Labyrinth

Chapter Twenty-One

Christian ran inside his house giving Elise and Garrison a big hug.

"I was so worried about you," Garrison said, hugging Christian tight.

"We're fine other than a brick being thrown through the window," Cameron said as Garrison patted his shoulder.

"We need to talk about things now, boys." Garrison said seriously.

"Of course, father, we'll be out after we unpack." Christian said.

Cameron thought about how he was going to tell Christian about his wishes the entire drive home. He thought it was better to do it sooner rather than later.

"Christian," Cameron said as he dragged him to sit on the bed.

"Yes, love," Christian said, immediately picking up on the serious tone.

"I want to enlist." Cameron dropped the bomb.

Christian laughed. Cameron did not.

"You're being serious?" Christian said and started fidgeting with his hands.

"Yes."

"But, what about me?" Christian asked.

"I will get you a deferment and you will be safe." Cameron said, grabbing his hands in his warm hold.

"I have done so many wrongs, I am not a perfect person, I've hurt people, I want to clean my slate and show that I can have honor and pride in my name. I want to be an honorable man for you." Cameron said.

"But you don't have to join a war to do that, honey, please, I'm begging you. Don't go." Christian cried.

"Love, please try to understand me." Cameron was getting emotional seeing Christian cry.

"You can't kill someone, you're not like that," Christian argued.

"Christian," Cameron sighed. "Please."

"We will talk more about this later." Christian said.

The two boys unpacked in silence and joined the other two in the living room.

"Cameron, what is your family doing to prepare," Garrison asked.

"Well, my dad isn't sure yet, but I want to enlist." Cameron said.

Garrison looked right at his son who was looking down trying to hold in his tears.

"Oh, son," Garrison said and hugged both boys.

"My dad promised me Christian's safety. He is getting a deferment." Cameron said.

Garrison nodded and turned on the radio.

The four listened closing as they heard of the country's declaration into the war causing Christian to cry out loud startling everyone in the room.

Christian couldn't stand it anymore and hugged Cameron, sending them both to the floor, chanting, "Please don't go, please, I'll do anything."

Cameron just held Christian close and smelled chocolates and caramels which distracted him from releasing his tears.

"I love you Christian, don't you ever forget that." Cameron whispered into his ear.

Christian worked himself up causing him to be very tired. Cameron brought them to their bed and tucked Christian under the covers.

"Come sleep," Christian pouted.

"I will in a minute, baby," Cameron answered.

Cameron walked into the bathroom and looked into the small mirror.

"You're such a disappointment."

"Son is too scared to enlist"

"Like a real man"

These thoughts swirled around his mind. He wanted to prove that he could be a real man for Christian. All Cameron cares about is Christian. With no Christian, there's no Cameron.

-Time Skip-

Garrison woke up to the sound of knocking on the door right as the sun was rising. He opened the door to see a short man in a hat with a briefcase.

"I'm looking for Cameron Parker and Christian Lee." The man said.

"What did they do now?" Garrison asked, rubbing his eyes.

"It's for a Christian Lee deferment, sir."

That knocked some sense into Garrison.

"Yes, of course, come in. Let me go wake them up."

Garrison prayed to the lord to see his son and son's lover decent and stormed into the room. Luckily, they were just sleeping in each other's arms.

"Boys, someone's here for the deferment." Garrison said quietly but loudly enough for them to hear.

Cameron woke up right away and woke Christian up and got them dressed.

The man was sitting on the couch as he stuck out a hand to introduce himself.

"I am Sheriff Sherman Hunter, I am friends with your father, Cameron, and I also work for the local government on the side," the man said.

"It's nice to meet you, I am Cameron, and this is my boyfriend, Christian." Cameron said in his sleepy voice.

The room was in absolute silence, and you could hear a pin drop.

Sherman made a face of realization.

Cameron realized what he said and frantically covered Christian.

"I-I mean... What I meant was..."

"It's okay, son, I understand." Sherman said.

"Are you gay too?" Christian asked.

Garrison hit his arm. "You don't ask that?" Garrison said.

Christian just pouted as he rubbed his arm.

"I'm sorry, sir." Christian said.

"Not a problem, I am not, but I have a friend who is." Sherman said.

"Let's talk about why Christian need this deferment." Sherman changed the subject, sitting back down inviting everyone else to sit.

"Garrison here is getting older, and as such, Christian is the sole caretaker of this farm which provides 70% of the goods to the town." Cameron said confidently.

"Don't you also live here?" Sherman asked.

"I hope to be enlisting," Cameron said and held Christian's hand tight.

"Okay, I see." Sherman said and wrote something down.

"I see also there was a visit to Illinois in Christian's past?" Sherman asked.

Christian's breath hitched and Cameron had a death grip on his love's hand.

"He did, and I see no reason to talk about that as it's in the past. Furthermore, it has no impact on his ability to do his work on this farm, nor does it have any impact on his eligibility for deferment." Cameron said.

"Okay, the deferment will be granted, but as you are a capable young man of entering the war, I advise you to keep hush about it as some might not be too happy about it." Sherman said.

"We understand," Garrison answered.

"Son, as a veteran myself, I wish you good luck in your enlistment, you will see things worse than your worst nightmare." Sherman said, causing the four to remain silent.

"I understand, sir." Cameron said quietly.