A/N: [September 2003] The ending makes it obvious that this is merely the first part of a larger story, however that story has been on hold for months now and I don't know that it's going to be finished anytime soon. However, that story will explain and expound upon many of the ideas and events that take place in this story. (June 2007: I've listed the unfinished sequel in the WIP section: Reconstructing Strife.)

Credit goes to Candace for not only catching a few embarrassing mistakes in this, but for creating her vision of Thanatos and many of the Underworld characters. Obviously I've incorporated a few of those ideas in this story. Thanks go to her for creating such vivid characterizations.

[May 2003] Okay, I've been assimilated. I spent so much time browsing through the AJCS archive that every new story that pops into my head is now C/S. This, and the stories following it, are the results.

This is a much, well, nicer Strife than I've written before. I don't think I took away his dark edge completely but I've definitely given him a few soft spots -- plus a whopping inferiority complex. I'm not at all certain this is the right characterization of Strife, given what was on the show, but it's what my twisted imagination dictated so I went with it.

This does break the "good writing" rule of telling instead of showing in a major way, but it seemed appropriate for this story. This does shift between present and past tense, but I think I've made the shifts clear enough. "---------------------" indicates a shift to past and "^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^" indicates a shift within the present tense.

Enjoy.

Pairing(s): Cupid/Strife

Warnings: NC-17, brief m/m sex and mentions of rape.

Pieces of a Whole