Lost Promises - Lewis x Clark short story

Lost Promises

 "Do you love me, William?" Lewis sobbed softly, tears flowing down his cheeks.

"I would have to say I do, Meri... But not in that way. Not anymore. You know I've moved on. I've found a new lover, and I can't be sorry for that." Billy looked into the shorter man's eyes, knowing how much this must hurt him. Though, he can't apologize for how he feels. He's moved on, and he can't lead Lewis on.

"How could you do this to me? After all this time spent together... You can't just leave me like this!" Meriwether wept. He knows Clark isn't going to change his mind. He can't, after all. The man is in love, and Lewis himself knows the true nature of this feeling, and the force love can bring upon the host of its grasp. Unfortunately, the force driving William isn't driving the man to him, but to a woman. A woman who is indeed beautiful, but is envied by the younger man.

"You know this pains me as well, Meri. And I hate to let you go like this, my dear friend, but you and I both know Love, and how she can drive you to someone new in an instance. I am severely apologetic of these outcomes, but if this is Love's will, then so be it." Clark's voice was soft; calm at that. Lewis couldn't understand how he was taking this so well. How he can be so still in a situation like this.

"I just... I don't understand. Why must you leave me, Billy? Do you have not one idea how this could affect me? I don't mean to pound the hammer of guilt onto you, but I need you to know how deeply this will hurt. I need you to know how much I will truly miss my dearest, beloved friend." Lewis couldn't help but sob, kneeling to the ground, grabbing a firm hold on the other's button-up. He looked so desperate, so helpless. So... pitiful.

"I know the deep pangs you will struggle with, my dearest, but you must understand my circumstances."

"I do understand, I do. I just don't know if I can handle the truth." Meriwether cried, looking up at the man now above him.

William lifted Lewis to his feet, putting a soft hand on his cheek, catching his tears. "I know it's hard, I know, Meri. But you have to hang in there. You have to be strong. You're a brave soul. Find a mate of your own, you will soon get over me. I'm sure of it. Promise me you'll stay strong."

...

'I tried, Billy. I really did. I know that I promised you, and I am now failing you. I am failing miserably in this life of mine. Everything has gone wrong. I never did get over my deep affections for you and have been lamenting over us for a very long time now, and for that I am sorry. I hope that you're happy in wed, and I wish you and your beloved wife the best of luck. I'm aware I haven't written to you as much as I promised, but I am now. I'm writing. My motive for this letter is something I need not share. I am certain you will get a letter about it very soon after this one. I know this will hurt you more than it hurts me, but we shall call it payback. How 'bout that? I love you, William. Please, always know that I do.

Ever yours,

Forever and always,

Meriwether Lewis'

Putting down his quill, Lewis makes his way to a chair, sitting himself down, pondering, "I know we've promised more than we can keep," He grabs his weapon, loading a single bullet. "And I know we weren't meant to be together." Lewis then puts the gun to his head, pulling back the hammer. "But promise me this, will you?" With the weapon shaking in his grasp, Lewis puts his finger on the trigger. Right before pulling it, these are the last spoken words of a sorrowed man, "Promise me, my dearest William, promise me you'll live my happily ever after."

Fin.