I take another bite, savoring the sweet treat. “Okay, you win this round. But just wait until I make mine!”

“Bring it on!” he challenges, grabbing another marshmallow and skewering it.

We continue to roast marshmallows, laughing and talking about everything and nothing at all.

“Hey, Max,” Elio says, suddenly turning serious. “I really appreciate this trip. I’ve had so much fun already.”

I glance at him, feeling warmth wash over me. “I’m glad you’re here, Elio. This wouldn’t be the same without you.”

He looks down for a moment, then back up at me, his expression softening. “I feel like we’re making memories I’ll hold onto forever. You know?”

“Me too,” I reply, my heart pounding. “No matter what happens after this summer, we’ll always have this time together.”

“Exactly,” he says, his eyes shining in the firelight. “And I want to make the most of every second.”

We sit in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the flames dance and the stars twinkle above us. It’s a moment I want to freeze in time, the warmth of the fire reflecting the warmth in my heart.

Elio

The warmth of the fire still lingers in the air as Max and I settle onto the small bed in our cabin. The night is quiet now, save for the soft crackle of the fire pit outside, and I can’t help but smile at the snugness of the moment. The world outside feels distant, and it’s just us—wrapped up in our own little cocoon.

I pull the blankets higher, relishing the cozy feeling of being tucked away from the cool night air. Max is lying beside me, propped up on one elbow, his hair falling in soft waves over his forehead. He looks so comfortable, and I can’t help but admire him.

“What are you thinking about?” he asks, his voice low and gentle.

I glance over at him, a grin spreading across my face. “Just how perfect this is. I mean, look at us—we’re in a cabin in the woods, sharing a bed after roasting marshmallows. What’s not to love?”

Max chuckles, his green eyes sparkling in the dim light. “You’re right. It’s like a scene from a movie.” He shifts a little closer, and I can feel the warmth radiating from his body.

“Do you think the director would want us in the movie?” I tease, nudging him playfully with my shoulder.

“Definitely! We’d be the stars,” he replies, his smile wide. “The dorky love story that everyone adores.”

“Dorky?” I feign offense, though I can’t help but laugh. “I’ll have you know, I’m a dashing hero in this tale!”

“Oh, for sure!” he says, leaning closer, eyes twinkling. “The bravest hero who isn’t afraid of a little charred marshmallow.”

I toss a pillow at him, but he catches it with ease, chuckling. “Okay, okay. You’re right. I’m just as guilty of marshmallow destruction.”

“See? We’re a match made in s’mores heaven!” I grin, feeling my heart swell with affection.

As the laughter settles into comfortable silence, I lean back against the pillows, stealing glances at Max. I can’t shake the warmth that fills me whenever I’m around him. There’s something about this moment—the cabin, the firelight, the way he’s looking at me—that makes everything feel right.

“What’s on your mind?” he asks softly, brushing a loose curl behind my ear.

“I don’t know,” I admit, biting my lip. “Just thinking about how lucky I am to be here with you.”

Max’s expression softens, and he shifts even closer, our bodies nearly touching. “I feel the same way, Elio. This trip has been incredible. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

I swallow hard, feeling butterflies flutter in my stomach. “I wish this could last forever.”

“Me too,” he says, his voice barely above a whisper. “But even when we’re back in Brooklyn, we’ll always have this summer to look back on. It’s ours, you know?”

“You’re right. No matter what happens after this, we’ll always have our adventures.”

Max’s fingers brush against mine, sending a tingle up my arm. “And there will be more adventures,” he assures me, his eyes holding mine. “I promise.”

A comfortable silence settles over us again, the warmth of his presence wrapping around me like a blanket. I take a deep breath, feeling a surge of emotion wash over me. “I just really like this—being with you like this. It makes me happy.”

His gaze softens, and he smiles, leaning in closer. “I like it too. A lot.”

And then, before I know it, he’s leaning in even more, his lips brushing against mine. The kiss is soft and sweet, and I melt into it, feeling the world around us fade away. It’s just Max and me, and nothing else matters.

When we finally pull away, I can’t help but giggle, the warmth spreading throughout my entire body. “I think we should definitely do that more.”

“I fully support that plan,” he replies, grinning.

He leans over again and our lips meet again more urgently. I hear Max moan when I roll my tongue against his. One of his hands finds the bottom of my t-shirt and the other takes my glasses off and I hear the sound of them being set on the nightstand. Max is pushing my shirt up and I arch my back and flip us over. We pull apart and I sit up on his stomach pulling my shirt off tossing it, Max sits up a little and pulls his shirt off. 

We’ve done this before quite a few times but the sight of him is still so handsome to me. Max is getting impatient and is guiding me back to him and we start kissing again. My hands roam from his shoulders to his slight love handles and overhang which is close but apparently not close enough because he finds the band of my boxers and snaps it. I start unbuttoning and unzipping my shorts and slowly start pulling them down Max goans and flips us before breaking the kiss.

Max

While we catch our breaths I take the sight of Elio, his slight abs from soccer and the freckles that are starting to come out because of the time we spent in the sun. He nods and I pull his shorts and boxers the rest of the way and he kicks them off and our mouths meet again. He moans he starts pulling my basketball shorts and I let him flip us and let him take my shorts and boxers the rest of the way. Then I flip us and reach into the bag of toiletries on the nightstand and pull out a condom. I look at Elio and he nods.

“Are you sure?” I ask, “You can do it first this time.”

“Yes, Maximus,” He says. “And I went first last time, it’s your turn.”

I open the condom with my teeth and put it on. Elio has already gotten into position and I line up. Elio gives me the signal to move and I start and Elio moans and I feel Elio’s nails dig into my sides.

“You okay?” I ask, slowing down.

Elio nods, his eyes close. “Yes,” he says in a breathy tone. “Don’t stop.”

I begin to move in rhythm and Elio’s hips rise to meet mine. Eventually, I pull out and toss the condom in the trash and Elio gasps. I lean my forehead on his and we're both sweaty and then I sit up so we can catch our breaths. 

Elio 

After we catch our breaths I flip us. Max is reaching for another condom and I take it from him opening it with my teeth. After we get situated. Max gives me the signal to start moving.

Eventually, I roll off of Max and we lay side by side just staring at the ceiling.

“So, shower?” Max asks.

“Shower,” I say, nodding my head. 

We get up and head towards the bathroom. After we shower and get ready for bed putting on pajamas and changing the sheets and blankets we lay down and I cuddle up to Max. 

Max

The first rays of sunlight filter through the window, casting a soft glow over the cabin. I wake up to the sounds of birds chirping outside, their cheerful melodies inviting me into the day. I blink a few times, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep, and then I take a moment to soak in the scene around me.

Elio is still asleep beside me, snuggled into the blankets. The sight makes my heart flutter. He’s wearing my hoodie, it's too big for him, which adds an adorable touch to his already charming appearance. His curls spill out around his face, framing him like a halo. He looks peaceful, completely at ease, and I can’t help but smile.

I lean back against the pillows, not wanting to disturb him just yet. There’s something so perfect about this moment—us in this cozy cabin, the sunlight warming the room, and the promise of adventure waiting for us outside.

As I quietly slip out of bed, careful not to jostle him, I glance around for my phone. I locate it on the bedside table and check the time: just past seven. Perfect. I can make us breakfast before he wakes up.

I tiptoe out to the kitchenette, my stomach rumbling with hunger. I rummage through the small fridge, finding eggs, bacon, and a loaf of bread. “Okay, time to channel my inner chef,” I whisper to myself, grinning at the thought.

I start cracking eggs into a bowl, the sound of shells breaking the morning quiet. The smell of bacon sizzling fills the air, and I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement. I want to make this morning special for Elio, a little celebration of the amazing time we’ve had so far.

As I’m flipping the bacon, I hear a soft groan from the bedroom. I turn my head to see Elio sitting up, rubbing his eyes. “What’s that smell?” he asks, his voice thick with sleep.

“Breakfast!” I reply, turning back to the stove with a smile. “I thought I’d surprise you.”

He chuckles, his voice still raspy. “You’re cooking? You’re full of surprises on this trip, huh?”

“Just wait until you try my famous scrambled eggs,” I say playfully, pretending to flip my hair dramatically.

Elio laughs as he gets out of bed. “I can’t wait to taste the magic,” he teases, walking over to me.

I can’t help but admire how cute he looks, the oversized hoodie swallowing him whole. “You look ridiculous in that,” I say, trying to keep my voice serious, but I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face.

“Ridiculously comfortable,” he retorts, leaning against the counter beside me. “And very warm, thanks to you.”

“You’re welcome!” I say, lifting a piece of crispy bacon and waving it in the air. “I aim to please.”

He pretends to swoon, clutching his chest dramatically. “You’re my hero, Max! Saving me from a cold morning with your cozy hoodie and culinary skills.”

I can’t stop laughing as I plate the food and set it on the small table by the window. “Come on, breakfast is served!”

Elio eagerly joins me, his eyes lighting up as he takes in the spread. “Wow, you didn’t burn anything, my cooking lessons are paying off.”

I shrug, trying to play it cool, but I’m secretly thrilled to see him so excited. “Just trying to make our first morning here special,” I reply, pouring us both glasses of orange juice.

We dig into the food, and the conversation flows easily. Elio tells me about his plans for the day, how he wants to explore more of the area and maybe find a hiking trail nearby. I love hearing his enthusiasm, and I feel a rush of affection for him as I watch him animatedly describe his ideas.

“You should’ve seen your face last night when we roasted marshmallows. You were so serious about getting them perfect!” he laughs, taking a big bite of his egg.

“I take my s’more-making seriously!” I protest, laughing along with him. “Those marshmallows were a matter of life and death.”

“Right, of course! A true culinary artist in action.” He shakes his head, chuckling.

After breakfast, we clear the plates and head outside to the fire pit. The morning air is crisp and fresh, and I can’t help but feel a sense of adventure bubbling inside me.

“What do you think? Should we hike or explore?” I ask, leaning against the railing of the cabin’s porch.

“Why not both?” Elio suggests, leaning closer, the early sun casting a soft glow on his face. “We can hike in the morning and explore a little afterward. I saw a little town nearby that might have some cool shops.”

“That sounds perfect,” I agree. “Just us and the great outdoors.”

“Let’s do it!” Elio exclaims, the excitement in his voice sending a thrill through me.

As we prepare for the day, packing our backpacks with water, snacks, and a camera, I can’t shake the feeling of how right this moment is.

“Max?” Elio calls out, his tone suddenly serious as he slings his backpack over his shoulder.

“Yeah?” I turn to him, curious.

He takes a deep breath, his eyes earnest. “I’m really glad we’re doing this together. It feels... special.”

“It really does,” I reply, my heart warming at his words. “You mean a lot to me, Elio.”