AN: :)

...

Wheatley spent the remainder of the night writing about GLaDOS in his journal. He knew he found her attractive, but now he was convinced there was more too it. That kiss, though only on his cheek, had filled him with a feeling he hadn't felt since he was a boy. It was that feeling that led him to realize something ...He had feelings for Queen GLaDOS. He woke up the next morning tired from lack of sleep, but he didn't care.

He knew everybody was curious about what had put him in such a good mood. But he was afraid if he told them and GLaDOS found out, she'd be upset. She had been in a vulnerable state when she kissed his cheek. He knew she didn't like to look vulnerable. So he kept it to himself, though unable to hide how happy he was. He tried not to let the reality of knowing he'd never have her bring him down. For now, he just wanted to enjoy this feeling.

The King was leaving for another trip in a few days. He said it would be the last one for a while. A part of Wheatley was sad, though. The King obviously didn't appreciate the beautiful Queen and everything he's gained since marrying her. She deserved someone who would truly love her.

Like you?

Wheatley ignored his inner voice. She could never love him. He was simply a jester. Noone worthy of her love. Though he knew there was a part of him that wished he was.

He had attended a few training sessions with Vincent and Chell. It was truly amazing what she was capable of. She loved her gift. She even found a way to communicate through images she'd make out of her powers. Wheatley had been meaning to ask Vincent about that. Once Chell was done with her training, Wheatley pulled Vincent off to the side.

"Hey, can I ask you something?"

Vincent nodded.

"Well, the last time we talked, I asked about Chell being able to speak. You said it remained to be seen. What did you mean by that?"

Vincent crossed his arms. "There is a spell. It's has very powerful healing ability. It's possible that this spell could heal her vocal cords, allowing her to speak. However, it's not guarenteed."

Wheatley's eyes grew wide. "Do you know how to do this spell?"

Vincent shook his head. "I do not. The only people who know how to do that spell are the members of the underground mages council. Rare magical ingrediants are required to do it. However, they won't do a spell like that unless it's an emergancy situation. Unfortunately, Chell is not in any life treatening danger."

Wheatley's heart sank. "Oh."

Vincent put a hand on Wheatley's shoulder. "I know how you feel. It's hard to see her, knowing there's a way that could very well help her situation, and not be able to do anything about it."

Wheatley nodded. He agreed. It sucked.

...

A few days later, the King was leaving for his trip. The Queen had gone down to the docks to see him off, like she always did. Wheatley stood nearby as she gave him a goodbye kiss. It angered Wheatley that he could stand there and pretend to love her. He didn't let his anger show, however. After the ship set sail and was out of sight, the Queen started the walk back to the castle. Wheatley followed close behind her. He looked towards the sky and noticed the clouds were getting dark.

Hopefully we'll get back before it rains.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a dark figure in the trees. The next few seconds seemed to go by in slow motion. He saw the figure raise what looked like a bow. Wheatley instictively pushed GLaDOS back as the arrow hit him in his shoulder. As he hit the ground he heard the guards begin rushing to protect GLaDOS as well as find the source of the arrow. He could feel hot burning pain spreading from the arrow. Two guards lifted Wheatley off the ground. The last thing Wheatley remembered seeing was GLaDOS's fearful face looking back at him. Then everything went black.

...

At first, everything was a blur. All he could make out was some colors and light. After some effort, his eyes began to focus. GLaDOS was standing next to the bed he was lying in. Wheatley couldn't help but smile a little when he saw her.

"I'm honored your here my Queen."

GLaDOS looked at him, upon realizing he was awake.

"Wheatley. Your awake." She pulled up a chair next to the bed and sat down.

He wanted to know what she was doing here, but figured he'd ruin his good fortune if he did. So he thought of something else to ask instead.

"Did they find the guy who shot the arrow?"

GLaDOS shook her head. "No, they did not."

"Do they know what kind of arrow it was? Because I remember it burning right after I was hit."

"It was dipped in some kind of poison. You almost didn't make it." He swore there was a small crack in her voice.

Wheatley felt his heart stopped for a brief second.

I almost DIED?!

GLaDOS continued to speak. "Luckly the physician was able to save you." He could see her eyes were glossed over with tears she wouldn't let fall.

Wheatley didn't know if it was whatever medicine the physican had given him, or if it was the fact he knew he almost died, but he couldn't stop himself.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say your presence here means you actually care about me." He gave her a smile.

Surprisingly, she lightly blushed and gave a small smile of her own. "Might want to keep that to yourself. I have a reputation to uphold you know."

Wheatley gave a slight chuckle, then winced in pain.

"Careful. You need take it easy so you can recover fully."

He gave her a small nod.

"Well now that you have woken up, I'm going to return to my duties. You be sure to follow the physican's orders, Wheatley. That's a royal order." She gave another small smile.

He returned the smile. "You have my word, my Queen."

...

Wheatley spent the next week in bed recovering. Eliza and the kids would come in and out throughout the day to visit. Much to his pleasure, GLaDOS made time to come see him everyday as well. She'd ask him how he was doing and she'd update him on the progress (or lack thereof) the guards had made in locating the assassin. She was frustrated, as was Wheatley. Someone tried to extinquish the light in GLaDOS's eyes. He wanted that person brought to justice.

The light in her eyes? When did you become a romantic?

He ignored the voice, which had been annoying him with things like that everytime she come to see him. His feelings for her felt so much stronger when she was here. He'd fought the urge to reach out and hold her hand on several occasions.

On one particular visit, Vincent came in to see him.

Upon seeing the young man, GLaDOS stood. "Well, it seems you have company and I must return to my duties anyway."

She left the room.

...

Standing outside the door, GLaDOS listened to Wheatley talk to Vincent. They were talking about Chell.

"How is her training coming along?"

"Very well. She's looking forward to showing you what she's learned when you get out of here. She can already manipulate small flames now."

Talented, just like her mother. GLaDOS thought.

Suddenly she heard Wheatley say something that really caught her attention.

"I'm so glad she found her own unique "voice" if you will. This is so much easier than guessing. Though I wish we could get the mages council to fix her actual voice."

GLaDOS listened as Vincent agreed it was a shame.

Unique voice, huh?

She just might have to add writing a letter on her list of things to do today.

...

He was pissed.

That damn jester.

If it hadn't been for him, he would have hit his target. He'd have to lay low for a while before attempting it again. Word is the jester survived. That means the Queen would have too. He'll have to resort to plan B.

Luckly, nobody had a clue how close he actually was.

He took a drag on his cigar as he watched Vincent trim up the trees.

Soon, dear Queen. Soon.

...

Reviews are always welcome.