The weather finally caught up to the season. Rain loomed on the forecast and choppy waves nibbled the sand away from the beach, closer and closer to the dance floor.


‘What would you say,’ Gavrin said as they stacked the last piece of parquetry into the back of the ute, ‘to learning trapeze next?’


Jairo tossed a ratchet strap over the panels. ‘I’d say you’re a sucker for punishment.’


Gavrin caught the end and pulled it tight, grinning. ‘But you’ll do it? With me?’


Jairo grinned back. ‘I’d do anything with you.’


‘Sweet, ’cause I have this idea for an epic duo.’


The joy on Gavrin’s face was a magnet, and Jairo leapt clean over the ute while Gavrin tied off the strap. For a god, his power wasn’t extensive. Bending light and calling to the plane between lives were his main supernatural skills, and he could control his body. Make himself warmer or cooler. Dry the saltwater on his skin after a surf. Jump as high as he wanted, but although he could slow his descent or even hover in the air for a moment, he couldn’t change his trajectory. He would always be falling.


Jairo landed right beside Gavrin as a brisk wind swept in off the ocean. He heated his skin, creating a pocket of warmth that he gathered Gavrin into, and their lips met in a moment of bliss.


Gavrin pulled away, looking into Jairo’s eyes, gaze burning.


Jairo could tumble into those shadowed grey eyes forever. ‘Promise me you’ll be careful,’ he said.


Gavrin stroked Jairo’s hair, fingers fighting the breeze for the strands. ‘I’m as careful as I need to be.’


‘Your heart …’


‘Is strong enough. I want to fly, J.’


Jairo smiled, but he knew it didn’t quell the anguish in his own eyes. He closed them instead and pressed his forehead to Gavrin’s. ‘Then we’ll fly together.’


Gavrin squeezed Jairo’s shoulder. ‘Quick swim, before we go?’


The weather was coming in, but they had time before they had to get the dance floor undercover, and there was something thrilling about the steely autumn sea. Being tossed around in the Indian Ocean swell reminded Jairo there were bigger forces than him at play.


Hand in hand, they raced back down the beach. Jairo glanced at the oncoming clouds and prayed for time.


But time was another thing he could not control.