Innocence

A Night in Water

        Everyone had just fallen asleep. There were two boys that had been too jittery to relax. Simon crept over to Ralph, slowly shaking his shoulder.

        "What is it?" Ralph inquired.

        "Come with me," instructed Simon.

        "Where are we going?" interrogated Ralph.

        "Swimming," Simon responded.

        Ralph yawned as he followed the younger boy to the shore. They both stripped down so they could wade into the ocean. Simon grabbed Ralph's hand.

        "The others are sleeping. I wanted to be with you, so I figured that we could be alone now," he explained. Ralph turned red as Simon hugged him tightly. He resisted the urge to push the dark haired boy away. Simon stared at him.

        "What?" Ralph wondered aloud.

        "I might be putting you in an odd spot. Can I try sumthin'?" queried Simon.

        "I s'pose," permitted Ralph. Simon took a few deep breaths to calm his nerves. He caressed Ralph's cheek, and went to make his move. He nonchalantly pressed a kiss to Ralph's lips. At first, it was awkward. Simon could feel the older boy's resistance. After a couple seconds, Ralph gave in. The kiss became more passionate and meaningful. Simon pulled away.

        "I'm sorry. I needed to do that," apologized Simon.

        "No, it's alright. Don't be sorry," Ralph assured as he initiated another kiss. Simon's hands ran through his hair. Ralph cupped his cheeks as he stopped to take a breath. A few minutes passed before the two of them stopped completely.

        "Thank you," gasped Simon.

        "Do you know what I'm risking for you? Dammit," Ralph lamented.

        "I'm sorry," restated Simon. He felt the color drain from his face. It was a familiar feeling to him. He started slipping under the surface of the water as his vision faded. Ralph supported his weight, keeping his head above the waves.

        "Simon! Simon!" called Ralph. Simon regained his composure.

        "I'm okay," he said.

        "You scared me half to death. I don't know why, but I care the most about you. What've you done to me?" whispered Ralph. He hugged Simon as if he were made of porcelain.

        "I love you," declared Simon.

        "I told you, batty, I don't think I'm that way," argued Ralph.

        "I know. That don't mean I ain't. I'm telling you how I feel, not how you feel," Simon refuted. He kissed Ralph's nose. Then he went back to shore. The boys redressed themselves. They went back to try to sleep.