The Coastguard Station – Part 2: Safe Harbour
Gay Stories·EN·2 min read·Published 2026-11-07, updated 2026-11-07·Part 2 of 2
"Yes," said Liam. "I'd like that very much."
The kiss was warm and tasted of strong tea and salt. Cathal's hand, rough as old rope, cupped his cheek. Liam laughed shakily and kissed him back, his heart still pounding from the storm. The stove glowed. The wind outside had begun, slowly, to ease.
"I've wanted to for weeks," said Cathal.
"So have I."
"We are slow."
"We're very careful."
By three in the morning the storm had passed. The sea lay sullen and heaving under a clearing sky. Stars appeared between the clouds. They made fresh tea, sat on the narrow bench in front of the stove and watched the beam sweep slowly across the water.
"I am not good at this part," said Cathal.
"What part?"
"After. When the work is done."
"Then we'll learn it." Liam took his hand. "Is there a bed in here?"
"There's a bunk in the back. It's narrow. It has a good quilt."
"Show me."
The back room was tiny and snug, with a bunk under the slanted roof and a window facing the sea. They undressed slowly by the glow of the stove, laughing at oilskins and wet socks, and their love-making was gentle, unhurried and warm, tender after the storm. The lighthouse beam swept slowly across the ceiling, over and over, like a heartbeat.
At dawn the sky was clear and washed pink. Liam woke to the smell of toast and found Cathal at the window with two mugs, watching the sea turn gold.
"Your contract is until March," said Cathal.
"It is."
"The village has a cottage. It is cold. The roof leaks. It has a very good view of this station."
"I'll take it," said Liam, smiling. "I'll need someone to teach me to read a swell."
"I will teach you everything," said Cathal. "Slowly."
More gay romance stories: Morning Run · Night Telescope · The Tailor's Apprentice
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