16-Feb-2003
Sheltered Hearts 4/?
Author: hinokumo
Archive: GW Addiction; Deathfics; Leviathan's Lair; and my page, Necessary Distractions. Anyone else, just ask.
Categories: Angst, shounen ai, yaoi, maybe some sap.
Rating: PG-13, soon to progress to R/NC-17
Warnings: Somewhere in the course of this will be lemon, language, and violence.
Disclaimers: Don't ask, don't tell.
Notes: Takes place after my other fic, BoM, and about four years after Endless Waltz. Mostly a 1x2/2x1 fic, but I'm gonna have the others (3,4,5) as well. E-mail me at hinokumo@cheekymonkey.co.uk and tell me your thoughts^__^
Spoilers: EW, maybe. Other than that, none I think.
The night air touched his sunburnt skin and he sighed with pleasure, the cool breeze bringing a multitude of scents along with its caress. Smoke, alcohol, the musk of incense and the sharp, clean smell of wood mingled and teased his sense of smell. Stepping away from the building's warm light, he found a stone bench on a portico overlooking the valley below. The day's heat had been sweltering and he could still feel its lingering presence under his palms when he seated himself. Placing aside the leather bound book that had been his only companion for many months, he let his eyes wander over the village, street lamps and small fires littering the valley floor with an uneven and fascinating pattern, the glow almost reaching the hills and forests beyond. From within the hotel behind him, he could hear laughter and music, many of the patrons still enjoying the day's festivities. Even from where he rested, he could make out the sound of drums from the valley, the locals celebrating in their own manner.
He had tried to join them, but he found little enthusiasm in his heart. There was a half moon above and the stars were like scattered diamonds, lighting the heavily-watered garden in which he sat. His fingers idly caressed the soft, worn edges of the book while starring up into the sky. He missed the vast, contemplative silence of space, where the stars shone brighter without the dulling influence of the atmosphere, and he could fly, weightless, with nothing between himself and the heavens. After inhaling deeply, he let loose a troubled sigh. Was this peace? Peace of mind and soul? Or just another distraction, a subconscious attempt at diverting himself from his true mission?
"What are you thinking of?"
He almost jumped at the soft, feminine voice, but his senses had alerted him of her presence only moments before. Looking to his left, he saw the girl standing several yards away and forced himself to relax. She was young, soft medium-length curls partially hidden by the scarf she wore on her head. Her eyes were an undeterminable color with the night, but they shone brightly with sadness and curiosity. He turned away once again to look at the night sky. After a pause, he spoke the truth.
"Feelings."
"Oh?" She stood next to him now and leaned closer, pointing to his hand.
"Oh," she said flatly and he looked down to see he had taken the photograph out again and had been holding it without even realizing it. Heat rose to his cheeks and he quickly stuffed the image back in the book, stumbled an apology, and fled from both the garden and the accusing stars above.
He had stayed here long enough, anyway--it was time to move on. To what, he was not sure, but wherever his answers lay, they were not here. His room was vacant before the coming of the South American dawn.
tbc...
*peeks from behind her shield* I know, I know. FINALLY and WHY THE HELL SO SHORT?! is probably just a few of your thoughts. I finally got back into the mood for writing and I'm putting this out now to force me to do some more. Sticking my foot in the door, so to speak. Guess who? :D You'll find out later. I dedicate this in memory of Alithiel, who tragically passed away this December. I would also like to thank everyone who e-mailed and said they still wanted more of this fic. It still shocks me. Ja ne!
(:./hinokumo/hearts4)
