Echo of the Past

21. Marcin, Lif, Nivan

Translator: Schiotka

Editor: Pasadera, JacquelineMonaie

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Marcin

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It's quite astonishing, the way one person can have so much influence on your days, and how the time during those days passes.

That week... the one I spent with Nivan, passed in a blink of an eye.

It was already over before I could even readjust to his presence. Before I could learn to love the new relationship we'd found ourselves in, I had to say goodbye again.

There was no way around it.

And that was the hardest and shittiest moment of all...

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"Stop frowning as if someone killed your mother," Nivan said, standing in front of the departure-times screen. He didn't even look at Marcin as he said it. He was focused on the timetable where he checked the status of his flight.

"I just love how nice you are to me sometimes," Marcin mused, dispassionately looking at the screen himself.

"I am being nice."

"No, you're not. You've picked on me since you got out of bed this morning and you complain about every little fucking thing."

Marcin didn't get a response to his accusations.

"You could admit that you feel bad about going back and that's why you're taking it out on me," Marcin continued.

Nivan gave him a sharp look.

"Come to the toilet with me," was all he said; he started toward the bathrooms before Marcin could interject.

"Thanks for listening..." Marcin huffed, glaring at him reproachfully. But still, he followed. Stepping into the male restroom, he rolled his eyes. Nivan didn't look at him, didn't say a word. He was walking as if the toilets were handing out free video games.

"You're horrible today, you know that?" he said to the Redhead's back. Of course, once again he got no answer.

Marcin looked around the restroom. It was ordinary and clean, smelling of disinfectant. A few people doing their business in the stalls, one older man at the sink. Marcin shrugged.

Before Marcin knew it, Nivan was already at the farthest stall.

"Karmo, give me strength" he murmured quietly, rolling his eyes again. He followed the Redhead, clearly disgruntled. Crossing his arms over his chest, he stopped in front of the cubicle in which Nivan had disappeared.

He heard a squeaking door hinge and the flush of a toilet. Disoriented, he suddenly found himself inside the stall.

Nivan had grabbed hold of his wrists and pulled him inside with a quick, strong movement.

He pressed him firmly against the wall. Without letting him speak, he held him by the lapels of his Ramones jacket and kissed his lips.

Deeply.

Fervently.

Marcin was surprised at first, then smiled a little. And finally returned the short but passionate kiss.

"You know, I think I can forgive you for your behavior this morning."

Nivan smiled at his words.