Date: Mon, 27 Mar 2017 04:43:59 +0000 From: Pony Boy1984 Subject: The Haunting of Cabin 13: Chapter 4 "The Coming Storm" Disclaimer: All acts depicted in the following story are strictly fictional and consensual. Please help support Nifty by donating. http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html Nifty Stories Archive Donation donate.nifty.org Donation information for the Nifty Stories Archive The Haunting of Cabin 13 By Ponyboy1984 Chapter 4 – The Coming Storm Mornings at Lakeside came a little too early for Billy's liking. Slender shafts of warm sunlight streaming through the window glistened on Billy's bare body. He instinctively stretched in the warmth of the sunlight before the shrill electronic squeal of Derek's alarm raised him to consciousness. "I'm going to throw that thing into the lake," Billy mumbled into his pillow. "Ugh, no shit," Tad whimpered from the top bunk. Billy buried his head in the pillow, seeking sanctuary in the soft down. Although he loathed the early mornings, he knew the new day promised more adventure. He forced his eyes open and turned to confront the sunlight. Unlike the previous days, he made no real effort to cover his nudity or his morning boner. He no longer felt ashamed of his body. Tad's tangled mass of dirty blond hair cascaded from the top bunk ahead of his weary face. He was quick to notice his friend's new nonchalant attitude regarding his nudity, and it brought about a swift, approving grin. "How did you sleep?" he asked. Billy yawned before flashing a dimpled grin, "Real good. How about you?" "Good," Tad affirmed. "How are you feeling?" Billy's countenance flushed a little. "I'm fine." He decided not to share that his butt was feeling a little sore, though he wouldn't have it any other way. He glanced over at Jeffy's bunk and noticed that Sammy was still spooning with him. Jeffy seemed to sigh contently, his eyelids still fluttering as he struggled to awareness. Both Tommy and Alex rose to their feet, stretching their bodies before rummaging through their possessions for shampoo and towels. "Come on, sleepyheads," Alex commanded, sounding as much the counselor as Derek. As if on queue, Derek's door cracked open, and the bare-chested man glanced out at the boys. Billy couldn't help but smile at the man. Derek caught Billy's smile and couldn't help but blush a little. He lingered at the doorway perhaps a moment more than he felt prudent as Billy's gaze drifted to the lump in his boxers. He smiled sheepishly at Billy, before disappearing back into his room. Billy struggled to his feet, clutching the top bunk for balance as Tad jumped down. Tad stood so close that his body heat washed across Billy's lithe form. He attracted Billy's weary body like a magnet, and he struggled to resist the desire to just let his body collapse into Tad. "Six inches!" Sammy said, waggling his finger. Both Tad and Billy looked over at the redhead and simultaneously responded, "Huh?" "That's what Sister Mary Josephine would say. You have to stay six inches away from people." Alex shook his head. "You didn't look six inches from Jeffy last night." Sammy turned toward Alex, puffing up his freckled chest and declared, "I was negative six inches from him!" Alex's cocked his head as he contemplated Sammy's statement. His eyes widened, "Oh my God! You Wish!" he exclaimed in disbelief. Sammy grabbed a towel and took a somewhat bewildered Jeffy by the hand and dragged him to the shower, as the room watched, mouths agape. Tommy laughed as he pulled out his shampoo, opting not to add anything to the conversation. The others followed the younger boys into the shower, their conversation turning to the day's planned activities. Unlike the previous mornings, the boys all clustered side by side and each boy seemed to engage in some small act of exhibitionism for the benefit of the others. Each act was appreciated but passed without comment because none was required. ... After breakfast, Derek led the boys to the main beach area. An assemblage of scantily clad boys was already frolicking in the cool lake water as the sun emerged from behind the surrounding pines. "We don't have our swim trunks on, Derek," Jeffy said. "We're not here to swim right now," Derek replied. He motioned for the boys to follow him towards the docks. "Alright, listen up. This morning we're going to be taking out the rowboats. Each of you will be given a lifejacket. You are to keep those jackets on until you're safely back on the dock. Is everyone clear on that?" "Yes, Derek," the boys replied in unison. "I'm going to break you up into teams. Billy and Tad, Alex and Tommy, Jeffy and Sammy..." As he heard the names listed, Sammy began to grin in excitement until Derek added, "You're with me." The boy's freckle strewn face quickly deflated. "The rules are simple. No horseplay. No rocking the boat and no jumping out. Your lifejackets stay on at all times. We're going to do a lap around the lake, but it's not a race. Now, the only other rule is to stay out of the reeds on the west side of the pond. Otherwise, what may happen, Tommy?" Tommy's hair appeared nearly platinum in the morning light. Billy couldn't help but notice that the sun rising behind the boy caused a warm, white aura to surround the boy's tan body. He resisted the temptation to reach out and touch him. As if reading his thoughts, Tommy turned and smiled at Billy, before turning back to meet Derek's gaze. "Because the Lakeside Bog Monster might get you!" Tommy replied Jeffy's eyes widened, "The Lakeside Bog Monster!" he gasped. "Yes, Jeffy. The bog monster blends in with the reeds and lives in the mud. And if you go into the reeds, he'll get you!" Tommy added. Jeffy looked around, searching everyone's faces to ascertain whether Tommy was joking. Billy bit his lip to keep from laughing. Sammy was wearing a lop-sided grin but otherwise remained silent. "And that is why we stay out of the reeds," Derek said. "But...but..." Tommy grinned, "I'll tell you all about it on story night." Jeffy raised an eyebrow, "Story night?" "That's coming up probably tomorrow night, depending on the weather," Derek interjected. Jeffy turned to face the placid water, looking towards the far end of the pond. Derek shook his head and chuckled under his breath. "Just stay out of the reeds, and you'll be fine." Jeffy turned back, his brain still reeling from the idea a monster might really lurk out there in the mud. He figured it was probably a joke, but one can never be too careful when it came to monsters. After securing each boy in a life jacket, Derek led the boys down the length of the white dock. The wooden planks creaked with each step, bobbing slightly in the water as the boy's footsteps echoed around the beach. One by one, the boys were loaded into rowboats. Billy noticed that the light gray paint seemed to be substantially weathered and peeling, though the boat itself seemed quite seaworthy. Derek and the boat master held the boats steady for the boys until everyone was safely seated. The dock master gave each boat a gentle push, allowing them to drift towards the deeper water, as Derek gave some tips on rowing. "We're going to set the pace. Stay behind us and within shouting distance," Derek instructed, as his oars made contact with the water, propelling the small boat forward. The other boys allowed some distance to be put between them and the lead boat before getting underway. Billy took the first turn with the oars. He struggled to find the right angle to insert the oars into the water, resulting in the blades flailing in the air before crashing into the water, sending a spray of cool water wafting into the air. "Quit it!" Tad giggles, scooping some water with his hand and flinging it at Billy. "I'm trying!" he said, grinning sheepishly. "When you're putting the oars in the water, make sure the blades are cutting into the water, then feather them more horizontally after you've lifted them out of the water. Keep your stroke on both sides consistent," Derek coached. After a few moment, the small flotilla headed out into the glistening lake waters with the boats gradually drifting apart, affording the boys a little privacy after just a few moments. "Are you having fun?" Tad asked after a few moments of silence. "Sure, this is cool. It's very relaxing," Billy replied. Tad laughed, "No, I meant being here at Lakeside." Billy blushed a little and smiled, "I love it. I wouldn't trade it for anything." "Me neither. And to think you came here with all those books expecting to read." Billy shook his head, "I didn't think I'd make friends with anyone. I just thought..." "Thought what?" Billy signed, "I thought I'd just be invisible like usual." "Aww, come off it," Tad reached out to give Billy a playful push. "I noticed you right away. I think everyone noticed you." Billy shrugged his shoulders but gave a dimpled grin. "I'm not worth noticing." "Bullshit! And you know it. You just needed to loosen up a little." "I just needed you," Billy responded. The words cascade from his lips before he could retract them. By the time he finished his thought, his face had flushed red. Tad's face immediately turned crimson, before he leaned over and stole a quick kiss. "What was that for?" Billy asked, barely able to contain his delight and the throbbing between his legs. "For being you," Tad replied. "Can I ask you a personal question?" "Of course. You can ask me anything." Billy looked around at the other boats before turning back to Tad, "On the first day, you said something about a `special friend.' Did you mean you had a boyfriend, or something else?" Tad bit his lower lip but smiled. "Let me ask you a question first, and if you tell me the truth, I'll answer you." Billy tilted his head, looking a little concerned but nodding his head in agreement. "Sure, go ahead." "I saw you looking at Derek this morning. Do you like him?" Tad asked. Billy swallowed hard and looked away for a moment, waves of fear and confusion washing across him. "I, ahh... I mean... He's a nice guy." Tad shook his head, "That isn't what I mean, Billy. Come on, you trust me, don't you?" "Yes, of course, I do!" "Well, then tell me the truth." Billy signed, "Yes, I like him." "Would you want to have sex with him?" Billy's countenance morphed from fear to embarrassment as his cock inflated, giving the answer before the words could leave his mouth. "Yeah, I wouldn't mind trying it with him." Tad grinned, "I'd love to watch him fuck you," he said, reaching out with his bare feet to rub the bulge in Billy's shorts. Billy moaned, closing his eyes for a moment before looking around in concern. "Be careful! Someone might see." he admonished. Tad rubbed the bulge a little harder, placing both hands on the side of the boat. "They can't see anything." Billy didn't ask him to stop but rather leaned back allowing the waves of pleasure wash across his body that mimicked the gentle waves underneath the boat. "It's really important you don't talk to anyone else about this." "I promise, Tad. I won't say anything at all," Billy promised. "I do have a boyfriend, but he's sorta Derek's age." "What? You mean an adult?" "Yeah. I met this older guy at the mall about a year ago. I was scared to death to try and find a boyfriend at school, and I didn't want it broadcasted all over town. We really hit it off, and he taught me everything I know about sex. I can talk to him about stuff I could never talk about with my dad, and he doesn't treat me like a stupid kid. He treats me like I matter and doesn't bullshit me. Plus, he has his own house, a car and we can be together with no risk of anyone finding out. It's not like he can say anything, and he knows I'd never risk getting him in trouble. He's like a cross between a teacher, a dad and a boyfriend all in one." Billy contemplated Tad's words for a moment before asking, "Do you love him?" Tad nodded, "Yeah, I do. But, it's not like an exclusive thing. He encourages me to find a boyfriend my age, but he'll always be special to me. And, I think I'll always be his boy, no matter what happens or what I decide to do. Do you know what I mean?" Billy wasn't entirely sure he understood, but he smiled anyway. He hesitated for a moment before answering. "I guess so. It must be cool to have someone and not have to worry. But, he wouldn't mind if you..." Tad leaned in closer to Billy, "He doesn't mind who I am with so long as I'm careful and safe. And he'd understand if I found another boyfriend. Though, he'd probably want me to bring that boyfriend home to him. I think he'd love a threesome." Billy imagined that potential scene in his head, causing his cock to throb even harder. "Did you have someone in mind to be my boyfriend?" Tad asked coyly. A lump formed in Billy's throat, but the initial fear morphed into a dimpled grin as the heat spread across his face. "Maybe." Tad rubbed Billy's bulge wish his foot a little harder. "Come on, out with it!" Two can play at this game, Billy thought to himself. "Alex might make a good boyfriend," Billy suggested. Tad rubbed his chin in mock contemplation. "He's not a bad choice, but he has a girlfriend back home." Billy grinned, "How about Tommy?" "Yeah, Tommy's cool but he lives too far away I think. I don't even think he owns a cell phone." "Maybe Sammy or Jeffy." "They're cute and fun, but they're just kids. I need someone both smart and cute as hell," Tad replied, staring right into Billy's eyes. "Do you have any ideas?" Billy asked, scarcely able to contain his enthusiasm. "I think I do," Tad said, leaning in for a kiss. "Come on you guys, you're falling behind!" Derek shouts. Both boys immediately straightened their posture and blushed. Tad took possession of the oars and quickly began catching up to the other boats. After a moment they giggled heartily as any tension dissolved. "Before camp ends, we'll spend the night with just us. I promise," Tad said. "What about tonight?" "I told you, we're giving Jeffy and Sammy a lesson." "A lesson in what?" Billy wondered. "We're going to teach them how to fuck." Billy grinned, not stopping to question whether Tad was serious. All he could think about was Jeffy's cute little bubble butt, and the prospect of exploring it more intimately got him excited. "I think you're going to make a good teacher," Tad added. "So will you." "I still would love to watch Derek fuck the hell out of you, though," Tad teased. Billy looked towards Derek, spying him in the distance. When the man turned to meet his gaze, he immediately blushed and turned back to Tad. Alex and Tommy's boat trailed about twenty feet behind Derek's. Within a few moments of pulling away from shore, Tommy had taken off his tank top and leaned back in the morning sunshine. Alex watched Tommy and smiled, spying a hint of his hairless balls sticking out from the boy's ripped shorts. "See anything you want?" Tommy teased. Alex pulled off his t-shirt and grinned, "Maybe." "You'll be surprised what you can get away with in a rowboat," Tommy suggested. Alex looked around and deliberately slowed his rowing, allowing Derek's boat to pull further ahead. Tommy used the sides of the boat to lift his body up and shinny out of his shorts. He spread his legs to give Alex a good view of his inflating cock. "They'd have to pull right up beside us to see anything," he assured his companion. The older teen lifted up his body, allowing Tommy to reach forward and yank his gym shorts down, liberating Alex's cock. "Now, doesn't that feel better?" Tommy asked. "Yeah, it does," Alex replied, relishing the light breeze on his bare body. "So, what do you do for fun back home? Well, besides the obvious," Alex asked. Tommy grinned. "I don't really get to have that kind of fun at home. That's why I look forward to coming here. I just mainly ride my bike, listen to my records and sometimes go fishing. What about you?" "Listen to records? You mean like vinyl records?" Alex asked a bit incredulously. "Well, I don't have that fancy Star Trek phone stuff some of you guys have." "I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it." "It's alright, it would be cool to have all my records in something that fits in my pocket. Though, Dad promised to get me an 8-Track system next Christmas." Alex laughed, "Dude, you're a trip. Where do you go biking?" "Mainly just down dirt trails and the roads around our place. Sometimes I'll take a day trip into town and hang out at the stores or something. What about you?" "I got a bike, but I'm hoping to be able to use the old car next year." "Woah, awesome!" Tommy said. "You got a learner's permit?" "Not yet, but I hope to this September." "Dad always says, there's nothing like the freedom of having a car." "Amen to that," Alex agreed. "So, what do you do for fun. Well, besides your girlfriend?" Tommy asked. "I've not gotten that far with her, but it's better than nothing," Alex responded. Tommy took his cock between his fingers and pointed it in Alex's direction. "I think you prefer sausage, anyways." "When I'm here, anyways. Back home, when I'm not with her, I hang out with friends. Otherwise, I'm using my X-Box 360." "What's an X-Box? I heard some of the other guys talking about it. Is that like an Atari?" Alex laughed, "What, you have a Jaguar?" "Huh? No, it's the Atari 2600. Robotron is my favorite game. What's yours?" "You are so retro. Halo is my favorite game. Maybe I could give you my old X-Box, it's just sitting in my closet doing nothing." "Oh, that would be sweet. So, what do I have to do for that?" Tommy asked, licking his lips. Alex's cock throbbed achingly, prompting a sigh of frustration. "You're such a tease. But, you'd know I'd do anything for you, dude." Tommy blushed a little and smiled. "You're pretty awesome, Alex. Wish I knew someone like you back home." "Hey, if I get that car I'll be able to come visit, you know." Tommy's smile broadened. "I'd like that." "You do have electricity on the commune, right?" Alex teased. Tommy flipped him the middle finger. "Yes, we do. And it's not a commune. We live on a farm, it's just out in the middle of nowhere." "I know. I was just teasing you. Sometimes it's like you walked right out of the 70s." Tommy looked confused for a moment. "Come on, it takes some time for stuff to get out to the country." Alex opened his mouth to speak but thought the better of it. It's almost like you don't belong here at all, he thought to himself. Not wanting to offend Tommy, Alex changed the subject. "Do you want to hang out tonight?" Tommy grinned, reaching out to take Alex's cock into his hand, giving a few gentle strokes. "What do you think?" Alex moaned, "Yeah, but I was hoping to put it somewhere else." Tommy released Alex's cock and leaned back. "Well, you'll just have to wait until tonight." Alex signed in frustration. "Just for that, I'm going to put in extra hard." Tommy winked, "Like I'd want it any other way." Alex shook his head and laughed. "Good, it's a date then." "Let me have a turn," Tommy offered. Alex surrendered the oars to his friend and leaned back against the bow of the rowboat to relax for a moment. He dipped his hand into the cool water, staring at his own silhouette in the water. The longer he stared at the water, the more unsettled his subconscious mind became. For there was only one silhouette reflected in the water. Before this notion reached his conscious awareness, a billowing cumulus cloud blocked the sun, casting a long shadow across the lake. "Is something wrong, Alex?" Alex looked up at Tommy with an inexplicable unease. "I don't know, just tired I guess." "Well, maybe you should take a quick nap during the open activity period. You're going to have a long night." The smile quickly returned to Alex's face, "Yeah, that's a good idea." Using his physical strength and experience rowing, Derek easily maneuvered his boat about thirty feet ahead of the others. He periodically looked back to ensure the other boats were keeping pace. Periodically, he would allow the boat's forward momentum to carry them forward, using the opportunity to shout at the other boats or make small talk with Jeffy and Sammy. "Can I have a turn?" Sammy asked. "Sure, why not," Derek said, offering the redhead the oars. As Sammy got used to the motion, Derek offered him some advice. Sammy took the opportunity to splash Jeffy using the oars. "Quit it!" Jeffy giggled. "Sammy! Knock it off. What did I tell you about horseplay in the boat?" "I didn't even pretend to be a horse!" Sammy retorted. Derek didn't reply, he folded his arms and gave the youngster a cross look. Sammy couldn't stand it when Derek gave him that look. "Alright...Alright, I was just kidding. I'm sorry." Derek rubbed the boy's hair, running his fingers across Sammy's freckle strewn face. Sammy blushed and smiled. "Good boy," Derek said softly. "So, Jeffy. What do you think?" Derek asked. "He's a goofball, but I really like him," Jeffy replied. Sammy's freckles flared further. "I think he meant about the camp, dummy." "I'm not the dummy, you're the dummy!" Jeffy retorted. Derek buried his face in the palm of his hand for a moment, shaking his head in amusement. "Yes, I wanted to know if you were enjoying yourself so far, Jeffy." Jeffy giggled, "This is the best place ever!" Derek smiled approvingly. "What's been your favorite activity so far?" Jeffy looked at Sammy and smiled, "Meeting Sammy and all you guys. I never had so many friends before." Sammy turned to face Jeffy and gave him a playful push, "Aww, don't be a dork." "We're all very glad to have you with us, Jeffy," Derek replied. "I think he meant what activities you like," Sammy said. "Oh, uh, the petting zoo and the swimming, and the bows and arrows, oh and the climbing wall too. Oh, and the rowing!" "You dummy, you just listed like everything we did so far!" Sammy admonished. "Well, not everything." Derek raised an eyebrow, "That sounded like everything to me." "Well, there's the night..." Before Jeffy could complete his sentence, Sammy stepped on his foot. "Owww! Watch your foot!" "I think he meant the campfires, right Jeffy?" Sammy said, glaring at his companion. Jeffy looked at Sammy in confusion before catching on. "Oh, yeah the night campfire activity thing. Yeah, that's it!" Derek stifled a laugh, suspecting the night activities Jeffy really meant. Every generation thinks they invented night activities. Christ, I'm starting to sound like my dad. Almost twenty-five years and nothing's really changed here. Well, almost nothing, Derek thought to himself. He looked across the lake back towards the main docks and sighed. "Are you alright, Derek?" Sammy asked in concern. Derek took a deep breath and smiled down at the boys. "I'm just fine, Sammy. Just thinking of some of my own favorite activities here, back in the day." A grin crept across Sammy's face. Derek wondered if the other boys had the ability to read him like Sammy. He looked back and noticed Billy watching him in the distance. He reminds me of... "Can I have a turn?" Jeffy asked, disrupting Derek's thoughts. "Of course you can. Sammy, let him have the oars." Sammy surrendered the oars to Jeffy, who seemed relatively adept at rowing despite his relatively small stature. "That's it Jeffy, let the rowlock do the work. You want those oars to get a good bite of the water. Otherwise, you're wasting your stroke." Jeffy nodded, as he propelled the rowboat forward. "It's not a race either. Feather the oars into the air and let momentum carry you. That will give the others a chance to catch up," Derek instructed. "We're getting close to the reeds," Sammy teased. Jeffy turned to look at the approaching wavering cattails and shuddered. "Should I turn, Derek?" "Not just yet. Go ahead and pick up the pace again," Derek replied. Jeffy put the oars back into the water and began accelerating forward. Derek turned back to check on the other boats. "Hey, there's a snapping turtle!" Sammy said, pointing out to a rock just behind the initial curtain of reeds. The large turtle was sunning itself in the morning sun and paid little attention to approaching rowboat. Upon noticing the creature, Jeffy redirected the boat towards the turtle. "Now don't get too close, Jeffy. The water is much shallower in this part of the lake, and we don't want to get stuck," Derek cautioned. As they approached the reeds, several dragonflies took flight, buzzing lazily around the boat. Jeffy stopped rowing, marveling over the creatures and the sudden cacophony of sound emanating from the marsh. Soon the bow of the boat was sliding through the weeds before Derek took control of the oars, using them to bring the boat astride the snapping turtle. "Wow, look how big he is!" Jeffy marveled. "I bet he could bite off a finger!" Sammy said. Jeffy immediately withdrew his hand from the edge of the boat. The turtle looked up at the boys with annoyance, snapping his jaw to keep the intruders at bay. Jeffy and Sammy smiled in delight until the turtle tired of the audience and slipped into the murky water. "I bet there are box turtles here too," Jeffy said. Derek nodded, "Yes, there are. Do you know how to tell the difference?" "Yeah, if it doesn't bite your finger off, then it's a box turtle," Sammy said. Derek shook his head and ignored the redhead. "Their shells are different. The box turtle's shell is kinda egg shaped, and its shell is prettier." Derek nods, "Yes, but there's a few other things. Did you know snapping turtles can't retreat completely into their shells like a box turtle can?" Both Jeffy and Sammy shook their heads in unison. "It's true, and the box turtles prefer to be on land. So you're more likely to find them on the shoreline and not this far out." "I bet the bog monster eats snapping turtles!" Sammy declared. Derek grinned, "Oh, I think he likes to eat something...meatier." Both Derek and Sammy looked at Jeffy, who gulped nervously. "Maybe we should get going," Jeffy suggested, his eyes darting around the surrounding marshland. "Yes, I agree. The insurance company jacks up our rates whenever a camper gets eaten," Derek said. Sammy raised an eyebrow in concern as Jeffy glanced around the water anxiously. As the boat turned to exit the reeds, one of the marsh's other amphibious denizens was spooked by the proximity of the boat and leaped upwards with a loud, "Croak!" The bullfrog made a graceful arc into the boat, landing on the seat beside Jeffy. All Jeffy saw was a large green blur and a shower of water droplets. "Bog monster!" he screaming, jumping up and destabilizing the boat as he struggled to maintain his footing. Derek's arms sprung forward like lightning, grabbing Jeffy's slender frame before he tumbled over into the water. "Be still, Jeffy! There's no monster," Derek said firmly. "What was it?" Jeffy said, his body shaking in fear. Derek looked around and pointed at the large bullfrog watching Jeffy with curiosity. "Croak! Croak!" Jeffy looked at the creature in shock, but his smile was quick to return. "He wants to come home with us!" "Oh, I'm sure he'd rather stay in the marsh." "You let me keep the turtle last year," Sammy said. Derek sighed, "You're not helping, Sammy." The redhead just smiled as Jeffy picked up the bullfrog which squirmed slightly in his hands but otherwise seemed content. "He's not a bog monster, but I'm gonna call him Frogzilla!" Jeffy decided. Derek decided not to argue with the boy and concentrated on rowing the boat back to the docks with the other boats falling in line behind them. ... The boys returned to Cabin Thirteen to clean up in preparation for lunch. Jeffy and Sammy rounded up a large plastic tub and some water for Frogzilla, while the other boys washed up and changed their clothes. "Hey Derek, do you mind if I take a nap during the open period after lunch?" Alex asked. "No, not at all. Having trouble sleeping?" Derek asked, flashing a knowing grin at the teen. Alex cleared his throat and shuffled his feet. "Uh, yeah. Guess I had too much caffeine." "Well, I'm sure you'll work off that excess energy somehow." Alex flushed crimson, opting to stare at his sneakers rather than look Derek in the face. Though, he grinned wryly because he knew this was Derek's way of letting him know that he knew exactly what was going on. Since there was no follow-up, he also knew this was the man's tacit approval. It's my responsibility to keep everyone safe at night, Alex thought to himself. As if reading his mind, Derek made a subtle nod and turned away. "Maybe we should take a nap too," Billy suggested to Tad. "No, you're going to the archery range for the safety check," Tommy interjected. "Oh, uh I guess we're doing archery," Billy replied. "Don't worry, it will be easy peasy," Tommy assured the boys. After the boys had got cleaned up and Frogzilla was sequestered in a large tub, everyone headed down to the cafeteria for lunch. The blazing summer sun had risen above the treeline and was now glaring down on the boys as bumblebees, and several butterflies lazily maneuvered between the azaleas, lilacs and wild roses. Billy stopped to observe the symphony of color, as a light breeze brushed against the perspiration that was rolling down his face, prompting a sigh of relief from the heat. "It's like magic, isn't it?" Tommy whispered. "Yeah, it is," Billy replied. Tommy approached a butterfly that landed on one of the blue azaleas and held out a finger, positioning it just under the flower and slowly lifting it upwards. The butterfly climbed on his finger, fluttering it's brightly colored yellow, orange and black wings for stability. "Here, hold out your finger and be still." Billy held out his finger as Tommy maneuvered the creature until it was able to climb up on Billy's finger. He studied the butterfly, holding it up in front of his face, studying the patterns of color on the wings. A small gust caused the butterfly to take flight, dancing between Billy and Tommy before crossing the trail and landing on a pink rose. "You have a way with nature, Tommy." Tommy smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "It's always been that way. Mom said it's because of love. The more you open the heart, the more you become one with nature and the more love you'll find." Another butterfly flew around the boys, this time the creature alighted on Billy's shoulder, much to his surprise and delight. "See, open hearts attract good things," Tommy added. The butterfly took flight again, fluttering erratically until landing squarely on the bridge of Jeffy's nose. "Hey!" Jeffy protested, looking at the creature crosseyed. He began giggling as the butterfly tickled his nose before soaring into the blue sky and disappearing. "Come on boys, while they're still serving lunch," Derek said, waving the boys towards the main part of the camp now coming into view. The boys' collective hunger drove them swiftly to the door, quickly merging with the stream of campers cramming through the double glass doors. "Oh man, I'm so hungry," Tad said, as the smell of pizza, cheeseburgers, and meatloaf wafted through the air. "Yeah me too!" Sammy said, jostling Jeffy for position to be first in line ahead of Billy and Tad. Alex grabbed both boys by the scruff of the neck, "Hold your horses!" Everyone loaded their trays and settled around the table to devour the bounty of food they had gathered from the buffet. Everyone broke into small talk between bites of pizza and gulps of soda and fruit juice. Billy looked over and noticed Tommy staring at Derek. "Derek, do I know you from somewhere?" Tommy asked. Derek was about to take a bite of meatloaf but froze for a second. He looked over at Tommy and smiled. "I was your counselor last year, remember?" he responded. He turned back to his meal, avoiding eye contact with the boy. "Yeah, I guess that's it. It's just I feel like I've known you longer." Tommy stared blankly out the window facing the lake. "You remind me of someone else. But, he stayed in Cabin 10. He didn't come this year, I guess." Tommy looked down at his plate, pushing some potato tots around with his fork. It was the first time that Billy had seen Tommy look sad. "Well, unfortunately, life has the habit of changing our plans. I'm sure he would have been here if it was at all possible," Derek replied. "Yeah, I guess so. I just worry that something bad happened to him." Derek's right hand began shaking, causing his fork to clang noisily against the plate. He released his grip on the utensils, leaning back to take a deep breath before responding. "I'm sure he's fine, Tommy. Why do you think something happened to him?" Tommy looked up, "Because I feel like he's here with me. Everywhere I go I hear an echo of his voice. It's like if I reached out..." Derek raised his voice, just enough to disrupt Tommy's chain of thought. "When we miss someone we care about, we keep them close by remembering them. And by keeping them in our thoughts, we keep a very real piece of them with us. I'm willing to bet that wherever he might be, he's probably thinking about you as well." As he spoke, Billy realized the man's body had begun to shake. It was subtle, but it caused enough vibration that all the boys had turned to look in his direction. "I guess your right," Tommy replied, managing a disarming smile that seemed to put Derek at ease. Billy looked over at Tad, who flashed him a look of concern. "That was weird," Tad whispered under his breath. Billy didn't know how to respond, so he shrugged slightly and resumed his meal. He looked up at Derek and received a gentle smile in return, but noticed his eyes glistening. "Hey, Derek can you give me a hand with something?" One of the administrators called out to him. Derek looked relieved by the distraction and quickly excused himself from the table. Billy watched him walk to the other side of the room. The administrator gave Derek a couple gentle pats on the back as if comforting the man. Billy turned to ask Tommy about his missing friend, realizing the boy was gone. "Where the hell did Tommy go?" he asked. Tad and Alex both looked around the room. "I didn't see him get up. He must have gone to take a leak," Alex responded. "Maybe he went for more food," Jeffy offered. Billy caught a glimpse of him outside, looking towards the lake. "Oh, he went outside I guess," Billy said. How did he leave the table without anyone noticing? How did he get outside so fast? Billy wondered to himself. He excused himself from the table and went to join Tommy outside before he disappeared again. "Hey, Tommy. Are you alright?" Billy asked. Tommy sighed, replying without turning to face Billy. "I'm alright. I just got thinking about this kid I met last year. I really liked him. He was a lot like you really. You would have really hit it off with him. But it's cool, I got to meet all of you. I just miss Derek." Billy raised an eyebrow, turning to look back into the cafeteria. "Derek? Like our counselor?" Tommy turned to face Billy, a brief look of confusion crossing his face. "Yes, well... except this kid is our age." He turned to the cafeteria and spotted Derek returning to the table. For a moment, the two made eye contact before Derek turned away and resumed eating his lunch. "You ever feel like you forgot something wicked important, but you just can't remember what it is?" "Yeah, I guess. My mom would call it Déjà vu." Tommy nodded, "It's just like that. Don't say anything but sometimes I get that feeling with Derek." "Do you think you knew him before coming to camp? Like, maybe you saw him in your hometown or something?" "Maybe. I just feel like I have this special connection to him sometimes." "Tommy, did something bad happen between you and him?" Tommy turned to Billy with widened eyes, "No, he'd never hurt me. Not in a million years! Besides, he could have me if he wanted. And from the way you look at him, you dig him too." Billy's felt the heat sweep across his face. He stared down at his sneakers, "I'm sorry Tommy, I didn't mean anything by it." "I didn't mean to snap at you. I don't know why but I trust him completely. Did you notice that he seems really sad sometimes? I think he's lonely." "You're right, I've noticed it." "Maybe he doesn't have anyone to love back home," Tommy wondered aloud. Billy wasn't sure, though he suspected Tommy was on to something. "I have a feeling you might be right." "Nobody should ever be alone, Billy. My dad did a tour in Vietnam and lost some friends over there. He said what happened over there taught him that life is way too precious and short to waste. He said never be afraid to love or be loved by someone. Don't wait to die expecting to find paradise, when you have the chance to make paradise here on earth in the time we're given. My parents are total hippies, but I love how my dad sees the world. Do you understand what I mean?" Billy looked back up at Tommy and smiled. "I think that sounds beautiful. Your dad sounds like a pretty cool guy." Tommy grinned, "Hopefully you'll get to meet my parents before we leave. Hey, let's get some dessert before we head to the archery range." Billy quickly agreed and led the way back to the cafeteria, but noticed Derek watching him out of the corner of his eye. I'm missing something here, but I can't put my finger on it. Wait, did he say his dad fought In Vietnam? How the hell old are his parents? The boys returned to the table with slices of chocolate cake. Derek seemed relieved to see Billy and Tommy return but did his best to avoid directly addressing the boys. Jeffy and Sammy conspired quietly, both boys mouths streaked with chocolate frosting while Derek and Alex made small talk. Greg from Cabin 10 discreetly positioned himself about six feet behind Billy, listening to his conversation with the other boys. "Don't get busted," Sean warned the older boy. "It's a free country. I'm not doing anything wrong," Greg countered. Sean grinned, "So, what's the plan?" "I bet these fags are fooling around. I just need some way of getting him alone," Greg replied, motioning towards Billy. "Just keep your eyes open and see who he hangs around with the most. Then, we'll go to phase two." "What's phase two?" "Oh, you'll see. Just keep on his tail but don't get caught. And if you say anything, it will be your ass I kick," Greg warned. Sean gulped nervously. "Hey, I'm on your side. But why do you need me to do this?" "Because Billy would recognize me and get suspicious. He won't even notice you." "Oh, good thinking. I'll figure out who he's hanging out with and let you know." Greg grinned, "Good. I knew I could count on you. Don't worry, you'll be in on the fun." Sean nodded, a malicious smile crossing his face. As the boys of Cabin 13 headed out the door for the free activities period, Sean waited a moment before trailing behind the group. He would dart behind the azaleas, to avoid being spotted by Derek, who might get suspicious of his presence. Alex and Derek headed up the hill towards the cabin, while Tommy, Billy, and Tad turned off the main trail towards the archery range. Jeffy and Sammy headed to the petting zoo, making it easier for Sean to conduct his espionage. Sean waited until another small group of kids headed in the same direction, blending in with them until arriving at the archer range. He positioned himself near Billy but remaining just far enough away for plausible deniability. Billy was the first to step to the line to fire his quiver of arrows at the target in the distance. Billy felt a lot more confidence, receiving advice from both Tommy and the counselor. After the first round, the boys sat on the bench while others stepped forward to take a turn. "You boys want to take the safety check?" The counselor asked the trio. "Yes, Sir," Billy responded. "Very well. Come with me," the man beckoned. The counselor asked the boys a series of questions regarding the handling and storing of tackle, identifying parts of the archery range and general safety procedures. Finally, he challenged each boy to demonstrate what they knew and even had them critique his own form to point out flaws or safety violations. Once he was satisfied with their knowledge and maturity, he presented a key to the storage locker. "Do you understand I am entrusting this key to you and all the responsibilities that come with it?" "Yes, Sir. We won't let you down," Billy promised. The man smiled, pressing the key into the palm of Billy's hand. "Please make sure you lock the cabinet when you're done. Return the key to the administration office or directly to me by the last day of camp." "See, I told you it would be easy peasy," Tommy said. Tad discreetly wrapped his hand around Billy's, "Well, guess this means we're getting up early tomorrow morning." Billy smiled, his imagination rushing to what might transpire between the three on the range. None of them had spotted Sean lurking just behind the equipment cabinet. While he couldn't hear what they were discussing, he did notice Tad's touch and the approving smile on Billy's face. Holy shit, Greg was right, Sean thought to himself. "Is there some kind of problem?" a gruff voice asked. Sean spun around, now facing the counselor who stared down at him with his arms folded. "Uh, nothing. I was just hanging out." "If you're not going to participate, perhaps you should hang out elsewhere." Seeing that the boys were leaving, Sean opted to apologize to the man, stepping into the queue to take a turn. "Greg can wait," he mumbled to himself. ... Later that evening, after the boys of Cabin 13 tackled `The Wall' once again, they assembled back at the cabin. Jeffy and Sammy went down to the water's edge to collect some water bugs for Frogzilla, while Alex watched over them. Derek tended the campfire, setting out marshmallows and graham crackers for the evening snack. A small legion of fireflies began hovering between the evergreens when not spiraling around Tommy, encompassing him in a pale radiant glow until the campfire flared up. Billy looked up, spotting Derek smiling at him. "You look very happy, Billy," he said softly. "I am. Maybe more than I ever have been," Billy admitted. "Good, that's what I want to hear. How about you, Tad?" Tad grinned, "You know it! They're gonna have to kick me from this place when I'm too old!" Derek laughed, "No. That's when you become a counselor. And why is that, Tommy?" Tommy was sitting at the picnic table, nibbling on a marshmallow. "This place only works if someone is willing to give back to the camp. And you give back by becoming a counselor, helping to keep this place special, forever and ever." Derek reached out to Tommy, but quickly withdrew his hand. "That's right. If you truly love this place, you'll return as a counselor. You'll have important responsibilities, but the reward you'll derive from that responsibility is knowing that you helped create memories that will last a lifetime." "I'm going to be a counselor," Tommy volunteered. Derek turned toward the fire, "You'll make a fine counselor, Tommy." Tommy beamed proudly, getting up from the table to join Tad and Billy. Alex guided the other boys with their jar of water bugs to the campfire. Soon, all the boys had speared a marshmallow and dangled it over the crackling fire with long sticks. As the boys made small talk, the growing twilight was filled with laughter and swirling embers that blended in with the fireflies. "This is what it's all about," Derek whispered to Alex. The teen didn't need to reply, he just smiled and nodded his head. "Well, I don't know what activities we'll get in tomorrow. The Weather Service is forecasting the potential for strong thunderstorms, probably later in the day or evening," Derek announced. Jeffy shuddered, "Like with lightning and stuff?" "Don't be a baby," Sammy admonished. "I seem to vaguely recall having to stay up half the night to comfort some little redhead who was afraid of thunderstorms last year. Now, who could that be?" Derek said, casting a glance at Sammy. Sammy's freckles flared as he turned back to the fire, "Oh, that must have been...uh...David." Derek maneuvered himself behind Sammy, grabbing him by the thighs and relentlessly tickled him until Sammy squealed, "Alright, it was me...it was me!" All the other boys laughed heartily. "There is no need to fear a thunderstorm, but do respect its power. If you see a thunderstorm coming, just get away from the water and proceed either to the cafeteria or return to the cabin. Every building has a lightning rod, so you're perfectly safe here." Jeffy nodded, staring up at the starry skies as expecting lighting to suddenly flash across the night sky. Sammy leaned against his friend, motioning towards Billy and Tad without saying a word. Billy caught the look and felt the heat sweep across his body. Tad shot a knowing grin at his friend before Derek shepherded everyone into the cabin. "We'll get you up in an hour," Tad whispered to Sammy as the boys prepared for bed. After the boys had some juice, Derek locked up the cabin and bid the boys goodnight. Everyone watched Derek disappear into his room and began counting the minutes until their night activities commenced. Billy could scarcely contain his excitement as the minutes ticked by, waiting for the light shining from underneath Derek's door to be extinguished. Soon the only light visible in the cabin was the moonlight beaming through the windows and the tiny nightlight by the bathroom. He could hear Jeffy tossing and turning in his bunk, wondering what the boy might be thinking. Is he as excited as I am? Is he as scared too? Billy wondered. After what seemed like an eternity to Billy, Tad crept down from the top bunk, followed almost immediately by Sammy. After all the boys had put on some insect repellent, they crept out the door. Alex and Tommy left first, instructing the others to wait, ensuring that Derek wasn't awoken. After a few moments, the rest of them headed outside into the still warm and humid night air. Alex and Tommy headed down the stairs toward the beach, while the rest of the boys headed for the `Scenic Vista.' Jeffy and Sammy remained rather silent as Billy and Tad guided them up that trail, leading to the bluff that overlooks the lake. Billy was relieved to find the sanctuary of roses and azaleas to be empty. The gurgling of the fountain and the distant cry of a Killdeer punctuated the silence. The aromatic scent of the roses made Billy think of Tommy, and its sweet, intoxicating scent put him at ease and enhanced his excitement. It was a private sanctuary that seemed exclusive to Cabin 13 that stood outside of time and space. The fireflies were thick around the edges of the trees, shimmering like the stars overhead. Tad pulled off his tank top, wasting no time to drop his gym shorts. Sammy and Jeffy stared at Tad's swelling erection in wonder. His smooth, tan body was illuminated by the pale yellow light above the fountain. Sammy quickly pulled off his clothes, showing off his freckle strewn body to the others. His uncut cock quickly inflated, much to the delight of Jeffy, whose initial shyness evaporated as his friends stripped in front of him. Billy helped Jeffy remove his clothes as he stripped himself. "So, what are we doing tonight?" Sammy wondered aloud. Tad grinned, "We're going to show you some real fun stuff." Tad kneeled in front of Sammy, gliding his hand over the boy's smooth chest and stomach. Billy knelt in front of Jeffy, making gentle circular motions across the boy's bubble butt and kissing his chest. "Yeah, what are you going to show us?" Jeffy asked, his voice quivering in anticipation. "I bet I know!" Sammy said. Tad took Sammy's hairless balls into his mouth and began sucking, slowly sliding his left hand behind the boy."I bet you do," Tad said, pulling the boy's foreskin back to run his hot, wet tongue across Sammy's tip. Billy eagerly engulfed Jeffy's three-inch hard cock into his mouth as he slid a finger between Jeffy's crack, stopping to tease the boy's tight hole. Jeffy gasped in surprise but offered no protest. Instead, he instinctively pushed his ass towards Billy's probing finger. An instinct that became more intense as Billy's tongue swirled around Jeffy's shaft. After a few moments of pleasuring Jeffy's cocklet, he turned the boy around to explore his ass. Billy wasted no time spreading Jeffy's ass cheeks apart and pressing his wet tongue past his hole. Tad likewise turned Sammy around and wasted no time sliding his tongue deep inside. Both youngsters cooed softly, unable to articulate the pleasure sweeping across their frames. Jeffy reached around and stroked Jeffy's slick cock, masturbating him while flicking his tongue in and out of his hole. "What are they going to do next, Sammy?" Jeffy whispered to Sammy. "They're gonna fuck us, dummy!" Sammy replied. "Oh, cool," Jeffy said hesitantly. Tad reached for his shorts sitting on the bench, pulling out a small tube of KY from a pocket and handing it to Billy. "Lay down on the bench, Billy," Tad instructed. An enthusiastic Jeffy leaned down, taking Billy's cock into his mouth, relishing the taste as his tongue swirled around the shaft. He let Billy's cock slip deeper into his mouth until his pink lips were pressed tightly against Billy's crotch. "Oh, God Jeffy. You're doing great," Billy moaned lustfully. "Now climb on his lap, Jeffy," Tad instructed, handing Billy the tube of KY. Billy took the lubricant and slathered it on his hard cock as Jeffy climbed on top of him. "Now what?" Jeffy asked. "You're going to sit on it," Billy replied. Jeffy's eyes widened, "You want me to put it in my butt?" "Yup, you're supposed to sit on it and let it slide all the way in," Tad replied. "I wanna watch it go in!" Sammy added. Jeffy didn't want to disappoint Sammy or Billy, so he positioned himself over Billy's waiting cock. "Pull your ass cheeks apart and sit down slowly. If it gets uncomfortable, just stop or lift yourself a little," Tad instructed. "Come on, I know you want it inside you," Sammy teased. Jeffy blushed but didn't deny it. He lowered himself and didn't stop until the head of Billy's cock pressed against his sphincter. "It hurts," he whispered. "It's not even touching you yet, ya dork!" Sammy teased Billy put more lubricant on, while Tad applied some to his finger and pressed it against Jeffy's hole. "Try again," Tad instructed. After several starts and stops, Jeffy allowed gravity to take over, allowing the full length of Billy's cock to disappear into his hole. "Oh, wow," Sammy exclaimed, watching his friend take Billy's cock. "Oh, my God. You're incredible Jeffy," Billy gasped. He never felt such intense pleasure as his cock disappeared into Jeffy's hot, velvety boy hole. He instinctively tried to push up into Jeffy, trying to get himself deeper into the boy. After pausing a moment, Jeffy began gently riding up and down Billy's cock, as Billy held the boy's thighs and periodically stroking his cock. "Your turn," Tad whispered to Sammy. "What do you want me to do?" Sammy asked, his excitement palpable. "Put a leg up on the bench right in front of Jeffy and spread your cheeks apart," Tad said. He got behind Sammy and pivoted his body slightly so Jeffy could watch him penetrate his red-headed friend. Tad lubricated his cock and pushed up into Sammy, who gasped at the initial penetration. Tad waited until Sammy nodded to slide his boyhood the rest of the way inside. The boys fell relatively silent, with only the sounds of sighs and grunts, punctuated by the slapping of smooth boy flesh. Billy thrust upward into Jeffy, unable to resist hilting his cock into the youngster's quivering hole. Jeffy jerked his cock hard, looking down at Billy, enthralled by his friend's look of bliss. He looked over at Sammy and leaned over so he could take his friend's uncut cock into his mouth. Sammy gasped loudly, clenching tightly around Tad's cock as waves of pleasure swept through his body. "Yeah, suck him, Jeffy," Billy moaned, watching Sammy's cock disappear into Jeffy's mouth. Billy gripped the boy's thighs tighter so he could drive upward more aggressively into Jeffy's tight hole. Tad bucked into Sammy's hole roughly, pulling nearly all the way out before ramming inside him hard enough to lift his slender body nearly up off the ground. "Please don't stop!" Sammy whimpered, so Tad was careful to grant the boy's request. "I'm gonna cum, " Billy said. Jeffy moaned with excitement, pushing his ass down as Billy thrust upward. He was soon rewarded with the sensation of Billy's cock spurting hot cum deep inside him. Within a few seconds, Sammy's body shuddered in a dry orgasm, which in turn brought Tad over the edge. Jeffy's fingers were a blur over his cock, which shuddered as a dry orgasm crossed his slender frame. Billy rammed his cock upward into Jeffy frantically, the boy's spasming hole granting Billy an unimaginable surge of pleasure. The boys collapsed into one another, relishing the tiny droplets from the fountain spraying on their sweaty, bare bodies. Together, they listened to the gurgling of the water and the periodic honking of a goose flying just above the surface of the lake. Billy had rousted everyone before they fell asleep. "Come on guys, we should get going." Jeffy sighed, "I don't want this to ever end." Sammy hugged him and mussed up his platinum blond hair. "Come on ya dork," he said, tugging at Jeffy's arms. The boys stretched their bodies and quickly put on their clothing, before heading back down the trail to return to the cabin. They arrived about the same time Alex and Tommy returned from the beach. The group looked at one another sheepishly until Jeffy declared, "My butt's kinda sore." Everyone broke out into laughter until Alex placed a finger over his mouth and hushed them. When the boys snuck back into the cabin, Tad provided Jeffy a couple aspirin and got him some juice. "I wanna do it again!" he whispered. "Well, maybe tomorrow. You and Sammy need to get some sleep," Tad responded. Jeffy ran and gave Billy a big hug before climbing up on his bunk. "I think someone made a big impression," Tommy whispered to Billy, before handing the boy a red rose. "What's this for?" "You gave him a memory he will cherish for the rest of his life," Tommy replied, motioning to Jeffy. "I know I'll never forget it." "That's how it's supposed to be, Billy." Tommy winked and returned to his bunk as the others got settled in. Billy sat awake staring up at the top bunk for a moment, fearing that if he fell asleep, the beauty of the moment might be lost. Inevitably, slumber overtook him as his adolescent dreams took control. Only Tommy remained awake, gazing out the window at the star filled sky. This has all happened before, I just know it, Tommy thought to himself. Somewhere in the distance, there was a flash of lightning. "There's a storm coming," he whispered. List of Stories: https://www.nifty.org/nifty/authors.html#ponyboy1984