A silent presence stood alone, leaning his back against cool rock. The soft ocean breezes wafted across his hair, bangs obscuring his vision. It was an odd sight, he decided, sliding down to lean against the hard wall of the cave. Water rushing up to meet the sand, and receding back into depths that were rarely seen by human eyes, and never without the presence of technological marvels. No matter how much humanity advanced, regardless of the countless stars conquered and colonies built, the sea could never be tamed.

Somehow it was comforting to him; almost like a watchful presence that touched every edge of the earth, looking after everyone, reminding them that eternity was always present, always waiting, and that everyone will eventually be a part of it. The ocean was like a living, breathing embodiment of Destiny, and no matter how the young pilot met his end, he would eventually be a part of it - a part of the stars, a part of the sea.

He smiled, then, the expression lighting up his features, and it almost seemed as if the stars and the sea shone in his eyes as peace settled in his mind.

"Come in, love," a gruff, rarely-used voice called quietly. "We have an early morning."

A pause. "I know," the boy sighed softly, turning to gaze up at his lover with shining eyes. "But it's just so beautiful. It's..." At a loss for words, he sighed once more, his expression helpless.

The banged pilot smiled. "Eternity is in your eyes," he whispered mildly. "And destiny is with me. Come in, Quatre. It's cold."

The blond boy smiled once more, rising as he walked over to his lover. "Are you sure you can't read minds?" he demanded lightly.

Trowa chuckled, leading the boy deeper into the caves, drawing the sensitive empath into their sleeping bag. "No," he breathed. "But at least I can help you get warm again..."