Lance woke up to a head that felt like his Lion had sat on it, and a mouth like yesterday's ashtray. A trip to his bathroom later, he was human enough to leave his rooms and make the daily trek to MedTech. The fight with Keith, the bombshell from Red and Black . . . he'd thought them all over in the shower, and come to a hard decision. As he walked down the corridor, he could feel Red's disapproval at the back of his mind, as well as Black's. You both know it has to be this way, he thought in irritation. Keith is my husband; he needs me. And as much as I enjoy flying, enjoy my bond with you . . . we all know that I'm getting a bit long in the tooth for a combat pilot. You'd have to replace me in a few years anyway.
You are not even thirty years old, Red countered sharply. I have had pilots twice your age! You have an obligation, you made vows!
Lance stopped dead, darting into an empty reception room. I know my damned age. I also know the damage I've taken, Red! My leg hasn't been the same since that last battle, my reflexes aren't what they were . . . and on the subject of obligations and vows, what about mine to Keith? Let's be completely honest here; it will kill me to leave you, you know that. But I know you will find another, have already been looking unless I miss my guess. I'm all Keith's got. If I don't take care of him, he'll end up warehoused in a Garrison nursing home. But more than that . . . it's not just obligation. In spite of everything that's happened, all the changes in him, he's still my dorogoi, and I still love him with all that I have, am, and ever will be.
Well spoken, and well-reasoned, Black rumbled. Our apologies, Fireheart; we had to be certain. It is rare enough to release a Bond in a case like StormSoul's; to release yours, when you yourself are healthy and young? We have never done so before now.
Wait, WHAT? Lance groped for a chair as his legs gave way. You're going to let me go? Just like that?
Red chuckled. It is a Bond, not a prison sentence, Fireheart. And though neither Alpha nor I relish the thought of losing you . . . as you say, StormSoul needs you more. And you need him.
I . . . I don't know what to say. The relief was overwhelming Lance; he had been going crazy, trying to figure out a way to manage both of his obligations and finding no solution. Oh gods, Red. . . Black . . . thank you.
You are most welcome, Fireheart. Black's voice was amused. Now, go to your mate. Much do you have to work out between you, and your path is a long and difficult one.
Lance sagged in his chair, fighting the wave of despair and frustration that overwhelmed him at Black's words. I know. Gods, do I know. I've been patient for two years; I was hoping . . . never mind. Just one more damned thing this FUCKING war cost us.
*And one more thing I am not willing to allow, Lance Charles of Clan McClain.* The light from the window flared painfully; when Lance's vision cleared, a winged woman was silhouetted against the still bright window. *Much have you and your beloved sacrificed for this galaxy; I cannot restore all, but I can restore some of what was.*
"Re-restore? Restore what?" Hope warred with skepticism in Lance's heart. "Can you make Keith talk again? Give him his body back?" Please, he thought desperately, closing his eyes. I love him as he is, I always will, but. . . I'd give anything to have SOME of what he used to be. To have him at least remember he loves me.
Cool fingers brushed his hair from his forehead, and he felt his connection to Keith ease from its near-constant twisting. *So much am I not permitted, and in truth lack the power to accomplish,* the voice whispered, the mourning in it bringing Lance to the verge of tears. *But this much is within my scope, at least.* The fingers stilled on Lance's temple, and warmth spread over his body from the touch. *Let the Bond that was be restored; let love be renewed once more.*
A wave of anger and frustration washed over Lance, followed by despair and loneliness. His eyes flew open as he realized . . . "Keith," he breathed, the threatened tears becoming reality as the Bond with Keith resolved itself. "Oh, gods, dorogoi . . ." He looked up at the woman. "You—you gave him back to me. I don't know how, or why, or what it'll cost me later, but thank you!" Without another word, or waiting for a response, Lance jumped up, kissed her soundly, and then flew out of the room as though chased.
Brigid—for Brigid of Ireland she was, summoned by Lance's Celtic blood—stared bemusedly after her young warrior, one hand going to her lips. No mortal had acted so with her in millennia! An ethereal snickering brought her out of her daze to see two of the Guardian spirits—no, Lions—sitting beside her, looking between her and the door. And laughing their tails off. *Forgive us, Holy One,* the Red spirit finally managed. *But—your face!*
The Black spirit sobered quickly at Brigid's scowl. *We should have warned you, Divine. Fireheart is . . . most exuberant. And you restored what he thought lost forever.*
Brigid shook off her foul humor and laughed. *No harm, and I well understand. Watch over them, my children.* And with that she was gone, still smiling and touching her lips.
In the meantime, Lance had sprinted for Medtech, slowing only to apologize to the random people he ran into. After what felt like forever, he burst into Keith's room, finding his husband sitting at the window. "Keith? Dorogoi?" he whispered, almost afraid that it had all been a dream.
The black-haired former captain turned towards him, a soft smile lighting his face. "Lance. . . Koibito. . ." the smile faded as he held out his good hand; Lance came and sat beside him, holding his immobile left hand. "I remember now. I'm so, so sorry. . ." He reached up and touched Lance's bruised jaw with gentle fingers. "Can you ever forgive me? I wouldn't blame you if you didn't."
"Shhh. . ." Lance slipped his arms around Keith, pulling him into a firm embrace that Keith returned one-handed, then kissed him gently. "Of course I do; there's nothing to forgive. I love you, Keith Akira. We'll be all right."
