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Elliots arms swelled up with every drop of the bar. He eased it down as slow as he could, and pushed up. He huffed through his nose as he pushed himself. He let out a soft groan as he racked the bar, a hand held in the center as it helped him safely drop the bar.

Elliot sat up and wiped his face clean with a towel, "Woo, man. I need to get back into this. That was only the second set."

"You did pretty good," said Troy as he leaned down on the bar, "Two-ten is a good start for being out of shape."

Elliot glared at him, "Is that a fat joke?"

Troy put up his hands, "No!!! Not at all!"

"Don't let him trick you," said Allen from the next bench over, the wolf lazily curling eighty pound free weights, "He knows he's built like a damn brick house."

Elliot chuckled, "I just happen to like snacks a little too much. I was pretty fit back in the day."

"I hope I can inspire you to get fit again," said Troy as he was unloading the plates from the bar and returning them back to their homes.

"And I hope I can inspire you to focus on things other than drinking," said Elliot.

Troy nodded, "It does help having others around... It pulls my drive in a different direction. That's why I hang in the gym all day. There's always at least one person in here that I can help out."

"There's other hobbies than lifting all day," said Allen, "I teach this for a living, but even I go out and have fun."

Troy chuckled, "You've also got a personality. I've got about as much personality as a spoon. I've lifted weights, worked at clubs, and slammed asses the last thirty years. There's not much else to me."

"Well, I came here to take a break from life and do new things," said Elliot, "My whole life has been cars and t.v. with my roommates for the last ten years. It's been turned on its head since I got here."

"I try to go out," said Troy, "But ever since I fucked up, people are nervous to hang around with me. Hell, everyone knows that if I start flirting with them that they need to walk away. You found that out yesterday."

"Well," said Elliot, "Leave the gym and find somewhere else to go."

"Yeah," Allen piped in, "Stop being such a stick in the mud. Go sign up for things."

"I don't want anyone to be uncomfortable," said Troy, "I'm just happy being here to help people with working out. They at least come to me for that."

Allen sighed, "But why can't you go to them for your needs?"

Troy stared at him, "So what, I can hang out with you guys?"

Allen nodded, "Under one condition."

"No drinking," they said together.

"I got it," said Troy as he sniffled a bit, "I can try. If I feel out of place I'm leaving though. I feel safer in here."

"Sure thing," said Allen as he dropped his weights back into their rack, "We'll make a day of it soon."

"Sounds good," said Troy as he held out his hand. Allen and Elliot shook hands with the armadillo. He gave them a broad smile before he threw his arms around them, hugging the both of them bone crushingly tight, "Thank you guys... It means a lot to me to have someone giving me at least a fleeting chance in hell."

Elliot patted Troy, "Easy there bud."

"Sorry!" he said as he let them go, "I'll catch you boys later."

Troy bounded over to the other side of the room as his buffalo partner had showed up for his routine workout. He really never did leave. Elliot and Allen went and scrubbed down real quick, and the lion got dressed for the day before they both headed into a late breakfast. It was only an hour before they were to set off for their rafting adventure.

"He's like Jekyll and Hyde," said Elliot as he sipped on his coffee, "Hopefully us hanging out with him a little bit gets his mind refocused."

"We'll work on him how we can," said Allen, "We're not friends and family enough to have much of an effect, but he most certainly doesn't want to get banned from the camp. He loves it here."

"Yeah," said Elliot as he took in a deep breath, enjoying the aroma of the coffee.

The both of them finished up breakfast and made their way to the pick up spot. They were going to travel in the camp trucks up to the site where the rafts would be released. Allen went over and hugged his arms around Luke. There was quite a turn out.

"Elliot!" Hagan came jogging up to him, "Long time no see!'

"Hey Hagan!" said Elliot as they shook hands, "Good to see you again."

"I never saw your name on the list!" said Hagan.

"I signed up kind of last minute," the lion chuckled, "I figured I'd get to hang with my roommates today."

Hagan blushed as he saw naked Allen cuddling with Luke, "I came with one of my roommates too! Hey Bran!"

A black wolf matching in height with Elliot came walking over. What is it with ripped wolves at this camp? He was almost as hulking as Pascal. He had quite a jovial grin as he reached out and hugged Elliot, "Hey there friend! The name's Bran!" He went and hugged Allen and Luke as well, "And hello old friends!"

Allen laughed, "Hey Bran! How are you?

"I'm great," he boomed, "I'm totally stoked for this day!" he turned back towards Elliot and started shaking his hand, "I'm sorry! I didn't get your name!"

Elliot was so shocked by how super friendly he was despite how threatening he looked, "I'm Elliot."

Bran kept shaking his hand, "Oh man! Thank you for fixing Hagan's car! It would have been a bummer if I didn't get to meet him right away. He's such a great guy!" Bran finally dropped Elliots hand and picked up Hagan into a big hug, "One of the best!"

Hagan laughed as he patted the wolf, "Haha, put me down ye big lug."

Bran grinned and wagged his tail, "Noooo... I wanna hold you forever cause you deserve all the hugs!"

The raccoon rolled his eyes, "As you can see, he's super friendly."

Elliot laughed, "I can see that!"

A counselor stood up on the back of one of the trucks. He was a thin howler monkey standing very poised, "Hello Campers! My name is Benji. We're gonna load up in a few minutes here. Since we have eleven of you, we're gonna do a group of five and a group of six with either myself or Angelo here as your guides." The leopard waved to the group.

Elliot was happy to see that he gets to be involved in more than reception work. All of them loaded up onto two trucks after grouping up. Hagan and Bran teamed up with Elliot, Luke, and Allen, and another, Pierce. Elliot hadn't seen the buck since the first day either. Everyone ran through the gamut of introductions before taking off. Bran was super hyper on the drive up to the drop site. His tail was wagging a mile a minute.

"You guys experienced?" Pierce asked.

"We do this every year," said Allen from the back where him and Luke were holding hands.

"My first time," said Elliot as the wind whipped his mane around his face.

"Same here," said Hagan, "Bran told me it was a blast so I decided to join him."

"Pro tip if you're not rowing," said Pierce, "Hang on for dear life once we start getting buffeted around. Considering how light you are Hagan, you might get flung off."

"I'll hug him tight!" said Bran.

The six of them ended up with Angelo. The leopard helped them off the truck and guided them over to the rafts that were already set up for them. The leopard went over all the safety procedures, how to paddle, and told them all to have fun.

"Now, Elliot, I'll have you sit in back with me," said Angelo, "And Bran, I'll keep you up front with Allen. Your both heavy and experienced, so you'll try and keep the boat from bouncing around everywhere as you lead us down. Pierce, Luke, and Hagan, you guys break up the middle."

The seven of them lifted their raft and set it in the water. Bran and Allen helped everyone step into the raft. As Angelo took a seat, he took his prosthetic off and strapped it securely to the boat. Elliot figured he did this just in case he fell in. The leopard rubbed his nub, smoothing the matted fur out there.

Once everyone was settled in he started shooting out orders, "Ok boys, make sure your life vests are on tight. As we get further down the river, things get rather choppy. We're also gonna be hitting a few falls, so brace yourselves for them. Allen, Bran, take us out."

Allen and Bran rowed in unison, pulling them out into the center of the river. The raft slowly moved downstream as they stroked. Angelo nudged Elliot as he had the two of them help them row. It took them a minute to get in sync, but they steadily picked up speed.

"Alright, let the river carry us," said Angelo after awhile, "Once we get into the rapids, your oar is your friend. Use if we get too close to any rocks, or if we get too close to shore, use it to push us back towards the middle. I'll let you guys know which sides need to row as we go, so be ready for it."

Bran wagged his tail, thudding it against the raft, "I'm so ready for it!"

"You new boys enjoying the camp?" Angelo asked.

"Yeah!" said Hagan, "I've been having a blast since I got here. My roommates have introduced me to a lot of fun things. I feel like a kid again."

"Hehe, that's great to hear!" said the leopard, "How bout you two?"

Elliot exchanged glances with Pierce, and decided to answer first, "It's been interesting, but enjoyable. It's been quite a shock to my system. Everyone's been so nice and helpful. Luke and Allen here have been pretty great in getting me to relax a bit."

"You were pretty sullen when we met," Angelo chuckled, "I'm glad to see things are looking up for you. And if you ever need to get away for some quiet time, I know the best hot spring spots."

Elliot laughed, "I do need to go check one of those out."

"I...it's good for the b...body!" said Luke over his shoulder.

"How about you Pierce?" Angelo prodded him.

"It's been nice," said Pierce, "It's everything I ever dreamed of and more. It's a shame a week has already passed."

"Right?!" said Hagan, "At least it's been a rather long and fun week."

Pierce smiled softly, "Yeah, it's been a lot of fun."

The river started to get choppy as they cruised down. Benji's boat scooted up next to them. "You boys ready?!" Benji called over.

The thirteen of them cheered as the boats spread apart and started to pick up speed. Bran and Allen kept the boat facing forward as the river tossed the raft around. Angelo held his oar behind the boat, using it as a rudder to help the raft maintain its course. The water started to get get louder as it rushed them down the river. Elliot positioned his oar into the water to help steer.

Pierce picked up the other side behind Bran. The two of them worked immediately in sync. The buck seemed to know exactly what to do. The rapids picked up as the boat started to bounce up and down. Elliot felt an arm wrap around his leg. Hagan was hanging on for dear life.

The river dipped down and shot them downstream. Allen and Elliot pushed from the right side, trying to get them to shift away from shore. Luke dipped in to join them and they started to move back into the center. Benji's boat collided against theirs. There was a round of laughter as they started to spiral out of control. Benji pushed off against their boat and rocketed forward as his team paddled hard.

"Ahahah! See you boys!" Benji howled.

They started to launch over swells and down small drops. The boat bounced in all directions. They ramped up a large swell as Bran and Allen leaned forward. They hit the water so hard that the inevitable did indeed happen. Hagan launched upwards over the side of the boat, unable to keep his grip on Elliot's leg. The small raccoon got washed away into the rapids.

"HELP!" he called out frantically.

Elliot felt himself leap off the boat. He didn't even think it through. He swam as hard as he could against the water to catch up to Hagan.

"WOO! GO ELLIOT!" Allen shouted after him.

Elliot grabbed hold of Hagan by his lifevest. The raccoon turned around, latching his arms around Elliots neck. The lion cruised with the rapids, waiting for a good spot to come along and grab hold of something. He let out a grunt as he crashed into a cliffside. He grumbled and shook it off. He saw a chance to break away up ahead.

A low hanging tree branch seemed to be their way out. He grabbed hold against the branch. Pine needles scraping over his paw as the branch tried to slide from his grip. He finally had a firm hold as he started to pull himself and Hagan from the water. He found some footing near the shore and clamored his way to safety as his knees shook.

As he dropped to his knees with Hagan still holding on for dear life, he heard cheers floating on by. "We'll pick you up downstream!" Angelo yelled out as they passed. There honestly was no way for them to stop there.

Hagan stood unsteadily, shaking from head to toe, "Holy shit! That was nuts!"

Elliot managed to laugh, "I can't believe I jumped in after you."

The raccoon laughed too, "I'm glad you did. Damn El, saved me twice now!"

"Sure did," said Elliot as he shook, trying to dry himself out.

"Sorry we have to walk..." said Hagan as he looked downstream.

"It's ok," the lion chuckled as he took off his lifevest, "I can't imagine they went too far."

Hagan popped his vest off and took his shirt and shorts off, leaving himself bare. He wrung his clothes out, then he slung them over his shoulders. "Good time as any for a nature walk," he laughed, "Wanna join?"

Elliot laughed and shook his head. Another when in Rome situation for him. The lion stripped his clothes and wrung them out. He slid his jock off and threw it over his shoulder with his shirt and shorts.

"Damn El," Hagan blushed as he was checking him out, "You've got some huge balls!"

Elliot huffed as he put his paws over himself, "Heh, thanks..." He then chanced a better look at Hagan, and tilted his head, "You're one to talk!"

Hagan laughed as he shook a pair of testicles that looked comically huge on him, "Some of the guys have called me Testicleez!"

Elliot laughed, "Perfect nickname."

The two of them started their trek down the river side. They walked in silence for a while. Hagan didn't seem to be much of a talker just like Elliot. The lion didn't want their walk to be so quiet though.

"Been having fun here?" he asked.

"Yeah!" said Hagan as he tried to keep pace with Elliot, "It's been just a little different than what I expected."

"Oh?" said Elliot, "I've had the same impression."

"Have you... uhm..." Hagan looked to be trying to find his words, "Have you experimented with anyone? It seems to be all the veterans are all for it."

Elliot blushed, "I'd been wondering if it was just me. I've not done anything though."

"Oh," said Hagan as he nodded.

"You have?" Elliot curiously asked.

"I just don't know what's overcome me," said Hagan, "I mean, I've been happily married for over twenty five years, have a ton of kids, and I'm retired. I've never been opposed to checking dudes out, but sleeping with one had never been a thing I thought about. Until I came here."

"What changed?" Elliot asked.

"I dunno," said Hagan, "It's like everyone here has some sort of magical charm to them or something. I just really enjoy the feelings I get from them..."

"Them?" Elliot laughed.

Hagan looked up at him, "I've just been so overcome with kindness and genuine interest in me, I've lost control I think. I've already slept with four dudes since I've been here! I'm even sharing the same bed with both my roommates at night. I don't know if I should feel bad or not!"

"Wow..." Elliot wasn't quite sure how to respond to him, "I mean, wow. That's a lot to take in."

"I know," Hagan sighed, "Maybe this is what I've needed. Who knows. The fact that my wife was happy to have me out of the house for a month got me thinking long and hard about me. I give her and the kids everything, but I never do anything for myself. I don't want us to have a broken relationship, but the last few years things have changed. I don't know if it's me or her. Right now, it's me though..."

Elliot gave him a soft smile, "Well, I know that if my wife were alive right now, she'd be telling me to put myself out there."

Hagan laughed, "Better than my wife. She just gives me lists everyday to fulfil while she goes out for work. Maybe I really have been living an unhappy marriage for the last few years. Perhaps this is the lifestyle change I've needed. I know it makes me sound like a bad person, but I feel no guilt for sleeping around. I've been satisfied."

"Perhaps you and your wife should talk when you get home," Elliot suggested.

Hagan shook his head, "She'd just sweep it under the rug, berate me, and tell me to clean up my act. She's probably only keeping me around till the youngest moves out."

"Do you have suspicions she may already be cheating on you?" Elliot asked.

Hagan lowered his ears, "I've had my suspicions. Just never any proof. That's why I feel things have changed. I don't know when or why her attitude changed, but I know it's been building up the last few years. Do you think I should talk with her? Maybe do a separation? I'm just concerned about the kids, you know?"

"I wish I had answers Hagan," Elliot rubbed his mane, "Perhaps someone here in the camp can offer advice. We all seem to run through quite the field of professions. Maybe there's a therapist or something. Maybe even one of the counselors could help."

Hagan nodded, "Good thinking. I'll definitely ask around."

"I've had trouble giving in," said Elliot, "I kind of envy you. I've been too damn nervous or scared to try anything with anyone. I mean, I held someone all night the other night, and it was nice, but I wasn't sure if I had it in me to do anything."

"I say go for it," said Hagan, "What have you got to lose? Some self made barriers that society expects you to fulfil?"

Elliot laughed, "I guess if you look at it like that, you've kind of answered both our problems."

Hagan chuckled, "I suppose so. Maybe that's the point of this place. Like Ennis told me when he showed me to my cabin, this is Dad Camp, where all your dreams and fantasies come true and no one can tell you no."

"Probably explains the carefree attitudes everyone has," said Elliot, "Keller, one of the other guys we showed up with, took to it with no problem. Maybe we just shouldn't care while we're here."

"Couldn't have said it better!" came a voice from up in the trees. Benji swung down and landed neatly on his feet, "I was worried about you guys so I came back to see where you were!"

"Thanks Benji," said Hagan, "I hope I didn't cause too much trouble."

Benji laughed, "Naw man! Someone gets bounced out almost every time!"

Hagan laughed, "I felt pretty bad. I guess I should have held on harder."

"I'll strap you to me next time," said Elliot.

Benji led them back downstream where the rest of the party were waiting. They cheered and applauded their return. Both Elliot and Hagan were showered with affection for their return. Hagan chuckled as he got so many head rubs and hugs. Everyone was relieved to see he was alright.

"Alright boys," said Angelo, "We ready to head back out!"

Elliot got back into place after getting redressed. Hagan hopped in and set in between his legs. The raccoon linked an arm through a strap on the lions lifevest. Elliot chuckled as Hagan smirked up at him. Elliot and Allen pushed off from the shore with their oars. They were soon going back down the river.

"Alright!" shouted Angelo, "Everyone hang on tight this time! We're dropping off some falls!"

The boat ominously edged over the edge as the water dipped down. The front end sinking down and popping back up as Allen and Bran determinedly kept the boat from flipping forward as they leaned back and forth. The boat dropped down a larger fall, causing all of them to raise up off the raft. They all howled with laughter as they hugged around the raft.

They soon found themselves in calmer waters as they moved along. Everyone started to row again. Hagan slipped his arm out of Elliot's life vest. The two of them certainly talked a lot of things that made sense. Elliot would have to reflect on it a bit. Maybe he was right. Elliot chuckled to himself as he rowed along.

"What's got you grinnin?" Angelo elbowed him playfully.

"Just thinking about stuff," said Elliot.

"W...what kind of stuff?" asked Luke.

Elliot felt cornered now, he shouldn't have chuckled, "Just stuff," he said defensively.

"What kind of stuff?" Allen turned around.

"Oh for fucks sake," said Elliot as he facepalmed, "Fine! You wanna know. I wanna get laid, ok?"

Allen laughed, "Well hell, El! All you gotta do is ask!"

Luke blushed, "C...can I watch?"

Elliot blushed as well, "This is why I said stuff."

"I can fuck you too!" Bran chimed in, "Cause damn, woof! You're a hottie!"

Elliots ears burned.

"Aren't you mister popular?" Angelo jested.

"You started this!" Elliot protested as he laughed it all off.

Angelo grinned as he paddled, "Looks like the whole boat wants to enjoy your company."

Angelo gave Elliot a wink. If the lion could blush anymore he would. They continued to paddle down the river. The lake came into view. Allen and Bran took over rowing. The two hulks powered their way over to the shoreline and dismounted. They dragged the raft up onto land and everyone got off. Angelo and Benji come together and high fived.

"Thanks for helping Angelo!" said Benji, "It was fun having you along!"

"Sure beats sitting at reception all day," Angelo chuckled, "And speaking of, I gotta relieve Walther soon."

"Well, should you ever wanna help again, let me know!" said Benji.

"I'm ready to hit the cliffs again too," he said, "I've learned how to climb really well with my prosthetic."

"That's great news! I miss my climbing buddy," Benji gave Angelo a hug, "Get to work man. We'll catch up more later." Benji turned his attention to the group, "I hope you guys had fun! I'll be doing this again next week, same day, same time."

Everyone thanked Benji for the ride. The howler monkey was glad everyone had a great time. He offered to bring Hagan and Elliot to the camps doctor to make sure they were ok since he noticed the lions back was all scratched up.

"It's nothing," said Elliot as he tried to get a look at the damage, "I just hit the rocks."

"Well, I'm not one to twist peoples arms into doing anything," said Benji, "Just make sure you clean it up well so no infections occur."

"I can help," Hagan offered, "It is my fault you got injured after all."

"Sure," said Elliot.

They all told Benji goodbye. The monkey did a cartwheel as he took off at a sprint to go do his duties. It seemed the eleven of them were in favor of getting washed up as they all took off for the showers. Elliot stripped his clothes off and went into the shower room. He dropped down into the communal bathtub.

It felt so nice. The water was warm and the bubbles fresh. The water had a purple hue to it and smelled of lavender and fruits. Elliot shifted his weight to let himself sink down to his neck. Allen and Luke dropped in next to him, and Hagan on his other side.

"Mmm," said Allen as he hugged Luke against him, "Good choice Elliot."

"I'm too exhausted to bathe myself," the lion chuckled.

"Y...you ok?" asked Luke, "I h...hope w...we didn't upset you earlier."

Elliot chuckled, "No. Me and Hagan had a long chat on our walk back to you guys. It got me thinking. I'm gonna loosen up a bit more. I came here to figure myself out, and maybe I should let my feelings take the lead instead of what I think the expectations are of me."

Allen nodded, "I know that feeling. My family was very confused when I told them I was gay. But I told them knowing that there'd be mixed feelings. I wanted to live my life the way I wanted. I was tired of hiding."

Luke chuckled, "A...at least you didn't have to t...tell your kids since you d...didn't have any."

Allen smooched Luke, "At least your son talks to you again. My dad hasn't talked to me in years now."

Luke nodded, "I...I'll be your daddy."

Allen growled lustily at Luke, "Mmm, don't you tease."

Elliot laughed, "You two are something else."

Hagan sighed, "I wonder how my kids will react."

"You think you're gonna open up to them?" Elliot asked.

"Yeah," said Hagan, "I've had this whole afternoon to think about it. I've decided this kind of lifestyle has made me happy. I don't think it's just a fleeting feeling."

"I...it's tough," said Luke, "M...my ex wife was shocked when I sat her down to talk it over. S...she understood though. Her and my daughter w...were s...sup...p...portive. They n...knew that I'd lost direction in m...my life. They knew s...something was different when I came b...back from here happy, so I c...came forward about it."

Hagan nodded, "It will probably be best that I come clean when I get home."

"Well, you got three more weeks to think about it," said Allen.

"And not so many years left to live," Hagan laughed, "I would think I'd like to enjoy the rest of my life doing things I want to do."

"I...it's a tough decision, b...but if you're not happy," said Luke, "it may b...be t...time for a change."

Hagan nodded, "It'll definitely be something I have to think about and plan for. Life's full of hard decisions."

"And hard dicks," Allen said as he groped Luke, causing him to jump and squeak.

"Y...you're b...bad," Luke laughed as he gave the wolf a kiss.

The group of them went into the dining hall to get dinner. Not much else happened through the evening. Once they were fed and conversed out, everyone departed for either bed or late night activities. Elliot stripped down and flopped into bed. He smiled to himself as Luke got into bed with Allen. He was happy to provide them solace in their relationship.

It had only felt like he'd been asleep for just a few hours when there was banging on the cabin door. Someone was shouting into a megaphone. Elliot looked at the clock. It was four in the morning! The voice continued shouting.

"Everyone wake up and report to the main lodge immediately! It's an emergency!"

Elliot sleepily got dressed as he, Luke, and Allen all exchanged worried looks. The three of them took off across the grounds to the main lodge along with all the other cabins. A counselor Elliot wasn't familiar with was leading them all with his megaphone. For a meerkat, he was rather loud without the megaphone too. He held the main lobby door open for everyone and told everyone to gather in the dining hall.

There were several gasps as the line started to halt. Soon there was quite a bit of sobbing. Elliot made his way to the front and froze in his tracks. There in the middle of the dining hall was Elric Loring with a butcher knife sticking out of his chest.