Vamos a la playa

Vacation wasn’t a common occurrence for the pair.
Konan was often, if not always, overwhelmed with work; whereas Eduardo struggled with bills and making ends meet.

Thus, it was only logical to want to make the most of their time whilst on holiday. Neither were sure when an opportunity like this would come again. Despite their reservations about the wedding, they were grateful to have been invited to spend some time on this gorgeous island.

Whilst on the plane, the pair established a bucket list. Although the idea had sparked out of boredom, they were glad for it: Konan had always prefered having a set list of tasks, which helped him plan ahead. Eduardo differed on that matter- in all likelihood, he'd become overwhelmed with all the choices available to him, thus would end up doing nothing but lounging by the hotel's pool.

They had written down places, museums, activities, silly dares,... yet, the first thing they did wasn't on their list. In fact, they hadn't even considered it.

Edibles.

How could it have been? They barely were aware of this island’s existence until a few weeks ago, much less that recreational drugs were legal. According to the infused pastries' description in the breakfast buffet, they were even heavily recommended to "free one’s artistic spirit".

(Perhaps that's why the future spouses had settled on this destination in particular- neither decided to dwell on that thought.)

Regardless, they decided to keep an open mind about this newfound place and its culture by indulging in it: therefore, they stacked a few delicacies up their plates on this very morning.

Although Konan had dabbled in all sorts of things (hey, he’s in the music industry), his mind was blown away when the effects started to settle in. Eduardo fondly remembered his college years on that day. Rather, his college year, considering he never completed his degree.

Needless to say they had a wonderful day.

Their evening, however, was spent on the beach.

The slight breeze was a breath of fresh air compared to the heat of the afternoon. At some point, Konan was convinced his skin would melt: which thankfully only made him giggle instead of going down a rougher path.

They quietly watched as the sea conducted the tragic dance of the waves breaking against the shore. The strongest would send salted droplets their way at times, the wet brushing against their skin.

In the distance, the comforting creaking of fire could be heard. Friends hosting a beach party, they assumed, as laughter echoed through the beach, until gradually drowned by an upcoming wave.

This world was so different from theirs: the city and its constant noise being so deeply engraved in them that they often forgot how peaceful it can be at times. 

Eduardo ran his fingers through a sand of the clearest shade he had seen in years. It reminded him of home and his heart ached for an instant.

He looked up at the sky, allowing himself to get lost in its mesmerizing blue color. The moon hung high, surrounded by thousands of millions of stars. The water shimmered thanks to their light.

Eduardo let out a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding.

For the first time in what felt like forever, both men felt trutly at peace. Their troubles were seemingly lifted away, a distant memory they couldn't quite place in time.

Tonight it was only them, the moon, and this bag of barbecue flavoured chips filling the distance between them.

Eduardo stood up and threw his Hawaiian shirt on the ground. Konan lifted an eyebrow and studied his frame for a split second.

"Hey Kman, I’m going for a swim. Wanna come?"

"Okay first..." he snorted "K-man is a stupid nickname. Second… are you sure this is a good idea, considering we’re, well, you know..."

Eduardo frowned: he couldn't quite make out Konan's mumbling. "What was that?" 

"WE'RE HIGH." Konan half-shouted half-whispered. Eduardo’s eyes widened at the words:

"DON’T SAY IT SO LOUD, PEOPLE ARE GONNA KNOW!" he replied, using the same tone as his partner.

Everyone had caught on when they had spent 10 minutes coming up with different ways to mispronounce waffle during the earlier island tour. Additionally, they wouldn’t run in legal troubles. All in all, not a big deal.

Konan considered explaining, but it required too much efforts to get words out, for which his jaw feeling like cotton candy wouldn’t be of much help.

"I’ll watch your shirt. You go." he nodded instead, grabbing another barbecue chips.

"C’mon... don’t be boooring!"

Konan perked up at the words.

He may be a CEO whose stuck in his office doing all sorts of paperwork, and a vast majority of his social interactions may be summarized to either yelling at his employees or complaining about the latter to other ones he thought a little higher of— but if there’s one thing he isn’t, it’s boring.

He’s fun! He works in the music industry! He gets invited to parties! Why yes, he most often never attends but there's always a great explanation that ISN'T that he's got bad back pain.

Konan definitely does not feel insecure about becoming a "boring, bickering old fuck", as said in his own words. What is there to be insecure about when you're the most fun guy within a 5 miles radius?

Eduardo definitely did not use that knowlegde to his advantage. He couldn't have known Konan would be up in an instant, how dare anyone accuse him of such!

He grasped Konan's arm and rushed to the water, giggling all the while. Konan (being the fun guy he is) struggled very little with keeping up- until he slipped on some algae and fell head first in the water.

It took Eduardo a second to notice he wasn’t holding onto anything anymore. When he turned around to see Konan on all fours, pushing his wet locs out of his face, he couldn't contain his laughter. 

There was something so odd about Konan being so disheveled. Pathetically checking the ground for his glasses whilst coughing to get the taste of salted water out of his mouth was a drastic change for a man who was rarely ever seen outside of a tailored suit. His expression was sharp, though not mad: he could never be mad at Eduardo. 

Konan took advantage of Eduardo’s inattention to shove him in the water. A low blow, for sure: a revenge nonetheless.

Eduardo wouldn’t let him go off so easily though: he’s not El Tigro Fuego for nothing! 

They played in the water like little kids for God knows how long– splashing and pushing each other, holding stupid contests (Eduardo can hold his breath under water for a surprisingly long time) and challenging one another… until they were soaked to the bone.

The wind blew hard enough to send shivers down their spines and the water level rised, as if the sea was letting them know they had overstayed their welcome. They wouldn't have waited too long to head back anyway since fatigue was beginning to settle in.

"Let's... let's head back. Yeah?" Konan panted, to which Eduardo nodded.

Before he knew it, Konan grabbed ahold of his hand and started leading them towards the hotel.

If he were sober, the gesture would’ve gotten him flustered. As of right now it felt natural more than anything, as if their hands had been crafted to fit perfectly within one another’s.

Eduardo had never been all too sure of anything. Yet, he had a feeling– no, he knew, that he belonged with Konan; that in every lifetime, they would somehow find a way to each other.

Whether as friends or more is up for debate. Although, all things considered, he’d rather have some than none of Konan: even if it meant for his feelings to be unreciprocated... if he dared vocalising them, that is.

He wondered if Konan ever thought the same of him as he intertwined their fingers. Konan gives his hand a light squeeze and maybe, he thinks, 'it's all I need to know.'