Work Text:
One Word
by Krystyne
This story belongs to me. It may be archived at the listmom's site, but nowhere-else without my permission. The characters of Fraser and Dief do not belong to me, but the story is my property.
Inspired by the first scene of 'Burning Down The Houses', although no spoilers.
A short exploration into the bond between man and wolf. Also my present to this list! Call it an introduction present!
One Word
by Krystyne
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"Go."
Low, throaty, determined... a mission. Beside him, Diefenbaker stands alert, on guard, none of his usual playful nature showing through, ready to do whatever it takes... he cannot hear the tone, but the word loses none of the meaning for him.
The man only has to say the word once, and the canine is gone, knowing instinctively the plan his friend has formulated, in this isolated wilderness they know as home. Man and wolf, as one...
As one...
"Go."
He speaks other words, words of courtesy, politeness, yet it is only this word, this one word, the way it is said, the way that the man speaks it, that shows anything about him.
Precision, determination, a darkness barely touched upon. A need for justice, trust...
And yet it says nothing, to those who choose not to listen...
He will do whatever it takes.
The wolf runs along, at one with his human friend, the man who took him in, the man who has been with him for many years...
A lifetime.
A true lifetime.
A lifetime ignored by others, who don't want to see.
"Go."
The word says everything, and yet nothing about him. People are puzzled by him, as they learn more about him. His usual polite manner, the one he shows to others, indicates weakness to some, at first sight. He appears too trusting, many wonder how he can possibly be an officer of the law, how he can solve problems, identify the darkness in others, when he doesn't have darkness in himself. They cannot see beyond...
But he succeeds. Always succeeds, so others believe. Overcoming hardship... he has experienced loss, love, hurt, sadness... many forget Benton Fraser, the man, and only see Benton Fraser, the Mountie.
Perhaps they choose not to see the man in the uniform. Perhaps it frightens them. They see his strength, his determination...
They don't want to see that maybe, sometimes, he can be weak. He can be fooled. Because then the illusion is shattered. The illusion of the uniform.
It is the reason why many work for the uniform. Will it change them? You will always remain the same person, despite the uniform... but others don't realise. Others cannot see the man. Too many. Too many cannot see. Do not try to see.
And so he is unable to share, share his weakness. Lean on others. It cannot be done. He has tried, with others. A woman, dark herself, beautiful... she betrayed him, she helped to lock up the darkness, the darkness that is his by right of humanity.
A friend, in Chicago. As different as night and day, so people believe. He has come closest... perhaps, with more time...
And the wolf, running alongside him. An animal the man thinks of as human, talks to as a human, treats as an individual in his own right, with his own opinions...
That is misunderstood by others. They don't understand the bond the man shares with the wolf...
Only the wolf understands the word for what it is and what it represents...
Only the wolf can understand the man, when he speaks.
Only the wolf can understand that the word is the key, as he runs, alongside his friend...
As one...
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