I am not afraid.

You are not afraid?

No. I am not afraid. To look past the barrier. To see things others can not. To look deep within, in places that man and woman dare not go. 

*wipes away a tear* 

I am not afraid, to look into someones eyes, see their demons and coax them out. For there is beauty in the darkness. There is beauty in all things grey. Things are not just black and white. I am not afraid....to love....even if love is afraid of me.

That makes no sense.

Yes it does. (says softly and with conviction)

Love is fickle, but it is also lasting. Does not matter what type of love you feel for another. Family, Friend, Lover, Mate. It matters not, Love is simply that and always shall be.

Yes yes, all well and good but we were not talking about love. I asked you, are you afraid?!

Afraid of what? what is there to fear? When one has looked into the eyes of Death, as I have, and screamed back in rage and defiance, what left is there to fear? 

*sniffs softly* 

When loss is a constant companion, what then is there to be afraid of? When you look past the barrier, and into a person so well, that you see the TRUE person they are in their heart of hearts, what then, is there to fear? You ask me, "Am I afraid?"

I do. Everyone fears something.

I am afraid of many things. But none the likes you will ever guess. Do I fear Death, or hurt, or pain or loss....No. (whispered softly)

I fear not being good enough. No matter what I give, to a person, of it not being returned in like measure. I fear that the way I see things will be seen as arrogance, or something of that ilk. Trust me when I say, that I have strode a path many would diverge from. Many, would lay down and die then walk. It is not pretty, it is not glorious, but for all my losses, all my pain, I have learned not to fear. To look past the 'masks' people wear and see them! To hear when another is in need, to be there, to care, to give, to Love! 

*pauses and shivers slightly* 

How can you ask me, am I afraid? I am not afraid....not of what you expect me to be afraid of; and you, like many others before you, will never understand that.

*sits quietly, not at all sure what to say.* 

Then the Gods give you good blessings, for you are a strong and deft person. The world needs more like you.

No, my friend. I am just me....nothing more, nothing less. Just me. The world needs only one me. 

*chuckles softly and raises a glass* 

To our good health...and to the things we fear. 

*winks*

Indeed. 

*raises glass and drinks*