Lost and Found

Part 1

Quentin stared at his bedroom window, the same one he'd just watched his best friend, Kori, climb out of.
They'd just clambered into his room minutes ago, told him they were going to become a hunter of Artemis.
He wasn't angry at them for leaving, in fact, he was happy that they took the chance to leave their parents. He and them had just received news that both of their futures were now nonexistent so he could understand, he would've joined too if he was allowed.

Once the dinner ended his parents had dragged him back to the house and told him to go upstairs; they'd call him back down to talk.
In all honesty, he was terrified of what they'd say, had they somehow found out about his secret?
Way too soon for his liking his parents called for him.
Slowly, Quentin made his way downstairs and into the kitchen where his dark haired dad and green-eyed mom sat side by side.

He took a seat across from them, waiting intently for one of them to start talking.
Ava sighed. "Quentin, while we know it didn't work out with Kori that doesn't mean there aren't other girls out there."
Did...they think he was sad because he didn't get to marry Kori?
"In fact, we have someone else, this girl, Taylor—"
"Wait, another girl? Why?"

Ava and Henry looked at each other.
"It's so you can marry someone when you turn 18, son." Henry told him.
Marry someone? They still wanted him to do that?
"No!" He said a little too loud. "I'm not going to marry Taylor!"

Henry put his hands in front of him, "okay, son, we'll find another girl—"
"I don't want any girl!"
"What? You don't like girls?" Ava scoffed.
Quentin froze, staring at his parents and remaining quiet for a little too long.
Ava tilted her head and Henry's eyes grew wide.
"Son, you like girls, right?"
Quentin looked at the table with tears close to spilling out like an overfilled glass.

"I'm sorry." He whispered.
He heard his mom gasp, his nails dug into his legs.
"Quentin, gays are a sin against god and nature, you know that." Henry said."Quentin, tell me that's not true." Ava said.

"I...it's true." Quentin murmured.
Ava made a noise that sounded like a sob.
"No, NO!" Ava stood abruptly. "I will not have an abomination for a son!" She stormed upstairs.
Henry gave him a look.

"Room. Now." Was all he said before going upstairs.
Quentin made his way to his room, shutting the door behind him.
He sat down on his bed and started crying, sobs shaking his body.
He wished Kori was still here, they'd know what to do, they would defend him.

Five minutes later Henry came into his room, not caring as Quentin wiped furiously at his eyes.
"You have five minutes to pack your things and leave." He said, turning to leave, before stopping in the doorway. "I'm glad you feel guilty, you should."
"Dad, please—"
Henry slammed the door.
Quentin let out a shaky breath before standing up and going to his closet and pulling out a green duffel bag.

He grabbed a few pairs of clothes, a hoodie, a few pictures of him and Kori together, and a blanket before zipping up the bag and taking one last look around his room. This was really happening?
He made his way downstairs and to the living room where Henry was waiting.
Quentin knew better than to try and argue with him, glancing over to Henry.
"Bye." He muttered before walking out.

He wasn't sure where to go as he began walking, he figured a secluded or brightly lit spot.
Eventually he made his way downtown; brick shops, restaurants, and bars squished together illuminated by bright street lights.
People walked up and down the sidewalks talking and laughing loudly.
Not wanting to be near anyone Quentin turned a corner and found quiet spot by the side of a brick restaurant.

He sat down with his back against the wall, he leaned his head back and closed his eyes.
What was he going to do? Where was he going to go? He didn't know any aunts, uncles, or grandparents, he wouldn't be surprised if they cut his parents off, he didn't know where Kori was, if he did he'd beg and plead with Artemis to let him join her hunt, he'd do anything if she would let him join.
"Ah, there you are," a smooth and musical voice spoke. "You're a hard person to find, Quentin."
Quentin pulled his head up and opened his eyes, meeting a man in a white t-shirt and black pants crouched in front of him with skin like bronze, golden blonde hair that was parted at the side cascaded down his back along with a few strands that fell on his chest, and eyes bright gold, like sun rays on a summer morning.