032. Sunset
Interlude
The light from the sunset flared across the motorbike, making its yellow colour turn strangely reddish. It shone brightly on the two men lying in the long grass at the foot of the bike. The older of the two lay with his head on the other's stomach and he had his eyes closed as the younger man gently carded his fingers through his hair. A cane lay discarded between the bike and the two men, its dark colour a contrast to the green of the grass. Two jackets lay beside the cane with two helmets sitting on top.
As the light from the sunset flared red, yellow, orange, the older man opened his eyes, a slow, lazy smile stretching his lips. He shifted himself around until he lay beside his companion then propped himself up on one elbow. The younger man smiled and gently caressed the older man's cheek, gaining a similar caress in response. The older man then leaned down and kissed his companion. The kiss was long and loving yet remained gentle and calm and when the two men finally pulled apart, the younger man encouraged his lover closer. Soon the older man was resting with his head on his lover's shoulder and his right leg draped over his lover's legs. Their arms were wrapped around each other tightly and they both looked content.
The sun slowly continued its journey downwards, its light growing dimmer until finally only the last russet glimmers showed above the horizon. In the growing dusk, the two men finally separated. The older man rolled on his back, his contented expression slowly turning to one more closed and a flicker of pain crossed his face more than once. His companion sat up and reached back towards the jackets. He fumbled in the pocket of one and pulled out a small orange bottle, offering it to his companion.
The older man accepted the bottle, shaking out one of the small white pills within and swallowing it. The two men then climbed to their feet, the younger steadying the older. It was the younger who reached for the cane before turning and handing it to the older, who took it with a look of resignation. They pulled their jackets on and grabbed their helmets before walking over to the bike.
The older man climbed on first, attaching his cane to the side of the bike, then the younger got on behind him. He leaned forward and spoke quietly into the ear of his lover and whatever he had to say gained a small laugh and a gentle caress. They both then donned their helmets and the roar of the bike shattered the still evening air. The younger man wrapped his arms around his companion and they drove off into the growing dark.