The sand was white and seemed to sparkle like diamonds under the sun. The water a gorgeous, deep, crystalline blue, lapping at the sand and people’s toes. The town bustled with people, vibrant with color and laughter and cheerful voices shouting to one another. The Rivaini people were beautiful and welcoming, as warm as their shores. Whenever Fenris thought he’d seen everything, Sebastian grabbed him by the elbow and pulled him in the direction of something new.

They ate lunch at a small restaurant on the beach. Fenris made a face as Sebastian ate his fish, and he laughed, holding out his fork with a bit of fried cod speared on the end. Fenris swatted his hand away, making a gagging noise that was purely theatrical. “Get it away from me,” Fenris said, “Ugh, it smells.”

“Fresh fish doesn’t have a smell,” Sebastian said. “Only rotten fish.”

“Well it must be rotten, then,” Fenris said. “Because it stinks.”

Sebastian chuckled and shook his head, but he kept his fish to himself.

The beach was where they spent their time, walking along the shore, leaving footprints that were swiftly erased by the tide. Sebastian bumped his hip against him and knocked Fenris off of his feet. He could feel dull anger threatening until Sebastian helped him up, laughing and leaving a kiss on his nose and too beautiful for anger to linger.

“Aww,” Sebastian said. “You’re all wet now. I wonder what we should do about that.”

Fenris took his hand and led him to a bit of beach where no one lingered and sharp rocks obscured them. It was his turn to get Sebastian wet, pushing him down against the sand and climbing onto his hips.

“Let me show you,” Fenris purred. Sebastian smiled, and Fenris kissed his teeth.