Uganda's usual scorching heat feels unbearable today, especially with the mission hut's air conditioning on the fritz. Enduring bugs outside seems a better option than the stifling indoor heat.
Kevin lounges under a massive tree, covered in ineffective bug spray. The heat feels paralyzing, sweat trickling from every pore. Through half-lidded eyes, he spots Elder Connor McKinley, the district leader.
Kevin admires Connor's leadership skills and appreciates his nurturing nature toward the group. Yet, Kevin can't ignore Connor's tendency to be a bit of a pushover, readily agreeing to almost any request thrown his way by the others. Oh, and he's a good kisser—Kevin knows that better than anyone. Longing for a change from their pasts, Connor and Kevin crave something new and fulfilling in their lives. They've developed a mutually beneficial arrangement, a you rub my back, I'll rub yours type of situation.
"Elder McKinley," Kevin called out, his voice barely rising above a whisper due to the oppressive heat. Connor heard him and turned around, genuine concern in his eyes.
"Come over here," Kevin repeated, lifting his arms toward Connor.
Connor chuckled with a slight smirk. Kevin was a perpetual mischief-maker, always scheming, but Connor often found himself going along with it.
"Yes, Elder Price?" Connor asked as he approached the shade of the tree.
Kevin tried to sound out of breath, adding some pitiful coughs and ruffling his sweaty hair. "I'm so... so thirsty," he gasped between exaggerated coughs and sniffles, thinking he was quite convincing.
"Okay?" Connor replied, crossing his arms, sensing something was up.
"Could you..." Kevin forced out another dramatic cough, "Could you get me a cup of water or something?"
Connor rolled his eyes again, adopting a sassy stance. "Elder Price, we're all hot here. If you want water, you can go get it yourself," he said in a stern yet slightly playful tone. Kevin sighed, suspecting Connor wouldn't help cure his boredom, but he wasn't ready to give up.
"Please, Elder McKinley," Kevin pleaded, reaching out and grabbing Connor's hand, "I don't feel good."
Connor rolled his eyes once more but held Kevin's hand. "Kevin," he warned, "not here."
Kevin realized he shouldn't be so bold, but he acted impulsively. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Elder McKinley," he said, tugging Connor down by his tie, prompting him to kneel. "I feel awful."
"You look awful," Connor replied with a laugh. Kevin rolled his eyes. "Gee, thanks."
"No, really, Elder Price. You look genuinely unwell."
Kevin's ploy appeared to be effective. "I do feel sick, Elder McKinley," he added, punctuating with another cough. Connor, feeling a twinge of guilt, adjusted his position and leaned in closer to check Kevin's temperature. "Yeah, you're feeling a bit warm." Connor sighed, wiping away Kevin's sweat on his shirt. "Let's get you inside, yeah?"
Kevin protested with a groan. "I don't want to get up."
"Well, if you feel sick, it's better to lie down inside, away from the bugs."
To be fair, Kevin did feel sick. Maybe not as much as he was letting on, but ill nonetheless.
"I'm fine out here. I just want water."
Connor bristled, disliking being bossed around, especially by the arrogant Kevin Price. "Elder Price," he started, but Kevin interrupted, gently cupping Connor's cheek with a sweaty hand. Connor couldn't help but blush at the unexpected touch.
