Spoilers: Nothing past 35, I suppose.

Summary: David reflects on the importance of a certain doctor who is now gone from his life.


Truly, he had taken her for granted.

On that day in Paris, just before Solomon had appeared, Lewis had spoken to him.

If you've bought Julia a souvenir from Paris, I'd be happy to deliver it.

David had had no use for such notions. Souvenirs from Paris. There were so many more important things to worry about. So, he disregarded Lewis' prodding, just as he had ignored her intentionally subtle fishing for compliments in Vietnam.

She hadn't been there when Red Shield had fallen. She hadn't been there waiting after the escape from the inferno that had once been his entire world. She hadn't been there when he discovered what it felt like to be so alone.

Without Red Shield, he had no purpose, and it had been easy to fall into despair and alcohol.

Sometimes, when he drank, it was to forget about past wars and fallen comrades.

Sometimes, it was to forget about the horrors that he had witnessed—and committed—in his lifetime.

Sometimes, it was to forget the looks of disdain and pity that Lewis and Kai burdened him with.

Sometimes, when he drank, it was to forget her.

Sometimes, though, he tried to remember. Sometimes, he tried to imagine her, what she was doing, the success she must be achieving.

When he had begun to fight once more, he realized for himself a truth that Julia had spoken during a long car ride in Russia.

Man cannot live on strength alone.

Back then, he had relied only on the strength of his contributions to Red Shield. He had tried to deny all ties and live solely for the mission.

Now, he relied on the very people he had tried to push away. Now, together, they were a strong force, even though they were so few.

And only now, when she was on longer at his side, did he realize how important it was that she be there.


A/N: I'm mostly happy about this, but some things seem a bit awkward. The scene in episode 39 where David returns Julia's pen actually what inspired the whole thing, but the story seemed to be about older memories, not newer meetings.

It seems I can only write reflective pieces for Blood+, even though this is the first time I've written David. I guess it's just my way of appreciating the series. I hope you've enjoyed!

Random aside: It is so stupid, but I just can't get Diva's song out of my head! Augh!