+Kort+
I have decided to watch over him night and day (What a stubborn Bastard...at least so mulish as I am! What is a lot, haha!).
Now, after we awoke and got up very very early (5.30 am, almost before the Dawn) he is currently working in his boat. The toys are ready and we have packed them to bring them to the orphanage tomorrow). I'm finishing with my writing (I must say that I love this!) and I've begun to draw some images: children playing by the sea, Milord gambling, Silva galloping in the Sunset, the birds...the fishermen...overall that old one Don Julián (born Julian McCloud, from Aberdeen, hahah), who reminds me a lot of my GrandFather. Poor man...I need to bring him more tobacco and gin, fishing is not enough and he is surely going through a shortage of many indispensable things.
+Gibbs+
I sigh as I stop working and tug out my handkerchief before coughing into it...but I pause as I note the little dots of blood flecked it and I quickly hide it as Thomas walks in. I give him a reassuring smile at the worried look and I wheel myself over "There is nothing to be worried about, David, I am fine! If I was really ill...I am sure Pitt and DiNozzo wouldn't have cancelled their trip here" with that I tug him down and kiss his forehead "Now, go load up the truck with the toys and books while I tidy up in here"
He gives me a worried look but nods "Ok, but please...tell me if you aren't feeling ok?"
I nod and watch him go before taking out the small piece of cloth and sighing at the little splatterings of blood (This isn't good...but I can't tell him, it would only worry him so) with that I wheel myself up to my scrap heap and place the handkerchief on top before setting it alight and watching the flames take over. I turn at a call of my name and smile as I wheel myself over.
Thomas smiles and kisses my cheek "I am so glad you are getting better, my love"
I give him a small smirk and wrap my arms around his neck "Me too...now lets deliver this gifts before getting ready for our Wedding on the beach, under the stars"
+Kort+
I start the engine and wait.
Julian helps Jethro to fill the truck with the boxes and I spot a shared, vibrating smile on both men's faces.
I am sure Jethro is getting better...in spite of these coughing fits that scare me to death! Now we need to pass through the dunes (It is always a funny trip) and arrive to the little school. I know the Teacher and the Pupils shall be waiting for us at the doors...
+Gibbs+
I gaze out the window as I slowly breathe through my mouth and wince as another coughing fit takes over...only this time I have no tissues and I end up spraying the windscreen with blood before yelping as Thomas slams on the brakes, causing me to cough yet again at the sudden tightness of my chest
"Leroy!? Jethro!? Oh My God! You're...you're coughing up blood!"
A wince of pain escapes my throat as my head is roughly held up and I cringe as Thomas licks at his handkerchief before rubbing my face clean. I pull back and push him away "Stop...please just stop!"
He gives me a worried look, tinged with panic "You are bleeding! You are coughing up blood an-"
I tug him close and stop his panicking with a deep kiss. I gently pull back "I am fine...but to calm you down, I'll go to the Docs with you after we drop by the Orphanage...as I really want to see Sir Silly perform"
+Kort+
I remember what my GrandFather used to say...'Artists owe themselves to art, in spite of their own sorrows'...but he promised me (the mule!) and he shall accomplish what he said!
(At the Orphanage)
+Gibbs+
I watch Thomas interact with the kids and smile as I spot the excited small faces run and play with him. I fondly shake my head at the way Thomas seems to light up as he plays and jokes with the children (He is just like a big kid!) with that I wheel myself out the way as they all play chase...but pause as I spot a pair of jade eyes hiding under a bed. I cock my head to one side as I wheel myself over and I lean down to look "Hey...I'm Mark, what's your name?"
The little boy states "Hiram"
A soft smile crosses my face and I hold out a hand "Do you want to come out and play with Sir Silly and the other kids?"
He shakes his head and sinks, deeper into the shadows.
I sigh and wheel myself around "How about helping me get around? You seem a strong lad, could you help this ex-Marine?"
The kid shly smiles at me "You need my help? Me? Help you?" at my nod, he slowly climbs out from beneath the bed and hesitantly crawls into my lap.
I wrap my arms around him and smile "How old are you?"
"I'm six...how old are you?"
A chuckle escapes my throat as I gaze down at him "A hundred and six"
His jade eyes widen in wonder "A hundred and six!?"
I just smile as I softly stroke his blonde hair "How long you been here?"
Hiram smile disappears ad he snuggles against my chest "My Mum and Dad died of a car crash when I was four" he shrugs "I've been ever since...no-one wants me"
I glance at Thomas (I wonder if he'll agree on us taking him in?) before gazing down at him "I'm sure you'll find your forever home somewhere...quite soon"
+Kort+
Yes, I'm a clown.
I've inherited the strange ability of to convert the infinite landscape of my own melancholy into this. I smile. The secret everlasts there: the smile. Everything I give, it's for free (Someone Could think that this is a pretty rare statement when coming from one like me...I don't care). Everything I have is this: the children mirroring my smile and entangling their Souls with mine "What's your name, young man?"
"My name is Rodrigo, Si-eh-Captain..."
"And...do yo want to sail the Seas with me, bosun Rodrigo?"
"Yes, my Captain!"
"And you, little lady?"
"My name is Nina, Captain"
"Do you want to come with us?"
"Up to the end of the World, my Captain"
I look firmly into their eyes and they travel their divine gaze all over me. My disguise. They want to know why it's blue. "Because blue is the colour of the Sea, my sailors" (And of course, the colour of his eyes...but to explain about this would be too much for a bunch of six years old children)
"But your eye is green?"
"Why do you have only one?"
"Why do you have a flipper on one foot and a boot on the other?"
"Why do you have mustache?"
"And the Captain's cap...where did you pick it up?"
One of these infinitely sage creatures, with his finger still in mouth, asks, with a middle voice "Do you have any candy?"
I take off my cap and pull out the candies I've brought.
The exclamation comes in a chorus "Ooo! You're bald!"
"Who would cut your hair?"
"Ah. That is a long story, my sailors! Listen: One day, I was with my boat, sailing on a dark Sea, where all things were double: fishes, whales, tritons and sharks"
"Sharks?!"
"Yes! Everything was double, everything had a shadow...and the shadow of the shark took my hair like a prize! Ah, but I threw myself into the Sea and with a magic lantern, enlightened the obscure cavern where the perfidious shark was hiding with his fellow the Octopus...and turned him into a little...anchovy!"
"Like for a pizza!"
Another small voice exclaims "And your eye?"
"An ogre! The most enormous one, the same one who inhabited in a castle placed amidst the clouds"
"What about the crocodile?"
"He's my fellow traveler"
"Where does the smiling child lives?" This question, the ultimate question, comes from a distant corner, where an image coming from the past, that was watching and listening closely, but without intervene.
He slowly rises his eyes and then, just then, I understand that time and space, as we usually are accustomed to see and conceive them, really do not exist.
+Gibbs+
I watch my Lover prance around with the children and chuckle before wheeling myself out of the room, with the little Hiram sleeping on my lap, as I head to find the HeadMaster of the Orphanage. I find the man at the big desk and smile up at him "Hey, Michael...I would like to ask you about adoption"
The tall man smiles back at me "Yourself and David?" at my nod, his smile widens and he grabs a big folder from underneath his desk and opens it up "We have all the children's photos and profiles within this folder, take a look and see as to who you would consider"
I shake my head "There's no need...I would like to adopt this one" with that I wheel myself closer, bringing his attention to the little Hiram on my lap.
The mans face falls and he hesitantly runs a hand through his hair "Are you sure? Hiram Fisher has never been considered for adoption before...he is withdrawn and refuses to speak to people or the other children" he shrugs "He just spends the time hiding in the shadows and keeps to himself"
A smirk crosses my face "He sounds like like myself...please, I would like to take him home with us"
He sighs and nods "If you are sure...I do hope it works out for you both, but if not...you are welcome to bring him back here"
I nod, but I know I'll never abandon him! He needs me just like Thomas needs me. I sign the paperwork and smile as the man nods
"Yup, everything is in order" he looks up and smirks "I hope it all works out for you both"
A smile crosses my face "Yes...I believe it shall" with that I head outside, waiting for Thomas to finish up inside and help me into the truck. I gaze down as the small body moves and I smile as Hiram wakes up
"Why am I out here?"
I chuckle as I softly stroke his short blonde hair "You are coming home with us...we have just adopted you"
His jade eyes widen in shock, tinged with hope "You mean it?" at my nod, his eyes fill with tears "No-one has ever wanted me before" his bottom lip trembles "You won't...you won't send me back though?"
I shake my head "Nope! You now belong to me!" I smirk "I'm a Marine...I never leave a man behind" with that I wrap my arms around him but look up as I feel a presence and I smile "Thomas...David, I want you to meet our new Son...Hiram Fisher"
+Kort+
After to have have 'attacked' the cake (I took to eat a piece, too, since...it tastes delicious, reminding me pf my days in that household for problematic children, in Brighton, those Nuns really knew how to cook! And these ones are so skilled as they were, leastwise!).
Jethro approaches to me with a little one, it seems that they have become very close...
(CAN THIS BE POSSIBLE? The little one looks like...he looks like...!). A pair of jade eyes. I can only spot this detail. A pair of jade eyes and and angel returning from the light "Hi...ram?"
The little one nods and comes to me.
I can't avoid my tears...I can't believe...I was able to summon my Angel, my little Brother again! "This can't be possible...this...this is a dream?" (Maybe everything is just a dream, Trent Kort...you must have fallen asleep, drifting in a haze between reality and alternate universes...while in surveillance, or while doing that cursed paperwork! Yes, this is a dream and I know that at any time, Coulter or Cruz will be here awakening me with their vociferous tirades...)
The boy seems to not understand my sudden anxiety.
I and ask him "Hiram your name, really?"
Surprisingly, since we are in a mainly Spanish-speaking Country, he replies in a perfect English "Yes, Sir"
"Hiram...what?"
"Hiram Fisher, Sir" (In the name of the Almighty Lord!)
+Gibbs+
I frown as I notice Hiram pulling away from Thomas and I sigh as I gaze up at my Lover "Thomas...David, you are scaring him"
Thomas gazes at me with a foggy jade eye "My Brother is back...?"
"Brother?" my eyes widen as I suddenly remember the story Thomas told me all that time ago and I sigh "Thomas...Hiram Fisher isn't Hiram Kort, so-" I stop as another coughing fit starts and I cover my mouth with my hand.
Hiram looks at me with scared jade eyes "No! You can't be dying!"
I frown at the boys panic before sighing as I realise I have once more coughed up blood. I give the kid a reassuring smirk "I'm fine" before turning to Thomas "Lets head to the Docs before taking this one home"
+Kort+
I can't abandon my little Angel, now, that he's back! I put my precious charge in the truck, carefully (the little one has fallen asleep, again, on Jethro's lap) this time nobody shall separate us! Not even God! "We need to see the Doctor also for him. What kind of deal did you do with Michael Trevelyan?"
"David, please, don't be so anxious...I obtained the temporary guard for two weeks. A social services' employee shall visit us in the meantime"
I frown "Well, this employee should know in advance that this boy is destined to live with us...that we shall do everything that is necessary and more...to become his legal Parents"
Doctor Ducasse was waiting for us (I sent him a message with the delivery boys that works in the grocery store). He is sincerely glad to see us...and,when he discover our small 'newcomer', he points out, with a smile "I was wondering where the little Hiram was, when I went to examine the children in the Orphanage. He is always hiding (he seems to have problems when speaking Spanish...thus he can hardly communicate with his peers)"
"Well, we have decided to take his temporary custody...and we have faith that we will get the full adoption"
The Doctor looks at me "And what do you think about it, Mr Wayne?"
Jethro shrugs "Doc, I've lost a Daughter many, many years ago...This is like a gift from Heaven, unexpected and absolutely...unbelievable"
+Gibbs+
I sigh at the sight of the prescribed pills and huff as I wheel myself out of the Docs with Hiram clinging to my chest and Thomas following behind us. I pause as another blasted coughing fit attacks and once I am finished, I glance down at the sound of a whimper
"Please! You can't die! It's only you and Mr Moon that I can speak to! Please!"
I turn to look at Thomas and sigh "Myself and Thomas will never let you go back there, you belong to us now" with that I let Thomas tug Hiram off me, wincing as my shirt rips as the kid refuses to let go. I shake my head as I wheel myself over to the passenger side before dragging myself onto the seat, panting with the effort but smile as I manage without help. My head turns as small arms wrap around my arm and I sigh before stating "Put your seatbelt on, Thomas shall be taking us home"
Hiram gazes at me with wet jade eyes before turning to Thomas "Mr Moon...will Mr Marine be ok?"
+Kort+
I can't refuse to answer that question and the last thing I want is to put concern over his already tattered little Soul "Mr Marine, as you call him, shall be fine...We have reinforcements at home...after all, we are an army!"
"Re-Rein...?"
"Reinforcements! Two soldier who shall help us with the fight against any kind of disease, pain, sorrow of anger..."
He puts his finger in the mouth and thinks for a while. Then he asks "And who are they?"
"Captain Milord, the dog...and General Silva, the horse"
+Gibbs+
I chuckle at the look of wonder and stiffle another coughing fit, just as we reach our Cabin.
Milord snaps her head up and cocks it to one side before scrambling up as she recognises the sound of the fast moving thing her Masters went in returning. She lets out happy barks as she leaves the Den...but pauses at the sight of a smaller Man beside her silver haired Master.
I turn at the sound of barking and smile before patting my thigh, chuckling as Milord jumps into my lap. While running my fingers through her thick pelt, I turn to Hiram "This is our Daughter and your Sister...Hiram, meet Milord"
+Kort+
The child approaches and bends over. He doesn't demonstrate any kind of fear. "She reminds me of Lyda...Lyda was my doggie. She died when the car...crashed"
I embrace the little thin body with all the strength of my Soul "You have recovered her...as I have recovered you"
The dog wags her tail in joy. That little hand caressing her is something new...but it doesn't look this way. It seems to me that the dog had been waiting for the child since forever...
+Gibbs+
I smile at the sight before wheeling myself indoors and start preparing some sandwiches. I turn at the sound of movement and smirk as Thomas and Hiram walk in "Hey, I'm just preparing some lunch for us all"
Thomas walks over and attempts to take over...but I push him away
"Go show Hiram Silva, I'm fine doing this by myself" with that I narrow my eyes and slap away the hands "Go!"
Thomas backs away and sighs "Fine...but we won't be long" he places the bottle of pills on the side "You are to take two pills from each bottle in ten minutes"
I sigh and nod "I will...now go!"
+Kort+
This is such a wonderful afternoon.
I guide Hiram to our barn: but Silva has perceived our presence yet. "Hiya, beautiful!" I greet, while entering the little dressing room attached to the stall and searching for my riding boots "Here we have a newcomer...a new friend...a new member of our growing Family. As the birds, the butterflies and even the insects have become our relatives, we have a big wonderful Family and-" I lean to take Hiram in my arms "-I know how to speak to each of them!"
"D-Do you really know how to do it...Sir?" The immensely shining green eyes widen even more.
"Of course! I learned it with the many many years I've sailed the seas...Did you see the boat my life companion is building outside, in the shore?"
He nods, vigorously.
"Well, this one shall be prepared soon...so we shall go to sail the oceans once more"
"Can I...go with you?"
"Of course! You are the only reason I have for to wish to sail the Seas again! You, and that stubborn man who is now preparing our meal!"
Silva neighs in happiness, like inviting us to the promised promenade.
Thus Sun is softly descending in the sky, going to meet the horizon, for to bring us one of these spectacular sunsets I love to photograph. Now, I shall depict the Angel running to the Sunrise, by the Sea...an universe of sapphire and foam...with two unique jade green eyes, that speak to me from the beginning of time...
+Gibbs+
I turn my head at the sound of footsteps and smile as my Lover walks in with our Son behind him "Hey...sandwiches are all ready"
Thomas walks over and checks my medication "You took them?"
I roll my eyes "Of course I did!" a playful smirk crosses my face "I'm a good Marine that likes to follow orders" I give him a flirty look "All orders..."
Thomas licks his lips as his jade eye darkens in arousal but he shakes himself out of his aroused state as he watches Hiram climb into his Lovers lap.
I still and chuckle as Hiram starts munching his way through the sandwiches while telling me all about Silva and Milord.
+Kort+
We have made the arrangements for the incoming night: I shall sleep on the couch and Jethro will share the bed with our Angel. I watch them, Jethro is teaching him how to play the naval battle, in the simple old way: with a paper, a pencil and lots of imagination. I sit down at my little desk and write. I write the story of a Angel boy whose wings are invisible for everyone, but not for us. I write the story of a star that suddenly fell and enlightened our lives with the sparkling light of an innocent laugh. I write the story of the Angel boy who travelled centuries, distant lands, continents, seas, oceans and arrived to my lap to take a rest...telling me what he could see inside people's hearts.
To judge by looks...To judge by appearances...To judge by acting and to forget one's heart.
The main Sin of mankind, that this Angel boy doesn't know. And he shan't know it, as long as I have breath. I solemnly swear, today, to the stars, to the waves, to the moon, that watches this little window and blesses our simple, humble intimacy.
+Gibbs+
I enjoy the time spent with our new Son...but I feel terror within my heart at the fear that I could lose him like Kelly. I glance over at Thomas and sigh in delight as I spot the wide smile on his face (He is truly happy), it's then that I pause (He has never had a Family before! You have given him a Family) with that I wheel myself over to him and tug him into my lap.
Thomas start at the move, but instantly calms as he gazes at his Lover.
I smirk at the look and kiss the back of his neck...frowning at the gasp before blushing as I realise I have become hard due to his weight in my lap. I discreetly glance at Hiram before turning to Thomas "Sorry, I can't control my bodys reaction" I suddenly cringe and bite my bottom lip "I can't sleep with Hiram in the bed...I'd prefer to sleep in my chair, until I've finished building a bed of his own"
Thomas goes to move off me but I grab him back "Wait until my erection has gone? As I'd rather not explain why my sweats are tented"
+Kort+
This Jethro!
I can't understand how a Marine, a fully skilled Marine, infamous due to his tremendous control and toughness, can still have, at his more than mature age, this kind of problem!?
I look at the boy "I shall narrate him a tale...the tale of the flying fish that wanted to become a bowerbird...while you try to recompose yourself..." I grab the boy by his hand, holding his hand as we go outside, to sit down under the starred sky. There is a crescent moon that enlightens the scene and the distant odour of the Sea inebriates our nostrils with the secure promise of foamy dreams. "The fact is that the fish wanted to become a bowerbird...one of these birds also called 'of paradise', because they live in enchanted islands, a bit like this land where we are now...and where every dream can come true. The fish dreamed and his dream, effectively, was accomplished: when the moon was brightening in the sky, in nights like this one, he turned himself into a bowerbird, a bird of paradise and travelled far...so far...that nobody, nor human, nor animal could overtake him" I sense the little one falling asleep and I take him in my arms "Sleep, my little love...you are my bird of paradise"
+Gibbs+
I watch Kort and Hiram leave the Cabin and I quickly head into my Workshop, thankful that my erection has finally gone. A soft smile crosses my face as I wheel myself around the room, gently caressing the wooden bedframe I have created. I pick up my chisel and gently start creating the designs Hiram has chosen, smirking at the way the crocodile starts to take shape
+Kort+
I place the Angel in bed, tucking him up with the three blankets and the huge hand can't stop caressing the soft brown locks falling on his forehead...so soft. I need to invent a new story about the crocodile who fought the shark and won and how they became friends and travelled to that Kingdom where all the animals are companions and work altogether to construct a better world of peace and happiness. I need to invent the best story of all for this Angel and make it become true. As Jethro is still working in his carpentry room, (I still perceive the smell of sawdust and fresh wood...so Jethro! So homey!), I decide to sit down on the couch, taking paper and pencil...and almost without realising it, I begin to draw the boy Angel, the environment,the Cabin, the sky, the stars...and the crescent that seems to wink at our so heavy, painfully gained happiness. And I sincerely (but sincerely, from the bosom!) hope that this new sort of unexpected happiness shall be able to everlast forever...
+Gibbs+
I spend the next three days carving out the designs for Hirams bed, with a crocodile on each leg and Silva as the headboards while Milord is curled up at the bottom. I ignore Thomas's worried nagging about me not leaving the Workshed and smile as I finish the last little bit.
A sigh of delight escapes my chest as I wheel myself over to the small desk and grab the bottle of wood varnish before slowly and methodically starting to seal the wood...an hour later I nod to myself and wheel myself out of the room as I await for the varnish to dry.
Thomas looks up with his constant look of worry and I shake my head as I breeze past him "Mark? Have you taken your pills?"
I roll my eyes as I grab the bottle and down the four pills in one "There you go" with that I roll myself over to him and gently kiss him "Hirams bed shall be ready to use tomorrow...then we have some making up to do before planning the Wedding"
+Kort+
He has created a masterpiece.
I am thinking of the way these simple pieces of wood turn into pure wonder when he manages them with his hands...As he has done with me.I was a solitary, a lonely piece of dried wood...and he discovered some traces of life inside this old bottling, so damaged, so tattered, so...jaded.
He unveiled my desire of life.
He taught me the love of life.
Love life and it shall give you back love.
These simple word came to me when I realised I was his fellow traveler in this so unpredictable path we use to call 'existence'