The noise from the motor makes it too difficult to converse without screaming over the small distance between them, and Levi isn't about to get up while they're moving over open water to sit closer. A few minutes in, he's gotten more accustomed to the movements of the water and the boat together that he doesn't need to hold on for balance with both hands, but at least one hand still stays on the side at all times.
He inhales, the air cool and clear, smelling faintly of salt. It's different than standing on the shore, different from anything else he's experienced before. His gaze traces back toward Finnick, the wind rustling his clothing and curls, and lets his mind tether all of these sensations together; the scent feeling of the wind, the sight of moonlight on Finnick's form and his smile.
Levi still has to wonder a little how any of this has happened, and how soon. It's rare that he doesn't understand himself, but at the same time it's become undeniable what his feelings are. Love is not so foreign that he doesn't recognize it, rather the opposite. But for myriad reasons, this sort of love is one he had never intended or thought to have. Each time it has just...happened, despite whatever his own intentions might be.
So many people have gotten him to love them, really. Not all in the same way, but it is, undeniably, love. What would be the point of withholding it? With Finnick, especially, it was as if the man just...knew what to do. It's no small thing, to feel as though he doesn't have to work hard to be understood. Levi just hopes he has something as important to offer him in return.
As they drift, the boat meandering up toward the rock, he looks back toward the island. Eventually they make landfall, and he'll carefully leverage himself up and out, landing nimbly on the sand.
"Still in one piece. Not bad."
Once Finnick is finished securing the boat, Levi will wait for him, and slip his hand in to curl with that larger palm.
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He inhales, the air cool and clear, smelling faintly of salt. It's different than standing on the shore, different from anything else he's experienced before. His gaze traces back toward Finnick, the wind rustling his clothing and curls, and lets his mind tether all of these sensations together; the scent feeling of the wind, the sight of moonlight on Finnick's form and his smile.
Levi still has to wonder a little how any of this has happened, and how soon. It's rare that he doesn't understand himself, but at the same time it's become undeniable what his feelings are. Love is not so foreign that he doesn't recognize it, rather the opposite. But for myriad reasons, this sort of love is one he had never intended or thought to have. Each time it has just...happened, despite whatever his own intentions might be.
So many people have gotten him to love them, really. Not all in the same way, but it is, undeniably, love. What would be the point of withholding it? With Finnick, especially, it was as if the man just...knew what to do. It's no small thing, to feel as though he doesn't have to work hard to be understood. Levi just hopes he has something as important to offer him in return.
As they drift, the boat meandering up toward the rock, he looks back toward the island. Eventually they make landfall, and he'll carefully leverage himself up and out, landing nimbly on the sand.
"Still in one piece. Not bad."
Once Finnick is finished securing the boat, Levi will wait for him, and slip his hand in to curl with that larger palm.