Trusted

Unexpected. A fitting word for a creature like you at first sight.

I had no idea what you were doing there. I was in the middle of nowhere, with no one coming for me – I was someone who never went missed. And then you were there. I knew you hadn't been looking for me. Again, unexpected.

Honestly – I still keep this to myself – you frightened me. I'd known your kind in my nightmares; they never offered me a warm welcome, they swarmed in droves, howling for my very life. And you were an emissary of them.

When you didn't attack me, I can't say I was soothed so much as startled. You'd gifted me with new problems to muse over. When I was out of sight would you call for your kin? Would I be greeted not by your solitary presence but by more of your kind who would chase after me, tongues lolling and eyes glazed like blood-lusting beasts consumed with the kill, the kill?

Yet each succeeding day found you alone.

There came a time I knew I could go my own way as I pleased, and still I couldn't just leave you in that condition either. You'd already made your own impression, stamping my mind with your image. I had to see you again, know for sure someone like you existed in this world. Know for certain that I wasn't just deluding myself.

Still, those first few days of company I was still wary of you. I'd never given myself wholly to anyone in so long that no matter how disarming your appearance, I wasn't about to make that exception with you. Not right away.

But you always came back to me. Simple as that, never asking for much and seemingly easy to please. When your smile reached your eyes it was always genuine.

Now when I wasn't with you, I was troubled. But it wasn't for myself this time. I was wondering something completely different. Where were you? Were you safe? When you were in danger, my world teetered on the edge of existence. Relief cooled every worried welt raised when at the end you came out unscathed.

I wonder if I really ever did anything for you. I tried to behave myself around you; I didn't want you to leave me. It was instinctual. I protected you. Though, on more than one occasion I'd say you protected me. You gave me that second chance at life I know I'd never find elsewhere. A whole new set of bright eyes to see the world through. A chance to be enlightened on everything I missed or didn't know before.

You were always perceptive. My face was open to you. Even what I did try to conceal you saw through with uncanny precision. You were reminder of what I had, how fortunate I was. A reminder of that strength I had inside still. Sometimes, just by looking at you, all the pain of the past was washed away. I saw the unease ebb out of your gaze, too. Whatever left that look in those haunted eyes, I wanted to make it go away. I wanted to make it all better.

I suppose I did.

I never wanted to see any harm befall you. Even without saying much, your support was forever palpable. My own number one fan club.

Even now, though you're not physically beside me, your presence is still felt. We are still there for one another.

Heh. We. When did that happen? I'd never thought I'd ever liken myself to someone on your level.

I don't know when the gap vanished. Perhaps it was paved over when closeness was established. Whenever that happened. Like family, one doesn't recount when it started; it just happens. Bit by bit, trust is built and after a while there's this bridge that seemingly appeared in the time it takes for a butterfly to beat its wings. A tacit agreement never to harm the other. A pact for pack, you might call it. I can take your hand and know you won't rebuke it. Or I yours.

Now I see that this little treaty, this trust, goes two ways.