Warnings: None really. Each chapter is startling short and is merely
a very small glimpse into the lives of the GW ppl. Every chapter signifies
a new person and all of these are serious and at times even a tad angsty.
When I wrote these I was trying to visually a realistic view of what they
could be doing. I'm posting this because it's been sitting in my hard drive
for awhile now and I thought 'what the hell' so, hope ya enjoy and I'd
greatly appreciate reviews ^_^
Afterwards
Chapter Three
Berets…
The TV's on, the sound is down
One long pause, then you begin, oh look what the cat's brought in
"Hunter" Sung by Dido Written by: D. Armstrong & R. Armstrong
Taxes. Refunds. Receipts. Orders. Hilde Schbeicker riffled through it all
as she chewed on the end of a very abused pencil. She frowned slightly
and pulled the pencil out of her mouth to mark off a price. An amused smile
played at the corners of her lips as she caught sight of the smiley face
drawn in the corner of the order form. Duo's handiwork, she was sure.
The shop seemed oddly empty without the sound of the braided American's
loud curses as he frantically sought out a receipt. He was so disorganized,
it was astounding. Even after all these years the messes he could make
shocked her more and more. She sighed and glanced at the clock. Duo had
left to meet a contact of theirs.
Nine years they had been partners… Four years, lovers… Four years. Her
friends couldn't understand why they didn't marry, but it just wasn't a
subject either felt truly comfortable with. She knew Duo had a fear of
commitment… Not because he didn't want to get married, but because the
closer he became attached, the more paranoid he became that Death was waiting
around the corner for his loved one. Hilde had lost her own family years
back during the Eve war and feared the loss of complete control of her
life… Feared sharing it completely with another. What if they hurt her?
What if she lost them? What if…
But they were both such cheerful people that no one saw underneath it all…
They didn't really want to see. For awhile, they had both worn their masks
and tried to hide any pain they felt from the wars… She'd lost herself
in her work while Duo had begun drinking.
A workaholic and a drunk.
It hadn't taken long for her to realize Duo had a problem and he had quickly
pointed out her own. Together counseling was agreed on…
Things had happened behind those psychiatrist's doors that Hilde would
never forget… And some things she wished she could.
Both had worked out most of their problems, but the fear of losing another
loved one was too much for even daily sessions to heal. It just couldn't
be done. They both knew for a fact that love didn't keep someone alive.
They knew it and it scared them both.
So, marriage wasn't mentioned and an opening for either to bolt was left
open…
Hilde stared at her hand and tried to imagine a glittering ring on that
ink-smudged finger. It was surprisingly very easy to accomplish. She sighed
again and shook her head. The thought of losing Duo was an almost physical
stab to the heart… Had they gone too far?
She feared that she at least had… If she lost Duo…
God… The very thought made her stomach clench and tears well up. He was
her best friend, lover, confidant, business partner… He was Duo.
The door slammed shut and she raised her eyes to watch as he walked toward
her, whistling happily.
Marriage… What did it matter?
Hilde grinned impishly at Duo.