[Up here in the city feels like things are closing in
The sunsets just my light bulb burning out...
Oh my sweet Carolina, what compels me to go
Oh my sweet disposition- may you one day carry me home]
--- Lyrics to 'Oh My Sweet Carolina' performed by Elton John and Ryan Adams
Ray of Hope Part 29
She could feel her legs giving out from under her. As she did, she wished that she had taken the advice to sit down before being broadsided. Aimlessly, her hands waved around her in a blind search for something to at least lean on as she continued to stare numbly at the monitor. Thankfully, her right hand found the wooden chair behind her. Slowly, holding the back of the chair for support, she settled herself down with a breathed, "My God."
Frowning deeply, Wufei turned away from the screen as he turned his own seat to face the braided doctor. "My sentiment exactly," he sighed deeply while running a hand over his head in frustration at not being able to find anything better to say that moment.
For her part, Sally could only sit stiffly, her eyes locked on the image of the young man she had known as Heero displayed on her computer monitor. Briefly, she scanned the text of the article surrounding the disappearance of Senator Odin Lowe's only son. Included in the story were the accounts of the missing young man's fiancée and how they were to wed not long before he vanished.
With a deep sigh, the doctor dry washed her face with her hands as she muttered, "I don't believe this. He's the son of a Senator and was engaged to a judge's daughter." She lowered her hands and shook her head, "He had everything that he could have wanted. What could have made him run away from all of that?"
"I've been wondering the same thing, myself," her lover replied, resting his hands on her knees to squeeze them in support. "Just goes to show that all the money in the world can't buy you everything, I suppose," Wufei shrugged. Turning once more, he closed the site displaying the newspaper article.
When he looked back to the young woman, the Chinese officer stated quietly, "What are we going to do now that we know this?" Taking her hands in his, he bit his lip before saying, "You know Duo better than I, or any of our friends. I was trying to spare him having to learn of Heero's previous life, but its your call if you think that we should be upfront with him."
Her skin turning lighter and greener by the minute, Sally rubbed her arms as if to warm them. Finally, she shook her head once more and answered in little more than a whisper, "Nothing. I know that Duo would never forgive me for not telling him about this... but..."
Small tears filled the braided doctor's eyes and she whimpered, "He's lost so much already. I won't be the one that takes what he has with Heero away on top of it all. I just don't have it in me. I love him too much to do that."
Gently wrapping his arms tightly around his lover's shaking body, Wufei kissed her cheek and rocked her gently. "He doesn't have to know," he tried to reassure her as he rested his head on her shoulder. "I went against all of the rules by not being forthcoming with Dorothy when she called, but it was something I had to do."
Slowly regaining her bearings, Sally sniffled and pulled back enough to dry her eyes with both hands. "It's only a matter of time, though," she frowned worriedly. "Heero is slowly remembering his past. It may be months, weeks, years or days- but he'll remember everything eventually. And what then?"
There was a long silence between the pair as they watched each other. Taking a shaky breath, Sally resolved, "No. I still won't be the one that tears them apart. Did you see how thrilled he was when Heero asked him out to the gala next weekend? I couldn't put an end to his being sincerely happy for he first time in years."
Blinking her widening eyes, she continued, "And who knows? Maybe by then time he remembers his past, Heero would have cemented enough of a relationship with Duo by then that everything will work out." A small, sad smile tugged at her mouth at Wufei's uncertain gaze. "I know, I know. Wishful thinking."
With another squeeze to the doctor's leg, the Chinese young man suggested, "Let's just let things be. There's still time to think things out to how to handle this." The corner of his mouth pulled up in a time smirk. "And maybe your wish might not be so far fetched in the end."
Roughly wiping the last stray tear from her face, Sally chuckled bitterly, "One can only hope." Her smile fading, she tilted her head and asked, "Now are you sure that you convinced Dorothy that Odin was not the missing sailor we found here?"
Wufei gave a surprised look and answered with his own question, "You don't believe me? Of course she would have believed me."
At that, Sally smirked, "Well, no offense, love, but you're a pretty shitty liar. Why else do you think you were paired with Treize? That man could convince a person that the sky was red if he wanted to."
Sputtering at the notion, the raven-haired officer glowered, "I am not that bad of a liar." Unable to help herself, the doctor's head fell back as she dissolved into hysterics. When she finally calmed, she dried her eyes once more and shook her head in amusement at that mock glare she was receiving.
Quickly glancing at the wall clock behind her, the braided young woman suggested with a weary sigh, "Come on. It's getting late." As she rose from her seat, Wufei watched her departure with wide and hope-filled eyes. Looking over her shoulder, Sally gave him a warm smile and stated, "I could use some company in our bed tonight. I'll give you a one-night reprieve for this week."
All but jumping from his seat, Wufei grinned widely as he caught up to his lover to follow her into their room.
* * * * * *
The next two weeks went by in a blur of activity on the island in preparation of the gala to take place. Much to Heero's joy, Noin and Zechs were more than happy to watch the lighthouse until he and Duo returned that evening. When that was taken care of, the American was more than happy to accept his lover's invitation.
Nervously appraising himself in the mirror, Duo examined the red, sleeveless T-shirt and deep blue jeans that he chose to wear for the festivities. He played with the end of his braid nervously as he stepped into his black sneakers. When he was satisfied that everything seemed in place, he stepped out of the bathroom.
It wasn't the thought of being on a date with Heero that had the lighthouse keeper nervous that morning. It was the reactions that they might get for being out at such a public event as a couple. While he was used to a few looks from the residents whenever he was in town, Duo was concerned that it might scare the sailor off a bit.
Rising from the couch that she and Zechs were sitting on in the living room when her son stepped downstairs, Noin smiled warmly, "Well, you look quite handsome." The tall blonde remained seated but gave his son-in-law to be a firm nod and small grin of his own. As she approached the young man, she stated, "Solo will catch up with you and your friends when we get into town a little later."
With a small bite of his lip, Duo frowned, "Are you both sure that you don't mind watching the lighthouse until Heero and I get back tonight? I hate the thought of either of you missing out on the fair for our sakes."
Noin snorted and waved her hand nonchalantly, "The fair will be going on all day, so we won't miss the whole event. And as loudly as they play the music at the dance, we'll hear it from here." She chuckled deeply, "Besides, it's been some time since Zechs and I had a quiet evening with just the two of us." Gently cupping her son's face, she told him quietly, "You just make sure to have a good time."
Smiling brightly, Duo whispered, "Thanks, Mom." That said, he pecked her cheek gently. Outside, a car horn filled the air. The unfamiliar tone of the horn had everyone walking quickly to the front door. Stepping out onto the front porch along with Noin and Zechs, the lighthouse keeper broke out into a wide grin as he shouted, "You fixed it!"
Heero stood just before the cabin, leaning against the hood of his shimmering, new red car that he fixed up over the last two weeks. With a proud smile, he nodded and patted the shining metal of his bumper. "Yep," he replied. "The new parts came in early this week, so I was able to get it working in no time."
Jumping off the porch with an excited shout, Duo threw his arms around his lover tightly and rewarded him with a fiery kiss. When they pulled back panting, Heero grinned, "Ready?" His own smile threatening to split his face, the lighthouse keeper nodded.
"Have fun, you, two!" Zechs called as he and Noin smiled and waved the pair off as they got into their car.
* * * * * *
After a crystal clear day filled with carnival rides, games, music, food and other fair activities, the sun finally began to set over the horizon. Sighing deeply in content, Duo leaned into his partner's side as they walked arm-in-arm along the crowded town center along with their friends close around them.
Despite the few looks that they received throughout the day, the American was pleasantly surprised that none of it deterred Heero from displaying any of his affections towards him. If anything, it only emboldened his lover. He leaned in close enough to whisper over the noise around them, "Thank you for inviting me to this. It's been years since I've been out for this."
Chuckling deeply in satisfaction, Heero lightly kissed his temple and whispered back, "You're quite welcome." He had to admit that he had more than his own fun that day at the fair. And after more than a week of practicing, and Hilde's patience, he even felt ready for the evening dance that was coming up shortly.
When he looked up, the sailor spotted Sally and Wufei watching him before quickly looking ahead when their gazes met. Frowning deeply to himself, Heero focused on moving easily through the crowd. It seemed like all day the pair had been watching him for some reason. Mentally shrugging the notion off, he convinced himself that he must have been over analyzing them. In all honesty, ever since Trowa caught him staring at the blonde girl outside of the shop, the Japanese youth was on edge.
He was certain that he was just imagining things.
* * * * * *
When the crowd gathered at the immense gazebo that had been built at the very center of the square at nightfall, the band played a wide variety of songs for the guests to dance to. In the distance, high over everyone, the lighthouse's rays glowed and spun in their own dance.
At the slow dances, Duo had been especially thrilled to learn that Heero had taken up dancing lessons with Hilde just for the occasion. As she danced with Trowa, the tomboy would give her pupil a reassuring wink when he looked to her for encouragement that he was following the steps right.
The whole day was even better than the lighthouse keeper could have hoped. And he got to enjoy it with the person he loved to only make the event all the sweeter. Heero gently spun his partner in another turn as the waltz continued. Chuckling deeply when he came close again, Duo claimed his lover's lips for a firm kiss.
Slowly opening his eyes, the braided young man whispered, "Thank you for such a wonderful day, Heero."
His eyes shining and wistful, the sailor grinned, "My pleasure, Dorothy." The person in his arms stiffened and where bright blue eyes framed by blonde hair were watching him, a few brown wisps of hair, freed from the braid they had been pulled in, blew on the gentle breeze to drift before a horrified pair of violets.
With a sharp gasp, Heero seized up- himself- with wide eyes in realization of what he had uttered. "Oh God," was all that he could breathe.
While all time seemed to stop around the frozen pair, the band played on.
TBC...
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