indeedsir_backup | Fic: Love Never Dies I

emeraldreeve.livejournal.com posting in

indeedsir_backup

Fic: Love Never Dies

Chapter: The Beginning.

Author: Emerald

Beta: windysame and fstohell. Thank you very much!

Disclaimer: Jeeves and Wooster belong to Wodehouse, and I thank him for them.

Rating: R for this story. Slash.

A/N: I call this my reincarnation series to explain what the stories are about, but it is really a love never dies series. If there is interest in this story, I will eventually write a series of stories taking Jeeves and Wooster through time.

If you read this and like any thing in particular, please let me know. I have several versions of the next chapter, but I do not know how I would like it to go. Comments might help and are appreciated.

With his quiet footfalls, Jeeves approached the settee where Bertram Wooster was sprawled reading a book. He placed the coffee and biscuits silently on the small table by the settee and turned to leave. A “Thank you, Jeeves,” drifted to him.

“You are welcome, sir,” Jeeves replied. At the door, he turned back to look at his employer then with a quiet sigh he returned to his room. It was his free evening, but he was too troubled to wish for company. He settled into a chair with his own book, but his mind was not on the words in front of him. His thoughts were on the recent disagreement he had with his master. Mr. Wooster had insisted on keeping the banjolele, and Jeeves had left his service over it.

Jeeves had believed that was the correct action to take, that it would open his friend's eyes and help his master view their love not as one of parent and child, but that of two men who were devoted to each other.

He had calculated each and every possible result, or so he had thought. He had expected Mr. Wooster to choose the banjolele over him, and even had anticipated that the resulting rift would hurt. He had been unprepared for just how much it would hurt. It had not been just his own pain that had ripped his heart apart, but even now, a week after they had settled back in London, the stunned anguish that had been in his master's eyes haunted him. He had caused the sorrow in those blue eyes that normally held happiness. If his idea had worked as he had planned, the resulting joy would surely have removed the previous unhappiness. He would as soon volunteer to have an arm amputated than go through that again, since here they were now, and despite all the agony, the relationship had not moved even one step forward.

Jeeves slammed the book shut. It was time to admit what he had been avoiding, that his actions had not helped him achieve his goal of attaining Mr. Wooster's love. If anything, he had damaged their relationship.

To all appearances matters were the same as they were before the divide, but Jeeves noted even minor changes in his employer, and perceived what would go unnoticed by most. The times when his employer spoke a little too cheerfully as if trying to mask his true feelings, the odd flash in the eyes of some emotion that Jeeves could not name, but he knew was not good from the fleeting expression of sadness that always followed it, the way Mr. Wooster would look up and smile when he entered the room, only the smile vanished far too quickly. All these things were mere whispers of unhappiness, nevertheless to Jeeves they screamed of the harm he had caused.

Jeeves sighed. He wished he could turn back the clock, and return once more to a simpler, easier time when there had been no shadows in Mr. Wooster's eyes. He recalled a saying that he had heard once, 'If one tries to navigate unknown waters, one runs the risk of shipwreck'. Jeeves feared he had already shipwrecked the relationship once, and the waters he was attempting to navigate remained unknown.

Despite the fact that it was his evening free, Jeeves returned to Mr. Wooster once more to see if his employer required any thing. Upon being answered in the negative, Jeeves retired for the night.

As he tried to go to sleep, Jeeves thought of the first time he had seen Mr. Wooster, and the initial day in the man's service. Jeeves knew it was easy to look back, and see what was not clear at the time, but the signs that Mr. Wooster might one day mean far too much to him had been obvious even that day years ago.

Jeeves sighed. Always, always the signs had been there, warning of the danger to his heart. He had ignored them, because another stronger sentiment had prevailed; the feeling that he was meant to stay at this man's side.

Jeeves was reviewing his first meeting with his employer again, when he drifted into sleep. For several hours, he knew nothing but the consolation of sleep, and then his mind took wings bearing him to a time long forgotten but always buried deep within his heart.

He stood on a shore, blinking, both in confusion as to where he was, and from the bright sun. His eyes adjusted, and he glanced around, trying to get his bearings. Nearby there was a child playing with a wooden sail boat, water lapping around his bare feet.

Jeeves started to take a step toward the child when his attention was arrested by another boy. This one had a sail boat, too. He was walking slowly, unnoticed by the first child.

As he gazed upon the second lad, the world seem to shift and come into sharp focus. The knowledge the boy possessed became Jeeves's knowledge. The waters were those of the revered Nile. The little boy standing in the Nile was called Weni, the beloved only son of the master of a nearby house. Weni's mother had died recently, and the boy had retreated within himself. He spoke to no one, ate little, and wandered through the house at night instead of sleeping.

Weni's father was beside himself with worry that soon his only son would die of grief. He had confided his anxieties to his trusted servant, the man who was in charge of his household. That man had a treasured son, also. His son was named Ramose, and he was two years younger than Weni. Ramose had overheard the conversation, not meant for his ears.

Later, Ramose had volunteered to try to aid the other child. His father had been uncertain. “The task is too big for small shoulders,” his father had declared.

Ramose had boasted, “No, father. I can help him bear his sorrow. I am strong. I, too, have a mother who has gone on. I can help him.”

Jeeves wanted to stay and see events unfold, but the sand shifted under his feet, and he found himself in a room. For a second, he felt lost. Then he recognised the young man at the table; an older Weni. Jeeves judged that no more than ten years had past by. There was no time to adjust as Ramose walked into the room, and once more his thoughts mingled with Jeeves's reflections.

Ramose had arrived to serve Weni wine and share a conversation before helping his master to bed. These were typical duties for Ramose, but tonight, he brought a new knowledge with him. An awareness that he was carefully hiding for fear of Weni's reaction. Jeeves knew that the servant had fallen in love with the master, just as he had come to love his employer.

The walls of the room began to fade. Jeeves was prepared this time to suddenly find himself in a new year and situation. He expected to see Weni first, his heart anticipating seeing the man once more almost as much as Jeeves looked forward to the reunions with Mr. Wooster after a separation. His mind did not disappoint; bringing him to Weni's side.

Weni was surrounded by friends. They were javelin throwing, and Weni had just thrown the longest distance. Ramose stood nearby, and Jeeves felt the man's conflicting emotions. Fear because his place was that of a servant not of a friend, and perhaps Weni had outgrown his childhood companion. Pride. He was proud of all Weni had become, and his own part in making his master the man he was. He had been the shoulder Weni had relied on when his life had been nothing but darkness and sorrow. If the man had gone beyond him now then it only proved that he had done well. Dominating over both of these emotions was a longing love.

Even as Ramose mused over all these emotions, Weni's gaze swept over his friends, searching for his servant. As soon as Weni located Ramose, his features lit up with a happiness that took his servant's breath away. Ramose knew then. He might not be loved in the manner he wished, but he was loved.

This time, when the scene began to darken, Jeeves understood; he was being shown Ramose's memories. Why he did not know, but he greatly desired to see the next one.

As if acknowledging that Jeeves was no longer confused, the next memory arrived quickly.

Ramose was playing Senet with Weni. The game was a favourite pastime of the two. During its play, they were not master and servant; they were just two friends enjoying life together. Ramose usually won the games, but occasionally Weni would hand him a devastating defeat. Ramose had learned to never take victory for granted.

Currently, Ramose was winning. Weni was laughing over one of Ramose's comments. This was something Ramose loved about Weni. Losing a game was of no consequence to his master. He did not expect Ramose to lose because he was a servant. He wanted Ramose to behave as if they were on an equal footing.

Ramose said, “You should take the game more seriously. They say the gods favour those that win.”

This statement was greeted with more mirth. Weni replied, “Then you should win, my friend. For if the gods favour you, do they not also bestow blessing upon me? I have already been favoured, since I have been granted all I could want in life, as I have you.”

Weni suddenly became serious. “I do have you, do I not?”

Ramose knew that much depended upon his answer. He met Weni's eyes and answered, “You do. Always.”

With that simple acknowledgement, Ramose's entire world changed. Weni leaned forward and whispered, “I love you. I hope you know that. I love you, and would be with you as a man is with a lover, if your heart returns my feelings. I will never want anyone else.”

Jeeves wanted to stay in this memory and started to try to hold on to it when it began to dissolve. He ceased his efforts when some instinct told him that the next recollection was the most cherished one of all.

Once more Jeeves was taken to the edge of the Nile. Moonlight caressed the Nile River and kissed the shore in a small cove where a papyrus boat discharged two occupants who tumbled together into the sand. Ramose's heart was beating such an excited rhythm that Jeeves believed he could feel it within in his own chest.

A “Wait, let me get a blanket,” was stated. The words were hushed, but Jeeves knew that it was not from fear of being overheard. Weni and Ramose had planned this for some time and had found a secluded place in which to shelter their love. The words were spoken quietly due to a certain solemnity that the time had finally arrived for them to consummate a love that had been growing since childhood.

The moon and the powerful Nile were the only other witnesses as Ramose placed a cloth blanket, almost reverently upon the sand. The few clothes they wore were quickly discarded. Touches were exchanged, slow caresses, despite the fact that they had waited so long for this moment in time. Every ardent touch was to be treasured and remembered. They had no experience to guide them, and occasionally fumbled, but love made it all seem flawless to the two men.

Under the soft moon glow, a love was perfected in the joining of two bodies. Two souls twined around each other, uniting as bliss came in waves to the forms upon the shore.

Jeeves watched, somehow part of the occurrences on the beach while at the same time removed from them. He was grateful that the emotions Ramose currently felt were only dimly experienced by him. He did not believe either of them were aware of him. Nevertheless, he had some connexion with Ramose that permitted him to share in the man's memories.

He observed as a warm golden glow that was the master's spirit became one with the silvery mist that was the servant's soul. Jeeves could sense the great rejoicing Ramose felt; a happiness that went far beyond the physical pleasure. Jeeves was reminded of an eclipse of the sun and the moon except this was a union that did not block either object's shine, instead it lit both with a new fire.

Jeeves stirred in his sleep. The visions in his dream seemed to come from his heart, not his mind. Bright flashes of memories filtered through his dream. Promises exchanged as dawn came to the land, a hot tongue licking honey from his fingers, pouring water over Weni and being playfully splashed, the sweet smell of scented oil, fishing along the Nile, boat trips to a little cove where ecstasy waited, strains of a cherished song played on the lute, and his own voice reciting poetry to his beloved.

The fragments of reflections coalesced into a clear remembrance again.

The first thing Jeeves saw in this recollection was the rosy wine within a goblet. He knew that the poison that Ramose had placed inside it was coiled like an asp waiting to bite. It bided its time as patiently as did the elderly servant who sat at his master's side, watching his beloved friend take each hard earned breath. It was almost over now, a love that had remained strong for over forty years would soon die.

Jeeves expected the sorrow he experienced that originated from Ramose, but the quiet sense of peace and satisfaction were surprising. It took Jeeves a moment to find the reasons for those feelings. Weni and Ramose had had a good life together, and though it was now at an end, the servant had far too many happy memories to feel bitter.

Even in the last moments, hands clasped and held. No, Ramose thought, a love as strong as ours can never die. Jeeves felt the certainty even as Ramose came to the conclusion. What these two men shared was far more powerful than death.

Leaning over, Ramose whispered, “Your heart is lighter than a feather. My love is always with you. I will meet you in the new life.”

A quiet, barely heard, “Be there,” was his only answer as light faded from the eyes that had held Ramose's gaze only for a second before death took its captive.

Jeeves felt the pain in his own heart. Sharper than a knife in the ribs would be, but no cry escaped Ramose's lips. Instead he reached for the wine and without hesitation swallowed every drop.

It was not an end. It was a beginning.

A darkness descended upon Jeeves. It was peaceful and comforting, and his sleep deepened. He rested undisturbed until the early morning hours.

In the minutes before the alarm clock sounded, a familiar hand clasped Jeeves's shoulder in encouragement. A treasured voice whispered to him, ”Have courage, my friend. We have sailed these waters before, they are not unknown to you.”

The alarm woke Jeeves from his sleep. Groggy and disoriented, he stared at the clock and tried to hold on to what he had dreamed, but it slipped from his consciousness. Replacing it was a sense of solace in his heart and renewed hope.

Chapter 2 is here: community.livejournal.com/indeedsir/626161.html

Current Mood: frustrated

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

mrs-dalliard.livejournal.com

Oh, this is beautiful! Please do make this into a series, I can't wait for the next part. :-)
Btw., can you tell me where I can read all the chapters of "Troubled Times"? All I could find on your journal was chapter 3, and I can't find the early ones on indeedsir either.

From:

charie-caphine.livejournal.com

Despite the reincarnation business chilling somewhat, the idea of Jeeves and Bertie through the times definitely appeals. And I liked Jeeves' characterisation very much, I would like seeing more of him and Bertie. The Egyptian story may be a bit too soppy for my taste, but also quite beautiful (and I may have liked Jeeves to be more than a passive observer, I think).

(You typoed 'banjolele' and 'pastime' somewhere there).

From:

charie-caphine.livejournal.com

Re: btw. -- I think

emeraldreeve's memories (http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=emeraldreeve&keyword=My+Stories&filter=all) hold all the links.

From:

A Jeeves & Wooster Fan-Community

Fic: Love Never Dies I

Page Summary

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags