Sounds like you've got hold of too much shounen-ai. Here are some stories that are more about the relationship than the getting together.
Haru wo Daite Ita, and most works by
NITTA YoukaGravitationAlmost anything by
MIYAMOTO Kano. My favorites are her
Hydra /
Rules series
Crimson Spell, by mangaka of Viewfinder
Totally CaptivatedGokujou no KoibitoOne volume:
Rakka Sokudo - about a relationship that slowly builds (they actually date)
Arashi no Ato - also dating, and related
SignalHidoi Otoko (AOI Akira)Doushitemo Furetakunai50 x 50 - two competitive ladies’ men seem to keep ending up in bed togther
Honenuki ni Saretai - first 3 chapters
My Life With You - another slowly building relationship; this one involves dangerous stiutations and near death
Uso to KissNaisho de Alleluya and sequel
Aikotoba wa HallelujahDolceDeath wish:
Ake Nure Goyou ni Furu Yuki waBoku No Shiru Anata no Hanashi, especially first story
Dakishimetakunai - stories 4-5 have some pretty dark stuff
Tengoku e Ikebaii - haven't read this yet, but it sounds like it fits your 'near death' wish
Oneshots
NightS,
Tadayoedo Shizumazu, Saredo Naki mo Sezu,
Don't Stay GoldJust an FYI, "Mary Sue" doesn't mean light innocent happily ever after, which is how I think you’re using it. "Mary Sue" is a derogatory term for a work of fan fiction which features a made-up 'perfect' character who is the author's alter ego. For example, if I wrote a fanfic on Inuyasha, the main character Scarlet Rhodelia would somehow find her way to ancient Japan, and would become best friends with Kagome, get Miroku and Sango together, be a beloved big sister to Shippo, kill Naraku, and have Sesshoumaru fall madly in love with her. Sorry for going on so long, but I see a lot of people misusing this.
