Summer of Awakenings

by Sandrine Gasq-Dion

  Jacob leaned in and looked in Kory’s eyes. “This isn’t some passing phase for me either, Kory. I want to be with you.” Jacob stopped himself before he revealed too much. Kory was his mate for life, if the man didn’t come to terms with his sexuality, Jacob would be forever bound to someone who couldn’t commit to him. He suddenly knew how Preston felt, wanting Wyatt to love him for himself, not just because they were mated.

  Kory looked in Jacob’s eyes. “When you touch me I get a feeling in my gut, and when you kissed me,” Kory blushed. “I can’t forget how it felt to have your lips on mine.”

  “Let me give you a new memory then,” Jacob leaned in and captured Kory’s lips with his own. A soft moan escaped Kory as Jacob licked the seam of his lips, encouraging the younger man to open up to him. He wrapped an arm around Kory’s waist and held him closer. Kory’s hands were in his hair as he opened up and allowed Jacob to sweep inside. The tip of Kory’s tongue met with his and Jacob groaned, sliding in deeper. Everything disappeared around them, as Jacob kissed his mate, tongues sliding, hands exploring flesh. Kory’s hands slid up the back of his shirt and Jacob tightened his grip as Kory delved inside his mouth. They broke from the kiss slowly, Jacob leaving soft kisses on Kory’s lips as he pulled away. Kory’s eyes were still closed and he was panting slightly.

  “Kory?” Jacob caressed his cheek.

  Kory’s eyes fluttered open and he smiled at the look of concern on Jacob’s face. “Now that was a kiss.”

  Jacob grinned. “Yeah? You liked it?”

  “What’s not to like?” Kory took Jacob’s hand and started walking. “Let’s go eat before all the food is gone.”

  “Wait, what does this mean?” Jacob held back.

  Kory stepped into Jacob’s space and looked up at him. “It means we date. If you want.”

  Jacob nodded. “I want.”

  ~~*~~

  Seth watched with a smile as Will walked around the stable. He had become friends with Apollo. It seemed as if Will was having a conversation with the stallion. Seth had purposely not been eavesdropping; when Will was ready to talk about the abuse he’d suffered, he would. Apollo noticed him and whinnied, making Will turn around. A smile lifted the younger man’s lips and Seth gave a half wave. Will gave Apollo one last rub and walked toward him.

  “Hi, it’s not lunch yet, is it?”

  Seth smiled as Will came closer. “No, just wanted to check on the horses, but I see you beat me to it.”

  “I fed them and brushed two of them.” Will wiped his jeans off. “I was going to do more, but I got hungry.”

  “You’re doing much better with them.”

  “Well, Apollo doesn’t give me much choice. He’s so pushy,” Will chuckled.

  “Why don’t you go get some breakfast? I’ll finish with the horses and meet you down by the lake, say around noon?”

  Will nodded. “Sure.” Will’s eyes followed Seth’s ass as he walked toward the stables. “Seth?”

  Seth stopped and turned to face Will. “Yes?”

  “Thanks for everything you said. I know I’m hard to read—”

  “That’s just it, Will. You’re not. You’re a lot like the horses, but I’m a patient man.” Seth smiled and resumed walking.

  Will stood, flabbergasted. Seth had him pegged and hadn’t even known him that long. Will shook his head clear and walked towards the chow hall. The group was seated around the table laughing and talking. Will noticed Kory sitting next to Jacob. It was cute the way Jacob looked at Kory, like he was the only one in the room. Will sighed and grabbed a plate. If only he had someone who’d look at him that way. He’d been too afraid to date after the Gary disaster. As it was, the last time he’d run into Gary he’d barely gotten away and Gary had threatened him if he told anyone about the abuse. Since Gary knew where Will’s parents lived, he was trying to keep the peace.

  For most of the morning, Will tried to keep busy. The more he thought about lunch, the more nervous he got. It wasn’t fair for Seth to be stuck with someone such as himself - scared of every damn quick movement, always afraid and on edge. What if Gary did something to Seth? As ridiculous as that sounded, Will was worried. Seth might be a big guy, but Gary was smart. As a law student, Gary knew just how to keep Will quiet. He could work the law to his favor and Will knew it.

  “Were you going to stand me up?”

  Will turned quickly at the voice and found Seth looking at him. One look at his watch told him why: It was twelve thirty.

  “I…I got busy,” Will stammered.

  “Well, you don’t look busy now.” Seth put his hand out. “Come on, I made grilled cheese.”

  Dammit, the man knew how to get him. Will grinned. “Okay.”

  They walked hand in hand to the lake and Will saw the picnic on the ground. A large blanket was spread out and a basket sat off to the side. Seth helped him down and then sat down next to the basket. Will inhaled the rich aroma of cheese and had to smile as Seth took out a perfectly golden browned sandwich.

  “I brought some apple juice, we don’t have any wine,” Seth smiled, handing Will a juice box.

  “I don’t drink anymore.” Will tried to push the straw through the top of the carton and kept bending the box or the straw. “What is with these things?”

  Seth smiled, taking the juice box from Will. He applied even pressure in the middle of the straw and pushed it down. The straw slipped into the box and Seth handed it back to Will.

  “They’re a pain in the ass. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thrown one of them in frustration.”

  Will was perplexed. Seth hadn’t even asked him why he didn’t drink. After his DUI arrest, he’d learned a lesson. He’d been lucky he hadn’t hurt himself or someone else; being arrested by Tucker Storm and Wesley Foster had been the highlight of his night.

  “You seem preoccupied,” Seth took a bite of his sandwich.

  “I’m not quite sure what you want from me.”

  Seth sat back and admired Will. “Why is it so hard to believe that I enjoy your company? I like you, Will, and I’d like to get to know you better. Maybe even ask you out on a real date.”

  Will’s mouth dropped open. “Why?”

  “Why?” Seth took the sandwich from Will’s hand and placed it on one of the plates he’d brought. Taking Will’s hands, he looked into the younger man’s eyes. “I think you’re beautiful, inside and out. I think you’ve been with someone who didn’t realize what he had and hurt you in the process. I will never hurt you, never belittle you and I will always take your needs into account and listen to your opinions.”

  “But…I…”

  “Do you find me attractive, Will?”

  “Y-yes…”

  “Then give me one good reason why we can’t start something together.”

  “I don’t want you to get hurt.”

  Seth sat back and searched Will’s face. “By who? By you or the guy who’s been putting his hands on you?” Will’s mouth opened in protest. “Don’t, please. I’ve seen your back and stairs don’t have fingers. Believe me when I say that whoever did this to you should be more afraid of what I’ll do to him. I’m not afraid of him, Will, but I am afraid of how much you could hurt me.”

  “M-m-me?”

  “I don’t think I’ve kept it a secret that I like you. I’d like you to give me a shot.” Seth held Will’s hand. “Please open up to me.”

  Will searched Seth’s eyes; there was sadness there. So Will did. He told Seth everything, from the beginning to the bitter end. Seth seemed to get angry as Will spoke of Gary’s abuse, how he had endured months of the man’s verbal as well as physical attacks.

  “So, that’s all of it,” Will sighed.

  Seth took out his cell phone.

  “What are you doing?”

  Seth put his finger up in a ‘one minute’ gesture and dialed.

  “Hey, Seth, how’s camp?” James chuckled.

  “Good. I need a favor James. I need you to put a tail on,” Jacob c
overed the phone and looked at Will. “Last name?”

  “Riviar.”

  Seth winked and resumed his conversation. “Gary Riviar. Make sure he doesn’t go anywhere near Will Cooper’s parents.”

  “Is Will all right?”

  “He’s just fine,” Seth threaded his fingers with Will’s.

  “I’m on it. Have fun, counselor,” James chuckled as he hung up.

  “What will they do if Gary does go near my parents?”

  Seth pulled Will closer. “They will lock him up before he has a chance to do anything. Look, Gary may be taking law, but James Jacobs is the law. He doesn’t play games, Will, and he has the power to put Gary away for sneezing in your direction. So, from now on, consider yourself safe. I won’t let anything happen to you – or your parents, I swear.”

  Will glanced up at Seth. “I believe you. It’s just going to take time. I’m so used to looking over my shoulder; I don’t know how to relax anymore.”

  “I’d really love to kiss you.” Seth looked at Will’s lips.

  “I’d really love it if you did,” Will whispered. He closed his eyes as Seth’s warm hands cupped his face. A warm breath caressed his face, and then soft lips were on his. Will moaned softly as Seth’s hands lightly stroked his face.

  His lips flowed over Will’s as he kept the pressure light, keeping his mouth closed, not pushing for more than a feather light kiss. Seth wasn’t going to push his luck. He’d taken down one wall and wasn’t going to push for the whole building. He backed away slowly, his lips still tingling from the kiss. Will whimpered at the loss and Seth smiled, palming the younger man’s face.

  “Thank you.”

  Will opened his eyes. “For what?”

  “Trusting me.”

  “I feel…I don’t know, like I belong to you somehow? Does that make sense?”

  Seth smiled, pulling Will into an embrace. “Yes, it does.”

  Will relaxed into the strong arms of Seth Ralston and, for once, felt perfectly safe.

  ~~*~~

  The big day had finally arrived and the campers were on their way. The guys stood around the welcome area and waited for the buses. Riley seemed to fidget; he had Ethan on his hip and Wyatt took his hand, giving Riley a grin. Wyatt squeezed Gage’s hand as the sound of engines intruded into the quiet forest area and then the buses came into view. The guys all waited for them to stop and when the kids emerged Caden made his way over, along with Riley and Wayne, welcoming everyone.

  Kory spotted Skylar right away. He seemed standoffish, hanging back behind other kids. His dark hair hung in his equally dark eyes, lined with eyeliner. Kory made his way over and smiled as he approached Skylar.

  “Glad to see you made it.”

  Skylar narrowed his eyes. “Didn’t have much choice. Mr. Fournier said he’d drag me here.”

  “And I would have,” Caden winked at Skylar.

  “Yeah, well. I’m here.” Skylar frowned.

  “Well, let’s meet your bunkmates,” Kory pulled out his camper list.

  “Fabulous,” Skylar snorted.

  Will found Ryder Winters quickly, hiding behind other campers. Will approached him carefully and smiled.

  “Ryder? I’m Will, your camp counselor.” Will put his hand out. Ryder seemed to contemplate touching him, but finally slipped his hand into Will’s. Ryder was a lovely shade of milk chocolate, with beautiful eyes. Will’s heart ached thinking about what the youngster had been through. “Welcome to Camp Pride.”

  The kids split up and headed to their cabins and the guys went about making sure they were happy with their accommodations. They had a big meeting in the chow hall and Caden stood at the front of the room with Riley and Wayne. The little boys had gone with Stuart to eat cake. Riley hadn’t wanted them to hear the campers’ stories.

  “We are so glad to have you all here. As I speak, more children are arriving at our camp in Anchorage, Alaska, where they are being tended to by people hand-picked by me and my associates, Riley Flynn-Esposito and Wayne Maccon. This is a safe environment; if at any time you feel threatened or afraid, please speak with your counselor. We want this to be a pleasant experience for all of you.”

  Riley nodded. “There is no judgment here. You all come to us jaded by your experiences and we are here to tell you that it gets better.”

  Skylar snorted, crossing his arms.

  “Something to add, Mr. Foxx?” Caden smiled.

  “Really? It gets better?” Skylar sat back on the bench.

  “Yes, it does.” Riley stepped forward. “I hid for so long that I thought I lived in my closet. I may not have been through what any of you went through, but I know what it’s like to be afraid of what people will think, of what they’ll do.” Riley approached Skylar. “I know what you’ve been through; when you came to the center you came out of need.” Riley looked around at all the campers. “All of you did. Cold, alone, hungry, confused. None of you deserved what life handed you, but here you are, ready and willing to make your lives better. We have housed you, clothed you, continued your education and for some of you, given you housing and a place of employment. We will keep doing these things as long as you allow us to.”

  “Why?”

  Riley looked up and noticed it was Ryder who had asked the question. “Because we care.”

  “No one deserves to be treated as if they don’t matter,” Wayne stepped forward. “I have boys and all of them are gay, and I don’t care. I’ve told them that no matter what, I love them. Straight, gay, bi, makes no damn difference to me. It should be the same for any of you. Now, you can sit back and question why we do what we do, but I think our actions speak for themselves.”

  “Is there a chapel?” Ryder asked quietly.

  “There is a non-denominational one. You are free to worship or not, it is up to you,” Caden said.

  “How about we get started on the fun? I think it’s time to eat, so please line up by cabins,” Riley smiled. “There is plenty of food so don’t worry.”

  Olivia stood and led her campers to the buffet. She noticed one of the girls had stayed behind.

  “Emma? Are you not hungry?” Olivia asked in a quiet voice.

  Emma’s eyes darted around the room. “I’m used to eating alone,” Emma whispered.

  Olivia carefully put her arm around the girl. She’d heard Emma’s story. She had come out to her parents and had been locked away in her room. She’d finally broken her bedroom window to get out and had run away. Tucker and Wesley had picked her up on the street and taken her to the outreach center. James and Tristan had been working hard at cutting through all the legalities of having kids under the age of eighteen at the camp and outreach center. As the bulk of them were runaways, most of the parents had called them in as missing. Some hadn’t.

  “This is a safe place; you can eat with everyone else if you want. Is that what you want?” Emma nodded and Olivia grinned. “Let’s go pig out.”

  “Olivia?”

  Olivia turned to see one of her younger campers. “Yes, Lacy?”

  “Do they have ice cream?” Lacy grinned.

  “They do,” Olivia smiled, putting her hand out. “Come on.”

  Riley sat with Caden and Wayne as all the campers lined up for the buffet. His heart ached at all the kids left to their own devices because of parents who wouldn’t or couldn’t understand.

  “Riley…”

  Riley turned sad eyes to Caden. “This is heart-wrenching,” Riley choked out the words.

  “I know it is; we are doing the best we can.” Caden watched as all the kids piled their plates high.

  “Do you know that Skylar was bullied in school? They waited for him after school and beat him up.” Riley wiped at his eyes. “Now he gives his body for food. Why? Why does that have to happen? How could a parent let that happen?”

  Wayne hugged Riley to him. “We’ll do the best we can.”

  ~~

  The first bonfire had been lit by nightfall. The kids had settled in and ta
ken a tour of the camp. Dinner had been served and now the campers gathered around the fire. Kory took in all the faces and couldn’t help but think of all the kids he’d seen at his dad’s camp.

  “Okay, I used to be a counselor at my dad’s camp and if there was one thing I couldn’t stand, it was the ‘Kumbaya’ fire at the end of each day. Now, I’ve stolen Will’s iPod and I’m going to go through the music list. If something sounds good, we’ll vote on it. Okay?” Kory laughed as a collective ‘yes’ went around the fire pit. Kory played a little of each song as he moved through the list.

  “That one’s good.”

  Kory looked up to see Ryder smiling.

  “Yeah? You guys agree?” Kory looked around at all the faces nodding. “So this is your camp theme song. I like it.” Kory looked at the artist. Fun’s ‘Some Nights’ was the chosen song.

  He plugged the iPod into the little speaker he had and played the song for the campers. Every night, they’d have the campfire and encourage the kids to open up. They needed to vent and being around kids with the same issues would make that easier.

  After an hour of sitting around with Kory and Will telling their own stories, the fire was put out and the kids were sent off to their cabins. Kory looked over at Will and smiled.

  “See you in the morning. Good luck tonight.”

  “You too.”

  ~~*~~

  Morning came and the campers spread out among the archery range, stables and arts and crafts cabin. Riley walked around the arts and crafts tables handing out different colored pieces of string. They were making friendship bracelets today, one of Riley’s ways of getting the campers to find something in common.

  “So, pick your favorite colors and we’ll start by making one bracelet.” Riley walked along the tables smiling at the kids reaching into the boxes and pulling out colored strings. He stopped by Skylar’s table. The guarded young man sat watching everyone else.

  “You don’t want to make a bracelet, Skylar?”