[lina x gourry; pg] Wind Beneath My Wings Title: Wind Beneath My Wings Author:emilie_burns Fandom: The Slayers Pairing: Lina/Gourry Rating: PG Wordcount: 1768 Warnings: Maybe there should be something here... Disclaimer: The Slayers are owned by Hajime Kanzaka; Rui Araizumi; Kadokawa Shoten; TV TOKYO; SOFTX; Marubeni. "Wind Beneath My Wings" is by Bette Midler. Notes: Written for yuuo for Christmas, 2002. And why yes, I am evil, thank you for noticing. Summary:She knew why she risked the entire world and everyone on it when faced with Phibrizo. A world that existed without Gourry wasn't a world where she wanted to live.
Wind Beneath My Wings
The late afternoon sun cast a blanket of lazy warmth over everything. A light, slightly cool breeze kept the temperature from being intolerably stuffy. As it drifted into the room, Lina could smell the sweet fragrance of sun-warmed grapes from Zefielia's vineyards.
She could hear the babbling drone of voices gathered outside, just past her range of discerning actual words. Perhaps she could have made out some of what was being said if she tried, but none of it felt very important to her.
Lina was home now, older and wiser. She had discovered more in her travels than just new friends, new spells, new food, and new ways to defeat Mazoku to bring glory to her name. She had discovered herself.
The sunbeams warmed whatever it touched, but Lina stayed well away from the windows, in the shadows, where it was cooler. She had faced Shabranigdo, she had fought Gaav, she had defeated Phibrizo and Dark Star, so why was the prospect of going forward leaving her breathless in fear?
Gourry. Through the worst of everything, he had always been there. The swordsman-turned-protector had stood by her against Shabranigdo, and he hadn't even known her that well. Lina wasn't certain if they'd have a chance at defeating him. It had taken a spell with the power to destroy the entire world. But as far as she knew, his confidence in her never faltered.
Silly jellyfish. Lina ducked her head, closing her eyes tightly against the sting of tears.
It must have been cold there In my shadow, To never have sunlight On your face. You were content to let me shine, (That's your way.) You always walked a step behind.
She was renowned across the known world now. If Lina hadn't made a name for herself with Shabranigdo and Phibrizo, her fame was set for life with the spectacular defeat of Dark Star.
Funny how her biggest triumph felt strangely like losing the war.
It wasn't until a few days later that everything hit. Out of everyone she'd battled, deep down, she never wanted to fight Valgaav. Deep down, she understood where his rage originated. Deep down, she was thoroughly sickened by the actions of the Golden Dragons.
Deep down, she wept. It had to be done, but that didn't make it easier.
Lina supposed she shouldn't have been surprised when Gourry noticed that she was unusually pensive that night. Even though he would act like such a pudding-for-brains at times, the jellyfish was also remarkably perceptive when he chose to be.
He had just led her to his room at the inn, and put his arm around her shoulders, talking loudly about nothing in particular. Loud enough to drown out her muffled sobs if anyone would be eavesdropping at the keyhole.
She was Lina Inverse. Dramata. Dragon Slayer. Bandit Killer. She had a reputation to consider, and for anyone to see the tears, it would tarnish it.
Anyone but Gourry.
The next day, and from that day forward, he never again mentioned that moment of weakness. They returned to their comfortable routine.
That meant more to Lina than even she fully realized at the time. Someone to turn to, no questions asked, no strings attached.
I was the one With all the glory, While you were the one With all the strength. Only a face without a name (For so long.) I never once heard you complain.
Lina didn't admit to herself how she felt for the longest time. Not really, not completely. She knew why she risked the entire world and everyone on it when faced with Phibrizo. A world that existed without Gourry wasn't a world where she wanted to live.
By then, he was her constant companion. As annoying as he could be at times, he was still the most stable constant in her life. At times, she found herself beginning to envy his happy-go-lucky personality, especially on the nights when her worries and fears dogged her every step.
She caught her reflection in the polished metal mirror on the wall, and grimaced. Her face was pale, too pale under the tan, and the skin around her mouth and eyes were tight with care.
Right then, she wanted nothing more than to be more like Gourry. He wouldn't be fearing the future, all the changes, all the room for mistakes that lay ahead the way she was at that moment.
But as terrifying as it was to step forward, it was worse to remain where she was. Her life wouldn't be the same without him.
Did you ever know That you're my hero, And everything I would like to be? I can fly higher than an eagle, For you are the wind beneath my wings.
A knock at the door cut through her thoughts so suddenly that Lina gasped in surprise.
"Miss Lina?" Amelia said through the wood. "It's almost time. Are you ready?"
Lina drew in a deep, steadying breath. "Almost, Amelia. I'll be out in a few minutes."
"Okay."
There was a lengthy pause, but Lina didn't hear any footsteps departing.
"Miss Lina?" Amelia said again.
"Yes, Amelia?"
"Do you need me?"
Lina bit her lip. "I'm okay, Amelia," she replied. No, I don't need you, she thought to herself. I need Gourry.
It might have appeared To go unnoticed, But I've got it all here In my heart. I want you to know I know the truth; (For so long.) I would be nothing without you.
"Okay, Miss Lina."
Instead of departing footsteps, Lina heard a sure, crisp stride approaching the door.
"Is she in there?" she heard her mother ask.
"Yes, she said she'll be out in a few minutes," Amelia replied.
Another knock, two brief sharp raps to get her attention. "Lina," her mother said, "everyone's here and seated. We're waiting for you."
"I know. Just... I just need... I'm almost ready," Lina called out, hugging herself tightly.
Footsteps departed, but only one pair. A light tread. Amelia.
"Where is our daughter?" she heard her father say.
"She's almost ready."
"Everyone's wondering where she is."
"Hush, dear. If everyone has to wait a few more moments, it won't be the end of the world."
If only they knew how close the end of the world came to being reality, they wouldn't find her mother's words so humorous.
Did you ever know That you're my hero? You're everything I wish I could be. I could fly higher than an eagle, For you are the wind beneath my wings.
The latch moved and the door swung open. Startled, Lina turned away, putting her hands over her eyes, discreetly wiping at any excess moisture which kept threatening to gather there.
"Lina?"
"Yes, Mom?"
"Do you love him?"
Damn her. The moisture not only welled up in her eyes, it tumbled down her cheeks as the dam threatened to crack. "More than anything," she whispered, her voice breaking.
"Then you can do this." Her mother's tone was gentle, but firm. She felt two soft hands resting on her shoulders.
"I'm scared," Lina whispered, her voice barely audible even to herself.
"I know you are, dear. Change can be a scary part of life, whether it's for good or for bad. But you've grown up into a capable woman, Lina. You can face this fear, and conquer it, like you've conquered all the others."
Did I ever tell you You're my hero? You're everything, Everything I wish I could be. Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle, For you are the wind beneath my wings, 'Cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
"All the others, I had Gourry with me going into them."
"You still have him, Lina, right here, right this very moment. He's a part of who you are now." Her mother gave her an impulsive, quick hug. "Everyone's waiting, dear. It's time."
"I wish I could stop time until I feel ready."
"Putting things off never made anything easier, Lina," her mother said. "Once you get out there, you'll wonder what took you so long."
Lina drew in a deep breath and checked her reflection. "Do I look okay?"
"You look lovely. You've grown up into such a beautiful woman, Lina."
Oh, the wind beneath my wings. You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings. Fly, fly, fly away. You let me fly so high. Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings. Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
So, it was time at last. She almost faltered, then realized she couldn't leave Gourry up there alone. It wouldn't be fair to him.
Besides, she wanted to be with him. Forever.
Her throat went dry as she saw him, and her knees threatened to give way and embarrass her in front of everyone. They were all watching her. Damnit. She hated being stared at. Why did they have to watch her? She didn't look at them, didn't look at anyone but Gourry as she walked down between the rows of chairs.
Her mother was right. What had taken her so long to get out here? She wanted nothing more at that moment than to be near him.
Finally, she reached the front of the crowd, and held out her hand, touching his, staring at him. He was pale, so pale. But his lips were curled in the tiniest of smiles, and her heart began to melt as she squeezed his hand.
A voice broke through her thoughts, startling her out of her reverie, and she turned her attention to the man standing by them.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here together today to celebrate the marriage of Gourry and Lina. True marriage is more than joining the bonds of marriage of two persons. In its right relation, it's the uniting of two souls already attuned to each other. When such a true bond already exists between man and woman, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgment be made. This acknowledgment is the prime object of this gathering and this ceremony."
Gourry squeezed her hand tighter, and as Lina glanced up at him, she was almost ready to swear his eyes were just a bit brighter than usual. They could do this, just like they did everything else.
Together.
Fly, fly, fly high against the sky, So high, I almost touch the sky. Thank you, thank you, Thank God for you, The wind beneath my wings.