So the boys were officially out. It felt weird but good- good weird. Lance sat back in the passenger seat. He sighed. It had been a long night. Keith started the car.

"So." He began. "We're openly gay- that's cool, right?"

"Woo."

Keith looked over. "Actually- I wanted to mention something about camp."

Lance raised an eyebrow. "Yeah?" He rolled his head back, watching through the windshield.

"I'm actually thinking about applying to be the Nature Director. I think it would be really cool."

Lance sat up. "So what would that mean for us?"

Keith bit his lip. "We would have less time together but we could still see each other a couple of times a day. If I get this position as Support Staff, I can sit with you and your cabin for every meal and you can spend time with me on your break and-"

Lance slumped forward. "So you're really considering it?"

Keith nodded. "Actually, I'm taking a volunteer position at the Catoctin Nature Center and I wanted to know if you wanted to work with me?"

Lance thought for a second. "I don't know. Leaves and stuffed owls are more your thing."

Keith shrugged. "It could be fun."

"Are there snakes?"

"I think so?"

"I'm in."

---

That Saturday, the boys showed up to the Catoctin Nature Center and were briefed on their volunteer position by a girl named Lynn.

"So basically, you'll be in the nature center building and answer questions for kids and families. This is our interactive center, this is where kids can learn about animal tracks and habitats, over here is where we keep our beehive-"

"Bees?" Lance asked, nervously.

Lynn smiled. "No worries- the hive is outside, this is just the viewing glass so kids can see the inside of the hive. There are no bees in here."

"Cool. I don't mess with bees."

Keith shouldered his backpack. "I have your epipen."

"Really?"

"Dude- what kind of emergency-contact-boyfriend would I be otherwise?"

Lynn tried to hide a smile. "Okay- you guys are a pretty cute couple." She moved on. "Downstairs, we have our terrariums- snakes, mostly."

Lance looked excited. "I love me some danger noodles."

Lynn opened the tank and pulled out a snake. "This is just a common corn snake. Little kids just love touching and learning about snakes." She showed them how to hold them, feed them, check their habitat, and how to let kids touch the snakes in a way that wouldn't bother the animal.

After about 30 minutes of briefing, she handed each boy a t-shirt and explained that they would take the morning Saturday shift and she would see them again next Saturday.

Keith closed the door to the car.

"Cool." He said.

"Cool." Lance agreed.