Camp Brotherhood

Week 1, Wednesday

Since we opted to sleep in after Blaine's mouth trumpet, Trent and I arrive late to potentially the worst breakfast to be late to. As we move to sit with Sebastian, he stops us. Apologizing to the guy seated across from him, he clues us in. "You have to sit with someone you don't know today and spend the day with them."

   I frown, while Trent sports a long pout. "But I don't want to know the people that I don't know." He states. "This is stupid."

   "Wrong. This is bonding." Wes states, sneaking up behind us. Trent shrinks inwardly. "Trent, do you know Zach?" The boy shakes his head, still nervous from being caught mocking the exercise. "Great. Why don't you go get to know him." He pats Trent on the back to move him along. "And Kurt...well, let's see here." Our two pairs of eyes scan the mess hall. Everyone is already sitting with someone. Great, I'm the odd man out. "Well, Kurt, you can come sit with me." And thus began the most educational and uninteresting breakfast I've ever had at a summer camp.

   I'm relieved when Wes excuses himself to help set up for the first activity. He apologizes that he'll be too busy running activities to spend the day with me, then invites me to join him in the classes. I politely decline. Better alone than in animetion learning how to make my anime move. However, there's no escaping the ropes course this morning, which he reminds me is mandatory. "And it starts in..." He checks his watch. Then he powers up his megaphone and steps onto a chair. David is by his side in an instant. "Now," he grins apologetically at me when I screech, startled by just how loud that thing is up close. "Friends, in a minute but not yet, you'll have to say goodbye for now to your new buddy and go find your cabin leader. Yes, friends, it is time for the much anticipated ropes course." Anticipated by only the insane, I'm sure. And, as if on cue, Blaine lets out an enthusiastic "yahoo!" "I ask that, when I'm done speaking, you all group up and head out. Have fun and be safe," he and David turn in sync to glare at Gregory Peterson. "Okay, go!" Then he dismounts from the chair with all of the grace of an Olympic gymnast.

   It's easy to spot Blaine, since he's bouncing enthusiastically in the middle of our group. However, I notice Trent first. He lingers near the team blue huddle with a mournful expression. "I will die before this is over."

   "You're telling me." I huff.

   The ropes course takes us in the opposite direction of the cabins, towards an incredibly daunting wooden contraption. It towers fifty feet above us, swinging platforms and all.

   "Okay, team blue, harness up!" Blaine instructs. Trent whimpers softly. While the proper utilities are distributed to the team and secured to their bodies, I find myself approaching Blaine. "What can I do for you, Potter?"

   "Uhm, I'm really sorry, but I don't think I can do this." I feel Trent glaring daggers at me. I'd filled him in on my genius plan as we'd trekked out here. Milk the injury. "It's my head. I'm still a little woozy."

   A pang of concern flashes across Blaine's face like a bolt of lightning. The usual dancing glint in his eyes dissipates as he faces me seriously. "Of course, Kurt. I'm stupid and didn't even consider checking in with you. Do you want me to sit with you?"

   I deny his offer profusely. He's being so kind about this that I feel rather guilty now having deceived him. "The ropes course seems to be a big 'yahoo' for you. You should enjoy it."

   He grins and my mind seems to fictionalize a blush slipping into his cheeks. "Are you sure? I don't mind. I've done this before."

   "You can do it again. I'll be fine."

   "Just because you're trying so hard to get rid of me," I begin to refute his accusation. But, he keeps talking. "I'll stay right here with you." He winks at me after that. It's the same casual wink he's been throwing around for the past few days; the one that kills me.