08-Dec-2005
Title: Faithful - Shinigami's Lover Series Gift Ficlet
Author: tkmaxwell777
Fandom: Gundam Wing AC
Category: Shonen Ai/Yaoi
Pairings: 1x2 implied
Rating: PG
Warnings: Fluff, POV, Slight Angst *snickers* - Takes place before Shinigami V
Archived: www.gwaddiction.com and Bittersweet_Haven,
My writing ML on Yahoo! Groups at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tkmaxwell777bhml
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing AC or its characters. It is the property of Shin Kidousenki, Bandai, Sotsu, Sunrise, and any other affiliated parties. This story is a parody of its defined universe and is in no way an official continuation of the original anime series. All underage characters engaging in any sexual activity in my stories are considered Emancipated Minors. This story is for entertainment purposes only and should not be read as a realistic representation of actual romantic or sexual relationships. It is not meant to be a commentary on the political, social, or spiritual ramifications of homosexuality. Content neither condones nor condemns any of the lifestyles or views portrayed. I write these stories because of the interesting dynamics between the characters and complex personality types that inspire the exploration of relationships beyond friendship without regard to gender or preference. I make no money doing this, so please do not sue me for writing it. Constructive feedback is always greatly appreciated!
Notes: After I wrote 'A Day Without Sunshine' for Sunhawk, Kracken emailed me about it, since she archives Sunhawk's fics on her site. Within that email were the innocent words, "Feel free to write any about mine" referring to her wonderful Shinigami's Lovers series. What can I say? I can't pass up something like that :) This is to Kracken, whose fics keep me checking her ML several times daily.
Love you, Hon
When I look at him I think about how much we've been through together. The memories are sensory perceptions that fill my mind with disjointed images and sounds, but the feelings associated with them ground me all the same. We've beaten the odds, came out on the other side of our struggle, and found there was more to life than we'd ever expected. I hadn't realized how difficult getting there would be, but he'd endured so much more than I had, and I can't complain about where that has led us both. My life is comfortable, my time is useful as a Preventer, and my love is given to the most deserving person in the world.
He is beautiful, my Duo. Strong and fierce, loyal and stubborn, graceful and deadly; although he is a fellow killer, my innate protective nature towards him unleashes at the first sign of trouble. In the past, I had calmed his violent reactions with my patience and trust. Not to say that I don't have my fair share of scars from back then. Although he fought to control the terror that so often took him over, he failed so many times; yet instead of resenting him, I showed him that he could count on me, because I didn't give up even when he wanted to. I was the only one who could get close to him for the longest time - physically and emotionally - and though he says he wants to forget those days completely, I can't help but think about them differently, feeling good that I was there for him.
Duo wasn't ready for the real world, and I had to wait until he was. When he was finally equipped to handle a life without violence, we faced it together. I anticipated his needs, watching out for possible threats and trying to help him adjust to his surroundings. I wanted to continue what we'd started in those lonely hours when first learning to trust each other. We'd come so far, but he needed me now more than ever. He hated himself for that needing, but he knew that there was no other way. It would only be a matter of time before he'd become independent again. I didn't begrudge him that dream, but it was hard watching him try when I could tell that he wasn't prepared for it.
In spite of our strong relationship, I instinctively knew that I wouldn't be enough to give him a normal life now, but I hadn't foreseen having to share him with his faithful companion, even though it was the only way for Duo to reclaim his humanity and find peace at last.
I had always been doggedly possessive, and I didn't want anything to come between us. It took a lot of getting used to, allowing the other resident of our home to watch out for Duo in my stead. In this new life, I wanted to be the one Duo reached out for when the nightmares came for him. I wanted to be the one he clung to when lost in memory. I had been for what seemed like a lifetime, but as soon as this other presence became part of Duo's life, it seemed like my part diminished. Of course, there were times that I was the only one that Duo could turn to for comfort, but it sometimes wasn't enough.
I was jealous.
I knew that I couldn't deny Duo this attachment though. The difference their bond made was obvious, and my love for Duo outweighed my need to be the only one he depended upon. As time passed, I eventually came to accept this other recipient of Duo's trust, even establishing a separate relationship that deepens every day, it seems. My loyalty apparently won me respect out of instinct. It's a mutual respect, for I'm certain that my Duo would not be where he is today if not for this partner of his. Although I wish I could take the credit myself, I know that I must share it, just as I share the one to whom I have pledged my never-ending devotion.
Walking into the bedroom, I take in the sight of Duo with his companion as they sit in bed. I'm tempted to jump in with them, even knowing what kind of reaction that will cause, but I don't. Duo's Heero is no longer my rival, and although he bans me from the bed, I think I understand why; he gets jealous too sometimes. Instead of intruding, I simply wait and watch as they talk quietly, Heero brushing Duo's long mane. Once my Duo's hair is in its usual twisted confinement, I let out a whine, hoping for a little attention myself. I still get jealous sometimes too.
"Hey, Soda. What's wrong?"
His voice is like music to my ears. I approach the bed, panting and yipping playfully.
My Duo laughs then looks at his life-mate. "I think someone feels left out. Can he...? "
Heero looks at me, warmth in his eyes that didn't used to be there, and then sighs. "Just for a little while."
I don't wait for Duo's command. I leap onto the bed, settling at their feet. I won't impose upon Heero's indulgence. I'm surprised when Heero reaches down and tugs on my collar to get me closer. I nuzzle his fingers in thanks and crawl between them, feeling my Duo's fingers join Heero's on my fur.
"Sometimes I wonder if he gets jealous of you, Heero," Duo says thoughtfully.
"Sometimes I know he does," Heero replies with a smirk as he scratches my ears.
I roll over onto my side, allowing him more access. If there's one thing Heero knows how to do, it's scratching ears.
Duo rubs my belly, grinning. "Then I'm glad that you two have found a way to co-exist peacefully in my life." He pauses before adding, "Because I don't think I could live without both of you."
Not either one of us, but both of us. That sounds good to me. Apparently, it sounds good to Heero too, because he leans over and kisses my Duo softly. Not to be outdone, I lick my Duo's fingers.
Heero pulls away to catch me in the act. "I think he knows more about what's going on than you realize, Duo." He smiles and then pets my head gently. "Your faithful companion and I reached an understanding long ago. We both know how much you need us, so we're willing to allow each other into your territory. Right, Soda?"
I gaze up at him, surprised at the affection and epitaph that Heero's given me. I'd always thought of him like that for Duo, but maybe... maybe Heero and I are more alike than I'd imagined.
"Just as long as you both know your places," my Duo interjects with a laugh. "You're my lover," he declares as he points to Heero. "And you're my partner," he announces as he points to me. "Don't get confused about your roles." He gives us both a serious look, but the mirth in his eyes lets me know that he's pleased.
Heero lies back down, wrapping an arm around me to rest his hand on Duo's hip. "I won't forget."
I put my head against my Duo's arm and nose him for a moment, feeling content as he buries his fingers in my fur.
I won't forget either.
The End
(:./tk/faithful)
