In Deeper Waters

by F.T. Lukens

He didn’t need to cry over odd boys who made him smile, then disappeared.

At least in Garrett’s stories Tal would be the hero, and not the villain he was so scared of becoming.

Who was this boy who valued sea glass the same as pearls and gold? Who was he to smile slyly and tease Tal and touch him casually and make his heart race?

Death, he discovered, was simple, not the terrifying and daunting fate that had loomed over him during his time on the ship. It was easy to give in, to let his eyes slide half closed, to let his body drift in the rhythm of the sea.

Tal wrapped his arms around Athlen’s shaking body and held on. “I’ve got you.” “I know.” His breath was cool on Tal’s neck. “For how long?” “Until you tell me to let go.”

“No, thank you, for being a stubborn shit and surviving.

“You want me to be what?” “Mine.”

“You’re my beloved,” Athlen said, his voice a vibration against Tal’s lips. “And you’re mine.” They kissed, and kissed,

and Tal would’ve thought it a fairy tale if not for the sand in his collar, and the water in his boots, and the ache of his body. But he wouldn’t trade it for anything else.