Orange rays dancing on the waters surface. Gulls cry from up above and dolphins gracefully dive in and out of the water. A lone human boy standing on a wooden pier stares out across the vast ocean, his black hair blowing in the wind and his sea green eyes catching the sun setting on the horizon. A single tear rolled down Tyde's cheek as he thought about the day coming up.
Reaping day...
Tyde had been chosen by the academy to represent district 4 this year, something he thought would never happen. He was average at best and plenty other boys would have a better chance at bringing back glory, but it was him. They had chosen him. A 17 year old boy who is okay at best with weapons and was forced into training at the academy.
"Tyde?"
Tyde quickly wiped the tear from his cheek and turned his head, his eyes locking onto Walker's. Walker's smiled sadly at the younger boy by 2 years and Tyde started walking over to him. The walk soon turned into a run and as soon as he was in front of Walker, Tyde wrapped his arms around him, burying his face into his chest as he cried. Walker held the boy like his life depended on it, knowing that he only had a little time left with the boy he loved.
"I'm scared" Tyde cried, his hands bunching up Walker's shirt. Walker ran his hand through Tyde's hair, his own tears threatening to fall. Walker didn't say anything. He had no words to say. What could he say? They both knew that Tyde was a dead man walking. So instead they just stood there, Tyde's sobs mixing with the sound of the ocean waves crashing below and the gulls cry in the distance.
Tyde and Walker walked hand in hand down the street heading towards Walker's house. Again no words were exchanged, they weren't needed. Turning into a small garden, Walker unlocked the front door to his house and the two of them entered. Walker gestured to the stairs and Tyde nodded, heading up to the bedroom.
Tyde pulled his shirt over his head and kicked off his shoes, followed by his jeans before climbing under the covers. His head hit the pillow and he stared at the moon outside the window. Tears flowed silently down his cheeks and he pulled his knees up. He heard the bedroom door close as Walker entered, followed by a little shuffling around and then arms snaked around Tyde's waist. Walker rested his head on Tyde's shoulder.
Using his thumb, Walker wiped away the tears and cupped Tyde's cheek before pressing his lips to his loves. It was a quick kiss but it was full of everything he wanted to tell Tyde and the love he felt for him. Tyde turned his body and rested his head on Walker's chest.
"Goodnight Walker" Tyde muttered.
"Goodnight Tyde" Walker replied and the two fell to sleep, leaving the hurt and pain behind if only for a few hours.