Honeymoon in Hong Kong

[imthepilot]

Bodhi takes the card Jay give them and opens the door. It opens into large five star hotel suite - champagne chilling in a bucket and roses by the bed. In the corner of the living room are several large crates labelled climbing equipment. There's a welcome pack with maps and travel guides, ferry tickets and the number a car service.

Comments

[galen_erso]

Galen takes it, and follows them to the boat. "Where I used to climb, the water wasn't just placidly sitting below, instead, it came falling from above the entire time," he says. "This promises to be a much more pleasant combination of water and rocks."

Except for Bodhi, who very obviously doesn't like this whole ships-going-on-water thing, so Galen sits right beside him and puts a hand on his shoulder.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi leans into the touch, drawing strength from Galen.

Yuki casts off and starts the engine, motoring out into the lanes of water traffic leading towards the island chains. The massive cargo boats have their own paths and rights of way so they don't come too here but they're still dwarfed by them. "Climbing in rain must be challenging. You've come here in a good season for it. We're not expecting rain at all this week."

[galen_erso]

"It was a terribly rainy place, but we were stuck there for work reasons," Galen says. "But now we are free!"

He squeezes Bodhi's hand, surreptitiously.

[imthepilot]

"But now we are free." Bodhi echoes, resting head on Galen's shoulder. It doesn't bother him to be seen.

Yuki frowns, slowing the boat down in the shadow of one of the island. "Um... I think, just so you know... it's not illegal here. You being... Together. People might frown on it but... There's no law against it. Not anymore. But... You might be wise to be private in big crowds. You're fine with me. My brother is... like you so I don't mind but just so you know."

[galen_erso]

"Thank you," Galen says. "We will be discreet; we're used to it from before, for, erm, work reasons."

[imthepilot]

Bodhi looks dissapointed at the thought of having to hide but doesn't say anything, just holding Galen's hand and looking up at the island. "Is this one we can climb? That surface looks challenging."

[galen_erso]

"Can we have a closer look with the drone?" Galen asks, trying to cheer him up with flying.

[imthepilot]

Yuki passes back their drone and Bodhi sets it up quickly. It doesn't take him long to get it up in the air and scanning the slopes. He shifts so Galen can see the little screen, floating the drone up the rock wall.

[galen_erso]

"We need to be careful there," Galen says, pointing at the screen, "but it looks like a lot of fun!"

[imthepilot]

"An over-hang that deep will be tricky. Maybe better to come down that way."

[galen_erso]

"Then what route to take up?"

[imthepilot]

Yuki brings the boat around slowly to view another face. "Can I suggest this way?"

Bodhi keeps scanning. "That could work. There's a nice ledge there to enjoy the view from."

[galen_erso]

"And then we go down the other side, the one we looked at first," Galen nods. "The view promises to be spectacular."

Not just the black rocks in the rain that they're used to.

[imthepilot]

"And this is only one island we can climb?" Bodhi asks.

Yuki nods. "There are three that are most popular. But there are six open to climbing."

[galen_erso]

"That is a lot of mountain to climb," Galen says. "We have a lot to pick from."

[imthepilot]

Yuki nods. "I'll try to show you all of them. That way you can pick which one you want to do."

"Do first." Bodhi corrects. "We have a few days."

[galen_erso]

"But we need time to eat, as well as to climb," Galen says. "We might not manage all the mountains, but can try most of them."

[imthepilot]

Yuki nods. "Catering is provided as part of the package. Either here on the boat, and I can pack food for you to carry on the climb."

Bodhi's eyebrows shoot up and he glances to Galen to see if he knew about that.

[galen_erso]

"Oh, that is good to know," Galen says. "Still, I guess we'd just like to explore as well. There is an amazing variety of food in this city."

[imthepilot]

"Whatever you need." Yuki shrugs. "I've been hired for the week for whatever you need."

Bodhi still looks gobsmacked. He's really not use to service like this.

[galen_erso]

"You will get your evenings off," Galen assures the guide. "I am sure we'll explore by ourselves."

[imthepilot]

"If you say so." Yuki shrugs. "I really don't mind. It's easy work."

Bodhi pulls the drone back, buffeted by the crosswinds between the island. It drops dramatically and Bodhi gasps, trying to lunge to catch it. And getting nearer to the edge of the boat than he'd like.

[galen_erso]

Galen grabs his elbow to make sure he doesn't fall in.

[imthepilot]

Bodhi manages to catch the drone and puts it down on the deck. Before clinging to Galen, heart racing.

[galen_erso]

"All good," Galen says, softly, holding on to him.