Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Fandom: G.I. Joe A Real American Hero (Marvel)
Rated: G
Category: Double drabble. Storm Shadow POV. Angst, friendship, implied mild/pre Snake Eyes/Scarlett.
Setting: During Silent Interlude (issue #21).
Spoilers: General Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow back story, general for Silent Interlude.
Summary: Despite everything, Snake Eyes is still Storm Shadow's brother. And Storm Shadow has always kept an eye on his brother – and those around him. What then might he know of Scarlett?
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You don't know me, but I know you.
More than you know.
Because the cliché is true.
Actions really do speak louder than words.
And I've seen you in the field.
Enough to know not to underestimate you.
I've seen you with him, too.
Or more importantly, him with you.
Enough to know not to underestimate your value.
Because he's never let anyone near him. He's never lingered. An unintentional touch during gear check led to a step back, not a hesitation. And he's never had a partner in the field. Not since Nam. Not since his sister.
It's this, not orders from a lunatic, that stays my hand.
Because despite everything, he is still my brother. And I see what you are to him, even if you do not. I see him healing, just a bit, and I wish it didn't have to be this way. I wish I could heal with him, as much as that is possible for men like us.
I also wish you hadn't bitten me.
But if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
So I do what I must, and my hand throbs.
But at least now I know what he sees in you.