"Channel Surfing"
Doctor Strangelove

A note to my usual readers (Jinako-chan, I mostly mean you), this is a story that's all about Marco and Ax together. But it is not slash. You've been warned. If you don't like non-slash then don't bother flaming, just hit the back button and go read something else. Oh, and dedicated to the lovely and talented Patricia. It's not humor, but it's for you.


"What do you wanna watch?"

It doesn't matter to me.

Marco and Ax sat in silence for a few more seconds as Ax flipped through the channels, searching for a program to watch. He passed by show after show after show. Nothing seemed to acquire his usually easily placated palate. So, he continued to click the button on his remote, passing show after show after show after-

"Would you just pick a damn show already!?" Marco suddenly shouted. Ax quickly stopped focusing on the television and averted all four of his eyes. Marco ran a hand through his hair and mentally calmed himself down. "Sorry," he whispered.

It's okay.

Neither said anything else before Marco broke the silence. "What about The Young and the Restless?"

It's not on for another twenty-three minutes.

Marco groaned dramatically. "Well that sucks. What else is on? Some delightful daytime talk show?" He suddenly perked up. "Hey, there could be midgets. What do you say?"

Ax did not appear to be amused. Marco, he whispered.

Marco, however, was getting even more excited. "I know! These messages! There's always some of those on!"

Marco. Ax stated very firmly.

"Ax, don't." Marco said, suddenly losing his cheerful demeanor. But it quickly returned. "Hey, there's gotta be something for us to watch."

Okay. Ax conceded and turned the channel. The Price Is Right?

"Middle-aged housewives pricing groceries to win a new car? My kind of game." Marco's smile suddenly dropped. "You're bleeding."

No, I'm not.

"Ax, yes, you've got blood on your fur!"

I know. Ax's eyes turned away, seemingly in shame. It's not mine.

"Oh. Okay then."

And so the two watched for several more minutes before Marco whispered, "I'm sorry I snapped at you earlier."

It's fine.

"It's just... it was a tough battle and-"

It's fine. Ax said again.

"Okay. But you know-"

Marco. Ax said in a somewhat warning tone.

"It's just that..." Marco stammered, his voice starting to crack.

Marco, it's fine. Ax said again, pleadingly.

Marco stared at Ax for moments, trying but unable to hold back the few tears rolled down his cheek. "They got Cassie."

Ax nodded. I know, but-

"No, they... We didn't stop them and they..." Marco was nearly in hysterics by now.

Ax, was doing his best to remain composed. No, Marco, you have to-

Marco suddenly calmed. "Have to what? Stay calm? Stay rational? I'm calm, I'm rational.

"We let them take her." He stated, his voice cold and menacing.

Marco. Ax said, attempting to be the voice of reason.

"What? You telling me I'm wrong?"

Ax didn't answer.

And then, There was no other option.

Marco sniffled and wiped away his tears. "I know. I know.

"But, Ax... she's gone."

Ax focused all four of his eyes on Marco, and Marco stared right back. To outsiders, it would've appeared to be two lovers looking into each other's eyes. But what it truly was, was an understanding. A shared thought that war has all sorts of casualties, but you can't hold onto them. You have to find a way to continue, because soldiers have to keep fighting. They have to find the will to carry on.

Because if they don't...

Their eyes locked for mere seconds, and then they fell away. The two sitting in silence.

The Young and the Restless is on.

"Yeah, okay, let's watch."