Thunder // Jack Avery (Complete)

Camping (Pt. 3)

Jonah and Preston had been alone in the mountains for three days. They'd spent days hiking, swimming in the frigid waters of Rifle Gap, relaxing in the sun, exploring the unmarked territory of the forest, and simply lounging around the campsite. Jonah had brought his guitar, so he strummed that and sang some tunes while the wind rustled through the trees, the river and falls echoed in the distance, and the birds sang in the trees. Preston loved listening to Jonah's soothing voice and his gentle melodies. He'd never been more at peace.

Jonah even sang songs specifically for Preston. They all described exactly how he was feeling, but Preston didn't seem to be getting the message. Jonah had been trying to push their relationship further for the past three days, but Preston was ignoring every shove. Then, a group of four college kids pulled up and asked them in there was a campsite nearby. Preston explained that there was one right across the way, so the group set up camp there. Once they were settled, they walked over and introduced themselves.

"I'm Bailee," a tanned girl with blonde locks and green eyes extended her hand to Jonah with a flirtatious grin. She offered her had to Preston as well, smiling kindly at him.

"I'm Parker," a boy with the same features as the girl boomed in a deep voice.

"I'm Linc," a mixed boy with hazel eyes announced.

"And I'm Jazz," the final one, a Native American girl with hair down to her hips announced last.

"I'm Jonah and this is Preston," Jonah replied. Preston flinched at the sound of Jonah introducing him for him. Why did he do that?

"Nice to meet you all," Preston added quickly. He looked at all of them closely, especially the blonde.

"We're twins," Parker explained with a shy grin.

"That explains it," Preston replied with a similar smile.

"Nice hats," Bailee complimented, though Preston knew she was asking him if they were a couple without full-on asking.

"Jonah picked them out to represent our friendship," Preston replied loudly. He wanted Jonah to hear him drop that little hint.

"Best Friendship. Maybe even beyond that," Jonah added.

"Oh, so you're a couple," Parker exclaimed.

"No. Just friends. We're both bi, but just friends," Preston corrected.

"Yeah. Just friends," Jonah agreed.

"I'm gay," Parker hummed, looking at Preston with a smile.

"If we're all announcing our sexualities, I'm straight," Bailee laughed.

"Straight," Linc said as if it were the most obvious thing on the planet. "And dating this beautiful firecracker," he added while hugging Jazz.

"Straight," Jazz replied through giggles.

"Hey, Preston, weren't we going to go on a hike before nightfall?" Jonah tugged on Preston's shirt to gain his attention.

"Yeah! I almost forgot. We should go get ready for that," Preston realized.

"We could come with," Parker suggested.

"I was actually going to talk to Preston about something on the way," Jonah blurted out.

"Oh. Sorry, guys. Maybe we could roast some marshmallows when we get back," Preston apologized.

"No worries. Catch you later," Parker replied with a sad smile. They walked back to their camp and started making dinner.

"What was that about?" Preston turned to Jonah and cocked his head to the side.

"I- I do have something to talk to you about."

"What's wrong?" Preston's heart sank.

"Nothing is wrong- just- I'll explain when we get to the top of the peak, okay?"

"Okay. Let's go get changed," Preston nodded. He grabbed Jonah's hand and lead him back to the tent. They changed facing away from each other, then packed a bag for their hike.

- - - - -

"What are we?" Jonah sat down on a rock and waved Preston over. They reached the tip of the summit and were waiting for the sun to set.

"What do you mean?" Preston furrowed his brows.

"I've been trying to tell you- I mean- just," Jonah stopped and sighed. "Why were you so dead set on making sure Parker knew we were just friends?"

"Because we are?"

"Yeah, but we're not just friends, right?"

"No, but where is this thing going? It seems like we've hit a wall," Preston confessed.

"Then we have to break it down," Jonah replied seriously. He gripped Preston's knee and gave it a light squeeze. Jonah leaned in and kissed Preston on the lips. Both of their chests erupted in a firework show. The kiss was slow and sweet. Jonah didn't want to pull away, but he did. "That wasn't so hard."

"Yeah," Preston replied breathlessly. But something else is. "So, what are we now?"

"Preston James Frankfort, will you be my boyfriend?"

"Yes! Of course," Preston yelled and stood up. Jonah followed his movements, laughing at his reaction. He pulled Preston in for a hug and planted a kiss on the boy's cheek.

"I don't like Parker."

"I don't like Bailee."

"Why?"

"She was a bit too flirty for my tastes. Why don't you like Parker?"

"Same reason. He was definitely into you."

"I can't blame him," Preston joked. He pretended to flip his shirt hair and laughed with Jonah. They took some silhouette pictures as the sun set and took some pictures of them kissing and hugging. "Wait, are you going to make an announcement about this?"

"I was planning on it. Why?"

"Maybe you shouldn't. Talk to you manager first, okay? I don't want you to get in trouble because of me."

"Okay, P," Jonah sighed. He kissed Preston on the top of his head and started leading him back down the trail so they'd make it back to camp for dinner. Jonah was so happy that they were finally together. He wanted to tell the world. He could understand why Preston was hesitant though. He'd get all kinds of hate and so many fans would be shocked and weirded out. That's one of the reasons Jonah liked Preston; he was selfless and thoughtful.