The Sea in our Veins
we can dive in the water and we won't forget

The next day, Virgil was surprised to see Wesley, Ivan and Jack already on the beach. Wesley was wearing similar clothes to yesterday, though Ivan and Jack were both wearing long sleeves, even though the sun as beading down, raising sweat on Virgil’s brow. Virgil grabbed Michael and physically dragged him over to the group and introduced Michael to him. The introductions ended with Virgil, who grabbed Wesley’s arm and dragged him over to the boardwalk after Wesley admitted that he had never eaten a milkshake. Ivan and Jack had similar grins on their face, which made Wesley even more afraid. He started acting like they were trying to feed him poison. It took Virgil shoving the plastic cup into his face before he would even take a sip. He made a face while trying it but after the first sip, he fell in love with it. It was Wesley who then was the one dragging them from stall to stall, desperate to try as many milkshakes as he could. Seemingly, he had figured out how to pay for stuff and also had figured out how to convince Jack to pay for every single one of the milkshakes that they bought.

Michael became the unofficial carrier of the milkshakes as Wesley led them farther down the boardwalk, only stopping to buy more milkshakes or to take sips of the ones that they had already bought.

By the end of it, Ivan, Jack and Michael had their arms full of milkshakes. They took a break from shopping on a bench, laughing and joking together. Virgil got really excited about explain the proper toppings on a hotdog and started waving his hands frantically around. His hand accidentally hit the milkshake that Michael was holding, causing it to spill all down Michael’s front. Virgil cursed and apologized, trying to unsuccessfully wipe the milkshake off of Michael.

“It’s fine,” Michael replied, “Don’t worry about it. We aren’t far from the house. I’ll just go get changed.”

“We’ll wait for you here,” Virgil said.

“It’s fine,” Michael replied, “You guys will probably have more fun without me. Besides, my dad has been bugging me to help with his boat.”

With that, he got up from the bench and started walking away, heading in the direction of the house where he and Virgil had been staying, leaving Jack, Ivan, Virgil and Westly alone.

“I’m sorry, Westley and Virgil but we should also be going,” Ivan said before turning to Wesley, “Your dad will probably want a report.”

“Are you guys planning on coming bac?” Wesley asked.

“We’ll try and come back as soon as we can,” Jack replied.

“I guess I’ll see you then,” Virgil replied, trying to ignore the fact that he and Michael didn’t have much longer before they had to head back home, away from Ivan, Jack and Wesley. Ivan and Jack got up from the bench, still savoring their milkshakes and left, heading towards the beach. Wesley and Virgil sat in silence for a moment, each one thinking about different things.

“Who’s your father?” Virgil asked, “He sounds like someone important.”

“I guess,” Wesley replied, “You actually remind me of him, besides the fact that you know, he’s old. He’s become more distant lately, but we used to have so much fun together.”

Wesley looked really sad and Virgil tried to think of a way to cheer him up. He eyed his almost finished milkshake. “Have you ever tried an ice cream float?” Virgil asked Wesley, “It’s like ice cream but better.”

“Nothing is better than ice cream,” Wesley declared before hesitating, “Well, maybe milkshakes.”

“Don’t worry, I think you’ll change your mind once you try it. There’s a really good place right on the beach,” Virgil replied.

“Then let’s go.” Wesley said as he got up from the bench.

Virgil tossed his finished milkshake in the trash with Wesley dumping his in after Virgil. The two walked back to the beach. They got their floats and sat on the beach, savoring them. Wesley was surprised when he first tried his float, physically recalling from the fizziness but after a bit, he got used to it and started devouring his as fast as he could. He finished his before Virgil, which surprised Virgil as he was the one who usually finished food first. The two lay back on the sand, enjoying the sun together when Wesley stood up, a gleam in his eyes.

“We should go for a swim,” Wesley declared.

“I can’t swim,” Virgil replied, “Remember.”

“We don’t have to go that deep,” Wesley said as he grabbed Virgil and started physically dragging him closer to the water. Virgil tried to resist, his breathing getting heavier, but Wesley had a firm grip on him and Virgil’s struggles seemed to mean nothing to him. When they got to the water’s edge, Wesley finally let go of Virgil’s arm. Virgil stared at the waves, trying to catch his breath. It took everything in him to not back away,

“Please,” Wesley begged, “Just a small wade.”

“Fine,” Virgil sighed, unable to say no to the puppy dog face Wesley had on.

“Yes,” Wesley cheered, excited and started taking off his shirt, something Virgil hadn’t seen Wesley do. He kept his glasses on as he turned his back on Virgil and lifted his shirt up.

Virgil caught a glimpse of his back and his stomach dropped. He slowly backed away, unable to do anything other than that. When Wesley straightened up, he saw the look on Virgil’s face and looked confused, “Virgil?” he asked gently, “What’s wrong?”

“Your back,” Virgil managed to gasp out. Virgil turned and ran, his progress hindered by the sand.

Wesley reached him with seemingly no effort and grabbed his hands, forcing Virgil to face him, “What’s wrong?” Wesley asked again.

Virgil struggled to breath and tried to frantically pull away from Wesley, desperate to get away. But Wesley’s grip was firm. “Please leave me alone,” Virgil begged, tears starting to slip down his cheeks. “I’m sorry for leaving. Please don’t hurt me.” He begged in chocked gasps. His knees gave out and he collapsed into the sand.

Wesley knelt down next to him and hugged him gently. “I’m not going to hurt you,” he said gently. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Virgil slowly let himself relax into Wesley’s grip and felt exhaustion claim him.