The Ferry Crossing

They broke apart slowly, foreheads resting together, breath mingling. Ellis’s pulse thrummed in their ears, a flush rising in their cheeks.

“Still okay?” Leo murmured, their voice low and rough.

Ellis nodded, a smile tugging at their lips. “Very okay.”

Leo’s answering grin was blinding. They pulled Ellis close, tucking them against their side. They sat like that for long minutes, watching the gulls wheel over the water, the sound of the waves a low, constant thrum.

As the sun climbed higher, Leo stirred, stretching. “We should head back. I need to prep for my set tonight.”

Ellis nodded, reluctant to leave the peace of the moment. “Okay.”

The walk back was slower, the path more crowded with festival-goers. Leo kept Ellis’s hand in theirs, their thumb stroking idle patterns over Ellis’s knuckles. The touch was grounding, a reminder of the connection they’d forged.

As they reached the edge of the festival grounds, Leo paused. “I’ll find you after my set? We could… get a drink. Or just walk. Whatever you’d like.”

Ellis’s heart leapt. “I’d like that. A lot.”

Leo’s smile was warm, intimate. “Then it’s a plan.” They started to turn away, then paused. “Ellis? For the record?” Their smile softened, something tender in their eyes. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

The next morning dawned bright. Ellis stretched, joints stiff but their body light, mind clear. Anticipation hummed beneath their skin.

The walk to Leo’s campsite was short. Leo was already awake, fussing with a camp stove. They turned at Ellis’s footsteps, smiling.

“Morning,” they said, voice warm and rough.

“Morning,” Ellis echoed, suddenly shy.

Leo gestured to a camp chair. “Have a seat. Coffee’s almost ready.” They poured two mugs. “Careful. It’s hot.”

Ellis wrapped their hands around the chipped enamel, warmth seeping into their palms. The coffee was terrible, but Ellis sipped it anyway.

“Pastries?” Leo asked, holding out a paper bag.

Ellis selected a flaky, sugar-dusted confection. “Thanks.”

They ate in companionable silence. Leo’s knee brushed Ellis’s, the touch easy. Ellis’s pulse quickened, memories of last night flooding back.

“You sleep okay?” Leo asked.

Ellis nodded. “Better than I thought I would.”

“Good.” Leo’s gaze lingered. “You look… rested. Happy.”

Ellis’s cheeks warmed. “I am.”

Leo’s smile widened. “Glad to hear it.” They drained their mug. “I was thinking… we could explore a bit today. There’s a trail that leads to the old lighthouse. The views are supposed to be incredible.”

“I’d love that,” Ellis said.

The walk to the trailhead was quiet. The path wound through the woods, dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. Leo led the way.

“You’ve been here before?” Ellis asked.

Leo nodded. “A few times. It’s one of my favorite spots on the island.”

They fell back into easy conversation. Ellis felt themselves relaxing.

The trail ended at a rocky outcropping, the lighthouse rising white against the blue sky. The view was breathtaking.

“Wow,” Ellis breathed.

“Told you,” Leo said.

They sat on the rocks, legs dangling. The wind tugged at their hair, cool and fresh.

“Thank you,” Ellis said. “For bringing me here. For… everything.”

Leo turned. “You’re welcome.” Their gaze was warm. “I meant what I said yesterday. About taking things slow.”

Ellis’s heart hammered. “I know. I… I want that too.” They wet their lips. “I know I’m new at this. But with you… it feels right.”

Leo’s hand found theirs. “It does, doesn’t it?” They leaned in. “Can I kiss you again?”

Ellis nodded. This kiss was surer, deeper. Ellis felt their body lean in.

They broke apart slowly. “Still okay?” Leo murmured.

Ellis nodded. “Very okay.”

Leo’s answering grin was blinding. They pulled Ellis close.

As the sun climbed higher, Leo stirred. “We should head back. I need to prep for my set tonight.”

Ellis nodded. “Okay.”

The walk back was slower. Leo kept Ellis’s hand in theirs.

As they reached the edge of the festival grounds, Leo paused. “I’ll find you after my set?”

Ellis’s heart leapt. “I’d like that.”

Leo’s smile was warm. “Then it’s a plan.” They started to turn away, then paused. “Ellis? For the record? I’m really glad you’re here.”

Ellis’s breath hitched. “I am too.”

Leo’s grin widened. “Good.” They squeezed Ellis’s hand. “See you tonight.”

Ellis watched them walk away. As they turned toward their own tent, a thought struck them. “Leo?” they called.

Leo turned back.

Ellis took a breath. “This connection. Do you think it could be the start of something?”

Leo’s smile was slow. They closed the distance, taking Ellis’s face in their hands. “Ellis,” they murmured. “I think it already is.”