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Beneath the warm setting sun the damp undergrowth on Gaea looked darker than usual, the soft ground absorbing all the sounds of the surrounding forest. Not even the footfalls of Bloodhound and Walter Fitzroy made more than a soft thud into the earth. Perfect conditions for a hunt Bloodhound would have commented on if they had not been so lost in thought. Walter had managed to coax them out of their cabin just fifteen minutes prior but Bloodhound felt miles away. Too many worries tumbled around in their mind to appreciate the passing scenery they had yet to fully explore since the big move to the new planet.
“Houndy.”
But how could they? In the months that followed the relocation of the whole village, there was still so much to attend to- houses to be built and fixed, gardens to be made, trade decisions to agree upon. On top of all that they still had to regularly attend the Apex Games to fund all of this.
“Houndy.”
The weather of their new home had also become increasingly more unpredictable, sowing seeds of worry among the already stressed villagers. Walter would also be traveling back to Salvo soon with Ajay Che, leaving them alone again in their cabin for many more days. Not to mention their one year anniversary with Walter was rapidly approaching and-
“Bloodhound!”
Hearing Walter say their full name pulled Bloodhound out of their spiraling thoughts just as the front of their respirator was about to collide with a tree. Blinking a few times to regain their composure, Bloodhound sighed and gently pressed their forehead to the tree’s ribbed bark.
“Thank you Walter, that would have been… embarrassing.” They mumbled as their partner walked over to them, gently laying his metal arm on their shoulder.
“Well that’s why I’m your knight in shining armor!” Walter chuckled, attempting levity but Bloodhound saw the glint of worry in his eye. “But listen love, I think what I’m gonna show you will help you relax a bit.”
Bloodhound was genuinely curious as to what Walter had discovered yesterday when he came by their cabin all giddy and excited. And a break from their duties in the village was sorely needed, they had to admit. But it has been hard to pull themselves away from any work that involved getting the village reorganized. Walter came by often to help them and just to keep them company. Bloodhound found themselves missing him more and more when he would leave, only adding to their stress. His absence in their cabin would weigh heavily on their mind but now was a moment for just the two of them, no matter how hard it was for Bloodhound to feel present lately.
“I truley am looking forward to seeing what you have found, there is much to be explored here.” Bloodhound said as the pair walked on.
“It’s the best kind of find too” said Walter, “Just kinda stumbled upon it, nearly went ass over teakettle when I was last out here!” Bloodhound chuckled and squeezed his hand as they walked. Silence fell over them once again. The rustling of Walter’s backpack mixed into the sounds of the swaying leaves above their head and the distant sounds of the waves gently hitting the shore kept Bloodhound grounded.
“How treacherous is this discovery of yours?” Bloodhound asked, noting how dressed down the two of them were. Their auburn and gray hair hung loose just past shoulders, already slightly damp from the evening’s humidity. “I did notice how… wet you were when you first arrived yesterday.”
Walter snickered, “Well if there’s one thing I’ve learned about this planet during our matches on Storm Point is that there’s a crap ton of hidden caves and ravines. And if you don’t watch where you put your feet, you’ll end up with a mouthful of sea water.” Walter motioned up as they approached a wall of indented rock just a little taller than him. But the top of the wall was draped in the wide fan like leaves of the surrounding vegetation, concealing whatever was over the top of it. Before Bloodhound could respond Walter began hauling himself over the wall. The unevenness of the rock made it easier to find his footing and soon Walter disappeared behind the rustling fan leaves. Surprised, Bloodhound quickly followed, suddenly worried for their wiley partner’s safety.
“W-Walter! Where are you-” As Bloodhound pulled themselves up they were met with an unbelievable sight. Sheltered by rock walls and giant draping leaves was a crystal clear pool of water illuminated by the setting sun behind them. Secluded from the trail they were on, the pool stretched for a few meters before it dropped off again into the surrounding foliage back towards the sea. The greens and deep purples of the encasing foliage also seemed to be illuminated, adding to the otherworldly feeling this spot emanated. It was like nothing Bloodhound had come upon before on this lush and beautiful planet.
Bloodhound wasn’t sure how much time had passed as they took in the sight, firmly rooted in place. Walter beckoned them from the corner of their vision. Setting down his backpack, he knelt down at the water’s edge and ran his hand through the almost completely still surface. “You’ve gotta feel it, still bloody warm.” Walter said, smiling in awe. Sure enough, as Bloodhound knelt down and stuck their hand in, the water felt as warm as the air. A break in the canopy left the pool open to the sky and sun all day long, the water was still warm from the heat of the day.
“This is…” Bloodhound trailed off as they looked into the water, the pool looked much deeper now that they were next to it.
“Megic, eh?” Walter chuckled, “Like a little oasis. Oh and I checked, no spiders crawlin’ around.” Bloodhound turned towards Walter but before they could speak Walter had slipped his tank top over his head and started to undo his belt. Seeing their surprise Walter flashed them a toothy grin. “Whaddya say love, shall we test it out?”
Bloodhound blinked at him. “You mean right now?”
“No time like the present!” Walter said as he kicked off his pants and tossed his boots aside, leaving only his boxers on. Swinging his legs over the edge with a slight splash he turned back to Bloodhound, “I feel like going in me skivvies but I brought a pair of swim clothes in the pack if you wanna wear them.” And with that Walter disappeared under the surface. The water was clear enough to still see him but it did confirm the pool was in fact quite deep- deep enough to probably jump safely into. Feeling a rush of playful energy, Bloodhound hastily began untying their boot laces and unclipping their respirator.
“Strewth it’s warm!” Walter crashed through the surface with a flurry of water as he shook out his hair. “Nothing like the hot springs back on Talos but bloody hell, this is nice.”
Having removed their overshirt and pants Bloodhound reached towards Walter’s backpack, intending to pull out the swim shorts, but hesitated. Life was easier tucked away inside their shell, never venturing out of their comfort zone. But it often did not feel like living. But this past year has felt different- they felt like they were alive. Appreciating once again what their future had to offer. Especially if it meant spending it with Walter. In a flash, Bloodhound removed the rest of their layers until they were also in just their boxers and slipped into the pool, leaving themselves no time to change their mind.
Walter was right, the water was comfortably warm even with the sun quickly disappearing around them. The clearness of the water was mesmerizing as it reflected the slowly appearing stars in the pale sky. Bloodhound noticed Walter had been staring at them, a lopsided grin adorned his handsome face. Smiling back at him, Bloodhound could tell what he was probably thinking. They both had come a long way since they first met. And Bloodhound knew their healing journey would not be so easy and linear but right now, this moment was for the two of them. The rest of the world could wait.
Feeling giddy with energy, Bloodhound took a deep breath and plunged their head under the surface. With their eyes open, they could almost get a clear view of the pool and the smooth rocks that encased it. Walter soon followed and was completely submerged with them. Time stood still around them as the two Legends floated in front of each other. Walter looked ethereal, Bloodhound thought, with the soft fading light dancing around him under the surface.They pushed out on the rock behind them to him and they both resurfaced, holding onto each other. Bloodhound playfully tackled Walter, throwing their arms around his neck and nibbling at his ear. Walter feigned defeat and threw his head back as he laughed, sneaking his hands down their backside and into their boxer’s. The pair played together in the water for a while as the sun disappeared behind the horizon, making the alcove seem even more private. Water splashed over the rocky edges. The sound of their laughter was absorbed by the sheltering leaves. Bloodhound felt as if they and Walter had become one- a completed whole made of tangled limbs and playful hands.
Eventually, Bloodhound pulled away from Walter and floated back towards the pool’s edge and reached for their respirator, with Walter gently laying his metal hand on their back. Taking a few deep breaths, Bloodhound relaxed against the rocky edge of the pool. They let the water hold them up and let their body feel how it gently cradled their body like Walter’s hands.
It was hard not to think of the past. The memory of their first intimate moments with Boone by the lake on Talos crept towards the front of their mind. With it usually came the familiar stabbing pain of grief and fear. But not this time. They never wanted their old memories with Boone to be erased from their mind completely but Bloodhound hoped it would hurt less one day. Right now with Walter in their own hidden oasis, the pain of remembering felt different. The past was simply just that.
Bloodhound turned around to stare at Walter, fully enveloped by his arms now. It still frightened them sometimes how much they cared for this man, how deeply in love they were with him. Gods above they felt like such a love sick twenty-something again.They couldn’t help but start giggling.
“Whatchu thinkin’ about?” Walter chuckled softly.
“You are like the sun, mitt Walter.” They said, tracing a finger up his chest.
“Oh you sap!” Walter teased bashfully. Despite the low light, Bloodhound noticed the redness creeping up his neck. They knew he was still getting used to all this affection being directed at him but Bloodhound could tell he was as lost in this moment as they were.
“I reckon you’re my moon then, eh?” Walter’s hands slid down their body, caressing their torso and love handles. Bloodhound leaned forward and captured Walter’s lips in a small kiss that slowly grew more passionate as their tongue found its way into his mouth. The rest of the world melted away. When they finally pulled away the sun had completely disappeared below the horizon and the light from the moon and the stars shimmered around them. Walter leaned forward and nestled his head in the crook Bloodhound’s neck, “I’m glad we did this.”
“I am too.” Bloodhound smiled, kissing the top of his head and holding him tighter. “I have a selfish thought.”
“Oh yeah?”
Bloodhound paused briefly. “I do not want anyone else to know about this spot. I want this to be ours only.”
“That’s more than fine by me love!” Walter chuckled, lifting his head back up. “Honestly I was thinkin’ the same thing. Our own private getaway, eh?”
Bloodhound smiled and kissed Walter once more, “I would love nothing more.”