgeball matches.

Elijah and Ken share a celebratory high five, clearly proud of themselves, while Brenda, sitting between them, speaks up with a satisfied shrug. “Well, volleyball isn’t dodgeball, so,” she says, looking far too pleased with herself.

David rolls his eyes. “Oh, please. You’re just happy because you were on their team.”

Brenda flips her hair dramatically. “Or maybe you’re just a sore loser.”

David huffs, leaning back against the log as he crosses his arms. “I’m not a sore loser,” he retorts, though the faint pout tugging at his lips doesn’t do much to support his case. “I’m just saying the teams were obviously stacked. It was basically a setup.”

Ken grins as he tosses an arm over Brenda’s shoulders. “Keep telling yourself that, Blondie. Some of us are just naturally gifted.”

Bold move, David thinks, eyeing the arm draped around Brenda’s shoulders. He feels the urge to say something about it—to remind Ken that, as her brother, he has a vested interest in who gets that close to her. But David holds back, knowing his overprotectiveness has caused problems before. If Brenda really likes Ken, then he’s going to try to be supportive. At least for now.

So, instead, he rolls his eyes. “Gifted at being insufferable,” he mutters under his breath, earning a laugh from Exer, who sits beside him, still toweling off his damp hair.

“Don’t let him get to you,” Exer teases, bumping David’s shoulder lightly. “You were great out there. Almost too great, if you ask me. Had me worried you were going to spike one of those balls at my face.”

David cracks a small smile, glancing at Exer. “I should’ve. You’re supposed to be on my side.”

Exer smirks. “I was on your side… until the ball came my way.”

Pamela walks over, balancing a stack of empty plates in her hands. “Alright, enough whining about losing,” she says with a grin, raising her voice slightly to cut through the bickering. “Time to clean up the campsite. Let’s make it nice and neat before the next round of chaos.”

Ken groans dramatically, letting his head fall back. “Do we have to? I’m still recovering from carrying this team.”

“You carried nothing,” Jolie interjects as she walks by, rolling her eyes and tossing a bundle of napkins at him. “Start with these.”

They all get to work tidying up the campsite. David gathers stray cups while Exer packs away the leftover food. Elijah and Ken, unsurprisingly, turn cleaning into a competition, racing to see who can clear their area faster. Jolie and Timothy sweep near the tents, while Ron organizes the firewood pile. Jackson, Pamela, and Brenda tackle the dishes.

By the time the sun begins to set, the campsite looks much tidier. The soft hues of twilight cast a warm glow over everything, making the effort feel worthwhile as they take a moment to admire their work.

David stretches, feeling the first hint of the evening chill in the air, and glances at Exer. “Think it’s time to grab something warmer?” he asks, nodding toward their tent.

Exer rolls his shoulders and nods. “Definitely. It’s getting cold fast.”

They walk side by side toward the tent, the fading light casting long, soft shadows across the ground. “I still don’t get how it can go from blazing hot to freezing the second the sun starts setting,” David mutters.

“It’s nature’s way of reminding us we’re not in charge,” Exer replies with a chuckle, unzipping the tent and stepping inside first. David follows, the distant laughter and chatter of the group fading behind him as he zips the tent closed. He quickly rummages through his bag for a long sleeve, while Exer pulls out a sweater that looks strangely familiar.

As David slips on his shirt, he glances at Exer and raises an eyebrow. “Is that mine?”

Exer pulls the sweater over his head, completely unbothered, and shrugs. “Yeah? We’ve been borrowing each other’s clothes for years. Why so surprised now?” he chuckles.

It’s true—they have. From oversized hoodies to random shirts left behind after sleepovers, sharing clothes had always been normal. But it feels different now, like something deeper is wrapped up in the gesture. “I guess, but..” David starts, then hesitates. He zips up his bag, staring at the fabric as he tries to gather his thoughts. He sighs and looks back at Exer, ready to say something, but the words slip away, leaving him to shrug instead.

Exer tilts his head, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. “Do you want it back?” he asks, his tone uncertain. He tugs at the hem of the sweater almost nervously, and David swears he catches a hint of insecurity.

David laughs, shaking his head as he stands up, cheeks flushing. He reaches for Exer’s hands, his own warming as he holds them. “No, I just…” He trails off, staring at their hands to avoid Exer’s gaze. “I like it when you wear it,” he admits quietly, his face heating even more.

Exer’s soft laugh makes David’s ears burn, and he instinctively looks away, embarrassed. But before he can hide completely, Exer gently cups his chin, guiding his face back toward him. David barely has time to process before Exer leans in, their lips meeting in a brief, tender kiss.

Exer pulls back, his own cheeks flushed, and smiles shyly. “I like it when you wear my clothes too.”

David’s heart feels like it’s soaring, a wide, wobbly smile spreading across his face. He doesn’t trust himself to speak, so he just squeezes Exer’s hands and lets the moment speak for itself.

After a moment, Exer tilts his head toward the tent door. “Should we head back before they think we ditched them to start our own campfire.”

David laughs, shaking his head as he grabs the blanket draped over his bag. “Yeah, let’s go. But don’t expect me to let you steal this next,” he teases, holding up the blanket.

Exer grins. “We’ll see about that.” And with their hands still loosely linked, they step back out into the evening.

They return just in time to see Ken and Ron coming back from the car, lugging a large cooler between them. They set it down with a loud thud in the middle of the group, Ken letting out an exaggerated huff as he wipes the sweat from his brow. 

“I forgot how heavy this thing is,” he says dramatically, but his exhaustion is short-lived. His expression brightens when he notices everyone’s eyes on him. “Alright, everyone ready to get this party started?” he announces with a wide grin, gripping the lid of the cooler as if unveiling treasure.

David and Exer share an amused glance before stepping closer to join the rest of the group peeking inside. David’s eyebrows shoot up as he takes in the sight. It’s exactly what Ken said it would be last night, but the sheer number of them still catches him off guard.

“Damn, that’s a lot of beer, Ken,” Jackson says, voicing exactly what David’s thinking. “I mean, there’s barely any ice in there. It’s just… beers. So many beers.”

“Yeah, I think you might’ve gone a little overboard,” Pamela teases, her comment met with nods and chuckles of agreement.

Ken doesn’t seem fazed, simply shrugging as he crouches beside the cooler. “We’re a big group, so it makes sense. You might think this is too much now, but you’ll be glad when you don’t have to share later.”

“He’s not wrong,” Exer adds, letting go of David’s hand as he steps forward and picks up one of the beers. He lightly tosses it in the air before catching it, flashing a smile. “We’ve got ten people here. This is probably for the best.” He offers the beer to Ron, then starts helping Ken pass them out to the rest of the group.

Exer hands David a beer with a small smile, their fingers brushing for just a moment, and David looks away quickly to hide the faint blush he feels creeping up. 

Brenda raises an eyebrow as she accepts hers. “You do realize there’s no way we’re drinking all this, right?”

“Probably not,” Ken admits, finally grabbing one for himself and cracking it open. “But it’s better to have too much than not enough, right?”

Some time later, they’re all gathered in a circle around the campfire, beers in hand, playing a round of Never Have I Ever to get the night going. The boombox hums in the background, the crackling fire casting flickering light across their faces.

“Ugh, Ken, for the last time, I did not have a crush on Mr. Johnson!” Jolie exclaims, shooting him a deadly glare. It’s obvious Ken’s turn was aimed specifically at her.

“Oh, come on, we both know that’s not true,” Ken teases, grinning as he gestures toward her drink. “Drink up!”

Despite her dramatic eye roll, Jolie huffs and takes a sip, making the rest of the group giggle.

David doesn’t join in, though. His attention drifts to Exer, who’s laughing along with the others, completely unsuspecting. A memory sparks, and David smirks, nudging him in the ribs. “Exer, do I need to remind you that you should be drinking too?”

A chorus of “Oohs” ripple through the group as all eyes snap to Exer. His head jerks toward David, eyes wide in confusion. “What?”

David grins, stretching out the moment before delivering the finishing blow. “Dude, I remember you staring at Miss Breanna.”

Ken practically howls. “No way! Exer, you dog! She was so much older!” The group erupts into laughter, and David can’t help but relish Exer’s expression.

For a moment, Exer looks completely lost, but then realization dawns, and he groans, rubbing his face. “David, I told you it wasn’t like that.”

“Oh, please,” David counters, grinning as he leans in closer. “You had those dreamy eyes.”

The laughter around them only grows, and David feels a deep sense of satisfaction. Finally—finally—he’s managed to turn the tables, to embarrass Exer the way Exer has embarrassed him countless times this trip. Sweet, sweet payback.

But Exer, stubborn as ever, simply shakes his head, refusing to take a sip. David lets it go with a shrug, raising his own bottle to his lips and taking a sip instead.

That, however, immediately gets Exer’s attention.

His back straightens, eyes going wide. “What? What are you drinking for?!” he demands.

David lowers his bottle just enough to flash him an innocent smile. “Oh, wouldn’t you like to know?”

Exer gapes at him, caught completely off guard, while the group erupts into chaos around them.

“Oh, come on, now you have to tell us, David!” Ken exclaims, his grin widening as the rest of the group chimes in with encouragement.

But David simply shakes his head, smirking as he leans back. “Not part of the game,” he says smoothly. It’s not even that he’s embarrassed by his answer—he just enjoys getting a reaction out of them. “You said, Never have I ever had a crush on a teacher, not which one.”

Ken narrows his eyes playfully, pointing at David from across the fire. “I will get it out of you one of these days.”

While the next person contemplates their turn, David feels Exer leaning in beside him. His voice is low, barely audible over the crackling fire and the chatter. “I didn’t know you had a crush on a teacher,” he whispers, and there’s something almost—dare he say—offended in his tone. “Who?”

David turns to face him, his smirk growing. He leans in just as close. “Jealous?” he teases, watching for a reaction.

And there it is—the faint blush creeping up Exer’s neck, the slight widening of his eyes. Victory.

For a few seconds, they just stare at each other, neither backing down, the warmth of the fire reflecting in Exer’s flushed face. But before David can push further, someone interrupts.

“Oh! I got one!” Brenda announces, pulling everyone’s attention back to the game.

David flashes one last smug smile before turning away, pretending to focus on Brenda. From the corner of his eye, he catches Exer huff quietly beside him before also shifting his attention. But not before muttering, just loud enough for David to hear, “I’m not jealous.”

It takes everything in David not to burst out laughing.

Brenda, oblivious to their exchange, sits up a little straighter, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Never Have I Ever gotten into a physical fight,” she declares, scanning the group with a triumphant smirk.

David lets out a low whistle, watching as nearly everyone instinctively exchanges glances. Smart move. Of all of them, Brenda is practically the only one who has never been in a fight.

Still, David can’t help but dart a quick, nervous glance toward Exer and Jackson. But to his relief, neither of them seems tense—both are smiling, even laughing a little.

One by one, people start taking sips, the game pressing on—but David still feels the warmth of Exer’s stare lingering on him, like an unfinished conversation waiting to be picked back up.

“Alright, Ron, do your worst,” Brenda challenges, nudging Ronald beside her.

Ron raises an eyebrow, “My worst?” His smirk sharpens, eyes glinting with mischief.

She nods confidently. “Take it away.”

Ron scans the group, pretending to be deep in thought, his gaze sweeping over everyone like a hunter searching for prey. Unfortunately for David, Ron’s eyes land on him—and then flicker briefly to Exer, who’s still slightly sulking beside David, arms crossed and avoiding David’s eyes. That alone seems to spark an idea in Ron’s head, because his smirk widens, and his attention flicks fully back to David.

“Never have I ever, do more than kiss in public place.”

David groans instantly, regretting every life choice that led to him telling Ron about his date with Amanda at the movie theater.

The reaction is immediate—gasps, whistles, a few disgusted “ew”s from the group. Rolling his eyes, David begrudgingly takes a sip, muttering, “I never should’ve told you about that.”

Laughter erupts around him, but the silence to his right is what catches his attention. He turns his head to find Exer gaping at him, wide-eyed, looking genuinely shocked.

But the expression shifts fast—his lips press together in a tight line, brows furrowing into something grumpy, almost pouty. He looks away stiffly, and David barely catches the muttered words under his breath.

“You never told me.”

David swallows. Before, he enjoyed getting a reaction out of Exer, but this—this actually makes his stomach twist with sympathy. He’s about to say something, maybe even reach for his hand under the cover of the dim firelight, when—

From the corner of his eye, he catches movement.

Brenda.

Taking a sip.

David freezes. Wait.

His twin sister—his ‘baby’ sister (technically older by a few minutes, but still)—just took a sip.

His brain short-circuits.

He shoots up to his feet. “Brenda?!”

Every head whips toward her as she gulps, eyes widening at the sudden outburst. “What?” she asks innocently, playing dumb, her face slowly turning pink. 

David’s mouth opens and closes like a fish, his brain scrambling to process this new—and absolutely horrifying—information. “When?! Where?! Who?!” His voice keeps rising. “I thought you—I mean, I thought you were still—”

A virgin? Yes. That’s what he wants to say. But he wisely stops himself from actually saying that out loud.

Something hot and adrenaline-filled surges through his veins, a protectiveness he’s never quite felt before—which says a lot.

Why didn’t Brenda ever tell him?

Who could she have possibly—?

His thoughts crash to a halt.

Oh.

Oh.

Recognition flickers in Brenda’s eyes at the exact same moment it clicks in his head. Her face pales, and she scrambles to her feet in panic. “Wait, David, no—”

But it’s too late.

David spins sharply, his eyes locking onto Exer like a sniper. Exer’s expression goes from shocked to horrified in real time.

“You!” David jabs a finger into Exer’s chest. Though there’s no real force behind it, Exer flinches so hard that he topples backward off the log, landing flat on his back in the dirt.

“David, stop!” Brenda yells. “Me and Exer didn’t do anything! I literally just wanted a sip—I forgot about the game for a second!”

The fire crackles. Crickets chirp in the distance. Music hums softly in the background. 

No one moves.

Silence.

Pure, painfully awkward silence.

David remains frozen, looming over his boyfriend, his finger still pointed accusingly in his face. The rest of the group stares in absolute shock.

Finally, Brenda speaks again, her tone low and warning. “David.”

Slowly, David straightens back up, clearing his throat. He takes a step back, eyes flickering between Exer—still on the ground, blinking up at him in disbelief—and the rest of the group, all of them staring at him, completely caught off guard.

Then he sheepishly rubs the back of his neck and lets out a weak chuckle. 

Unfortunately for David, the awkward silence stretches on, making his skin prickle with embarrassment. He shifts uncomfortably, glancing around the group. What surprises him most is Ken.

David had fully expected him to burst out laughing, maybe throw in a joke to lighten the mood. But instead, Ken looks pale. Almost as terrified as Exer had been.

Well, David supposes there’s at least one silver lining in all of this—Ken now definitely knows not to mess with Brenda.

His attention shifts back to his sister, who is still glaring daggers at him. The weight of guilt crashes down on him immediately, making his stomach twist. He opens his mouth to apologize, to say something, but before he can, Pamela stands up and claps her hands together.

“How about a different game?” she suggests, her voice cutting through the tension like a lifeline.

A chorus of agreement follows, and David is grateful for the distraction. He takes the opportunity to awkwardly sit back down next to Exer, keeping his gaze firmly on the fire rather than meeting his boyfriend’s eyes.

The weight of what just happened sinks in deeper with every passing second. He just made a complete fool of himself. The urge to down the rest of the beer in his hand is strong, but that would probably only draw more attention. So instead, he settles for a small sip, hoping to shake off the embarrassment.

So much for being supportive.

“Well, we started playing ‘Never Have I Ever’ to get to know each other better, right?” Timothy speaks up when no one else does. “Let’s do Two Truths and a Lie instead.”

David exhales, relieved. That seems innocent enough. No risky questions, no room for hurt feelings, no chance of another outburst. It’s just a simple game—a way to get to know each other better, like Timothy said.

He pushes down his lingering shame and does his best to stop moping. With a small nod, he forces himself back into the moment, determined to salvage what’s left of the night.

It takes a while, but after a few rounds, the tension finally starts to ease. Whether everyone has truly forgotten about his outburst or is just pretending to, David isn’t sure. Either way, the mood is lighter again, and he can finally breathe—though the embarrassment still lingers beneath the surface.

So does the guilt.

He glances at Exer, who’s pretending to be deep in thought, deciding on his own truths and lie. He doesn’t look upset, exactly, but David can feel the tension between them, invisible but heavy.

Is it because David accused him of doing something inappropriate with Brenda? Or is it because he feels left out, realizing there are things about David he didn’t know? Probably both.

Either way, David knows he needs to fix it.

“What do you have so far?” he whispers, leaning in slightly, hoping to ease the tension.

Exer doesn’t answer right away, and the silence tightens the knot in David’s stomach. But then, finally, Exer offers a small smile, his eyes flickering toward him. “You’re not supposed to know them.”

David exhales quietly, relief filling his chest at the teasing, gentle tone. “We’ve been close since we were eight. I doubt there’s much I wouldn’t know.”

He means it as a reassurance, a reminder of how strong their bond has always been—how much closer they are now. But Exer’s smile falters, and his gaze shifts back to the fire.

“And yet there are things I didn’t know.”

David stills. His first instinct is to reach out, to apologize—to say something to make it better. But then, his lips press together as another thought creeps in.

That’s not fair.

Exer didn’t just keep small things from him. He hid a whole relationship. And not just with anyone—with Brenda. His sister. 

David knows they’ve moved past it. He’s forgiven him. But that doesn’t erase the fact that it happened. And now Exer is upset over something as insignificant as David not sharing the details of a past date? A tiny crush on a teacher?

It’s not like they ever talked about those things.

David tries to think of a single moment where Exer confided in him about a date—sharing details, gushing about someone he liked. He can’t. It was never how their friendship worked. It wasn’t something they built their bond on.

And yet, when he looks at Exer—sees the quiet hurt in his expression—David feels guilty anyway. Because Exer cares. More than he lets on.

Just as David opens his mouth to say something, Pamela claps her hands together. “Alright, my turn!” she announces, drawing everyone’s attention.

The conversation is over before it even begins.

But David knows it’s not the end of it.

For now, though, he shifts his focus back to the game, turning his attention to Pamela.

“I once skipped an entire school day to see one of my favorite bands so I could get a good spot,” she begins, her tone casual. That seems believable enough. “I once ate an entire jar of expired pickles because I wanted to prove to Marco that I was tougher than him in a bet.” David grimaces. Disgusting, but not impossible. “And,” she pauses, her smirk widening, clearly enjoying the suspense. “I have a secret tattoo. “I have a secret tattoo.”

David can’t help but let his surprise show, and the others react just as loudly.

“A tattoo?!” Brenda gasps. “That can’t be true!”

Pamela shrugs innocently, making it impossible to tell if she’s bluffing or not.

David studies her. Maybe she knew everyone would immediately assume that the tattoo was the lie, because it sounds the most far-fetched. Maybe that’s exactly what she’s counting on.  But it’s also the only one that seems like a lie to him. Skipping school to see a band? Easily believable. The pickle jar? Gross, but David has a sister of his own, and he wouldn’t put it past Brenda to do something just as ridiculous just to prove a point to him.

He steals a glance at Exer, who’s still quiet but at least seems to have moved on from earlier, his focus now on Pamela. His brows are furrowed, the mention of a tattoo has clearly thrown him off, debating the truth behind the claim.

Deciding this is the perfect opportunity to ease whatever tension still lingers between them, David leans in slightly. “What do you think?” he asks, hoping a little team-up will help lighten things between them.

Exer doesn’t look at him right away, his eyes still narrowed at Pam. “It has to be the tattoo, right?” he mutters.

David hums but keeps his eyes on Exer, hoping he’ll meet his gaze. “You don’t think it could be a trap?”

That seems to do the trick. Exer finally looks at him, and David feels a small sense of relief when he catches a more genuine smile—though he suspects it’s aimed more at Pamela than at him.

“I think she wants us to think it’s a trap,” Exer says, voice low with amusement.

David huffs out a quiet laugh. Of course. He can always count on Exer to try and outthink everyone. He turns his focus back to Pamela, studying her carefully, trying to find any sign that Exer’s theory might be right.

She does look a little too confident.

But that’s what makes it so hard to tell. Is she expecting them to pick one of the other options? Or is she counting on them to call her bluff about the tattoo—only for it to turn out to be true?

Either way, she’s clever.

But so is Exer.

David glances back at him and gives a small nod, silently putting his trust in Exer’s instincts. Then, they wait for the rest of the group to make their final guesses, anticipation hanging in the air.

Turns out, David and Exer are among the few who guess correctly. When Pamela finally reveals the truth, she shakes her head with a laugh. “How would I even get a tattoo?” she teases, grinning at everyone who guessed wrong.

David and Exer share a high-five, the simple gesture sending a wave of relief through David. It’s nothing special, but it feels like a quiet return to normal—like an unspoken reassurance between them.

Ken groans dramatically. “I don’t know, you seem like the type to get some sketchy stick-and-poke or something.”

Pamela pauses mid-laugh, raising an eyebrow at him. “Is that a compliment or an insult?”

Ken opens his mouth to respond, but before he can, Ron cuts in smoothly, nodding toward Pamela with a smirk. “Compliment,” he says, adding a small wink.

Pamela considers this for a moment, then shrugs, satisfied. “Alright, I’ll take it.” Then she turns back to Ken, pointing at him with a triumphant grin. “Better drink up.”

Ken rolls his eyes but lifts his beer in mock defeat, taking a sip. “I gotta admit,” he concedes with a smirk as he lowers the bottle, “that was a good one. Not sure how anyone’s gonna top it.”

Brenda hums playfully. “I don’t know,” she singsongs, tossing her hair a little too smugly. “I think mine’s pretty good.”

He raises an eyebrow at her confidence. He’s literally known her since birth, and aside from the whole magic situation—which everyone here already knows about—their lives haven’t exactly been packed with jaw-dropping surprises.

Ken looks equally skeptical. “Yeah, Barbie? You think you can do better?”

David barely registers Brenda’s reaction, he’s too busy faking a dramatic gag at the nickname. “I’m not gonna survive it if they actually become a couple,” he mutters to Exer, who snorts a laugh.

“You might want to pay attention to this one,” Exer whispers, and there’s something in his tone that catches David’s interest. He follows Exer’s gaze toward Brenda, who’s now looking directly at David with a mischievous smile that makes him uneasy.

Suddenly, he has the distinct feeling that underestimating her was a mistake.

“I once wrote a love letter to a boy in seventh grade,” Brenda begins innocently, “but when he didn’t respond, I pretended it was meant for someone else.”

David cringes internally. He knows that one is true. He was already in full protective brother mode by then, and the memory of pacing around their room muttering about “how dumb middle school boys are” still lingers.

“I entered a couples skate contest with a stranger once and won. He asked me out afterward,” she adds proudly, like she just delivered her trump card, but David immediately calls bluff. Between the two of them, he was always the better skater.

And then, with perfect timing, she delivers the final blow. Her eyes flick to him, her grin sharpening.

“Freshman year, I tricked David into dressing as a ballerina for spirit week by telling him the entire football team was doing it.”

Heat floods David’s face. The memory slams into him before the laughter even starts. He lets out a groan and slaps a hand over his face, shaking his head as everyone cracks up around the fire.

“Well,” Jackson grins, “judging by that reaction, I think we’ve found at least one truth.”

David doesn’t reply. He keeps his hand firmly over his face, hoping the fire might just swallow him whole.

The only consolation is Exer’s hand, warm and comforting as it rubs gently along his back. 

He remembers it all too well. And he’s sure Exer does too. Freshman year had already been rough—dealing with the divorce, moving schools because of the split custody. For a little while, Brenda and David had been stuck in a new town. Being separated from Exer during that time was the hardest part. There’d been no one to warn him the football team wasn’t actually dressing as ballerinas. No one to save him from Brenda’s petty revenge prank after a sibling argument.

He’d cried to Exer over the phone the next day, humiliated. Exer had been angry on his behalf, even held a grudge against Brenda longer than David did. Their dad had laid into her when it was his custody week, and their mom hadn’t exactly been thrilled either.

Brenda had felt awful then.

Now? She is laughing harder than anyone.

While the group eagerly starts guessing which of Brenda’s stories is the lie, Exer leans in close to David, his breath warm against his ear. “I think it’s time you reveal some truths of your own,” he whispers.

David turns to him, brows furrowed in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

Exer just smiles and glances toward Brenda, who’s now explaining that her lie was something she always wished had happened. “Pick a truth she knows nothing about,” he says casually, eyes twinkling with mischief.

David follows his gaze, watching Brenda animatedly recount parts of their infamous spirit week from freshman year. But when he turns back to Exer and sees that look—a grin pulling at his lips, a very particular glint in his eye—it hits him.

David’s eyes widen.

“Oh no,” he breathes. After a beat of stunned silence, he grabs Exer’s arm and quickly twists them both slightly away from the rest of the group, lowering his voice to a frantic whisper. “You promised to take that to your grave.”

Exer doesn’t even blink. He just grins wider, utterly unapologetic. “Oh, come on, Day. It’s the perfect revenge.”

David stares at him, trying to hold firm, but Exer’s expression is so smug and self-satisfied that it’s obvious—he knows David’s about to give in.

And truth be told, it’s nice seeing this version of Exer again. The one who’s fully back in the moment, clearly having fun, not sulking or stewing over earlier tension. He doesn’t have the heart to ruin it.

With a resigned sigh, David straightens up. “Fine,” he mutters, not quite meeting Exer’s eyes as he folds his arms. “But you’re helping me come up with a lie.”

“Sure thing, babe,” Exer says immediately, flashing a wink.

David groans, burying his face in his hands again—not from embarrassment over the memory this time, but from the fresh blush creeping across his cheeks.

He already knows he’s going to regret this.

But not enough to stop smiling.

After a few whispered moments plotting out their plan, the two of them turn back and David claps his hands to get everyone’s attention. “Alright, guys, listen up! I’ve got mine.”

He catches Exer’s eye, who nods encouragingly.

David starts with the lie they planned: “I once set a toaster on fire trying to make breakfast.”

Technically, it wasn’t a toaster—it was the oven. But Exer had suggested keeping it close to the truth to make it more believable.

There are a few audible winces and groans of secondhand embarrassment, followed by scattered chuckles.

Then he launches into the next one, unable to hide a grin. “Exer once dared me to fake faint in the middle of a store so he could steal a candy bar. And I actually did it.”

There is a mix of laughter, shocked faces, and raised brows from around the circle. Some people clearly skeptical, others impressed.

Then comes the final truth. His darkest secret.

David’s stomach tightens, but he forces his tone to stay light as he delivers the last truth. “I accidentally killed Brenda’s pet hamster when I was ten,” he says, then pauses dramatically, “and replaced it with an identical one before she ever noticed.”

Silence.

Then gasps.

Brenda’s the loudest before she bursts into disbelieving laughter. “No way! That’s insane!”

David keeps his face as neutral as he can, doing everything in his power not to react. He gives a cool shrug, but inside he’s practically screaming.

Ken shakes his head, clearly entertained. “Damn, dude. Either that’s a lie, or you’ve got some serious criminal potential.”

“Cold-blooded,” Elijah adds with a low whistle, and a few others murmured their agreement, still reeling.

Brenda waves her hand, still grinning. “Oh, come on. That’s obviously the lie. You guys think I wouldn’t notice if someone swapped my hamster?” She leans back smugly. “I was obsessed with Princess.”

Out of the corner of his eye, David sees Exer waggle his eyebrows and bites back a laugh. He’s clearly having way too much fun with this.

“Aww, I miss Princess,” Brenda adds, looking nostalgic, and making David want to crawl into a hole.

“So that’s your guess?” Exer chimes in, leaning back on his hands. “You really think that’s the lie? You seriously believe I’d make David fake faint just so I could steal candy? I’m hurt.” His voice is playful, but the mock offense sells it perfectly.

Jackson chuckles. “You really wanna pretend that’s beneath you?”

Exer lifts both hands in surrender, grinning. “Okay, fair. I may have a bit of a reputation. But still, I’m impressed. You guys really think David would pull off something that shady?” 

David just shakes his head, smiling as he watches his boyfriend work the crowd. Sneaky bastard.

Ron chimes in, “Honest? I think both hamster and store story are true, and they’re just throwing us off with that toaster thing.”

A collective “oooh” rises from the group, and Pamela nods slowly in agreement, clearly intrigued by the theory. But Brenda just shakes her head, unimpressed.

“You guys are giving David way too much credit in the kitchen,” she says, pointing at him. “He once started a fire in the oven just trying to make a frozen pizza. I wouldn’t be shocked if a toaster went down, too.”

Exer laughs out loud, and even David cracks a smile. She’s so close to the truth, but she’s completely distracted by the wrong detail.

“I don’t know, Bren,” Pamela murmurs. “I think Ron might be on to something.” She raises her hand to vote for the toaster story as the lie.

The rest of the votes roll in: Jackson and Elijah side with Brenda, probably hoping—for her sake—that the hamster story is the lie. Jolie and Timothy pick the store fainting stunt, placing their faith in Exer’s supposed innocence. Ken joins Pamela and Ron, siding with the theory that David and Exer are just playing mind games.

All eyes shift back to David.

There’s a beat of silence. Everyone’s waiting for the answer.

But David just stares at them, unable to force the words out. He groans and looks to his side at Exer, who’s practically glowing with excitement. “Go ahead, Ex,” he mutters, resigned. “Reveal it.”

Exer doesn’t hesitate. “Rest in peace, OG Princess,” he says solemnly.

The group erupts.

Gasps, shocked laughter, and a very loud “What?!” from Brenda, who shoots to her feet and stares at David like he just admitted to treason.

David groans. This was supposed to be satisfying. Sweet revenge. But it mostly just feels like guilt.

“I’m sorry, Bren,” he says, his voice low and sincere. “You were gone. I just wanted to hold her and she—well—I dropped her. I panicked. Told Dad. He took me to the pet store before you came back.”

Brenda slumps back down onto her seat, eyes wide, mouth open. “Unbelievable.”

“If it makes you feel any better,” Exer offers with a grin, “David totally cried at her funeral.”

David immediately shoots him a glare. “Seriously?” So this was the price of Exer’s help.

Ken snorts, clearly delighted. “Wait, you had a funeral for the hamster?”

“Her name was Princess,” Brenda mutters, correcting him with a pout.

Ken immediately looks guilty. “Right, sorry. Princess.” Then he turns back to Exer. “Seriously? There was a funeral?”

Exer nods. “Mr. Miller threw her out. But David felt bad, so he climbed into the dumpster, found her, and made me help bury her in my backyard.”

There’s a ripple of sympathetic “aww”s around the circle, but David barely hears them. The noise of the group blurs into the background as he stares at the fire, his thoughts drifting elsewhere.

“Are you sure Brenda won’t notice?” David asks, squinting at the new hamster as it explores the little plastic tunnels of its new home. The new Princess. The one he’s not allowed to touch—and doesn’t want to.

He hadn’t even been supposed to hold the original Princess. She was Brenda’s pet, and he always pretended not to care about her. David likes dogs , not hamsters . Hamsters are girly .

But when Brenda had gone shopping with their mom earlier in the afternoon, curiosity had won. He’d wandered into her room, just to look at Princess for a minute. Just to see what the fuss was about.

But then he wanted to pet her. And after that, to hold her. Because no matter what he told himself, Princess was cute .

When he tried to put her back, he tripped. She slipped from his hands.

At first, he thought it was fine. It hadn’t been a big fall. But then he noticed how still she was. Too still.

It was humiliating to cry in front of his dad—panicked, rambling, unable to stop himself from sounding like a mess. He knew how his dad usually reacted to that kind of thing.

But instead of yelling, his dad took him to the pet store.

David had been nervous about replacing the hamster. It felt wrong —like lying . He remembered bringing that up in the car, unsure if it was really okay.

But his dad had waved it off. Told him that this wasn’t really lying. That it was about protecting Brenda from a hard truth. That sometimes people— especially women —didn’t need the full truth. It only made them emotional. And emotional was a problem.

So here they are now.

Back home.

With a new Princess.

And David, sitting silently beside the cage, trying to forget the first one died.

“She won’t notice a difference, son,” William says with a chuckle, lifting the shoebox holding Princess’s tiny body. “Trust me.”

David trails behind him as he heads for the door, his stomach twisting. “Where are you taking her?” he asks quietly, guilt still pressing heavy on his chest.

“To the dumpster,” William replies without pause. “We don’t want Brenda to find her, now do we?”

David freezes. The dumpster? That doesn’t feel right. Not at all.

“Shouldn’t we bury her or something?” he blurts out before he can stop himself. The words hang awkwardly in the air, and as soon as his dad turns to look at him, David regrets it.

William raises an eyebrow. “I thought you didn’t care about the hamster.”

David’s throat tightens. He’s suddenly aware of how still he is, how vulnerable he must look. He wants to explain, wants to say that he didn’t care, but that doesn’t mean she deserved to be thrown away like trash. But the words won’t come.

William exhales sharply, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “David, you’re not gonna start crying again, are you?”

He hadn’t even realized the lump in his throat was back until now. He quickly clears it and shakes his head, fast.

“Good,” William says firmly. “You’re growing up. And this ?” He raises the box slightly. “ This is not something to get emotional over. That’s the kind of thing your sister would do.”

David swallows hard and nods, straightening his back. “I understand.”

It makes his chest ache, thinking of Princess ending up in a dumpster. But when his dad smiles and steps closer to rest a heavy hand on his shoulder, David feels a flash of something else—relief. Like he’s finally done something right.

“Good.” William’s voice is low and satisfied. “I’ll take care of our little secret. And not a word to your mother, alright?”

David exhales. “Promise.”

William ruffles his hair with a grin and winks. “You’ll understand when you’re older and have a wife of your own, champ.”

David nods again, but all he feels is cold.

It’s the warmth of a hand on his knee that pulls David back. He blinks, a little surprised, and finds himself looking into Exer’s eyes, full of quiet concern.

“Hey,” Exer whispers gently, “you good? You know Brenda’s not actually mad, right? Look.” He nods toward the fire.

David follows his gaze. Sure enough, Brenda is grinning, nudging Ron playfully as she laughs at something he’s said.

But the memory still lingers, a dull ache he can’t quite shake.

Exer’s hand shifts slightly, his thumb brushing over David’s knee in a soothing motion. “If she’s not upset, you don’t have to be either. It’s been, what, eight years now?”

David forces a breathy laugh and meets his eyes again—those kind, warm brown eyes, so different from his father’s. He exhales slowly. “I know.” He searches for a reason to explain the silence that had settled over him. “Just feeling a little nostalgic, I guess.”

Exer’s smile deepens, the corners of his mouth lifting. “I get that,” he says, giving David’s knee a small squeeze. “We’ve been through a lot together.”

David feels it then, how close they are, how much he wants to lean in and close the tiny distance between them. If they were alone, he would. No hesitation. He’d touch Exer’s face, let himself fall into the comfort of his lips.

But he doesn’t. Not here. Not in front of everyone.

And David knows—it’s him. He’s the one holding back. Even here, surrounded by people who love them, it still feels dangerous. Still feels like a risk.

So instead, he slides his hand over Exer’s, offering a small, quiet smile. A promise. Later.

“Yeah,” he says softly. “We have.”

They stay like that for a moment longer, eyes locked, until Exer smirks. “So, are you gonna help me with mine or what?”

David feels a little lighter now, the weight on his chest easing as he lets out a soft laugh and even manages a wink. “Anything for you, babe.”

The game carries on from there. And while no one quite manages to top David’s dramatic hamster confession, a few rounds still bring out some genuine surprises—things he didn’t know about the others, little details that remind him how much they’ve all grown.

Still, after the memory that resurfaced, it’s a little harder to stay fully present. His focus drifts now and then.

But the sound of everyone’s laughter helps.

So does the bottle in his hand—he’s just finishing his second beer.

They’re wrapping up Ken’s hilariously over-the-top round when a familiar song begins to play through the boombox speakers. The opening chords are unmistakable, and several people gasp in recognition.

“No way,” Ken blurts, springing to his feet. “Tell me that’s you using magic, Exer—because the timing is way too perfect!”

Exer grins and lifts his hands in mock innocence as he gently pulls his hand from David’s. “Not me this time.”

“Great Scott,” Ken whistles. Then he waves his arms dramatically. “Alright, come on! This is supposed to be a party—get up and let’s make it one!”

Exer rises and turns to David, holding out a hand. “Now I know you’d never turn down a chance to dance. Come on, Tony Manero,” he says, wiggling his eyebrows.

David’s unease slips away completely as he laughs, reaching out without hesitation. “You’re ridiculous,” he mutters, but lets Exer pull him up.

They join the others around the fire, where the space has suddenly become a makeshift dance floor. Little Lies by Fleetwood Mac drifts through the night air, echoing off the trees.

Whatever happened earlier—the awkward outbursts, the embarrassing memories, the old ghosts—it all fades under the stars, drowned out by music and movement.

They dance. They jump around. They belt the lyrics with off-key voices, using beer bottles as makeshift microphones, letting the song carry them.

It feels like the perfect soundtrack to the messy, honest game they just played. A little theme song for truths, lies, and everything in between.

And it doesn’t stop there. More songs follow, more beers too—proving Ken’s point that with a group like this, you really do need enough for everyone to go back for seconds… or thirds.

Either way, David’s having the time of his life.

One arm around Elijah, the other slung over Ken’s shoulder—an unlikely but hilarious combination—the whole group linked together in a line, kicking their legs to the beat of Come On Eileen. Their voices clash wildly as they belt the lyrics, laughing too hard to keep in tune.

David feels the buzz in his head, the warmth of it matching the joy surging through his body. “Come on, Eileen, ta-loo-rye-aye!” they shout together, stomping the ground in rhythm, shoulders bumping, bouncing with each kick.

“I said, toora loora, ta-loo-rye-aye, ta-loo-rye-aye!” they yell, breathless and red-faced, timing their kicks faster and faster until the final chorus hits—and they all jump at once, the entire circle erupting in laughter.

When the song ends, David stumbles back with a grin, finally winded. He’s just about to collapse into one of the camping chairs when the next track kicks in—Young Guns (Go For It!)—and he freezes mid-step.

There’s no chance of sitting now.

He feels Exer’s hands on his shoulders, gently shaking him. “David,” he half-laughs, half-slurs, “it’s our song!”

David bursts out laughing. It’s not technically their song, but he knows exactly what Exer means. It’s the one they always sing in the car together, grinning like idiots, both having specific lyric they sing. 

And really, how could he possibly say no when Exer’s looking at him like that?

“Hey sucker!” Exer calls out, already jumping in.

David sighs dramatically, but he’s smiling as he answers, voice pitched high: “What the hell’s got into you?”

Just like that, the chaos begins again.

The night becomes a blur of dancing, shouting, twirling, and laughing. David doesn’t find a single moment to sit. Every song brings another memory, another reason to stay on his feet. The music flows through them all like electricity, sparking joy with every beat.

Eventually, the mixtape starts to loop. The songs repeat, and this time, no one jumps to their feet. One by one, they drop into chairs, flopping onto blankets, sprawled across the grass, breathless and grinning.

The fire crackles. The forest is quiet again—except for the low hum of another familiar chorus and the occasional quiet giggle drifting through the night.

“Careful,” Exer laughs as David stumbles onto the bedrolls, dragging Exer down with him. David giggles like a fool, breathless from the alcohol and the dancing and everything else that’s made this night feel too good to be real.

Exer lands right on top of him, making David laugh even louder, but only for a second—because the moment Exer settles comfortably over him, he leans in and kisses him.

And David kisses him back without hesitation, pulling him closer, finally letting his hands roam the way he’s wanted to all night. Especially after watching Jackson and Pam act like clingy, drunk lovebirds—he and Exer had just exchanged glances then, smirking, waiting for their own moment.

Now it’s their turn.

In private.

Their mouths move hungrily against each other’s, and David feels himself getting lost in it—the heat, the pressure, the rush of it all. He smiles into the kiss, fully aware of what’s happening: he’s passionately making out with his boyfriend.

And a year ago, he would’ve been too afraid to even imagine this.

But now he has it. He has Exer.

But when Exer lets out a soft groan—something dangerously close to a moan—David’s face burns, his body reacting instinctively.

But he doesn’t stop. Neither does Exer.

If anything, Exer deepens the kiss, and David lets him. Welcomes it. For a moment, everything else disappears. The campfire, the forest, the world—it all melts away.

But then, a voice in the back of his head breaks through the haze—Brenda’s voice from earlier.

“This is your first trip away together as a couple, with no parents around!”

And suddenly, the moment feels even more real. He blinks. 

Is this really happening?

Does he want it to?

Exer pulls away from his lips, and for a second, David feels relieved to catch his breath—to gather his thoughts. But that pause doesn’t last long. Wet lips press to his neck, and his brain short-circuits. His eyes flutter closed, his breath catches, and his fingers instinctively grip tighter at Exer’s sides.

But even as his body reacts, his thoughts spiral.

Because this—this level of closeness, this direction they’re heading—this is new.

It’s not like he’s never been with anyone before. It wouldn’t be his first time.

And despite the alcohol, despite the desire, it suddenly feels much more overwhelming than he expected. Not in a bad way. Just big. Important. Heavy in a way that makes his chest tighten.

This is Exer.

His Exer. The person he’s grown up with, fought with, loved quietly, long before he even realized he could. He’s seen him in so many ways—yes, even naked, countless times, but never like this. Never here.

He remembers them as kids, covered in paint after a prank gone wrong, forced to share a shower. All those locker room changes, shared glances, harmless jokes.

But this?

This is new.

This is the one thing they’ve never done.

And Exer’s a guy.

David’s never done this with a guy.

It’s more intimidating than he ever expected, and the thoughts just won’t stop spinning, no matter how good it feels. No matter how badly he wants to just let go.

He swallows hard, trying to ground himself, trying to push the anxiety back down and go with it.

But then Exer finds a sensitive spot on his neck and sucks—and instead of the moan that nearly escapes his throat, something else bursts out of him.

“Wait.”

His voice is rough. Loud. A little too sudden.

Of course, Exer freezes the second he hears the word, immediately pulling back to check on him, his face flushed. “Sorry—was that too much?” he asks, his voice suddenly uncertain, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips.

David’s eyes flick to those lips—still damp from kissing him—and the desire surges again, confusing and frustrating all at once. He quickly shuts his eyes and lets out a shaky breath, then groans and rolls out from under Exer, flopping onto his stomach and covering his face with both arms.

He doesn’t even know what to say.

“What’s wrong?” Exer asks.

And David hates the way he hears worry in his voice. Like he messed up. Like he crossed a line.

He didn’t. That’s not it.

“You’re too hot,” David mutters into his hands, barely audible.

There’s a pause, then a small laugh beside him. “What?”

David doesn’t look, but he feels the shift as Exer moves—his body lifting off David’s, then settling down beside him.

A moment later, gentle hands pull David’s arms away from his face, and he’s met with warm brown eyes and a soft, searching look.

Exer lies on his side next to him, calm and patient. Waiting.

David sighs, defeated by how much he wants him and how unsure he still feels. “I don’t know,” he finally admits, voice low.

Exer stays quiet for a moment, studying David’s face. Then he takes a deep breath, rolls onto his back, and stares up at the roof of the tent before turning his head toward David again. “I get it,” he says softly.

A calm silence settles between them. They just look at each other for a while until Exer breaks it with a nervous little smile and a laugh that’s more shaky than amused. “I’m nervous too,” he admits. “Honestly, until today, I thought neither of us had any experience.”

David blinks in surprise, caught completely off guard by that—definitely not what he expected to hear.

He rolls onto his back as well, eyes fixed on the ceiling of the tent, trying to process what he just heard. Suddenly, Exer’s reaction during the game, the ‘more than kissing in public’ part, makes a lot more sense.

And just like that, another realization clicks into place. All this time, he’d assumed they just weren’t the kind of friends to kiss and tell about hookups or dates. But maybe it wasn’t that Exer was keeping secrets.

Maybe there wasn’t much to tell.

He turns his head again and finds Exer watching him, clearly unsure, maybe even waiting for judgment.

David wants to respond, say something reassuring, but he’s still a little stunned. He always thought Exer, the guy who basically ruled high school, who had girls falling over themselves for a chance with him, had way more experience. He just assumed.

The truth shakes him a little.

“I didn’t know that,” David whispers. “I thought we just…” He trails off, searching for the right words. “Didn’t really talk about that kind of stuff.” He looks back up at the tent ceiling, trying to explain, to make sense of it himself. “We always hated locker room talk. The way some of the guys bragged about hookups—it was gross.” He exhales “I guess I thought we didn’t share that stuff because we were trying to be better than that. More respectful.”

Exer lets out a quiet hum, and when David turns his head again, he catches the way Exer is avoiding his gaze, a hint of insecurity in his expression that makes David’s chest ache.

“I’m sorry,” David says quietly.

But Exer’s eyes snap back to him, and he immediately shakes his head, offering a small, crooked smile—one that looks a little sad but still genuine.  “You don’t have anything to be sorry for, Day,” he says, voice gentle. He reaches out and takes David’s hand. “Promise.”

David looks down at their intertwined hands and smiles softly, his thumb brushing lightly over Exer’s. Then, almost without thinking, he whispers the truth that’s been sitting quietly in his chest.

“I’m kinda jealous.”

Exer lets out a surprised laugh, and when David glances back up, his boyfriend is staring at him with an exaggerated expression of disbelief. “Jealous?”

David laughs too, shaking his head. “Yeah, kinda,” he says, still smiling. “I feel like I didn’t even know that was an option,” he adds, glancing back at Exer. “You know—not doing anything.”

But Exer’s laugh fades, his smile dropping slightly. He tilts his head, his tone quieter now. “What do you mean?”

There’s something about the way Exer looks at him—curious, a little guarded—that makes David’s pulse quicken. He tries to keep it light, lets out another soft laugh. “I don’t know. My dad gave me a condom basically the second I got to high school,” he says, voice dry. “Told me not to get any girls pregnant.”

It’s supposed to be a joke. But only David laughs.

Exer doesn’t. His expression softens, and there’s something almost pained in his eyes. David swallows, the humor drying up in his mouth. He shifts a little, suddenly needing to explain.

“It’s not like I didn’t want to do those things,” he adds quickly, just in case Exer’s worried. And that much is true—even if a lot of it came from pressure. Expectations. Fear. Trying desperately to prove something—to himself, to his dad, to everyone. There’s more there than David has ever let himself unpack.

But that’s not the point. Not right now.

“I just think,” he begins again, this time quieter, eyes drifting down to where their hands are still linked, “it would’ve been nice if my first could’ve been…” He hesitates, then meets Exer’s eyes. There’s something shining in them. Something tender. Something real.

“You,” David finishes, barely more than a whisper.

Exer’s eyes widen just slightly, and David feels the warmth rush to his face. But he doesn’t look away. Not this time.

David sees Exer swallow, and every instinct tells him to look away, but he doesn’t. Maybe can’t. It helps that Exer’s just as red in the face as he is.

He shifts onto his side, and Exer mirrors the movement. Now they’re face to face again, just inches apart, sharing soft smiles. David notices the faint buzz still lingering from the alcohol, though everything that just happened has sobered him up in all the important ways.

Exer starts laughing quietly, and David can’t help but join in—though it quickly turns into another groan as he covers his face again.

He has no idea how to act. He always thought of himself as smooth with girls, but right now he feels like a complete idiot.

But then Exer, the one with far less experience—supposedly—gently pulls David’s hands away from his face and takes a breath. “Look,” he begins, calm and reassuring, “just because you’ve done stuff before, doesn’t mean we have to rush into anything.”

A strange relief washes over David, like he’s exhaling something he hadn’t realized he’d been holding onto. He smiles, watching Exer’s face as he goes on.

“We’ll take it slow. No need to hurry.”

It’s the way he says it—so calmly, so sure, like they have all the time in the world—that makes something flutter deep in David’s chest. Like Exer’s quietly saying, I’m not going anywhere.

David nods, and then, with a playful smirk, leans in just a little closer. “Besides,” he teases, eyes glinting, “we need to make sure your first time is special.” He tops it off with a wink.

Exer lets out a groan and flops onto his back dramatically, but he’s laughing through it, and the sound might be one of David’s favorite things in the world.

David can’t help laughing too, watching the way Exer covers his face this time. “You’re ridiculous,” Exer mumbles, rolling onto his side but turning his back to David like he’s done with him.

David grins, scooting a little closer. “So are you.”

Without thinking twice, David wraps an arm around Exer’s waist, pulling him close from behind. He’s quietly grateful his body had time to cool down by now—especially when Exer immediately melts back into him with a content sigh. David presses a soft kiss to the back of his neck.

They stay like that for a while, the world quieting around them, until David’s on the edge of sleep and suddenly remembers something.

“We’re not in our pajamas yet,” he murmurs, voice heavy with sleep.

“I don’t care,” Exer mumbles back, reaching down to tug David’s arm tighter around him like he has no intention of letting go anytime soon.

David smiles against his skin.

“Stay,” Exer whispers.

And David does.