I do not own any of the characters. All rights go to Sally Green.
Just a little mild fluff/angst set while Nathan and Gabriel are staying with Mercury before Nathan's birthday.
Gabriel smiled as he watched Nathan stretch. Sometimes he wished the other boy would realize just how much his heart longed for him. For now though, he was content with just being friends. "Want to go for a swim?" Gabriel's heart leapt at the thought. "Yes?" He only hoped his excitement wasn't too noticeable. They inevitably ended up racing to the lake; Nathan won. Gabriel tried not to stare (or drool) as Nathan striped off his shirt and pants, leaving only a pair of black boxers. Gabriel stripped off his own clothes and jumped in after Nathan, trying desperately to cool his hot cheeks. They swam laps, and then finally just floated on their backs. Gabriel had his eyes closed as he enjoyed the icy water against his skin. Suddenly Nathan leapt on him, pushing him under. Gabriel came up spluttering, wondering what the emergency was. Nathan was treading water, and laughter was bubbling out. As much as he wanted to be mad at Nathan for dunking him, his laughter was contagious. Gabriel splashed him, and of course, Nathan retaliated. Soon they found they had drifted to shore. Nathan pounced on him, restraining his hands so he could no longer splash him. This also left Nathan's body, pinning down Gabriel's. Nathan stopped laughing when he saw Gabriel's startled expression. Gabriel took shallow breaths, his eyes wide and unblinking. Gabriel averted his eyes, his whole face was red. It was obviously not from swimming. Nathan let go of Gabriel's wrists and planted them on the ground on either side of his ribs. Gabriel noticed that Nathan didn't move off of him however. "Nathan?" Gabriel slowly turned his head back toward Nathan. He was close; too close. What was he doing? "You...like me don't you?" Nathan's voice wasn't much more than a whisper. "Course I do? You're my best mate?" Nathan frowned and sighed gently. Nathan's gaze flickered down to Gabriel's lips and Gabriel's breath hitched; was he going to kiss him? Nathan's breath huffed out and he slid down a bit to lie on Gabriel's chest. Gabriel wondered if Nathan could hear his heart thudding; probably. Gabriel closed his eyes, savoring the sensation of Nathan's heat. He wondered if he was ever going to have this chance again. Probably not. Gabriel took a deep breath, and locked this memory deep inside. Nathan was in love with that white witch Annalise, he didn't have a real chance. Gabriel smiled, knowing this moment, was his alone and Annalise would never have this connection as they did right now.