They walked around HeaHea City looking at all the different shops and stalls that lined the seafront. Some shops were selling food and refreshments, others were selling clothes and accessories.

  It was so busy that it made Blue feel claustrophobic as he tried to walk through the crowds. His grip tightened on Red's hand.

  Red smiled at him and squeezed his hand back. They didn't speak but he could see the worry in Blue's eyes as he stopped walking.

  "Are you alright?" Red asked concerned, this wasn't like Blue.

  Blue nodded, "Y-yeah I'm fine, just this place is really busy and everyone keeps bumping into me..."

  Red gave him a nod and immediately led him away from the crowds, keeping his grip on Blue's hand tight.

  The sun was shining brightly and the air felt clear now as they had left the crowds behind them. The ocean breeze felt nice against their skin and Blue let himself relax, the fresh air filled his lungs and he exhaled slowly letting the worry leave his body. "This feels nice," Blue breathed out.

  Red looked at him and smiled gently, "You're really stressed aren't you?"

  "I guess so... " Blue admitted.

  Red sighed, "You know you can talk to me about anything right?"

  "I know, it's just..."

  "Just what?"

  "I don't want to bother you or make you... think less of me..." Blue replied quietly.

  Red laughed, "That's not going to happen. You are the most important person to me. Remember what I said this morning, I'm here for you and I'll always listen."

  Blue smiled shyly, "Thanks."

  Red wrapped his arms around him and hugged him tight, "I love you, and I'll remind you of that every day."

  Blue rested his head against Red's chest and breathed in the warmth of his love. Red's hand began caressing Blue's back and he felt himself relax, even if it was just for a moment.

  Red kissed the top of his head, "You're going to be alright, Blue. You're strong. I know you are."

  "I hope so," Blue mumbled, a smile on his lips.

  They walked on, still holding hands and without a word they just enjoyed each other's company.

  Red knew that Blue was slowly healing and getting better by the day, but he also knew that it would be a long time before he would be completely happy again. But until then, he'd do everything he could to make sure Blue was okay.

  They wandered down the beach, kicking at the stones and shells in the sand. They found a spot near the water and sat down with their backs against the rocks.

  "Do you mind if we stay here a little while?" Red asked.

  "Not at all," Blue replied shaking his head.

  Red leaned forward and brushed some hair out of Blue's face. He cupped his cheek in his hand and smiled when Blue leaned into him.

  He stroked Blue's cheek tenderly, "You're beautiful, Blue. Don't ever forget that."

  Blue smiled at him and wrapped his arms around Red's neck, kissing him sweetly.

  Red held him close and kissed him back, his hands moving from Blue's cheeks to his shoulders and back. After a few moments, Blue pulled away slightly, "You can kiss me again if you like."

  Red smiled at him, "I think I'd like that..."

  They kissed again, this time slower and more deliberately, as if they were the only two people in the world.

  They stayed out on the beach for a while, not saying anything, enjoying the view and each other's company as the wind whipped at their hair while they lost track of the time.

  When they got hungry they decided to have lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the ocean. As they ate, Red gazed out over the sea, watching the waves crash onto the shore. The sun shone down on them and he could feel it warm his skin.

  After lunch they returned to their room and lay on their bed for a while, talking and cuddling. Red could tell Blue was still tired, and so was he. They had barely slept last night so he let Blue rest.

  Red lay next to him, running his fingers through Blue's hair and holding him tightly. He thought he heard Blue sigh but he couldn't be sure. When he was sure that Blue was asleep he turned off the light and pulled the sheets over them both.

  Blue woke up to find himself curled against Red with his arm draped across his chest and his chin resting on his shoulder. He smiled softly to himself, feeling relaxed and content. His head was fuzzy and he felt somewhat drowsy. He must have fallen asleep instantly once he closed his eyes.

  He moved carefully so as not to wake Red and stretched out on his side, propping himself up with his elbow. He ran his fingers through Red's hair and traced patterns in his skin before turning his attention to Red's face.

  His heart raced when he saw the deep lines and creases that formed on his forehead and around his mouth from frowning. It was clear that he was worried about something.

  Blue smiled at him, trying to hide how much he wanted to kiss those wrinkles away.

  "What's wrong?" Blue whispered.

  Red blinked slowly and looked up at Blue, "Nothing."

  "Don't lie to me," Blue warned.

  "I'm not lying," Red said firmly, although it was a lie. He didn't want Blue to know he was worried about him, it'd just make him feel worse.  

  Blue frowned, "Are you sure? Look at your face..."

  Red shook his head, "It's nothing, Blue."

  Blue rolled onto his back and stared up at the ceiling, "Fine, whatever you say."

  He reached out and stroked a finger along the edge of Red's jaw and down his neck, "But I'm not happy, Red."

  "I know," Red replied quietly, he didn't enjoy lying to Blue but felt it was for the best for now.

Blue sighed heavily and turned back to look at Red, "Is there anything I can do?"

"No, it's okay. Besides, you need your rest too." Red replied gently.

  Blue bit his lip and rubbed his thumb gently against Red's cheek. Red's skin was soft and smooth under his touch and he couldn't resist tracing his fingers over it. He leaned closer and brushed his lips against Red's, lingering for a moment.

  Red smiled at him and took his hand, "Thank you, Blue."

  Blue smiled shyly and kissed him again. When he pulled away, he trailed his lips down Red's neck, stopping when he reached his collarbone.

  "Blue..." Red murmured.

  "Shh," Blue hushed him and pressed a kiss to his neck.

  Red shivered at the feel of Blue's hot breath against his skin. He closed his eyes and relished the sensation of Blue's hands on him.

  "Wait, Blue..." Red gasped as his body tensed.

  Blue stopped immediately and looked up at Red with a questioning expression. "Are you alright?" he asked cautiously.

  "Yeah, I just... I don't think this is a good idea right now" Red said apologetically.

  "Why?" Blue asked, frowning.

  Red sighed, "Because... I'm worried about you." He hesitantly admitted.

  "What about?" Blue pressed.

 Red sighed again and sat up, "I'm worried about how much you've been hurt and how badly you are hurt right now." 

  Blue felt his eyes fill with tears and his throat constricted. "Oh no, I don't want you to worry about me like that."

  Red nodded and pulled him into a hug. "I know you don't, I just want you to understand that I'm here for you. If you ever need to talk..."

  Blue smiled against Red's shoulder, "I know, I know. You're always here for me." He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment and inhaled deeply, "Can I ask you something, Red?"

  Red nodded and gently pulled away, his heart fluttering with anticipation. Blue was rarely able to bring himself to speak about anything personal but he felt comfortable doing so with Red.

  Blue smiled and rested his forehead against Red's chest, "You're always so sweet to me and I love you for it. But sometimes I get scared and I just need someone to hold my hand and tell me everything will be okay. Do you think you can do that for me?"

  Red smiled and wrapped his arms tightly around Blue, "Of course, I can."

  Blue buried his face in Red's neck and breathed in his scent. He could hear the thumping of Red's heart and feel his warm breath on his skin. Blue closed his eyes and simply enjoyed being close to him. He didn't want to ever lose this feeling of safety and peace.

  Red took the opportunity to nuzzle his nose against Blue's neck and lean down to kiss him. It was so warm and innocent, and they kept their eyes shut and closed their mouths together for the longest time. Blue wrapped his arms around Red's neck and held on tightly. This was all he needed.

  Just the sound of each other's breath and the soothing sound of their hearts. They stayed like that for some time.

  "I love you, Red."

  Blue opened his eyes and stared up at the ceiling, trying to hold back tears. It took a lot of effort to even speak those words right now and he wasn't quite sure why. 

  Red propped himself up on his elbows and stared down at Blue. Blue was still staring up at the ceiling, tears welling up in his eyes. Red watched as Blue pulled himself together, wiping the tears away with the back of his hand.

  Red reached out and caressed Blue's cheek, trying to ease the tension. "I love you too, Blue. I'll never stop."

  Blue took a deep breath and leaned down and gently kissed Red. It was a tender and loving kiss, that almost looked like it was meant to reassure each other. Red pulled him closer and kissed him back just as gently.

  Blue pulled back and looked into Red's eyes, looking for some form of reassurance from him. Red's gaze was soft, steady and assured, and the expressions in his eyes were gentle and affectionate. Blue leaned in and kissed him again, feeling a hint of relief from the kiss. "I love you." Blue reached up and placed his hands against Red's cheeks, gently stroking his face. "Don't ever let me go."

  Red smiled and rubbed his thumb along Blue's cheek, looking him in the eye. He leaned down and kissed Blue's lips gently, softly wrapping his arms around Blue's waist. Red pulled back and smiled down at Blue, taking his hands in his own. "I won't. I promise."