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The lake was tranquil. More tranquil than it had been in the entirety of the summer. It was the last night they had at Hackett's Quarry before they had to leave. To Dylan, the idea of leaving this behind was anxiety inducing. He'd made some great friends here and he still hadn't gotten an opportunity to figure out Ryan. Now it was probably too late.
With a sigh, he sat down on one of the docks and stared out to where the island sat. Everything here was so peaceful. He fiddled with a stone in his hands before throwing it forward into the body of water. It created a small ripple that the counsellor thought was quite beautiful. Letting this go was going to be hard.
"Oh, sorry, I didn't realise anyone was down here." A voice cut through the silence. Dylan snapped to attention and saw none other than Ryan. The other was already turning to leave and he just knew he couldn't let that happen. This was possibly his last chance.
"Wait!" He called out a lot louder than intended, "You can come sit with me."
Wordlessly and almost tentatively, Ryan approached and sat down beside him. A silence fell over them that seemed oddly comfortable, considering Ryan always appeared to be on edge or guarded. It was nice. Honestly, Dylan was more than a little surprised that his fellow counsellor hadn't rejected his request and left anyway. But what was he meant to do or say now? He'd taken the first step but now, how was he meant to act? What if he screwed it up and Ryan thought he was weird and told everyone what a complete freak he was? There was no way he could risk that.
"So, last night at camp. How are you feeling?" Ryan broke the silence. His voice was deep and calm. Just hearing him talk made Dylan realise how much he was going to miss out on. He should've acted on these developing feelings sooner, but he didn't want it to just be a summer fling. God, he was down bad. He suddenly snapped back to reality and saw Ryan shooting him an expectant look. Oh right, he was asked a question.
"I think I'm gonna miss it. Especially the friends I've made." He answered as honestly as he could without telling Ryan anything he didn't need to hear. His knee started to bounce with nerves. Was it just him or were they really close? He needed to stop, he was getting his hopes up just for them to be crushed upon leaving tomorrow.
"I'm only gonna miss certain people." Ryan added his statement with a soft smile in across his face. Now, call him an overthinker or a hopeful idiot, but Dylan hadn't seen Ryan smile like for anyone in the entire summer. Was there something there for real? Or was this in his mind?
"Okay, I have something I, like, really want to say to you. And I just want you to promise that you won't laugh at me or judge me. You can even forget I said anything afterwards if you want to, I really won't mind. I just don't think I can go home tomorrow knowing I didn't say-"
"Okay okay, just tell me man." Ryan was laughing through his words. Not in a malicious way, it was light. Damn, he must have started rambling without meaning to. Well, here goes.
"I like you, Ryan. I mean- I really like you. I just couldn't stand the thought of not telling you because I'm serious." Dylan blurted it all out a lot quicker than he intended to. But by the look on Ryan's face, it was all perfectly understandable and he'd heard every single word. There was a moment of pause that lasted way too long. He felt his heart drop at the implication of that silence.
"I'm really sorry-"
"Me too."
Wait what? Did he just hear that correctly? Ryan Erzahler liked him? For real? His feelings weren't completely pointless. This was happening. It wasn't a dream. He and Ryan were by the lake confessing their feelings for each other. What reality did he just step into? His hand trembled ever so subtly and he didn't know whether it was nerves or adrenaline. What now? He didn't expect this to happen. A cautious hand took his and that's when heat rushed to Dylan's face. How was Ryan so calm and casual about this? It felt like his heart was going at a million miles per hour.
"I didn't want to tell you unless I was 100% sure, but I am. You're really cute and funny. And if it's okay with you, I want to be with you." Ryan finished. Okay was he still breathing? Dylan inhaled just to make sure because this felt like he was dying. In a good way, obviously. His entire face felt warm and he had butterflies in his stomach. This was real. The person he'd been crushing on all summer was right here in front of him just as he dreamed. There was only one correct answer in this situation.
"Yes! A million times yes!" Okay, maybe his response was a little too enthusiastic and loud, but this meant the absolute world to him. It was then that the biggest smile crossed Ryan's face. It was a peculiar look for the loner who had spent most of this time with an unreadable expression. Dylan squeezed the hand in his and smiled as he locked eyes with the other.
This night could've been so terrible, but instead he got a promise. A promise of staying together and of not being alone. Here, by this lake, he suddenly got everything he wanted. He shuffled a little closer and leaned his head on Ryan's shoulder and looked up towards the stars. Everything about this was beautiful. Better yet, he didn't have to let go of what he was afraid to lose.
"It's you and me, Dylan. To the end of the line, I promise." Ryan whispered so quietly that he almost didn't hear what was said. Promise. They were going to be okay. Dylan turned back towards Ryan and without giving himself a chance to back out, he kissed him softly. He was going to pull away, but a hand on the back of his neck begged him to stay a little longer. Dylan allowed his eyes to close and treasured the occasion. In that moment, they were in their bubble and the rest of the world could wait. After a few more moments, they pulled apart. He could still feel Ryan's gentle breathing and he could see the reflection of moonlight in his eyes.
"God, I wish that happened sooner..." Dylan mumbled to himself. The little smirk shot his way indicated he was heard anyway.
"We have plenty of time, no need to rush."
Those words were more assurance than he ever needed. Ryan was going to have his back and be with him and he would do the same in return. When he agreed to be a counsellor at Hackett's Quarry, he never could have imagined how lucky he'd be in finding friends and finding Ryan. He couldn't wait to see what their future brought them. Dylan found Ryan's hand once again. The comfortable silence blanketed them both once more. The two were happy to sit their in each other's company on this quiet night.
And even though neither of them would say it out loud, they both knew this night meant everything.