Disclamer: I do not own G.I. Joe or South African Airlines. I only own Diana Lewis.
AN: While this may not be my first story, this is the first one that I've ever posted up on here. Originally I was not the biggest fan of the G.I. Joe movie but I really did like Rex/The Doctor/Cobra Commander so my opinion has changed. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is an amazing actor, and cute too. I've decided to start writing this story in hopes to delve deeper into the break down that made Rex into such a monster. I wanted, also, to bring in a wife for two reasons. To have someone to witness it all, someone who changes with him and because of him, and is his sole confidant. And because I'm a romantic at heart. *shrug* I really hope I can dictate this all well and make the story interesting for anyone who stumbles across it and deems it something they wish to read. I hope you chose to review also, since I'd love any input you have.
(Edit: So, I officially have the greatest beta reader ever! She's gone through and edited both this chapter and the last. Her name is Hoodoo and I highly recommend reading her stories.)
I won't stall any longer. I hope you enjoy the first chapter of Till Death Do Us Part.
"Where are you taking me?" asked the petite blond, her hands trying to pry a larger set off her eyes.
The taller man behind her chuckled, lips brushing her ear as he leaned down to whisper. "That's a secret. Aren't you going to let me give you a surprise before heading out of the country tomorrow?" Even from behind her, the man could still picture the pout her lips wore.
They were a young couple, both dressed as though they'd just come from a formal event. The woman was in a stylish, black mermaid dress that swished around her lower legs with each step she took. Behind her, the lanky male wore military blues. All of his medals were pinned neatly on both the lapel of his jacket and his chest. Each wore simple gold bands on their left hand ring fingers.
"I don't want any surprises, unless, of course, it's 'Honey, I'm not being shipped out on some classified mission tomorrow.' But I have a feeling that's not what I'm about to hear, is it?" The wife felt her husband's body press closer to her from behind as he directed her through whatever area they were in. Last she'd seen, it was night and they were at the entrance to the Constitution Gardens. However, her heels were no longer clacking on the cement, so she was lost.
Her husband sighed softly. "As much as I'd love that to be the surprise, I'm afraid it's not. I can give you a hint though... it's where I used run off to when we were younger and I needed to think." He chuckled at the gasp. "Oh yes, I imagine you know what I'm talking about, don't you?"
"You're taking me to your thinking spot? The same spot you told me that you'd have to kill me over if I ever learned the location?" When her husband gave her no response, the wife pushed on. "The same spot where you went when I beat you at the science fair?"
One of the hands over her eyes slid down to her mouth.
"Yes, it is indeed that spot. Now, do you want to see it or not?" He smirked when his wife nodded. "Really? I mean, you were being a bit mean just now when you brought up that science fair. We can both agree that the judging was unfair anyway. What a stupid rule, no parents help allowed. No adult would allow a ten year old access to a blow torch." He chuckled when warm air began to push against his hands from her mouth. "I guess I'll just take you back to the car then and you'll never kn-"
"Richard Lewis!" The wife shouted in mock anger, interrupting his threat. "I swear, if you take me back to the car without sh—oh!"
Her green eyes were finally uncovered, revealing a beautiful sight. The young Lewis couple stood on the slab of land that held the 52 signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial in the middle of the Constitution Gardens pond. Towering above the gardens at a distance was the imposing obelisk of the Washington Monument, lit up by the spot lights placed strategically at the base.
They were deep enough into the wooded area that they couldn't make out the sounds of the city. "Oh Rex."
"Beautiful, eh Diana?" asked Rex. His dark brown hair, which had started out slicked back that evening, was now losing that hold, locks blowing in the wind and brushing his brows. "Though, I will apologize since my thinking spot is not as grand as I made it seem."
Diana turned back, gazing into her husband's dark eyes. "Rex. This is even better than I expected. Thank you." She smiled, wrapping her arms around his middle. "Why show me now?" Her voice was muffled, face pressed to his jacket.
His right shoulder lifted in a half shrug, his left hand running through her long hair. "Well, I was thinking about all those cheesy romantic movies you have me watch with you."
"Hey! Those are good movies!"
"Whatever, Di. Let me finish." Rex pulled away, backing up from his wife. "The guy usually proposes to his girl before going off to war, right? And I know we're already married and all but, let's face it babe, we eloped the night of our high school graduation. That's not really all too romantic. So I wanted to try again.
Originally I was going to do it at the party, but ol' Dukey kinda stole my thunder, so I had to rethink locations, and this was the only place that kept popping into my head."
Rex sighed, lowering himself to one knee. He reached a lightly tanned hand into his pant pocket, pulling out a black box. Opening the box, Rex revealed a gold ring with a small but beautiful diamond set atop it. "Dr. Diana Lewis, would you do me the honor of being my wife? Not to say you aren't already, 'cause obviously you are, but… yeah."
He gave a cheeky grin.
"It'd be my honor to marry you again, Dr. Rex Lewis." Diana grinned, allowing her husband to slip the ring onto her finger. The band made little sound as it pressed against her wedding band. Rex then rose, pulling her into a kiss.
"I'm sorry it's not as beautiful as the ring Duke gave Ana, but I figured you'd like it." His hand rubbed the back of his neck, silently cursing his friend for stealing his idea.
"It's gorgeous, love. Thank you." She kissed him again, hugging him tight. "I'm going to miss you so much." Her words became shaky as she began to cry.
Though Rex was in the military, he'd really only joined to get through college. His parents had cut him off when they discovered he'd married without telling them. Of course he'd been on missions before and he had quite a few medals that proved that, but those assignments had been different.
Though Rex was the science officer of his squadron, on more than one occasion they had been short staffed and he'd been forced to work in the camps as a physician, taking care of the soldiers and some of the civilians in the area. Once he'd even gone behind enemy lines in order to rescue some of his unit, including Conrad "Duke" Hauser and Wallace "Ripcord" Weems. This time, however, it was an entirely classified mission into the war that was going on in Eastern Africa. From what she could get out of Rex, Diana had learned that he'd be doing a reconnaissance mission and he'd be separated from his unit for a good bit of time.
"Diana, please don't cry. Everything will be fine, I swear to you." He tipped her chin, cocking her head back so he could look into the stunning green eyes he loved. "I'll only be gone a week. And just think, when I get back, we can start planning our wedding." Diana smiled, causing Rex to grin. "See babe, I knew I could cheer you up."
Diana shivered, a couple of rain drops landing on her bare shoulders. Rex responded quickly, unbuttoning and removing his blue jacket, leaving him in his white dress shirt and black tie. He then placed his jacket around her shoulders.
"Let's get home," he said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders to keep her close.
The couple proceeded to the parking lot, moving quickly. Their happy laughter echoed throughout the empty park as they were soon drenched in the water that was unleashed from the heavens.
"I'm going to miss you so much Rex," whispered Diana, clinging to her husband, her hands gripping his camouflage fatigues. They were in the Washington Dulles Airport in Sterling, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. This was the only airport in the area that had a direct flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. Unlike the night before, when they been alone, the two were now surrounded by families of the others in Rex's unit who would be flying out that day.
"I'll be fine. One week, that's it." Rex ran a hand calmly through his wife's blond hair. He leaned down and took a deep breath, wanting to memorize her scent. "I need you to do a favor Di. Can I count on you for that?"
Diana pulled back and playfully slapped his chest. "Of course I can, silly. I'd do anything for you."
Rex chuckled, stealing a kiss before slipping his wedding band off his left hand. "Hold on to this, would you?"
He pulled out a golden chain from his pocket proceeded to slip the ring onto the chain then clasp the chain around his wife's neck. Diana, of course, had been expecting this. Leaving his wedding band with her had become a sort of tradition for them. Each time he was shipped out he'd leave the ring with her for safe keeping. And each time he'd return, Diana would unhook the necklace and slip the ring back on to his finger.
"Don't worry Di, I'll make sure nothing happens to Rex," said Duke, walking over to the couple. The tall man ruffled Rex's head, nearly causing his patrol cap to fall off his head.
"Oh, I'm not doubting your ability Duke, don't worry about that," said Diana, hugging her future brother-in-law as his fiancée walked over.
"He better watch my little brother. That was the one condition to our engagement," teased Ana Lewis, the beautiful blonde sister of Rex. She pulled her little brother into a tight hug. "You better stay safe, egg-head. I don't know what Diana will do if anything were to happen."
Rex smiled while hugging his sister back, grinning at Diana. "Oh I'm sure she'll just date one of those cute doctors who work at the hospital with her." He laughed at the look on Diana's face.
"Rex! Don't even joke like that!" Diana punched his shoulder, causing Rex to laugh even more.
"Last call for those boarding South African Airlines flight number 208, Washington, D.C. to Johannesburg, South Africa. I repeat, last call for SAA flight number 208, Washington, D.C. to Johannesburg, South Africa," came a voice over the intercom.
Around the group, wives and children began to sob, holding close to their loved ones.
"Well Di, seems it's time for me to head out. You'll hold onto that for me, won't you?" asked Rex, tapping the ring that hung to the top of Diana's sternum.
His wife couldn't speak, only nodded as she began crying. No matter how many times they'd been through this, it never got any easier for her. Rex collected the petite woman into his arms, burying his face in her hair. He hid tears of his own. "I love you so much, Diana. So very much."
Diana shook, taking in big breaths of air, trying to calm herself down. "I love you too Rex. Forever."
"Come on Doc," said Duke, pulling back from Ana, kissing her forehead. "We better go before we miss our flight."
Rex slowly pulled back, not wanting to leave his wife's safe embrace. He kissed Diana once more. "Goodbye, my sweet Diana." He caressed her cheek.
"Rex, how many times must I tell you? It's never good bye. Only, see you soon." Diana smiled, pulling his hand from her cheek. "You better come back to me. Even if you have to drag your sorry ass across the Atlantic, I better see you again after this! " Diana had to call out the last of this to him because Duke was already dragging Rex away.
"Till death do us part baby!" He gave his cheeky grin once more before handing his ticket to the man scanning them. Then, with one last kiss blown in Diana's direction, Rex Lewis disappeared into the gate, heading towards the airbus and a fate much darker than any could imagine.
AN: I hope you all like it. I'm not sure how fast my updates will be since I'm currently on vacation, but I promise I'll try my best to be fast! Again, I'd really like to hear feedback from anyone willing to give it whether it's constructive or just telling me you like it. Please, no flames though.