It was just his imagination running off with him instead. He bit his nails into his rough skin, sighing and leaning back on the rock. The figure had walked off anyway, leaving him feeling weirded out and somewhat afraid. And curious.
The light was dim in the room as he sat with his head in his hands while his thought rotated around and around, all drawing back to that figure. He groaned, trying to think of anything but what he just saw with little luck. Yep, he was crazy.
The man rubbed his cheeks, shaking his head, his hair fluttering about his shoulders. It was much too far to be seeing people. It was just the shadow of a cloud or a mountain on the horizon.
He stood, contemplating going back out there to check if he was right. He furrowed his brows and bit his lip, staring at the door before ultimately deciding to prove if he was correct. Opening the door slowly, he headed back out to where he once stood.
He yawned faintly, looking back up again, starting on the rock. The “figure” had startled him again. He stood up slowly, squinting as hard as he could. His bare feet slipped a little on the rock and he could feel himself leaning a little.
He got as close as he could to the edge of the lake without slipping to get a better look. And then he waved. If it was a person maybe they might wave back but if not then he was reaming or something.
He leaned forward farther on the rock, his torso straining under him. A tiny wave? He waved back, just a little, before his body collapsed forward into the water. The man was only allowed a short yelp as his body leaned into the water.
The guy held back a small giggle as he watched them fall into the lake. It's not like he could have warned them without straining his voice. But he had received a wave back, which meant that they were real, or his imagination but he was going to go with the former.
The man emerged, gasping for air and shaking out his thick, black hair. Shaking, he climbed back on the rock, turning back to the person. They were real. After all these years of seeing no one around, he finally found someone.
He let out a small laugh and held up a thumbs up. Maybe trekking around the lake would be worth it if it meant meeting someone again. Or maybe he could swim? No, he'd walk. Maybe.
The other man returned it with a faint smile the other couldn’t see. He caught his breath, looked down at the lake and back up at the other. The lake didn’t look too big. If he put on the right clothing he could definitely swim across. Albeit slowly.
He sighed somewhat contently as he crossed his arms over his chest. If only there was a way to talk to them with words and not hand signals. If only he had a massive sign or something that he would write on. Yet he didn't have paper big enough for that.
The man crossed his arms over his chest, furrowing his brow. How awkward, just standing here with the only person he’s seen in years across a large body of water. Annoying, rather than awkward, really.
He sighed and shook his head a little. He looked down at the water and dipped his toe in and frowned. Damn it was cold. Why is life so unfair? Why couldn't they both be on the same side of the lake?
The man looked down at the lake, shaking still. Maybe he could swim across today. Just take another dip in the lake and swim. Not that hard. He’d be fine! He told himself this as he slowly slipped down into the icy cold lake, and swum out a few feet, the hot sun already soaking into his hair.
His eyes widened as he saw what the other was doing. It was a long swim and yeah, he could do it if he tried but also he didn't want them to tire himself out there and drown! As much as he wanted to stop them, he wanted to meet them more.
The other paddled in the water for a few moments, nodded a little bit and started to swim. He thought himself crazy; would would he do once he reached the shore? How would he get back and forth to his cottage?
This was a bad idea, he knew it was but he couldn't bring himself to stop them. He started to pace back and forth on the shoreline. What would he even say when they got here?
He swallowed a little and made sure to keep even breaths of air for each stroke. He just needed to keep swimming. Not worry himself, distract himself, and end up dead like an idiot.
He bit his lip and frowned, his worry increasing with every passing moment. If things went wrong then he didn't know what he would do. Yes, he didn't know them but still, what if they drowned?
The other man glanced over his shoulder. He had made good progress, but his limbs were starting to wail for him to stop. He couldn’t feel the shore of the lake anymore. But he pressed on, inhaling deeply and shaking himself.
"Come on…" He could tell they were tiring, but they had made it a good way out. Maybe he could swim and meet them half way? Then they wouldn't have to be doing so much work. His frown deepened.
The man continued paddling, being careful to not lash out his legs like an idiot. He continuously thought to himself, Don’t be stupid. You’re tall enough to reach it. You’re tall. It’s ok.
How long had they been swimming for now? He didn't know but it felt like they were within reach now. Their figure was getting clearer and clearer and it was almost something out of a movie.
A soft brush of rock startled him and he lashed his legs, standing and walking heavily through the shore. He was a few yards away from the other person, but he was so close he could see soft brown hair with a distant prick of green.
"You… You didn't have to swim all the way over here, you know." He spoke up, rubbing at his arm some what nervously. He was tall, taller then he was at least and his blue eyes stuck out against his wet black hair.
The other smiled faintly. He was surprised the other man hadn’t lost his voice, as he had years and years ago. He just shrugged faintly, lowering his gaze to the ground and rubbing a hand across the rose tattoo on his neck.
He took a step closer, just looking for a few moments, "Do you want to come in and warm up?" He asked quietly, offering a small smile.
The other glanced up, nodding. He’d love to go inside a warm home at this moment, despite it being at least seventy degrees.
"Come on then." He led him inside, opening the drapes to let some light into the small home.
