All Your Perfect Imperfections

Chapter Six

-Devin-

It turns out I didn't need to worry about being back at the camp. Everyone was nice to me and didn't bring up anything from the summer. They were a lot more excited to see Avery, of course, but I was relieved that they didn't seem to hate me. I wasn't stupid though, and I knew that being Avery's boyfriend made a big difference. They were probably being kind because it'd upset Avery if they weren't, and no one ever wanted to upset Avery.

I was grateful for dinner after we'd been working all day, but now all I wanted to do was go to Avery's cabin with him. Instead, we were bringing out chairs to put around a fire pit so we could make s'mores. I knew Avery wanted to spend time with everyone, but I selfishly wished it were just the two of us. I scooted two chairs close together for Avery and I. If I had to share him, I at least wanted to be right next to him.

Amanda started asking Avery all about the new job, and he spent the next half hour filling everyone in. He was so busy talking with them that I ended up making all his s'mores for him. After he'd gotten distracted and let a third marshmallow fall into the fire, I took his stick from him. He barely noticed when I handed him a completed s'more, or when he shivered and I wrapped my jacket around his shoulders.

It was a beautiful night and I knew I should be enjoying the sight of all the twinkling stars overhead, but I wanted to sulk and walk away because of the lack of attention from Avery. I felt like he was ignoring me and wouldn't even notice if I left. As tempting as that was, I knew it wasn't the right thing to do. It wasn't what Avery would do. So instead, I continued to be a quietly supportive boyfriend.

Amanda smiled over at us. "We miss having you two here."

"You miss me?" I asked, cocking an eyebrow.

Everyone laughed.

"You did make things a lot more interesting," Peter said. "There was never a dull moment."

"How is it going living together?" Marc asked. "Is Avery having to keep you in line at home too?"

I smiled and placed my hand over Avery's. "Sometimes."

"He's been better," Avery said. "And he's been really good to me."

"I'm glad to hear it," Marc replied. "What's it like to live and work in a city after being here?"

"Different. Really different. There are great restaurants and lots of things to do and everything is convenient, but it feels so loud and busy sometimes," Avery murmured. "I miss how quiet it is out here, and how I hear frogs and crickets instead of car horns and sirens. The air is fresher here, and I love being out in nature. It's so beautiful." Avery smiled at everyone, his big blue eyes seeming to get even larger in the light of the fire. "I miss all of you. I miss being here, being outside all day and then cooking dinner together."

Don't get me wrong, I was happy that Avery was happy, but at the same time, my heart sank in my chest. This was something I'd been afraid of. I'd worried that Avery wouldn't like his city life with me. And now, after a few weeks of me telling him I loved him and him not returning the sentiment, I worried that he'd never love me.

It sounded like he'd rather be here, back at his old job and surrounded by his former coworkers. It didn't matter that I could buy him things and provide a nice home with a beautiful view, that I could get him a job directly helping fish, or that I practically worshipped the ground he walked on. The luxury of the life I could give him could never compare to his simple, rustic life here. My love wasn't enough.

-

Later, I tried to make everything as amazing as possible for Avery. When everyone finally said their goodbyes and headed in for the night, I took his hand and led him to his cabin. As soon as the door was closed, I gently pushed him against the wall and kissed him, pressing my body against his.