literature

A Broken Toy Soldier

Deviation Actions

firefly-fighter's avatar
Published:
1.5K Views

Literature Text

     Ludwig awoke to a sharp pain in his right leg, the sensation dragging low curses through gritted teeth. When he drew back the blankets with the intent of alleviating the pain, however, he found only one leg and an awkward, flesh-colored stub in place of the once-whole, healthy limb. Slowly, his half-sleeping mind caught up and he sighed, thick fingers combing through limp, flaxen tresses.
     "Mm… is it hurting again?" The man beside him stirred, sleepy amber eyes blinking open slowly. "Ludwig?"
     "Just a little." It wasn't right; he could still feel his foot twitching, his toes curling, even when his logical mind knew full well that his leg was gone from the knee down. "It's fine."
     They had been living like this for almost a year, where Ludwig would awake to crippling nightmares or phantom pains, in tears more often than not. It became clear to Feliciano very quickly that his partner was more delicate since he'd returned, his emotional state teetering dangerously at times on the edge of madness. Even so, Feliciano had show him patience in the face of raging temper tantrums and unexplainable sobbing fits. Even now, the smaller man had begun to rub gently at Ludwig's thickly muscled back, seeking to calm him and make certain that he didn't feel alone in this moment of weakness.
     Before he had left for war, the blonde had led the relationship, often having to put up with the clumsy (but endearing) antics of his good-natured lover. Now, a broken man in more respects than one, Ludwig found himself clinging to Feliciano like a drowning man to a life preserver. There were days yet that he felt himself slipping under the white-crested waves as he struggled wildly to break surface.
     "Would you like me to get you some warm milk?" A kind voice broke his trouble pondering, and Ludwig turned to meet the other's honey-colored gaze. Slowly, slowly, he nodded.
     "Yes, please."
     "Remember what Dr. Honda told you," Feliciano whispered, a reference to the veteran's psychiatrist. "Take deep breaths and clear your mind." That being said, he scooted off the bed with a faint pat to the other's shoulder.
     The blonde complied, inhaling deeply through his nose. Even now he was improving. Just last month, he had broken his lover's favorite crystal vase – a family heirloom – in a bout of pointless fury. Back then he had been still been angry at the world, still not reconciled with the loss of his limb. Of course, returning to the present, Ludwig admitted to himself that he wasn't entirely free of these sentiments. There were days when the nightmares didn't end and the two men were worn down to their last wits, but even so, they persevered together, each for the other. Despite everything, both were positive that his mental scarring would heal - if slowly - as all serious wounds did.
     "I'm back," announcing his entrance, the smaller man offered the milk-filled glass to his partner. "Are you feeling better now?"
     "Yes, thank you." He sipped the comforting drink. Caught up in the remarkable tenderness of the other's gesture, he murmured, "Feliciano… You know I love you, right?"
     "I do," Feliciano confessed, snuggling closer carefully so as not to send the heated dairy spilling onto the blonde. "But I love to hear you remind me."
     "I love you, Feliciano."
     "I love you, too, Ludwig." He kissed his war torn veteran on the cheek, trying so hard to convey all of the love and adoration he felt into that one, simple act. Right now Ludwig was broken toy soldier – all he needed was a willing child to pick him back up and give him a purpose to exist.
I don't know if anyone else had ever explored the idea of writing something about a (physically/mentally) broken soldier returned home from war, but I guess it really doesn't matter. It's just an idea I had and thought I'd get down.

Please remember the people who have served (even if you don't agree with conflict) and remember the lives lost and/or thrown into turmoil for whichever nation in which you live. *steps off of soapbox*
© 2011 - 2024 firefly-fighter
Comments22
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In