fandomweekly | [#032] Safe Harbour (FAKE)

Theme Prompt: #032 – Storms
Title: Safe Harbour
Fandom: FAKE
Rating/Warnings: PG
Bonus: Yes
Word Count: 999
Summary: Out on their boat Dee and Ryo almost get caught by a storm at sea, but instead get to ride it out safely moored.

Dee stood on deck, looking up at the heavy black clouds rolling in like a bad omen. He and Ryo had still been several miles out along the coast when the horizon had begun to darken and they’d put on as much speed as they could trying to reach safe harbour before the storm hit. Weather conditions could change scarily fast at sea; even though they’d checked the long-range forecast the day before when they’d set out for a relaxing weekend afloat, they’d learned never to take for granted that the weather wouldn’t change without warning. They’d been caught at sea in a bad storm once before, an experience they’d never forget, and one they had no wish to relive.

“Whelp, there go our plans for the weekend. From the look of those clouds we might haveta leave the boat docked here until next weekend or whenever and get home under our own steam.”

Ryo looked up at his partner from where he was making sure the starboard spring lines were dogged tight. Dee had already taken care of all the port lines.

“We can sleep aboard and see what conditions are like in the morning; maybe the storm will blow itself out overnight. It’s only a couple of hours back to New York by train.”

“Usually, yeah, but on a Sunday?”

“I guess we can always rent a car if necessary and drive back; it would take a bit longer, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world. We should just be thankful we made it to safety ahead of the storm.”

“Believe me I am. This looks like it’s gonna be worse than the one we got caught in that time. Need any help down there?”

“No, I’m done. Might have problems getting the knots unfastened tomorrow if they get pulled tight, but they’ll hold no matter what gets thrown at us.”

“Just hope the dock doesn’t get pulled apart with all the boats tuggin’ at their moorings.”

“It won’t; it’s built to withstand rough weather.”

“There’s rough and then there’s…” Dee trailed off, gesturing at the other boats, tossing restlessly on the increasingly rough waters of the marina. “It’s only gonna get worse.”

It wasn’t raining yet but the wind was already blowing hard, gusting around them, tugging at their clothes with sharp, icy fingers, and blowing their hair in their eyes. Ryo shoved his back from his forehead impatiently.

“It’ll be fine; I’m going to the office, check into the possibility of slip vacancies in case we need a longer stay.” He flashed Dee a grin. “Batten down the hatches and then we can go find someplace for dinner. Don’t know about you but I’m starving.” The fresh sea air always had that effect on both of them.

Thunder rumbled in the distance as the first drops of rain pattered around them and Dee threw a disgusted look at the sky.

“Go! I’ll bring your coat as soon as I’m done here.”

Ryo nodded and turned, taking off at a run along the swaying boards of the floating dock. Even after less than twenty-four hours aboard he barely noticed the movement, his body automatically compensating for every shift.

Dee turned away and went below, checking everything was secure before slipping into his coat and grabbing Ryo’s. Back on deck he made sure all hatches were closed and fastened, made a final check on the mooring lines, and headed to join his lover at the office. By now the rain was coming down harder and occasional flickers of lightning were visible out to sea. It was so dark it seemed more like nighttime than early evening.

By the time they returned to their boat three hours later after a leisurely dinner the storm was raging overhead. Stepping out of a taxi at the gate to the marina, they hunched their shoulders against the pouring rain and raced each other towards their rented slip, but they had to slow down once they reached the dock. Between the heavy rain and the waves washing across them, the boards were slick with water and neither man fancied taking an accidental dip, especially when they could easily get crushed between a boat and its mooring.

Scrambling aboard their cabin cruiser, they wasted no time in heading below decks, not bothering to turn the lights on, just peeling out of their wet coats and reaching for towels to dry their hair. The boat bucked beneath their feet, but not nearly as much as it would have it they’d been out on the open ocean instead of securely moored.

Thunder boomed, deafening in the confined space; it was like being inside a drum with the rain hammering the deck overhead. Lightning flashed so brightly their cabin lit up bright as day for a moment before they were plunged back into darkness.

“Great, now I can’t see a damned thing,” Dee grumbled and Ryo snickered.

“Who needs to see? We know our way around in here with our eyes closed; all we have to do is find the bed.”

“Bit early for sleepin’, isn’t it?”

“Who said anything about sleeping? The storm’s too noisy anyway. I had something else in mind.”

“Yeah? Well ya know I’m always up for that; just hope we don’t get tipped onto the floor.”

The storm raged for most of the night, but neither man really cared, even though they didn’t get much sleep. They managed not to fall out of bed, despite bouncing around at times like they were on a trampoline as wind and water tugged the boat this way and that.

As the sun rose they went up on deck, looking out at tattered clouds in a pale blue sky tinged with pink and gold. Gulls were heading out to sea and Ryo pointed at them; they were a much better omen than the storm clouds the previous day.

“Looks like there’s better weather ahead.”

Dee nodded, smiling. “Smooth sailing all the way home.”

The End

[#032] Safe Harbour (FAKE)

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