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Water feels cold on skin compared to the hot air of the last hours of a mid-summer day, rising just above the ankle as Bojan slowly walks forward into the sea.
He stops when the water reaches his knees, goosebumps rising as he waits for his body to get used to the change in the temperature.
“Come on, Jokerman!” Jere is already far enough for the water to reach his chest, tattoo barely visible above the surface. He splashes his arms around, creating waves around him in the otherwise quiet body of sea.
Behind him the sky is on its way changing from orange to pink, creating a beautiful spectrum of pastels and despite the island being filled with workers, volunteers and festival-goers, the little beach behind the VIP-area is empty. Or at least almost empty, except for the two men who have disappeared from their groups to steal this moment for themselves.
Bojan takes a few steps ahead, his breath hitching as cool liquid touches his stomach. Despite the heatwave of early July, the heat of the sun hasn’t been enough to warm up the water on the shores.
Bojan focuses on the figure ahead and starts to move towards him, resisting the urge to turn around. He knows that the shock always passes after the body has gotten used to it.
Jere is swimming around, turning every now and then to flash Bojan a happy and relaxed smile. The eyeliner around Jere's eyes looks smokey, smudged from performing a few hours ago in the summer heat and his hair glimmers golden in the light of the setting sun. He looks so different, yet still so attractive to Bojan. It surprises him how strong the physical pull is, even after more than twelve months since first taking action to explore the attraction that ended up being mutual.
When Bojan gets to Jere, the older man reaches his hand and pulls Bojan to him. Water reaches Bojan’s shoulders, and he spins them around so Jere doesn’t need to be standing on his tippy-toes.
Hands sneak around waists and for a few minutes they stay still, breathing in the scent of summer, sweat and salty water on the other's skin. The whole world narrows down to two bodies pressed against each other in the coolness of the sea, quiet breaths caressing little hairs on their necks, bearded chin tickling the shaved one as they hold each other close, enjoying the calm oasis within their busy summer schedules.
Water carries the music from the nearest stage and bass mixes with the thumping of Bojan’s heart while he holds on to the shorter man tightly. No matter how long it takes to see the other again or how daunting and hard the days inbetween are, being cradled in the older man’s arms again makes every heartache, every sleepless night missing each other worthwhile.
“Can we just stay like this the rest of the night?” he murmurs in Jere’s neck when his thoughts get too much, jump too many hours ahead from this moment. It’s hard to stay in the present when you know you’re going to be ripped away in a couple of days.
“Yes yes, but your fans are not happy if they not see Jokerman”, Bojan leans back so he can see the smile that doesn’t quite reach Jere’s eyes. The way physical presence in their relationship is reduced to short weeks or days between concerts or tours isn't easy on the older man either, evidence of melancholy and longing whispered almost every day through the air during their calls and via texts, filling their chat.
“Let’s just enjoy this moment. Carpe diem, like you say”, Jere grins, not letting them drown in feelings. Bojan’s heart fills up with adoration for the shorter man. Suddenly he can’t get rid of the few centimeters between them fast enough, so he puts his hand under the bearded chin and Jere immediately closes his eyes, dark eyelashes resting on the blushed cheeks.
Their lips meet in a slow kiss, the taste of Jere found under the flavor of the sea, marking the moment in Bojan’s memory where he can come back when the lonely nights get too much.
The pink hues of the sky have turned to different shades of lilac when they get out of the water, shivering and lips turning blue but warmth bubbling in their chests.
An hour and half later when Bojan sings the chorus of the song that changed their lives one year ago, he glances at his right side and behind Kris, he catches Jere standing next to the stage. He looks back at Bojan, mouthing the words and raising his pineapple long drink at him.
Jere winks. Bojan rolls his eyes and grins.
Future will catch them in no time. But at least they have this moment, when the summer is only half-way through.