Red and Blue: A Crankiplier Story

Chapter 48

Mark was lead by Ethan through the trees. He had been told to get changed into board shorts and to bring a towel. He constantly asked where they were going but Ethan just shrugged, knowing where to go. He limped a little ahead of Mark, ignoring the pain of the cut on his leg. Mark knew that they weren't going to the lake because they would have taken another path. He could faintly see the cafeteria but Ethan walked right past it and continued ahead. They walked for twenty minutes before a fence was spotted by both of them. Ethan swiftly jumped over encouraging Mark to get over as well.

"What happens if someone's already here?" Mark asked, wincing as he landed uncomfortably.

"No ones ever there. I'm the only one in the camp who knows about this pool besides the instructors. The instructors never come here anyway and if we do get caught, we won't be in too much trouble.

Mark felt a presence, knowing it was Raven. She didn't speak to them so he didn't either. He knew what she was thinking: 'because the magic of the camp keeps everyone safe. Soon that feeling of presence disappeared.

"How much further?" Mark questioned leaning closer to Ethan and wrapping his arm around his side.

"Can't you see the light?" Ethan smiled.

Mark mentally facepalmed, laughing at himself.

"Come on!" Ethan laughed hopping over another small fence. Mark saw that there was a small room next to the pool with a couch and a TV. Mark could even see an Xbox 360 in there. There was a beach umbrella and one of those sun chairs and the lights around and in the pool were on.

Automatic lights? Mark thought staring at the solar panels on top of the room.

"Last one In is the gayest!" Ethan giggled jumping in.

"Oi, you're the Bi one here." Mark laughed jumping in with him.

"Well then, you're the gayest." Ethan said swimming over to Mark.

The pool wasn't too deep but it was deep enough to tread the water. Ethan splashed Mark in the face warning one right back. They giggled as they splashed even more, keeping eye contact and laughing.

Ethan moves his way into Mark's arms, his bare back brushing Mark's chest. Mark stepped back a little to find more grip to the floor and nuzzled his nose into Ethan's neck. "I wonder what it's going to be like when I get back home..." Mark whispered. "It'll be weird without your goofy smile and laugh. It'll be strange not to wake up to you every day."

"I know... the same goes for me. I don't want to leave our friends. I feel this feeling and it's weird. I feel stronger." Ethan mumbled.

"You feel loved, you don't feel broken anymore. You feel like you have a chance now." Mark stated.

"That's true... what's it going to be like without this though? Won't it just shatter me again?"

"No, it won't. You'll be okay." Mark was in a state of disbelief. He didn't want to believe he'd have to go home and leave this beautiful boy alone. He just felt like he'd have to make everything worth it like what he did earlier in the shower. Mark spun Ethan around gently and pressed his lips to the blue haired boy's. When they pulled apart, Mark smiled. Their foreheads were pressed together and they made eye contact again.

"No matter what happens next, we'll have this." Mark whispered.

"Let's get out of the pool." Ethan said a slight shiver rippling the lit up water.

"Okay. Mark agreed."

Ethan got out and picked up his abandoned towel from the floor and placed it on the grass away from the concrete. Mark followed suite, laying his towel as well. They lay down and cuddled next to each other, Ethan's face in Mark's neck.

"Have you ever looked up there and asked, what's it like in space? What's it like to be in that dangerous place." Mark asked.

"Yeah. I used to stare up at the moon when I was seven and laugh because I thought the moon was made of cheese." Ethan giggled.

"I have so many books about space and the universe at home. Since my dad died I was reading through all of the books he'd used to read me. I miss him so much... but I never dwell on the past. He means a lot to me and he taught me a lot." Mark sighed.

"You're dad sound like one of the best people ever." Ethan mumbled smiling.

"How about your dad before he... you know..."

He felt Ethan tense in his arms but snuggle closer to him. His voice was shaking as he spoke. My dad sed to throw me around with a smile. He used to give me piggyback rides and we used to throw balls together. He put me in gymnastics and got me motivated for everything... until I came out as Bi... then he started hating me and you know the rest... my mum followed suite, not wanting anything to do with me. They almost put me in conversion therapy."

Mark tightened his arm around Ethan, allowing his blue haired boyfriend to lay his head across his shoulder. The stared at the stars hand in hand, snuggled close to each other.

"Mark what time is it?" Ethan whispered.

Mark pulled out his phone and checked the time. It was twelve. "Midnight."

Ethan nodded. "We should go."

"Good idea." Mark agreed.

The two picked themselves up from the ground and put their abandoned shirts on. Mark booped Ethan's nose making him blush. He smiled and poked Mark so Mark poked back giggling. It ended in an all out boop and poking war.

"You are literally the most adorable thing ever." Mark giggled.

"You're cuter." Ethan smiled.

"No you," Mark argued.

"No, you're way more adorable." Ethan insisted.

Mark sighed, caving in when Ethan poked his hand and holding it gently. Mark held back as they walked, the night breeze brushing their faces.

"I thought camp was really going to suck." Ethan said. "But it didn't and it was all on you making me open up from my shell. You're the first person to approach me who isn't a bully." He said, leaning over and pecking Mark on the cheek. Mark blushed smiling.

"I would have never thought I would have met someone like you." Mark confessed. Ethan made his way into Mark's arms and he wrapped his arm around Mark's shoulder smiling as he rested his head on it. They soon passed the cafeteria again and then they were at the cabins. They snuck back into the wooden place and upstairs, the creaking from them only slightly making the others shuffle in their sleep. Mark snuck up his bunk with Ethan following and wrapped his arms around the blue haired boy. Ethan curled into Mark's stomach facing him and wrapped his arms around his neck. Mark held Ethan's sides, cuddling him and making sure Ethan was comfortable before falling asleep, his breath brushing Mark's neck.

I hope that didn't kill you with cuteness. Love y'all and peace out!