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"Ray of Hope "Written By: SkyLasrk Disclaimer: All standard disclaimers apply here Creative assistance from Sunhawk Warnings: AU, language and possible citrus. Rating: NC 17 Pairings: Eventual 1x2, 5xS, references to past pairings that are a surprise. Beta Writing By: Deb
" Ray of Hope " [There's a ship out on the ocean at the mercy of
the sea Chapter 27 Throwing open the double wooden doors to his grand, enclosed marina, Howard grinned widely, "Welcome to my realm, boys!" He walked ahead of the young pair and down the middle of the three long docks with boats tied at both ends. His cobalt eyes widening, Heero scanned the impressive layout as he and Duo followed after the white-haired man. Floating in the chest-high water were the dozens of crafts left to the old man's care. They varied in just about every shape, size and design imaginable-the largest big enough to comfortably fit a group of five. All around, the crew of the ship house worked at caring for their clients' prized vessels. With an impressed grin, Duo commented, "You've expanded this place quite a bit. I'm glad that the business has been growing for you and the Sweepers, here." At the odd name, Heero turned his head to give his lover an uncertain look. At that, the lighthouse keeper smirked, "That's what Howie calls his hired hands because they usually have to sweep up the mess that the owners of their crafts make before them bring them in." The sailor chuckled deeply at the explanation before admiring his surroundings once more. At that, Howard looked over his shoulder and snorted, "You'd be surprised how little people know when it comes to taking care of their boats." He grinned and shrugged, "But then again, I get to do something that I love, so I can't really complain." They were near the end of the long deck when the old man stopped. "Here we are," he announced with outstretched arms. Lowering his gaze from examining the high steeple-shaped
ceiling, Heero looked on the three boats bobbing on the smaller waves
that rolled in. Hitched side-by-side on the right end of the dock
by their bows (1), the three crafts sat from smallest to largest.
A The simple sailboat had a red deck and base with its
sails wrapped tightly around their posts. For a simple sailboat, it
was easily one of the largest of its kind- that Heero could recall
from his research- and could fit a handful of people comfortably.
Only It was the largest boat, the Atlantis, that captured
Heero's attention. Completely white, the craft had an upper deck and
large When they stepped onto the top deck, Heero took in the four-seated gathering area. Heading directly for the steering wheel in the right corner there, he slowly reached up to wrap his hands at either end of the silver metal. Instantly, a rush of familiarity rushed over him as he gasped sharply with wide eyes. Suddenly, everything around him began to crack at the seams and wood splintered into the air as a large whole bore into the planks at his feet to reveal the ocean water below. Crying out in panic, the Japanese sailor released the wheel and ran to the stern (3). Quickly placing his hands on the edge to hang over the side a bit, Heero struggled to catch his breath as sweat rolled down his face. He was vaguely aware of Duo crying his name in worry while he tried to remember how to breathe. A gentle hand fell on his shoulder to squeeze it. Duo watched his lover as he tried to keep himself from panicking. Shaking his head, he cursed softly to himself and squeezed Heero's shoulder once more. With a deep frown, he raised his head and told the concerned old man quietly, "I should have known this was a bad idea. He's had nightmares involving his accident ever since he came here." That wasn't the only reason for his lapse, Heero knew. The Atlantis was fashioned so much like the boat that he had crashed in. While his nightmares involved drowning and being thrust against rocks, he never had a vivid image of the craft carrying him before then. He could see the tall, deep blue sails that aided the motors and the padded seats in the gathering at the top of the deck. It was all crystal clear to him. As he continued to lean over the side of the boat, the young sailor looked down to the stern. The black lettering amongst a painted grey wing read `The Seagull' in a slanted script. At the sight, Heero's cobalt eyes narrowed before closing as he shook his head. When he opened his eyes again, the painted bird wing was replaced by a shimmering city of gold with the bold black letters spelling out `Atlantis.' Biting his lip, Duo called out again, "Heero?" When his lover finally straightened himself on shaking legs, he carefully wrapped an arm around his waist to steady him only to become more alarmed when he found how wet with sweat the young sailor was. Lifting and turning his head, his partner met his gaze. It was the calm that he found in those cobalt eyes that put the lighthouse keeper at ease with a small sigh of relief. Finally able to find his voice, he asked softly, "Are you all right?" Heero gave him a small smile and nodded quietly, "I'll be okay. Just got caught up with my fears, I guess." gently squeezing the hand on his hip, he whispered, "Thanks." Duo nodded before releasing his lover as the Japanese youth wiped at his drenched face. Suddenly appearing from the lower deck, Howard held out a glass of cool water. "You sure you're all right, there?" he asked in concern. As Heero accepted the cup with a small word of thanks, the old man frowned deeply, "Maybe you should sit down for a little bit." After a long gulp from the water, the young sailor shook his head, "I'm fine, really." He finished his drink and grinned, "Actually, I wouldn't mind coming back to go out for a sail." Both Duo's and Howard's eyes widened on him. Before either could protest, Heero told them, "I won't be able to get over my fears if I don't confront them." Laughing, the old man slapped the stunned lighthouse keeper on the back and exclaimed, "I like this kid! Good head on his shoulders." With a wide smile, he smacked Heero on the shoulder and told him, "I'll be more than happy to take you two out when you're up to it." He was rewarded with a grateful grin from the sailor at that. Duo sighed deeply, his shoulder sagging. As happy as
he was at Heero's wish to get over his fears, he still couldn't help
but want "Well, we better get going," the braided young man suggested. "Best get back to the lighthouse before it gets too late." That said, he led the way towards the walkway at the side of the ship. Just as Heero moved to follow, Howard took hold of his arm to stop him. When the Japanese sailor looked up at him, the white-haired man raised his sunglasses so that their gazed truly met. "You be sure to take good care of that kid," he told him quietly. He smiled slyly when Heero's eyes widened. "It's pretty obvious how you feel about each other," the old man commented. Gesturing to where Duo disappeared, Howard continued, "I promised that boy's dying father that I would keep an eye on him in his place. That boy is like family to me so I don't want to see him getting hurt." He tilted his head and raised a white eyebrow as he stated, "Now, I like you. Just see that it stays that way." A wide smile tugged at Heero's lips and he nodded, "Yes, sir" He stretched out his free hand and said sincerely, "It's been nice meeting you, Howard." The old man accepted the hand in a firm shake as he chuckled deeply. "You be sure to call me when you want to go sailing," Howard called to the young man as he ran after the lighthouse keeper. Glancing over his shoulder, Heero grinned widely and waved back, "I will. Thank you." He descended down the side of the craft. Howard shook his head in amusement before taking his time to leave the vessel. Quickly catching up with his lover at the other end of the dock, Heero walked beside the American. Taking the braided teenager's hand into his own, he squeezed it and spoke quietly, "Thank you for understanding, Duo. I know that you're worried about my going out to sea, but this is something that I need to do." Slowly looking over to meet his partner's gaze, a small grin spread on Duo's face and he squeezed the hand holding his. In little more than a whisper, he replied, "I know, Heero. And I certainly don't want to smother you." He looked away and frowned, "But I can't help but worry at least a bit." Not caring about the Sweepers walking and working about around them, Heero leaned in to kiss his partner's cheek. He grinned at the wide-eyed glance the gesture earned him. "Thank you for caring about me enough to worry," he said gently. At that, the sincere and brilliant smile that he fell in love with illuminated the lighthouse keeper's face. "Will you be there when I get the nerve to go out?" the sailor asked. "Of course," Duo answered with another squeeze of his hand. * * * * * * One day later… At the start of the new week, Wufei sighed deeply as he walked into his office. Treize looked up from the newspaper that he was reading with his feet kicked up on his desk as he leaned back in his seat. Tilting his head, the tall man appraised the sluggish movement of his partner while moving to his own desk. With a lopsided smirk, he inquired, "Rough weekend?" Growling deeply, the Chinese officer replied, "Rough
couple nights of sleep on the couch. I ended up telling Sally about
how I got Treize lowered his feet from his desk and sat straight with a proud grin. "You're a better man than I," he stated as he raised his mug of coffee in the form of a toast. As he took his seat, the raven-haired policeman shook his head and snorted. No sooner had Wufei sat firmly in his seat did his phone start to ring. Grumbling, he rubbed his temples and sighed deeply, "And so it starts." He took up the receiver and greeted, "Officer Chang." A young woman's voice spoke over the other line, "Hello,
Officer. I believe that you were the one that contacted the directory
of His dark eyes widening, the Chinese young man straightened. `Oh God,' he thought to himself. He had never thought of the possibility of someone on the other end of his search hoping for a lead. Swallowing hard, he scrambled to think of a way to cover
up his mistake. Roughly clearing his throat, the dark-haired agent
There was a heavy, wrenching sigh of despair from the caller. "Might I ask who is calling so that I could refer you to another agency that might help you in your search?" Wufei asked, waving off his partner who was watching him in interest. After a small sniffle, the young woman answered, "My name is Dorothy Catalonia. Odin Low's fiancée."
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