Chapter 12: Wildest Dreams

As the adage goes, that March had 'come in like a lion and out like a lamb'. The last few days of March were unusually warm; it was just over sixty-five degrees for the better part of four days.

On the first night of this untimely heat wave, Augustus couldn't sleep. He'd realised weeks ago he wanted more than friendship with Will but still didn't know how to tell him--or how to handle his feelings for him.

He was overheated, twisted in his blankets. He straightened himself out and laid back, trying to relax. He folded his hands behind his head. As his eyes slipped closed, he kept thinking about being with Will and he sighed deeply. He refused to actually look at Will; staring would become extremely uncomfortable if he noticed.

This didn't feel all that different than liking Claire. He was shocked that he had started liking a boy, but it made so much sense that he liked someone like Will.

Kind, smart, brilliant in his own little way and despite knowing that he's not supposed to like a boy, Augustus was starting to realise that at least for him, it was all about personality.

Maybe whether they're a boy or girl didn't matter to him. So why limit himself? Who could stop him anyway? Surely other people would see it as wrong if they knew, but since he didn't measure up to society so far, why bother trying now?

He didn't know if Will would even want to be with him in that way. He didn't dare act on his intense desires, even alone. All he could do satisfy his curiosity was to imagine how it would be.

Was Will shy about showing affection? Was he a good kisser? What would he be willing to try?

Augustus was so lost in his thoughts he didn't notice Will had woken up. Making matters worse, due to the heat, Will wasn't even wearing a shift. He laid awake, bare-chested and now looking right at him.

"Is everything alright?" Will asked, looking over at him.

Augustus had to be careful. He didn't know how to tell him yet.

Augustus sat up and folded his hands in his lap.

"Yes." Augustus lied. No. He thought.

"Well, do you want to talk about anything?" Will immediately asked.

"No." Yes.

"Are you...sure?" Will asked him, one eyebrow raised.

He knew it would be suspicious if he kept saying no; he needed an alibi.

"Um, I can't stay asleep. I'm over-thinking things." At least that was actually true.

"Well, what are you thinking about?"

You. He had to throw Will off his trail. "Claire."

"Oh. What about her?" Will asked.

Your body. I can't stop staring at it. "I miss her. A lot."

"Really?" Will replied.

I want you. Augustus thought, impatience roaming through his body. I'll do anything to you that you want. Right here, right now.

"Yes. She was really something. Very special."

"Great. well," Will yawned as he spoke. "I'm off to sleep. I'll bet she misses you too."

Please let me. Augustus begged in his mind, staring just for a second at Will's exposed body as he rolled over. Let me do something, anything! I'll kiss you until you can't breathe, touch you until you can't even think...

But he still did nothing, only returned to his thoughts. If things did happen, how would Will react when all the intensity was building up in his body?

Was he quiet, Augustus wondered, or more vocal like he typically was? Was he aggressive or more passive? What kind of feelings had he ever had before? He felt no instincts for pretty girls, but had anyone else ever inspired him in a more prurient way?

And yet the night dragged on, hour after hour without a single answer. All he could do now was wait.

~*~

The next day dawned on the second morning of unusually warm weather, and Will felt rejuvenated. He wanted to make the most of it, and had a delightful suggestion for that afternoon.

And so there they were, reveling at the atmosphere in Bourne Wood. The greenery Will had observed with Uncle Deus only a few weeks ago was now eagerly blooming and growing. The renewal of Spring was indeed underway, and to Will, that meant change.

Spring is a time for new endeavours and the energy of the season is contagious. The trees and animals were all waking up, at last. Will enjoyed this natural haven, especially with the--

"Hey!" Augustus called out, breaking Will's focus. He looked up from his journal, startled.

He stood, waist-deep in Wey River, hands squarely on his hips. "You came up to me today and said 'Augustus, it's so nice out, once we're done in town this afternoon, we should stop by the river and go for a swim.' Well here we are, it's this afternoon, we're done in town, it's very nice out, and I am swimming and you are not."

Will thought he had a good reason for not swimming just yet--he had just been inspired; deciding he wanted to draw what Augustus looked like just then with his new oil pastels he'd recently bought. He had been toying with the idea of trying his hand at art for a week or so and decided to test it out now. He already had the perfect backdrop: the sun was brighter than it had been in weeks, creating a very light atmosphere. The water shimmered iridescently as it naturally moved about. Augustus had gleefully dived in not long ago. He stood now, waiting impatiently for Will to join him.

But Will had to capture how he looked right now! Augustus's eyes sparkled as always. His hair was slicked back from the water; the sun illuminating his bright face. His clothes had melted around his slim body. His shift was soaked and now transparent; showing off his physique. Needless to say, it was an enjoyable view.

"Be right there." He replied, distracted. "I'm just finishing something."

"Well, hurry up." He complained, still wading in the shallower part of the river.

"I'd hurry up if you'd hold still." He mumbled under his breath.

"What are you doin' over there anyways?"

"I'm--" Will paused.

He couldn't let on. If Augustus knew he was doing this, it might make him uncomfortable.

"--writing something down so I don't forget it."

"What are you writing that takes fifteen minutes? Come onnnn..."

"Ah!" Will grunted to himself in frustration. "Good enough for now."

He set down his journal and left the page open so it wouldn't smudge, but hid part of it under a nearby tree root. He shed his shift and approached the water.

"Finally!" He said as Will dove in.

In the early spring air, the Wey River was a bit cool to the touch, but utterly refreshing. As they swam and splashed about, the water was invigorating. It was the perfect way to spend a spring afternoon.

They stretched out on the grassy bank afterwards to dry, making idle chatter as the sun gave heat and light. Augustus rolled his head to one side and saw something both familiar and unexpected at the base of a nearby tree:

"Is--is that of me?!" He sat up and pulled the journal closer.

"No!" Will yelped, springing up and rushing to his journal.

"It--it's--um..."

Augustus peered down at the image now in his hands and surprised Will. "I rather like it."

"I'm--sorry?" Will asked gingery, looking at Augustus in confusion.

"Well, you did an excellent job capturing how agreeable I am." he said, fluttering his eyelashes at him.

Will chuckled as he cast his eyes away from him, blushing. But he regained confidence.

"Imagine that." Will murmured, staring into his pretty eyes again. "Good-looking and modest." He coyly made eyes at Augustus. He had to take this chance--didn't he?

Augustus smiled as it dawned on him--he was flirting and Will was flirting back! Will was interested in him! He spent so long drawing that picture, just sitting there, staring at him...with his soaked clothes showing off his body, no less.

This was it, the chance he'd been waiting for! He had to act quickly, and pursue Will now.

Was he planning on this when he invited him to go swimming? How long had he been interested in him?!

He had to make a move, and he had to make it now. He quickly devised a plan. If Will really wanted him, he'd have to literally pursue him.

While Will got to his feet and pulled on his shift, Augustus busied himself with collecting everything they'd gotten in town.

"So," Augustus tried to appear confident and cast off his nerves as he strode towards Will, heart pounding.

"D'you think you'd be ready for the pickpockets if we went into the city now?" He asked, hoping this question wouldn't seem odd to Will.

"Yea." Will nodded confidently. "I think I would, actually."

"Well." He began with a playful smirk. "Not sure I completely agree, but all right."

He walked past Will, looked over his shoulder and spoke again:

"Oh, by the way, do you have your key? Your parents won't be back 'til tonight, and I don't know when the girls will be home, either."

"Yes, it's right-" Will paused, as he'd reached in his pocket and not found his key "It's--um--" he looked in his other pocket and then started to rummage through his satchel.

Meanwhile, Augustus had walked back in front of him again.

"Looking for something?"

He held up the large brass key before him, as a teasing grin leapt onto his face. The key glinted between them, with the handle shaped like a rose.

"You--" Will quipped with a flirtatious smile.

"Told ya you weren't ready for 'em." He teased, raising his eyebrows.

"Well, c'mon then." Will reached for it. "Give it!"

"No!" He held it just out of his reach. Will grabbed for it again, to no avail.

"Not quite! So close!" Augustus kept it out of Will's reach, twisting this way and that to keep it away from him, repeatedly shoving him away. His plan was working!

"C-c'mon, give it!" He whined, only half-complaining.

"Oh, no no.....if you want this," he teased, facing him very closely, and dropping his bag on the ground between them. "You'll have to come get it!"

He dashed off towards the woods.

"You!" Will shouted, then trampled after him.

They raced through the woods like they had only three years ago. But somehow, this was very different.

Panting his way through roots and foliage, Will tried to recall if Augustus had been this agile last time. The trees and other greenery passed by him in a blur.

These woods always made him feel so free and at ease with his life. It actually turned out to be the perfect setting to flirt with and pursue Augustus; having an inkling about his ulterior motive in their current game. He felt comfortable being closer to Augustus out here; much more than he ever would at home.

It was perfect.

Will finally caught up with him, tackling him as they fell to the ground.

Augustus turned over, back against the ground, fighting off Will.

"I refuse to give in!" He playfully cried, laughing as Will tried once more to grab the key which was still in his grip.

"No! It's mine!" Will took his chance and crawled over him, grasping for the key.

"Never!" Augustus cried.

"No--you can't--" Will had finally gotten close to his precious key and he grabbed his wrist.

And just like that, the game was over.

Augustus dropped the shining key immediately as they both laughed over it.

They slowly stopped, both panting to catch their breath and looked at each other rather seriously. Will beheld his face with a dreamy, hypnotized look.

He very slowly wiped away a small leaf which had landed on Augustus's cheek.

Will pushed their lips together, kissing him at last.

The sheer energy of this longed-for sensation shot throughout his body. It sped his heart, pushed his blood with vigor & blurred his mind.

Augustus's pinkish lips were even softer than he'd imagined. After their chase he felt Augustus's heart thumping beneath him. His body was inviting and warm, melting them together in the sweet stickiness of the springtime air.

After a moment, Will leaned back, astonished at himself and refusing to believe what just happened was real. He shyly looked away, but then resumed his gaze.

Augustus audaciously grabbed for Will, pulling him down for another bold kiss. Time didn't pass & the entire world spun. They had each other, and that was everything.

Sweet lips and quick hands mingled excitedly as they laid together among the beautiful trees and flowers, on a soft patch of grass.

And through it all, Will's shock did not waver once. A month and a half of desperately suppressing his emotional and physical desires for Augustus were finally gone!

This had sprung upon him a new, bewildering kind of frustration. Long nights of watching and waiting, pining and hoping. Seeing something he knew he'd never have.

But now, that was over.

As they canoodled, his mind suddenly raced: Augustus wanted this. His kisses, his touches, his body...

Augustus was equally astonished. How long had Will wanted this? How did he realise he liked him?

They were snuggled up among the greenery. Two bodies were calmly draped together; fingers idly tracing bone and curves.

Will had seen his body but never felt it up close like this. His fingertips felt the curve of Augustus's neck, leading to a delicate collarbone. He was mapping his body with his hands, every inch burned into his memory as Augustus did the same. Will's trim waist lead to the jut of his hips, which quickly became the perfect spot to grip Will and inch closer to him.

They shared a sense of amazement as they laid together, both shocked their separate, intense feelings had come to a wonderful fruition.

The cheerful sunshine smiled as it passed by, celebrating their newfound jubilance.

They decided this place, the tree at the site of their first kiss was their own, and agreed that if anything ever happened--Will needed a break from his parents, they wanted to be totally alone, or whatever it was, they would always meet there if they needed to.

"But, how can we come here without anyone knowing where we're going?" Will asked, sitting up at last.

"They won't." Augustus replied confidently. "We can use a trick I learned in the city. We'll talk in Cant."

"I'm sorry?"

"All right. Cant is a...secret language. People our age in the city use it so all the rich people don't know what they're saying. It's a code. Some things are certain phrases, but other things are words that rhyme with what you mean, but the words have nothing to do with it."

"What do you mean?" Will asked, slightly puzzled.

"If I wanted to play a game of dice, but didn't want anyone else to know it was gambling instead of 'dice' I'd call them 'rats and mice', because of how quick they move. If I wanted to tell you I was going to buy something, but didn't want anyone else to know what I had, I'd say I had a lot of 'bees and honey' for...."

"Money." Will immediately replied. Augustus nodded approvingly.

Will looked around. This place was special now; it was where the chase had ended and their relationship had begun.

"This place is ours." Will said triumphantly. "I don't want anyone else knowing. I won't even write about it." he added.

"All right. How can you tell me to come here in Cant?"

"Let's say we were going here when it was past the evening and the sun went down, "Bing'd" means 'go hence', 'leave'. "Darkmans" is night time. If I wanted to tell you we should meet here after dark, it would be "Bing'd awast at the Darkmans.' An easy way to remember the place is 'shake and shiver'. " he pointed towards the nearby water.

"River."

"Mm-hmm." He agreed with a nod. "So, it would be..."Bing'd awast at the Darkmans by shake and shiver."

Will smiled. He found so much comfort knowing there was now a place in his world where he could be himself, and be with Augustus the way he wished he could be all the time.

He was very disappointed in the rest of his reality. He had to constantly be someone else. It was like holding his breath every minute of every day. But the most important thing was that they now had a place to call their own.

~*~

Will couldn't wait. His drawing now had a journal entry to accompany it.

March 28, 1666

Half-Seven in the Evening

This was an amaz-ing day! Something has changed. Something important & specialle. Some-thing I was certain never would.

Ever since I dreampt about kissing Augustus, I've been un-comfortable trying to relax or sleep.

We were alone and I'd be right next to him, thinking of a dozen way to tell him how I felt. It was the perfect time to try to kiss him, or even more; if only he'd let me! Yet there I'd lay awake at his side, the perfect opportunity. I kept thinking--maybe if we were talking about this or that, maybe if the time felt right, I could just take him by surprise and kiss him. It would be quick, nothing obscene.

But my fears of his potentiall re-jection, and following dis-like of me remained firmly in place. I had no chance for such affections. Sleeping wasn't easy. Quick glances I'd stolen of his body and glinting eyes flashed through my mind. Denial of this led to nothing but a rather pathetic slide into uncharted waters of temptation. I had to constantly ignore myself. Ignoring what my body and heart wanted, as my mind said again and again I shouldn't want it.

But now? My mind is free! We're together at last! He tricked me, then I had my chance and took it. There he was, gorgeous as ever, practically waiting for me. I knew he was playing along, he wanted it too! I kiss'd him at long last, and he kissed me back, right away! I can't believe I ever thought he wouldn't be with me. This is amazing. I remember it was such a burden. Now it's my freedom!

Will signed his name and sat back. He was excited and slightly nervous about his first night alone with Augustus since he actually knew how he felt.

Everything with him since they kissed seemed newer, special. They even held hands on the walk home.

He rose from his desk and readied for sleep. His heart sped up when Augustus entered.

He couldn't speak. He just smiled at him. Augustus came forward and kissed him. He changed for sleep as Will got in bed, relaxing at last after weeks of discomfort.

"Still can't believe it's real." He gently admitted.

Augustus turned around and there Will laid, staring up with his hands behind his head.

"I'm sure we'll get used to it soon enough." Augustus joined him, and then spoke again:

"So you...liked me this whole time?"

Will sat up to reply. "Before I even met Sarah." He admitted with a smile, slowly shaking his head. "A few weeks ago; it just...hit me. You were already my friend, but..." he trailed off, unsure how to explain his feelings.

"How did it...happen?" Augustus asked, curious.

"When you first came here, you looked miserable, and I felt badly. But even though you were so unhappy, something else just looked so different and I couldn't tell what what was. I was writing one day, weeks later, just happened to look at you again and it hit me."

"Really? What was it?" Augustus asked, eyes alight, clearly flattered.

"Um," Will mumbled, blushing.

"You're... gorgeous." He quickly confessed, averting his eyes.

"Wait--me?" He touched his chest, seemingly in disbelief.

"Yes. Is that so hard to believe?" Will replied, grinning.

"Maybe a little." He humbly admitted.

"What about you?" Will asked, leaning in, now dying to know. "I mean, when did you...?"

"Well, it started when you were going with Sarah. I felt jealous and I thought it was because I missed Claire. But at some point, I realised that I didn't envy that you had Sarah, I envied that Sarah had you. I didn't know if you would ever feel that way about me, but you're so comely, so kind to me. I just wanted more." he admitted with a shrug. "It did take some getting used to. I'd never fancied a boy before."

"I'd never fancied anyone before."

"Ever?" Augustus asked, eyebrows raised.

Will shook his head. "I guess I needed the...right person."

"Had you kissed anyone?"

"Not until today." He admitted sheepishly, gazing down at his hands.

Augustus went silent for a moment in shock. Will was very good-looking. No girl had even tried kissing him before? But wait, this was good! He could use the lack of experience to his advantage.

"Well," Augustus began with a flutter. "I'd say this afternoon was a pretty good start. But you can't get better without practice." His eyes sparkled mischievously.

Will felt exhilaration rush through him at those suggestive words. His body tightened in anticipation. Augustus was ready and willing, at long last! He could recreate his dream from months ago. It was happening!

He pounced into Augustus's arms and their lips happily mingled once again.

Will tried to echo every moment of his intense fantasy. He pulled him close as their kisses lengthened. His lips parted slightly, and their tongues slowly brushed between their kiss.

He laid on his back and let Augustus ease onto him. His heart raced when he felt Augustus's graceful figure against his body, once again warm and inviting. Pleasure sparked every nerve as his weight kept pushing against him. Will tousled Augustus's soft hair as he leaned down, sensual yet determined, lips now venturing onto his neck.

Augustus let his hands roam and Will panted as his body flourished with each unexplored sensation, raw and real and new.

Will was inspired, and shuffled over so they switched places. Augustus laid back, willing and ready. He'd never had a boy do anything with him before.

Will began to pursue him in turn, bold with the hands and sweet with the lips, seeming to find something to venture onto everywhere.

Augustus exhaled in sharp bursts, and closed his eyes, hands slowly encircling his waist as he continued above him. Yes, he could do some things he'd done with Claire, but surely there were new opportunities for him to pursue with Will. What would it be like if he...

They once again melted together, into the heat, the energy, and the dark, mysterious night.