Chapter Text
June 19th, the day started wonderfully. Summer was knocking on the door and everything that had bloomed started producing it's fruit. It was the time for vacation, traveling and for some, to find love. And while others were busy booking their favorite hotels, Levi got a head start by preparing fresh hake for breakfast. Today was Friday, which meant he had his whole cabin to clean up, along with other chores.
He might be 31, self employed and living on his own, but he still hates certain chores as someone much younger would. Good thing he's never stocked up on money, he thought.
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Meanwhile, 5499.6 miles away, Erwin finally got a chance to sit back and relax as his plane took off. It was a stressful, early morning drive to the Portland International Airport, just so he could enjoy his 10 hour flight to Croatia. The man sighed deeply and shook his head in an effort to banish those negative thoughts, this was his getaway ticket to a well deserved vacation. To immerse himself in another culture and hopefully, ignite his creativity. Once he gets to Rijeka, he'll have to pick up the camper he rented online and catch the next ferry to Mali Lošinj, where his final destination is. In the meantime, he'll busy himself with a tour guide and dictionary.
Erwin's done his research on the beautiful island and it seemed like the best choice, considering how less-crowded it was than others he googled. And the sights it offered could take anyone's breath away. It would be nice to have a partner to share this experience with, but who knows... Maybe there's someone awaiting him on Lošinj, he chuckled at the thought.
Living in such a remote and peaceful area of the island, Levi has seen all sorts of things happen near his front yard. Considering it is a beach. From nudist couples to yachts with snobby, rich tourists sailing in because they don’t know where they are, because they didn’t hire a skipper. Yes, Levi’s seen it all. He has contemplated closing it off for himself thousands of times by now, but it never felt right. He would be taking away the one thing he loves most about his property; freedom. So naturally he never complained or shooed anyone away, as long as they weren’t littering or trashing the place.
This little slice of heaven has been gifted to him by his grandfather, who built it from scratch with his own two hands. Hence the reason why Levi takes care of it as well as he does. From polishing each family relic every Saturday, spending countless hours in his small vegetable garden to tweaking and perfecting the performance of his diving gear.
Everything is a warm memory of his grandfather, who's passing he still can't get over without shedding a few tears. In private, of course. Most know him as a composed and witty individual; but the truth is, Levi feels things deeply. He just doesn't like feeling bare and exposed. At least emotionally speaking. That's where his inheritance comes into play. It gives him the opportunity to strip himself of everything and let it out if needed. Sure, it might be an idila, but it does get lonely sometimes.
That is, until one man came along.
This guy had the audacity to park his camper a few meters from Levi’s cabin and set up camp, all while Levi was off for a dive. First off, he didn’t allow camping on his property, that’s what dozens upon dozens of campsites are for. Second, it is borderline illegal to park your ass and camp wherever you want, and he wanted none of that tied to his place. Little to say the diver wasn’t pleased. So, with a sigh, Levi promptly walked over to the audacious man who’s back was facing him.
"Hej, plavi!" He called, ready to tell him what's what. Until the same man turned to face him with a questionable look as he heard approaching footsteps and words foreign to him.
Levi, caught off guard; froze and put his eyes to work, analyzing his traspasser. Tall, blond and handsome, he thought. The man had an undercut just like him, with a slight wave to his hair. Eyes the same color of the sea he's been diving in for years, like two oceans pools full of life. His neck was decorated with a thin, gold chain and the white t-shirt he was wearing looked like it could barely hold this man's physique in. He was built like a god, the native thought. Definitely American.
Before Levi's eyes could trail further, the blond in front of him cleared his throat and cocked an amused brow. "I'm sorry, am I interrupting something?" He spoke with a chuckle, a curious grin dancing on his lips.
Levi's eyes trailed back to the latter's after the realization of him gawking hit. Nothing could help him excuse the blush that crept onto his cheeks, not even the crisp summer heat. He managed to form a smile after clearing his own throat, his hand clutching the bucket full of found goods.
"Hmm, nope... Nothing at all, neighbour." Levi hummed before biting his lip. Maybe he could let it slide just this one time.