Affirmation
Fic by ladyinpink602
AFFIRMATION
This story is set the day after the “kissing in the sea” scene but I’m drawing on other scenes from Little Ashes and on the letters between Federico and Salvador. It’s an extra scene that takes place in my mind - romantic and slushy but what the hell!
Federico opened the shutters and shielded his eyes from the piercing light. Placing his hands on the window frame he leaned forward, breathing in the fresh, salty smell of summer. He thought it was impossible to be happier than he was at this moment. Ahead of him lay the pebbly beach where he and Salvador had walked yesterday and the dark blue sea where they had swam. Closing his eyes, images of the previous night filled Federico’s mind - the boat ride at midnight, the swim, the kiss. He hugged himself, scarcely daring to believe last night had happened. Was he worthy of such happiness?
A voice woke him from his reverie.
“Federico, stop staring into space - get dressed and come and join me!”
Standing underneath his window Salvador gestured impatiently towards the beach. A towel around his neck, his shirt was open revealing his tanned skin, his white trousers folded back at the knee. He ran his fingers through his black hair and stood with his hands on his hips.
Federico smiled, Somehow Salvador always managed to strike a pose even when he didn’t intend to. He found this trait endearing.
“You are up early” he called back. “Give me ten minutes and I’ll join you”.
*******
The two young men walked across the beach towards the rocky cliffs. Neither of them spoke; had a sudden shyness left them bereft of speech or was it a new understanding that required no words? Pondering this, Federico moved closer to Salvador and linked his arm with that of his friend’s. Salvador responded by leaning towards Federico, their shoulders brushing as they walked along.
Stopping suddenly Salvador bent down to pick up a large pebble and hurled it into the water. Federico watched as the ripples disturbed the sea’s stillness. “Catch me” cried Salvador as he broke into a run; he was fast on his feet and within minutes he had turned a corner and disappeared from view. Federico chased after him, almost stumbling as he came upon Salvador half sitting, half standing in a small recess formed by the cliffs; Salvador reached out and grabbed his friend, pulling him in.
Laughing and breathless they rested against the rock. Federico was the first one to speak.
“Salvador - I must know, last night, did I …. was it what you wanted?” His eyes, troubled and questioning, sought answers in Salvador’s.
For a second, a flicker of doubt passed like a shadow across Salvador’s face. Then he spoke:
“No limits, Federico.”
His heart pounding, Federico took Salvador’s face in his hands and gently pressed his lips against Salvador’s. Feeling some resistance, Federico paused and took a step back.
What is it?” He whispered, fearing he had overstepped the mark.
Seeking reassurance from his friend, Salvador moved towards him, his lips bearing the invitation that his eyes had questioned. This time Federico’s kiss was hard and determined. With one hand he pushed Salvador back against the cold rock, his tongue finding the other’s as he kissed him with intensity and pent-up longing of a passion deferred.
In an echo of the previous night, time stood still as the two stayed locked in their embrace - neither wanting to end the magic. When, with reluctance, they broke apart Federico saw his own desire and wonderment mirrored in Salvador’s eyes.
“I love you,” he told Salvador, his voice shaking.
“I know.” replied Salvador, ardour colouring his voice. He placed his index finger on Federico’s lips. “And Federico, I love you too - very much.”
_______________________
AFFIRMATION
This story is set the day after the “kissing in the sea” scene but I’m drawing on other scenes from Little Ashes and on the letters between Federico and Salvador. It’s an extra scene that takes place in my mind - romantic and slushy but what the hell!
Federico opened the shutters and shielded his eyes from the piercing light. Placing his hands on the window frame he leaned forward, breathing in the fresh, salty smell of summer. He thought it was impossible to be happier than he was at this moment. Ahead of him lay the pebbly beach where he and Salvador had walked yesterday and the dark blue sea where they had swam. Closing his eyes, images of the previous night filled Federico’s mind - the boat ride at midnight, the swim, the kiss. He hugged himself, scarcely daring to believe last night had happened. Was he worthy of such happiness?
A voice woke him from his reverie.
“Federico, stop staring into space - get dressed and come and join me!”
Standing underneath his window Salvador gestured impatiently towards the beach. A towel around his neck, his shirt was open revealing his tanned skin, his white trousers folded back at the knee. He ran his fingers through his black hair and stood with his hands on his hips.
Federico smiled, Somehow Salvador always managed to strike a pose even when he didn’t intend to. He found this trait endearing.
“You are up early” he called back. “Give me ten minutes and I’ll join you”.
*******
The two young men walked across the beach towards the rocky cliffs. Neither of them spoke; had a sudden shyness left them bereft of speech or was it a new understanding that required no words? Pondering this, Federico moved closer to Salvador and linked his arm with that of his friend’s. Salvador responded by leaning towards Federico, their shoulders brushing as they walked along.
Stopping suddenly Salvador bent down to pick up a large pebble and hurled it into the water. Federico watched as the ripples disturbed the sea’s stillness. “Catch me” cried Salvador as he broke into a run; he was fast on his feet and within minutes he had turned a corner and disappeared from view. Federico chased after him, almost stumbling as he came upon Salvador half sitting, half standing in a small recess formed by the cliffs; Salvador reached out and grabbed his friend, pulling him in.
Laughing and breathless they rested against the rock. Federico was the first one to speak.
“Salvador - I must know, last night, did I …. was it what you wanted?” His eyes, troubled and questioning, sought answers in Salvador’s.
For a second, a flicker of doubt passed like a shadow across Salvador’s face. Then he spoke:
“No limits, Federico.”
His heart pounding, Federico took Salvador’s face in his hands and gently pressed his lips against Salvador’s. Feeling some resistance, Federico paused and took a step back.
What is it?” He whispered, fearing he had overstepped the mark.
Seeking reassurance from his friend, Salvador moved towards him, his lips bearing the invitation that his eyes had questioned. This time Federico’s kiss was hard and determined. With one hand he pushed Salvador back against the cold rock, his tongue finding the other’s as he kissed him with intensity and pent-up longing of a passion deferred.
In an echo of the previous night, time stood still as the two stayed locked in their embrace - neither wanting to end the magic. When, with reluctance, they broke apart Federico saw his own desire and wonderment mirrored in Salvador’s eyes.
“I love you,” he told Salvador, his voice shaking.
“I know.” replied Salvador, ardour colouring his voice. He placed his index finger on Federico’s lips. “And Federico, I love you too - very much.”
_______________________