[And God, those words are a balm to Guriel's spirit, because even if so much of what they've had and done is lost in the jumble of broken fragments the shots made of Ben's memory, that's still there, Zev's still there, and they can get by on that much.]Love you, oh I love you, I'm so sorry, I tried to stop him and I wasn't quick enough and I love you so much, I won't let Them hurt you or take you, I promise I promise . . .
Love you too, Guriel. Even if I can't remember your name or mine, I remember that. And fuck anyone who tries to break that bond. We'll fight Them, every inch of the way.
And if there's anything else I know, it's that you and I are good at fighting.
[Guriel huffs out a tear-choked laugh at that.] Yes we are. And I won't ever, ever stop fighting for you, Ben, this is our home and you're my Pack, you and Zev, and They have to kill me if They want to take you away from me.
Had to've been tough. Don't know that I wouldn't've cracked if it was reversed. [Stroking the wing is a go again.] It's good that we've got each other's backs, though, Guriel. And you can rest now. I'll watch over you, okay?
Zev'll watch me. We'll be okay for a few hours. I won't go back to sleep until you wake up again. We'll trade off until we figure out what the new "normal" is for us.
[Guriel takes a deep breath. This is what he missed most, all these weeks, this is what he's been terrified of never having again; this sense that someone else can take care of him, that the weight of everything doesn't have to rest on his shoulders alone.
And maybe . . . maybe he can do this, so long as once in a while he doesn't have to be the invincible one.]
[Ben nods and keeps up the wing grooming, because this right here is the most natural thing in the world and it feels right.] Good. I gotcha, Guriel. [A nudge from inside.]
Wouldn't have offered if I didn't think it'd be all right, or if I wasn't okay with it. He wants you. A lot. [And without further ado, as easy as putting on a new pair of jeans, he Changes.
Of course, he'd forgotten that he's the size of a Shetland pony when he's wolfed. His pajamas are insta-shredded, and he's left standing on the bed, semi-embarrassed, while strips of flannel waft down.
His embarrassment only lasts an instant, though, as Zev falls on Guriel and gives him a rather thorough face-licking.] Oh, little brother, I missed you.
[And hey, Guriel thought he had cried himself out, but apparently he was wrong about that -- but this time he's weeping with pure relief and utter joy, and he wraps himself around Zev and buries his face in the wolf's fur.] Oh, Zev, oh, God, Zev, I missed you, missed you so much, thought I'd never see you again, oh, thank God, so very glad to see you . . .
[Zev is very happy right now. Wild swings in the tail section.] I'm not sure where I live, in here. Certainly the moon would have Changed us, but whether it would have been me or the Predator or just... unconsciousness, is an open question.
[Guriel chokes out a sound that's not quite either a laugh or a sob.] I prayed and prayed, Zev, I begged Him not to take you away from us, I'm so glad, I'm so glad He listened.
He stares around, frowning.] Where am I?
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And if there's anything else I know, it's that you and I are good at fighting.
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We've got each other, Guriel. Anything else is secondary. No matter what. Okay? [He tightens his arms and presses his cheek against Guriel's hair.]
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And maybe . . . maybe he can do this, so long as once in a while he doesn't have to be the invincible one.]
Okay.
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I. Uh. Would you like Zev?
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Of course, he'd forgotten that he's the size of a Shetland pony when he's wolfed. His pajamas are insta-shredded, and he's left standing on the bed, semi-embarrassed, while strips of flannel waft down.
His embarrassment only lasts an instant, though, as Zev falls on Guriel and gives him a rather thorough face-licking.] Oh, little brother, I missed you.
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I missed you so much.
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