Resolutions

        by Nightcrawler (kmanetta@earthlink.net )

        Fandom: Shanghai Noon

        rating: NC17 Implied slash

        Summary: Roy explains what a New Years resolution is.

        Archive:Yes

        Disclaimer: The following is written purely for fun, not for profit. The author makes no claim on the characters used here.



        "It's called a New Year's Resolution and we all have to make one. It's tradition." The blond cowboy with the soft, gentle voice announced earnestly, while looking at each of his three companions.

        Chon spoke up first, "What is resolution? Is that how Earth spins around the sun?"

        Ray looked at him perplexed. "First off, partner, the sun spins around us. We ain't moving. Any fool can see that. You folks back East, you got that wrong. Second, I didn't say revolution, I said resolution."

        "Oh, so sorry. This means we must make war?" Chon asked, still unsure and seeking clarification..

        Roy sighed wearily and explained, "No, partner. You boys back east sure have a lot of catching up to do." Roy walked over to his partner and placed both hands on his shoulders. Just the feel of his hands on Chon's shoulder sent a tremor of delight through his body. Trying not to think of the implications, he continued to explain in a low, husky voice that cracked involuntarily, "It means promise. It's a serious thing. Be careful what you resolve, though. Keeping a man's resolution is a mighty important thing. If you promise something, you'd better mean it." Roy stared hard into Chon's dark brown eyes, looking for answers his newly found partner wasn't willing to share. He could feel the heat rise up from Chon's body through his shirt and felt a slow flush begin on his own face.

        Falling Leaves nudged Princess Pei Pei, and both women had all they could do to keep from giggling out loud. Suddenly, Roy broke away from Chon and turned his attention to the two women. "And don't think this doesn't involve you two ladies, it does. You both need to make a promise too, something solemn, but something you can keep."

        "What if we break our promise? Princess Pei Pei asked, demurely lowering her eyes.

        "Now that's a damn good question, Princess." and immediately felt Chon's boot give him a sharp kick. "Do not swear in the Imperial Princess's presence!" Chon hissed.

        Roy reached down to rub his calf and looked up at the Princess apologetically, "Sorry," he mumbled, still uncomfortable with the protocols for dealing with royalty. " I'm sorry Princess. The thing is, don't make promises you can't keep. Better to promise nothing than to break a promise. That's important," he added, looking from one to other.

        The two women looked at each other mysteriously and nodded.

        Roy turned back to Chon. "You hear that Chon? Don't promise something you don't mean. A good cowboy always keeps his promises. Well, partner, are you ready?"

        "Ready? Ready for what, partner?" Chon relied nervously, his eyes darting back and forth between the two women and Roy.

        "To make your resolution man. There's only a few minutes left till New Years, You have to hurry up and decide."

        "Must I say it out loud, in front of everyone?" Chon asked in less than enthusiastic tones.

        Roy smiled, sure he understood. "You want me to chase the girls away? Or you want to whisper in my ear?"

        Chon reached out tentatively, placing his hands on Roy s shoulders, reflecting Roy's earlier action. Chon looked into the young man's clear blue eyes that normally glinted mischievously, but suddenly seemed darker and dead serious. Unsure but determined, Chon didn't try to hide the fear in his eyes. He looked at Roy with warm brown eyes as his soul pleaded for understanding.

        Roy understood. His hands reached up and clenched Chon hard. Chon smiled nervously, his hands trembling. A long moment passed when neither man said anything, just stared hard at each other, their eyes alone asking and answering question they had each been afraid to vocalize.

        Suddenly the clock in the hallway began to strike twelve. Vaguely Roy was aware the girls were leaving arm in arm. He made no effort to stop them. Roy stood there waiting, holding Chon in a firm grip, wanting to make his promise right now, and out loud but wanting Chon to go first, just in case.

        Finally, Chon seemed to understand. He leaned forward quickly, and in a rush, whispered in Roy's ear. Roy relaxed at last. He wrapped his arms tight around his dark haired friend and pulled him close, then tightened the embrace. He felt tears building in his eyes and just whispered softly, "I know Chon. I love you too."



        FINIS

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