A Date, A Bet and Some More (Hetalia-NorHong)

Chapter 5

(17) The Sea

The waves splashed gently against his feet. The water rose to his shin. It was cool enough to make him shiver, but not cold enough to freeze him. Leon stared at the gigantic egg yolk ahead. Half of it was hidden behind the horizon. The light emitted illuminated his face, half of which was covered by his red-and-black checked scarf. He had rolled up his sleeves and his jeans. The sand felt soft and smooth under his bare feet. Spotless. Pure. Heavenly.

It was Lukas's suggestion though. They had submitted their project and gone for tea. Again, Leon wasn't sure if it counted as a date. There were many things he was uncertain about and he didn't bother to explore the truth. Sometimes, truth could be devastating. It could frustrate and annoy someone. Neither of them felt repulsed at the moment so they reckoned each other's company a tolerable daily routine.

They seldom went for movies because they could never agree on what to watch. Lukas would be watching horror and Leon would be insisting on action or sci-fic. Dinning was fine since both of them were gluttons and all kinds of cuisines appealed to them. A stroll in the park would turn into a competitive race to the nearest downtown. A casual walk in the mall would suddenly become a frenzy of shopping and extravagant spending. So, most of the time, the two boys were just wandering on the streets. They weren't even conversing or holding hands. They walked side by side, each browsing different things from different shops which they never entered. Hands in their pockets, they ambled down the road like two strangers. Yet, they stood too close to be called strangers. They were never affectionate when they were out. No kisses. No hugs. No contact. Once they were indoors, they got down to crazy make-out, endless moans and sex.

Peculiar. That was the only word Leon would use to describe their relationship.

So close, yet so far.

When Lukas asked if he would like to go to the seaside, he only shrugged and nodded his head. Lukas wasn't the romantic type. He never planned anything for their 'dates' and Leon didn't really mind that. He didn't need someone clingy or overly expressive. He just needed to know that someone was there for him. Maybe loving him.

The beach was empty. It was as though they had booked the entire land. It felt wondrous and free. Once in a while, Leon needed some tranquillity. Here, there was no noise, no sight of people, just a plain blue sea that glittered with the setting sun.

When the sun disappeared, the moon would come up.

He wished this moment could last forever.

And deep down, he wished Lukas could never let go of him. All the feelings of being loved, protected and owed came back to him. It washed away his problems and nightmares.

When Lukas hugged him from behind, bringing him a cup of hot chocolate, Leon became conscious again of their height difference. He was still half a head shorter than Lukas and it seemed perfect because Lukas could just easily close the distance with a slight lowering of his head. His lips came in contact with Leon's left cheek.

Now, Leon knew why Lukas took him to the seaside.

He probably didn't want to be intimate in front of the public. Sometimes, Leon would see him blush but he forced himself not to dwell too much on Lukas's shy expression. He was wild, violent and merciless in bed. It was just incredible. His lover was incredible.

'Why would you stand in the water?' asked Lukas. His arms were still around Leon.

'I don't know,' replied Leon. 'I, like, haven't been here for a while.'

And then, he remembered when he last came here and it tormented him. He didn't want to look back at the hotel near the beach.

'Would you like to sit down instead?' asked Leon. He turned around and focused his eyes on Lukas's pale, handsome face.