Hello, dear children. Welcome to 'Simplicity', a special monument to love. This project will be written in the honor of The Big Boss, who has recently pledged support and friendship to me. I spent several hours rumbling through possibilities for this project, including an Ike/Snake possibility for the SSB fandom. In that option, Snake was meant to endure torturous nightmares of his family. Ike was supposed to stumble upon him in the Pokemon Cathedral, an enchanting place inspired by the cathedrals of old. Swordsman and soldier were meant to comfort one another over their pasts and insecurities. The summary was inspired by The Big Boss' project 'Maternal', which has not yet been born. XD
Perhaps I'll post the Ike/Snake project at another time. Tell me what you think about it. For now, it's time for simple treasures.
Disclaimer: I must've said this at least a million times. Metal Gear Solid doesn't belong to me!
Warning: Boy/boy love, Old Snake, emotion…yeah, you know the lowdown. Proceed at your own risk, kiddies.
Every day was a roller coaster ride, to say the least. The hours had their ups and downs, providing him with a painful plethora of heartache. How he managed to endure the days, no one knew. His friends marveled at his endurance levels, claiming they could never withstand his unpredictable trials. Not even he understood his stamina. His body threatened to cave in at times, shaking underneath inexpressible pressure. His heart would sometimes plummet into unimaginable darkness, and struggle to find an escape. A soul would cling to the tender threads of a rope, hoping to be pulled out of an endless well. The days and nights could not be distinguished, for sunlight sometimes abandoned him. He fell into a life-or-death struggle at times, waging a war with the world-and with himself. He had unwittingly enlisted himself in a test of the human spirit, blind to danger at the time of enrollment.
He was Minato Asagi, age 23. A student of a prestigious academy, he participated in upper level courses and received affection from many. Students and professors alike adored him, glowing because of his warm charisma. He pushed aside his projects in order to assist professors, grading piles of homework beyond the night's limits. Doting students asked for his help on assignments, and he gladly gave it-at no cost. His homework was never endangered by his selflessness, for he always poured a million drops of effort into every assignment. Large assignments were treated as small assignments were-with spirit, persistence and confidence.
His workload was tremendous, which made students grateful for his help. Under the major of Human Psychology, he had his work cut out for him. Fortunately, he was equipped with the energy to leap over hurdles. He met all of his challenges with a broad, warm smile, determined to surpass his own expectations at every turn. Many students-and professors-thought him to be invincible, immune to the perils of uncertainty and stress. He created an assignment in Dr. Hal Emmerich's favor, taking on his newest challenge with the highest degree of fire. He too believed he was invincible, able to take on the world.
His first patient squashed the colorful, vibrant picture of invincibility.
He participated in an apprenticeship, working alongside a certified psychologist. Although he wasn't equipped with knowledge from the psychiatry arena, he believed himself to be capable of caring for Hal's friend. Mental disorders and trauma were a part of his extensive studies. In addition to that, his History class had plunged into the horrors of war-including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. His professor saw fit to reveal the physical and mental burdens of soldiers, wanting his students to grasp the hellish effects of war. Horrified by that particular disorder, and wanting to assist one of its victims, Minato offered to take David (previously known as Solid Snake) under his wing. His mentor was against the idea, and Hal didn't want him to sacrifice any of his academic life, but he passionately pressed the idea into reality. The man named David soon moved into Minato's seaside home, set on a three month journey with a young student.
As David was established into his temporary home, Hal shared his friend's story with the student. The otaku's old friend had barely emerged from a lifelong vortex of battles, fresh off his greatest struggles. He had just liberated the world from Liquid Ocelot's control, liberating civilization before it was enslaved. Liberation came at a heavy price, though, for the old legend soon fell into unspeakable pain. He soon retreated within himself, frightened of even the smallest of noises and detached from human contact. Whenever Hal, Sunny or another companion entered his eyesight, he'd either shriek or break out into sobs, or scream at the top of his lungs. At other times he'd complain of being cold, when his environment's temperature was perfectly tolerable. His appetite shrank, he became deathly pale, and couldn't sleep at night.
Of course the old one had FOXDIE to contend with. Hal told him of FOXDIE's horrors as well, even explaining how Naomi Hunter inserted it inside of David's body. It was the reason behind his age, the otaku explained, sadly stating that Dave was only meant to be at the age of forty-not seventy. And due to his ailments, he looked ten years older. Minato could easily see his new friend's exhaustion, for it was stamped all over his face-and engraved in his eyes. He could also see the Emmerich's devotion, bright and eternal-even in the midst of dark, overwhelming pain. As David spent nights wrestling against nightmares, Hal wrestled against nightmares of his own-constantly breaking out in tears. A little girl dwelled in the house all the while, fretting over her endangered family.
The Asagi fervently assured Hal of Dave's well-being. He'd be all right. There wouldn't be anything to worry about! And after everything the otaku went through, he needed a thousand years of relaxation. He deserved a thousand eons of relaxation! Breaking away from his lifelong friend wouldn't be easy, though, as Minato eventually found out. Following their mutual agreement, David would be in Minato's custody for three months-and wouldn't communicate with any member of his family. Once Hal and Sunny dropped off the last of his things, a volcano of sadness erupted. Maiden and otaku gave tearful goodbyes, but neither of them was acknowledged. As far as Dave was concerned, both were complete strangers. Hal and Sunny left, heads low and hearts defeated. All of their hopes rested on Minato, who had not only become their friend…but their lifeline.
While Hal suffered from the absence of a raspy voice, Dave was devoid of separation anxiety. It was as if otaku and maiden were ghosts, walking in his life without significance. He was blank at their departure, and thought nothing of them in the days to come. Saddened, Minato made several attempts to revive buried affection. All attempts failed, for whenever Dave looked at a portrait of Sunny, he said nothing. Whenever Dave caught glimpse of a manga novel, or an Inu Yasha plushie, he said nothing. Minato noticed something, though. There was much more to silence that met the eyes-and ears. Dave might have been silent at the sight of his family, but his eyes spoke of pain. Endless, unbridled pain. The shame, disgust and regret he felt towards his family put all words to shame. They had done nothing wrong, but he despised himself. He hated the pain he dragged them through, and believed they deserved everything he couldn't offer.
At first, things were easy enough. Dave was silent and rarely moved, unless it was time for a bath. His appetite was even smaller than a mouse's, and he was definitely quieter than a rodent. Seeing the look on his pale, bloodless face was excruciatingly painful, but Minato vowed to keep up a smile. He attached himself to the older male until bedtime, waiting on him hand and foot. Dave's listless behavior broke the Asagi's heart, but he could handle any challenge. He could tackle any hurdle. He'd have Dave healed in no time! And maybe he'd even get rid of that awful FOXDIE virus! No sweat!
Slowly, things changed. Minato attempted to take Dave outside, and was always met with tearful protests. Nightmares resumed, leaving Dave in spasmodic fits of tears. He'd spend most of the day curled into a ball, and broke into sobs whenever winds rustled his curtains. Minato would sometimes hear thuds as he cooked dinner, discovering a spasmodic Dave upon the floor. Showers sent his patient off the deep end, so he switched to baths. Blood was coughed up in pools, screams alerted neighbors on a daily basis, and nights were restless. Minato met police officers not once but twice, due to the concerns of neighbors. Several assumed he was tormenting his house guest, which caused him to be upset-but he didn't show it. Kept everything bottled in.
His academic life was put on hold. His professors supported his endeavor, happily agreeing to put his assignments in limbo. As for his self-made assignment, it would earn him great points in his internship-and push him closer to his desired degree. Professors, friends and even school officials offered to visit his patient, but Minato kindly turned down all offers. Outside entities would definitely set off a fuse. If Dave didn't want to step outside, why would he want to see visitors from the outside? And was Minato in a retelling of 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'?
The Asagi communicated with Hal via AOL windows, referring to him as Otacon. Every time he had an opportunity to use his Blackberry's web service, he used it-and he used it to chat with the otaku. Updates on Dave's condition were always given, and eaten by a tearful hero. If Minato's patient had a particularly good day, or even an 'okay' day, Hal would pretty much wail with joy. If things took a turn for the worse, Hal would break down. It was an emotional time for the otaku, who evidently forfeited his right to a vacation. He promised Minato he'd search for a FOXDIE cure, even though he had tried once before-and sadly resigned himself to defeat. That was his way of paying the Asagi back, even if his second attempt ended in failure.
Minato might have been cheery on the outside, but was deathly exhausted. The pretty picture of invincibility faded, leaving him with the cold winds of reality. His heart was torn, his body was worn-down, and his soul ached feverishly. The days and nights were unpredictable, promising no serenity but delivering chaos. Without a moment's notice, Dave would break out into screams or sobs, wrenching the hair out of his head. At other times he'd become as stiff as a stick, completely frozen. Minato, eyes filled with tears, rushed to revive him-but was met with silence on many occasions. He was only acknowledged after a particularly horrendous nightmare, which Minato never unearthed. A weeping Dave clung to the Asagi, drawing blood with a brutal grip. Minato held him, caressed him and comforted him, softly promising to always remain by his side. From that point on, the two were literally inseparable. If Dave was separated from Minato for more than five seconds, he became antsy. But the Asagi always returned, greeting him with a warm smile.
The weeks were roller coaster rides. Dave would either be a weeping ball of fear, a livid wolf or an extremely affectionate kitten. For a few days on end, the old soldier was the latter. He'd keep himself glued to Minato, watching as he prepared vegetable ramen and stew. He'd draw a warm Asagi into his arms and practically purr, completely happy-and secure. Minato was a blushing mess, especially when the kitten fondled certain areas. At one point he pushed the older male away, frightening him-and breaking two hearts for the remainder of the day. The kitten, defeated and lonely, retreated into a ball. Minato pretty much hated himself for the rest of the day, even though he appeared to be cheerful.
Many days were undeniably rough, but many were also bright. Dave's condition reached an all-time high at one point, brightening not only Minato's heart-but the hearts of a certain family. The old soldier became coherent, regained bits of his old scruffy demeanor, and even agreed to go outside. He acknowledged Hal and Sunny's existences as if they had never been broken apart, recalling their names with infinite pride. He kept himself stuck to Minato, which presented cause for alarm, but the Asagi felt like singing on a daily basis. His life had become a musical, alive with the refreshing melody of happiness.
Dave was obsessive over Minato, snapping at anyone that spoke to him-unless it turned out to be a friend. He was immensely protective of the Asagi, snarling whenever a stranger attempted to engage Minato in conversation. Once the Asagi assured him of his safety, though, things cooled off. The rest of their day was drawn out in the bright colors of joy, sparkling with the innocence of childhood. Hal, Sunny and other friends couldn't have been giddier. Dave's family, Meryl included, could have participated in a musical alongside Minato.
On a wondrously bright day, Dave's condition peaked. He entranced Minato with his smiles, participated in the preparation of meals, and acted with the energy of a twenty year old. He regained his old temperament, flirted with the young Asagi, and volunteered to go grocery shopping. Ignoring a small voice of fear, Minato allowed him to go off on his own. He returned in bright spirits, thankfully. Dinner was happily made, the two happily ate, and both went off to bed. Minato fell asleep with a smile, thinking the sun would actually stay out.
Nothing prepared him for what the future held.
2:30 am.
Something had seized him from his slumber, and it was instantly identified as fear. Sharp, piercing, brutal fear. It was as if a lightning bolt had gone off, alerting him to an endangered reality. The winds whipped at his windowpane, signaling the presence of peril. Wisps of dark amethyst hair were wiped away from azure blue eyes, dampened by sweat. A heart awaited the advent of comforting sounds, but found only thunder. Winds threatened to eradicate his windows, raging as thunder erupted. The storm was the equivalent of his heartbeat, fierce and painfully fast.
Heart pounding, chest heaving, he tossed himself out of bed. He soon departed from his bedroom, lips tightened with an unborn name. Winds poured through windows that were no longer alive, shattered onto a lifeless floor. Bloodied curtains were banners in the wind, elegant but dark. Lightning was his only source of light, brightening a place that had barely emerged from a happy dinner. The living room floor was now a sea of bloodied glass, shining in the intricate darkness.
Face devoid of color, Minato darted throughout the living room. He looked behind the couch, only to find silence. He looked in the kitchen, only to find more bloodied glass. Cabinets had been emptied…streams of blood decorated the refrigerator…and a sea of blood sat at the-
Knife holder.
Shivering, hands snatched the container of knives. Silently, azure blue eyes asked why the container had even been born. They asked why the container had even been purchased, and installed into a place reachable by his patient. The container was soon cast onto the crimson red floor, alienated as a young one took flight. Heart throbbing, amethyst hair moist, he followed a thick trail of blood into his guest's bedroom. He found exactly who he was looking for, but not in the condition he wanted.
"Dave! Dave, stop it! Stop it, Dave!"
Tears flew into azure eyes. Hands gripped at a blade, trying to prevent it from wrenching off more skin. A young one was soon thrown aside, head exploding as it slammed into a wall. Struck with nauseating dizziness, Minato could only watch as the old male dug into himself, carving words into his bloodied body. Once the young one's vision returned, he made out the only two words Dave wrote: 'die' and 'beast'.
All right. I'm going for it.
Taking all consequences into consideration, Minato lunged. He grabbed onto his grunting roommate, who was hellbent on carving more words into his skin. The knife was soon snatched by the Asagi's left hand, and two bodies were soon untangled. Lightning lit up a broken man's face, showing the tears that fell from his heart. Minato's eyes looked back in pain, wanting to comfort the eyes filled with immortal sadness. Gently he wrapped his arms around the old male, whispering soft words of immense warmth.
"Don't cry. Please don't cry anymore. I'm here. I've got you. Please don't cry anymore."
"Where is she?" a puppy asked, eyes melting into Minato's. He wrapped his arms around the Asagi, clinging to him for dear life. "Who?" was the gentle reply.
"Mom. Where is she? Does she want me?"
The Asagi, running his hands through Dave's hair, winced. Hal told him of what happened to Big Mama, evidently learning about if from Dave (who was Snake at the time). "She isn't here anymore," he explained tenderly, as the world was engorged with thunder.
"Dave, she's…she's g-g-gone."
The puppy's grip weakened, but he held on. Shivering, sobbing, he buried his head inside of Minato's chest. Trembling, Minato clasped a hand onto the back of Dave's head. Rain spilled onto silvery white locks, falling from frightened blue eyes. A pulse weakened, arms weakened-
"W-w-will you leave m-m-me too?"
"No. I'm not leaving you, Dave. I told you I'd be with you."
Hands caressed an old legend's body. The scent of damp silver tresses was taken in, inhaled with closed eyes. "Don't go," a forlorn animal whimpered, clinging to his lifeline. His Minato.
"P-p-please d-d-don't leave. If you d-d-do, he'll take me. D-d-don't want that to happen."
"I'm not going anywhere, Dave. Just don't leave me! Hang on! I'm going to save you, all right?! Just hold onto me, dammit! Hold oooooon!"
Five minutes passed. An ambulance sped through dense rain, sirens wailing. Neighbors huddled together, cloaked in rain and fear. Doctors sped by them, rushing through with a stretcher. An agile nurse kicked down a door-
-and found Minato, covered in blood and holding onto a lifeless soldier. She quickly identified the three words he whispered, over and over again.
I love you. I love you. I love you.
"All right! Clear!"
"Don't leave me, Dave. Don't leave me. Please don't leave me."
Hal's heart would break. Sunny's heart would break. The little girl would lose her Epyon. The otaku would be inconsolable. Meryl would lose the man she still loved. He would be responsible for losing Dave's life, after he was entrusted with it.
"One, two, three!"
"Give it another go! There's no response!"
"One, two, three, clear!"
"Hold onto me, Dave. Hold on. Don't let go. I'm right here. Please don't leave."
Don't leave me. Don't leave me. Don't go.
His classmates would probably laugh at him. They'd call him 'weird' for loving such an older man. His professors, regardless of how loving they were, would probably narrow their eyes at him. But-
Dave was no longer his patient. And he had certainly never been just an assignment.
He was Minato's lifeline.
Come back to. Please don't go. I need you. Without you…
I won't be able to breathe.
I'll take care of you. I promise. Just…
"We're still unable to get a response! Begin the CPR!"
Hands pumped a chest-
Hands were folded in prayer, eyes tightened with pain-
A diesel's lights blinded an otaku, and-
"Daaaaaaaaaaave!"
Don't leave me. Please don't leave me.
I love you.
This was composed to ES Posthumus and a rather exciting Globus song. The Globus song hails from equally exciting movie previews. Oh, I wish I could recall the blasted song title! I just purchased it, too! Phooey on me! But as you can probably guess, the Globus song didn't come until the last parts of the tale. Can't you just imagine the awesome Latin (ancient Latin, thanks) playing in the background, its singers raising their voices as Minato urges Dave to 'stay'? Bwee hee hee.
Minato, by the way, was modeled after the Persona 3 protagonist. In the Persona 3 manga, his name is Minato. He bears hair that's a dark shade of purple, has a slender figure, and carries a vivid set of blue eyes.
Don't assault me for the doctor stuff. XD I'm not an expert on the medical field, but I tried to make them as believable as I could. I tried my best!
This was an altered version of Heavenward, a project from 2008. That tale featured Lacey Rockbell, who was modeled after a Fullmetal Alchemist character (Winry Rockbell). I thought of using her for this project, but decided to try something new.
I dedicate this tale to the victims of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I caught sight of a particular victim on tv, and he broke my heart. PTSD is no joke, as it afflicts many-with devastating, heart-wrenching power. As I watched the victim's heart-rending story unfold, I thought of Snake. War doesn't do anyone any favors.
Hopefully, I was able to provide The Big Boss with some inspiration. XD
