Night Ferry to Gotland – Part 2: Sunrise on the Baltic

They went out on deck at five. The wind was sharp and clean, and the sky over the Baltic was turning from grey to pearl. Mikael had lent Axel his spare scarf, and the wool smelled of engine oil and cinnamon.

"Look," said Mikael, pointing.

A low dark line lay along the horizon, with a pale light on it. Slowly the line grew into cliffs, then a church spire, then a long white beach. The sun lifted out of the sea behind them and lit the whole island gold.

"It is beautiful," said Axel.

"It is Gotland," said Mikael. "It is very smug about it."

They stood at the rail, shoulders almost touching, while gulls cried overhead and the ferry's wake spread white behind them.

"Can I ask you something?" said Axel.

"Yes."

"Do you often meet people on the boat?"

"Never," said Mikael. "That is why I gave you the bun. It was a very rare event."

Axel laughed, and the cold air stung his teeth. "I have been thinking," he said. "About the job, and the flat. I think maybe I am allowed to start again somewhere smaller."

"Gotland is very small."

"It might be exactly the right size."

Mikael turned to face him, the wind lifting his hair. "Would you like to stay?" he asked. "My grandmother has a spare room, and a very opinionated cat. She will feed you until you cannot move."

"Is that an invitation?"

"It is a warning and an invitation," said Mikael.

Axel's heart gave a quick, hopeful thump. "Yes," he said. "But can I ask you something first?"

"Yes."

"Can I kiss you? Here, on the deck, with the whole sunrise watching?"

"Yes," said Mikael, and his smile was slow and glad. "And if you say stop, I will give you the rest of the bun."

"That is not a punishment," said Axel.

"It is when it is stale," said Mikael.

Axel kissed him, gently, his cold hand rising to Mikael's cheek, the taste of coffee and sugar warm between them. Mikael's arm came around his shoulders, steady and sure. The ferry horn sounded long and low across the water, and the gulls wheeled up into the morning.

When they parted, both of them were smiling.

"Green?" asked Mikael.

"Green," said Axel. "Very green. Take me to the island, Mikael."

"The island is coming to us," said Mikael, and pulled him closer to watch it rise.

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