[Stranded alone on a sea of emotion, you found me
Your love was a light that shown in the dark so profoundly
Say that you'll stay; Do not be afraid
I will go with you. I'll go where you lead me forever true]
--- Lyrics to 'I Will Go With You (Con Te Partiro)' performed by Donna Summer
Ray of Hope Epilogue
"To the bride and groom," Duo and Solo announced together, their glasses raised as they smiled to the reception attendees. The guests lifted their own glasses and repeated the sentiment with a cheer before sipping from their campaign.
Noin and Zechs kissed to the whoots and hollers of their closest friends and family at the head table. Sharing the role of Best Man, Duo and Solo grinned to their parents before the blonde brother shouted, "Now let's party!" Everyone laughed and shouted in agreement as they finished their meals.
Having the first dance of the evening, the beaming couple moved across the floor gracefully to their song of choice. Finally managing to reach his lover after the busy day, Heero wrapped his arms around the lighthouse keeper's waist from behind and kissed his cheek. With a deep sigh of relief, Duo fell back against the firm chest and grinned up at him, "Hey." He raised his own arms to fall over those holding him and hummed in content as the sailor rested his head on his shoulder.
Dorothy lifted the long skirt of her light blue dress as she made her way to her friends. "One could not ask for a more perfect day on their wedding," she commented with a wistful smile. When Solo approached, her cool blue eyes widened and she stared down at her feet.
Nervously rubbing the back of his neck, Solo cleared his throat and said quietly, "Um, Dorothy, I was wondering, well..." With a smirk, Duo nudged his brother in the arm. Taking a deep breath, the blonde young man sputtered, "Would you have the next dance with me?"
Her eyes widening, Dorothy looked up and grinned widely. "I certainly would," she nodded firmly. The relief lighting Solo's face, he smiled widely and gently took her arm in his own to lead her towards the dance floor at the center of the room.
"'Bout time those two stopped tip-toeing around each other," Heero chuckled deeply. "It's been almost eight months of visiting, calling and emailing each other before they finally made a move."
In his arms, Duo shrugged, "Well, now that Solo moved back here to Horizon Cove, I have a feeling that Dorothy will be right behind." His violet eyes falling back on his parents, he said quietly, "I'm glad that they decided to have their wedding here." Against his shoulder, Heero nodded.
At the next dance, the other couples attending the reception moved onto the dance floor. Arm-in-arm, Sally and Wufei, Trowa and Hilde and Quatre and Catherine joined the newest couple starting off in their tight-knit group. Taking his partner's hand, Heero raised it to kiss it gently and asked softly, "Shall we?" With a bright smile, Duo nodded and followed the sailor onto the dance floor.
* * * * * *
Before the sun began to set, Duo and Heero politely excused themselves from the party, much to the understanding of the newlyweds and their friends. As they climbed the winding stairway up the tower, the pair laughed and talked quietly between themselves regarding the day's events.
When they reached the lantern room, the braided teenager shed his tuxedo coat and kicked off his dress shoes with a sigh of relief. Striking one of the long matches, Heero chuckled deeply, "Better?"
"Um hm," his lover hummed as he began to unbutton his lilac blouse while he finished lighting the wick. Closing the glass door to the lantern, Heero blew out the match in his hand before taking off his own suit coat and loosening his tie.
Barefoot, Duo stepped out onto the balcony and watched the multi-colored sky of a lovely late spring day. Closing his violet eyes, he took a deep breath and released it slowly. Quietly, Heero stepped out to join him. Slowly turning him to face him, the lighthouse keeper frowned deeply, "Do you ever regret any of this?"
His eyes widening at the sudden question, the sailor asked quietly, "What makes you think that I would?"
Rubbing his arms nervously, Duo bit his lip and shrugged, "I don't know. It's just that I sometimes wonder how different things would be if you hadn't run. Even if your father never approved of who you were, you still could have done something with your life other than being stuck on this tiny little island in the middle of nowhere with me."
A small smile tugging his lips, Heero closed the distance between them and wrapped his lover tightly in his arms. "Duo, I consider the day of that accident the luckiest day of my life," he cupped the smaller teenager's face and whispered reassuringly. "There hasn't been a day that's gone by that I haven't been grateful for finding this place and you..." Gently rubbing the side of the American's face with his thumb, he recalled an earlier conversation that he had with Noin and concluded gently, "...my ray of hope."
Duo gasped softly at the last sentiment. Ever since he was pushed away by his father, he only wanted to do something with his life that would prove the old man wrong that no good would come from him. To hear someone call him something full of meaning and purpose left him breathless. Finally, there was someone in his life who really understood him and wanted to be with him, flaws and all.
Blinking away the tears that filled his eyes, Duo breathed, "Thank you." Heero leaned in and kissed him soundly. Slowly wrapping his arms around the sailor's neck, he returned and deepened the kiss.
When they finally parted for air, Heero grinned and began to undo the remaining buttons of his lover's blouse. "Now," he began huskily, "If you'll let me, I would like to continue with spending the rest of my days proving just how much I appreciate you."
Chuckling deeply, the braided lighthouse keeper kissed his partner once more. "Permission granted," he managed. As Heero scooped him into his arms, Duo told him quietly, "Love you."
"Love you. Always," Heero whispered back as he led them back inside the lighthouse.
As the sun continued to set and the sky steadily darkened, several ships at sea turned for safe guidance towards the brilliant beams spinning against the heavens.
OWARI
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