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Gohen: Redemption

Beta: Ilye, Fimbrethiel

prologue

It is raining. It always rains here.

I shelf another book and proceed with the next. Several new additions to add this week, and I wonder how Marcus is fairing. Leaving him alone in the apartment is never a good idea; the guy doesn't sleep much, and he can sure make a mess.

A mess I have to clean up.

The phone rings and I sigh in exasperation. The fates enjoy annoying me, I think. I rush to the front counter, picking up the portable telephone.

"Seattle Antique Books, this is Vincent. How can I help you?"

I write down the name of the book the young woman is looking for, adding her name and her phone number to the note. No, we do not have that in stock, I inform her, but I will be happy to let her know should a copy come into my possession. No, I do not have anything 'in the back'... there is no 'in the back'!

She hangs up as I promise once more to call when the book comes in.

I return to my shelves, placing the books in the correct sections. It is not a large shop, my bookstore. But, it is mine. I feel at peace around the ancient tomes, even if Marcus thinks I have lost my mind. 'Books! All you do is read your books!' he usually exclaims when he finds me in the old, overstuffed chair by the window in our apartment. And I invariably roll my eyes, pick up my mug of hot tea, and return to my book.

For someone so educated, Marcus hates books.

He says he hates history.

I say he is afraid of history.

We avoid the topic of books unless he is poking fun at me while I read. Which I allow; it amuses me when he does it.

I put the last book up and look out of the windows at the front of the store. It's still raining, but the light has left the sky. Almost time to close up for the day.

I hear his footsteps coming down the stairs that connects our apartment to my little haven of history. His grey eyes meet mine, and he smiles. He is beautiful when he smiles.

"Are you done with your books?" he asks, brushing long, dark locks back from his shoulders.

"Yes, I am," I reply coolly.

He rests on the counter, watching me finish up for the day. "Will you come with me?"

"Later."

He sighs and cups my cheek with his hand, bringing our lips together for a brief kiss. "Then I will see you later, love."

I smile and nod. "Yes. After ten."

"Ok." He slips on his duster and picks up an umbrella. "Be careful, Erestor. Drive safely."

I nod again. "I will. I love you, Maglor." It is a phrase I do not say too often, but it feels right tonight. He winks at me as he steps out into the Seattle night, head bent and umbrella up.


	Navigation multi-story arcs next		Gohen: Redemption Beta: Ilye, Fimbrethiel prologue It is raining. It always rains here. I shelf another book and proceed with the next. Several new additions to add this week, and I wonder how Marcus is fairing. Leaving him alone in the apartment is never a good idea; the guy doesn't sleep much, and he can sure make a mess. A mess I have to clean up. The phone rings and I sigh in exasperation. The fates enjoy annoying me, I think. I rush to the front counter, picking up the portable telephone. "Seattle Antique Books, this is Vincent. How can I help you?" I write down the name of the book the young woman is looking for, adding her name and her phone number to the note. No, we do not have that in stock, I inform her, but I will be happy to let her know should a copy come into my possession. No, I do not have anything 'in the back'... there is no 'in the back'! She hangs up as I promise once more to call when the book comes in. I return to my shelves, placing the books in the correct sections. It is not a large shop, my bookstore. But, it is mine. I feel at peace around the ancient tomes, even if Marcus thinks I have lost my mind. 'Books! All you do is read your books!' he usually exclaims when he finds me in the old, overstuffed chair by the window in our apartment. And I invariably roll my eyes, pick up my mug of hot tea, and return to my book. For someone so educated, Marcus hates books. He says he hates history. I say he is afraid of history. We avoid the topic of books unless he is poking fun at me while I read. Which I allow; it amuses me when he does it. I put the last book up and look out of the windows at the front of the store. It's still raining, but the light has left the sky. Almost time to close up for the day. I hear his footsteps coming down the stairs that connects our apartment to my little haven of history. His grey eyes meet mine, and he smiles. He is beautiful when he smiles. "Are you done with your books?" he asks, brushing long, dark locks back from his shoulders. "Yes, I am," I reply coolly. He rests on the counter, watching me finish up for the day. "Will you come with me?" "Later." He sighs and cups my cheek with his hand, bringing our lips together for a brief kiss. "Then I will see you later, love." I smile and nod. "Yes. After ten." "Ok." He slips on his duster and picks up an umbrella. "Be careful, Erestor. Drive safely." I nod again. "I will. I love you, Maglor." It is a phrase I do not say too often, but it feels right tonight. He winks at me as he steps out into the Seattle night, head bent and umbrella up.