There's something I could tell you but I forgot to ask. In the shadow of the stars, the lighter makes a spark, but I look better in the dark.
-TV Girl
After they had both rowed back to shore and dealt with the shock, confusion and utter betrayal that there were no hitmen ready on sight to drown them, if they had not finally admitted the truth.
This all caused a very long sibling fight that nearly got both Amity and Edric drowned while Luz and Hunter watched in fear yet... bashful amazement.
And after long discussions and apologies endorsed by Luz, everyone was able to go back to their cabins and sleep peacefully.
All except for Hunter, who accidently spent all night, his heart in a flutter. He was officially dating a boy, who had no idea he was trans, who he had also kissed.
He could not believe any of this was realize, but no matter how much he tried to convince himself that his gut-wrenching feeling was entirely love, he could not.
He had a fear of being rejected yes, but now something else bothered him.
Would Edric actually see him as a guy?
Or would he instantaneously break up with him, just because he had to wear a binder? It wasn't exactly unheard of, even in the community.
And he hated whether or not the truth could be accepted.
Edric woke up the next morning from Hunter's alarm. Hunter, who was already awake, noticed Edric rustling in his bed.
He quickly grabbed his glasses and stood on the bottom bunk, his chin resting on the rails which supported the mattress's side. He smiled slightly at Edric, who rolled onto his side, now face-to-face with him.
"Good morning, Ed."
"Good morning, Hunter." It took him a moment to remember the events of the previous night, but when he did, Hunter could tell.
He giggled slightly and kissed the tip of his nose before placing his glasses on the bridge and getting down. "C'mon, I let you sleep in late enough, I'll be in the mess hall."
As Hunter walked out, Edric felt his soul melt. How was this boy so entirely perfect? Edric felt as if nothing could change his view of Hunter, except maybe if he was a cannibalistic serial killer... that might change a FEW things.
Hunter had finished morning announcements and was grabbing his and Edric's food. After the CBAT incident, he had zero plans to tell anyone about any of this.
He grabbed the trays of powdered eggs, milk cartons, and dry toast. He sucked in his breath steadily at the sight of the unappetizing meals.
The short cook eyed him from under the counter. Her name was Kikimora, and her hair was always in a bun, perhaps to accent her round face shape, and pull up her wrinkles. Maybe her bun was always too tight, though, since she was always angry.
He grabbed the trays and sat down across from Luz, Willow and Gus, who were discussing some endeavor surrounding a book.
He slid Edric's tray into the space next to him. The crew did not stop talking, but Luz raised her eyebrows at Hunter. He shot her a glare, and she continued chatting, not saying a word. He glanced at the door behind him, hoping Edric would be there soon, however his view was obscured by Boscha.
"Hiii, Hunter. How are you this beautiful morning?" She smiled and waved, taking what was supposed to be Edric's seat.
Boscha was pretty, yes. She had tanned skin and rich, brown hair done up into a bun. But she was rich, popular and an attention seeker.
Which is everything Hunter cannot stand. Willow and Gus eyed her and started to whisper with Luz, while Hunter groaned, scooting away slightly. "Hi, Boshca."
She began talking about her day, all while either scooting closer, leaning in, or placing a hand on his arm.
What was maybe two minutes felt like hours to Hunter as he listened to her voice drone on about the latest Rucchi magazine or her moms' business.
He groaned and I suppose Amity noticed his distress. She got up and walked over, resting her knee on the seat.
"Hey, Boscha. We're about to start talking about... you know." She winked. "We didn't want you to miss our boy talk so I thought I'd come grab you."
(A/N Amity is a lesbian in this story, but as Little Miss Perfect, she is not out whatsoever and pretends to like guys.)
Boscha squealed and waved at Hunter, before leaving the table. Hunter smiled at Amity who then mouthed "You owe me." He laughed lightly and nodded.
Shortly thereafter, Edric walked in, sliding into the seat next to Hunter. He smiled; his eyes still half closed. He started to eat the flavorless egg and mostly burnt toast.
Hunter smiled back softly, noticing how strangely wonderful it was to watch him eat.
He looked away quickly as Willow noticed him looking, raising an eyebrow.
Edric finished eating and nodded at Hunter, their little sign to show that they were ready to start the day.
They were planning to do the first of the bi-annual bonfires. Which, of course, Edric had planned a surprise just for him.
Hunter stood and walked to the front of the cafeteria and waited for campers' silence.
"Okay campers! Tonight, we'll be holding a bonfire, and we are entrusting you to get some wood for tonight. Get some good wood, since there won't be another bonfire until the end of the summer!" He clapped his hands together. "Alright, when you're ready, discard your trays and get a move-on!"
Campers stood and got rid of their trays, typically in friend groups.
Each camper got rid of their plates and silverware until just Edric and Hunter were left in the mess hall while Edric finished his meal.
Hunter slid into the seat next to him again and gently folded his hands on the table. The pair sat in awkward silence for a moment before Edric broke it.
"Are we really...?"
"Yeah, I think so. Why?" Hunter turned to him, wondering if Edric regretted it.
"It's just crazy. I mean, you're a guy, a really cool guy and I'm just me. I don't know, it just feels like you could do so much better."
Hunter stopped for a moment. Could he do better? He could, couldn't he?
Really, what was stopping him from dumping Edric right here?
And that was just it. Nothing really stood in between him and being able to date other people, he knew he was considered attractive.
And yet, he felt like that wasn't a true option. Hunter, even he hadn't realized it, loved Edric because he was Edric, not because he was some dream boat guy who could sweep him off his feet.
No, no. It was the imperfect. awkward, bumbling, and incredibly weird Edric that as all he needed and truly wanted.
"Did you think I wanted something better than the one and only Edric Blight?"
"Well, I mean, I have a twin?"
Hunter rolled his eyes and placed his hands on Edric's head before kissing him.
Edric returned the gesture, wrapping his arms around Hunter's waist. Hunter shivered slightly at the touch, causing Edric to loosen a bit.
The two broke off from the kiss, Edric's glasses a bit crooked on his face. Though, no longer kissing, they were still embraced by each other, Edric's hands around Hunter's waist and Hunter's hands playing with his hair. "Does that answer your question well enough, Blight?"
"Well, I mean, the answer is implied there, so I think so."
Hunter sighed and giggled, standing up. He offered out a hand and Edric took it, smiling at him with a shy appreciation. They started to walk out until Kikimora yelled at them from the kitchen.
"PUT UP YOUR TRAY YOU HEATHENS!"
Edric quickly got rid of it and apologized while Kiki grumbled. Hunter laughed and they began to get ready for the bonfire night.
1295 words.