Flash Fiction

Ughh I’m late. I’m sorry :( 

My schedule is super crazy now which is mostly the reason. The other reason is this one was particularly difficult for me. I had something else planned but I couldn’t seem to crank it out. Poe is one of my favorite authors and I still couldn’t get my brain to work. *hangs head in shame*

Soo this is a little different but I’m going with the flow and we'll see where this story takes us shall we. 

Edgar Allen Poe – Read the poem The Raven. Use at least one line from the poem in your chapter/story. Dialogue is okay, but narrative is even better. You can read the poem online here -http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-raven-14/ 

Now I need to run over and read fellow FFFers Night Tempest, Elaina M. Roberts, and Tempest Wolf

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Overlooking the reminisce of wreckage Rafe was struck with a sudden sadness. His heart ached for the souls sprawled along the highway. He felt a call resonate sending a shiver through him. “Pull over.”

“What? We can’t. You need to leave...” 

“Just pull over Seth.” He couldn’t explain it but the further they drove the more his heart felt it was being torn in two, leaving a piece of himself smeared on the asphalt. The memory of his own family began playing in his mind and he couldn’t bear the thought of leaving them there. Pulling the SUV off the road into the dirt, Seth followed his king from the car to the bodies a few feet behind them. 

Unaware of her surroundings, Eva was happy to find her mother and brother beside her in this strange place. Eva grabbed their mother’s hand. Raising her other, she shielded her gaze. They were bathed in the sunlike glare. Closing her eyes in awe, she wrapped her free arm around herself. Fingers tracing her flesh as if to make sure she was still whole. With little effort she opened her eyes to blinding light. Their mother squeezed both their hands to sooth them as they began to stroll the path lit in pure brilliance. Eva continued to peek behind them for something, but not knowing what. 

“What is it?” Gabe asked searching for whatever was worrying her.

“I’m not sure.”

The sky and path before them sent pleasant warmth wafting through the air made them smile. Not a nook nor cranny lay before them that wasn't covered in that brilliant glow. Gabe studied his surroundings taking mental notes. The golden gleam of the trees bleed into the purity of the blinding bright sky. The gravel like a soft wool underfoot lead them onward. Eva grew curious yet anxious with the feel of something nipping at her feet. Even the ground sparkled as she admired its beauty sprawled before them. Noticing their child like expressions their mother smiled answering their unspoken question. 

"Darkness only follows the living."  she smiled. 

Eva looked at their mother. Just like her surroundings, she bathed everything in 

her presence with a brilliant glow from the air around her to the pebbles at her 

feet. Their mother's gleeful grin brought a peacefulness to this space. Wherever 

they were headed, none seemed to be in a hurry to get there. Still Eva and Gabe’s 

excitement and anxiousness grew as they continued. Eva’s pace growing quicker,

gawking at the nature that seem to spring forth from the vast void. Lost in the 

beauty this place offered, Eva felt her arm gently pull as her mother and brother stopped 

a couple paces behind. She turned to see her mother's sullen face. Following her 

mother's gaze down to the nipping feeling at her feet,  Eva gaze at her own 

shadow.

Rafe checked the older woman but her heartbeat was still. He had mourned the lives of many in his years but this was different. I don’t even know this people he thought still he couldn’t stop the tears threatening to spill. The faint sound of a beat called his attention. Hurrying down the sloping ditch, he rushed to the side of a young woman laying in the dirt. 

“Down here!” he called out as Seth slide down the slope leaving a dust cloud behind him. “She’s still alive.”

“We’ll have to take her with us then. We have to go Rafe.” Seth looked around to make sure they hadn't been followed.

Nodding his agreement he scooped her limp body into his arms before making their way back to their car. Sirens blared behind them as they took off into the night. 

The constant hum of collective murmurs could be heard over the ambulance sirens. 

Shards of broken glass sparked under highway lamps. Alongside the metal remnants 

of vehicles littered the asphalt. Wrenching a woman free of the steel wreckage, 

an officer lifted her limp body quickly placing her on a gurney to lay beside a 

young man. 

Gabe woke with a startle. His heart beating out of control, the feeling in his chest was foreign as if it hadn’t been beating all along. The faint smell of blood tickled his nose as his eyes searched his new surroundings. Rustling leaves in the distance caused him to jump at the sounds echoed in the darkness. He ran his hands along his bare arms, the only defense he had against the cool midnight breeze. He stared out into the darkness straining his eyes to see what was there. Deep into that darkness peering, long he stood there wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before. It wasn’t uncommon for him to sit outside his house gazing at the stars but something about this time made him uneasy. Movement from the window above told him someone was there. Approaching the front door, he couldn’t see anything from outside the peephole. Cautiously he crept through the door. He was sure this was his house yet nothing about it felt familiar. His bare feet padded quietly against the hardwood floor. He wanted to call out but his voice never found him. The place once full of life felt dead and stale. The hallway was longer than he remembered with doors spanning the exaggerated length. Stoping at the first door, he gripped the knob twisting slowly. He peeked through shocked to see himself and his sister playing in their couch cushion and bed sheet fort. He remembered every detail of this moment from his one size too small, dirt stained shirt to Eva’s lopsided pigtails. Their dad was left to dress them that morning and this was sadly an improvement. He knew someone must have been playing old home movies because what he was seeing wasn’t possible. Still the two children playing in front of him were as real as he was. Whispering Eva’s name, the little girl never responded. The two kept giggling and playing as if he wasn’t there. He stepped cautiously forward until he was crouched in front of them. Still neither seem to notice he was even in the room. Lifting his hand he reach out to the younger version of himself. His hand connected with only air as the images disappeared and the room returned to its dim lifelessness. Dropping to his knees he searched under the bed. Looking behind the dresser and inside the closet for the source of these images but the room was empty. Rushing out to the next room he peeked inside finding Eva talking to someone. Yelling was more like it but he couldn’t make out who from his angle. He couldn't remember this one.  Suddenly forced to jump out of the way as Eva came barreling towards him with a fist full of their cousin Simon’s hair. Giving Simon a not so gentle shove out the door before slamming it. Gabe had come out to his family when they were 17 though Eva had known for a while by then. Simon had given him more grief than anyone. Gabe knew better than anyone Simon’s self righteous grand standing was simply to divert attention from himself. Gabe could only laugh at their cousin’s hypocritical rantings. Eva sat on the floor letting the angry tears fall. Stepping closer he wanted to comfort her. She had been his constant source of comfort through everything. She took every insult directed at Gabe personally. This must be her memory he thought to himself.

“Don’t cry Evie.” He knew she couldn’t hear him.

“Gabriel?” Eva’s voice responded.

“Eva?” He tried to touch the image but it disappeared. Quickly realizing the voice wasn’t coming from the memory, he turned to see Eva standing in the doorway.

“Gabe!” Tackling him, she knocked them both over onto the floor holding onto him for dear life.

“Are we dead?” she whispered in his ear.

“I’m not sure.” 

“Mommy, she’s gone isn’t she?”

Gabe nodded in response. 

“Don’t leave me ok?”

“I’m not going anywhere.” he kissed his sister’s forehead as they rose to their feet still locked arm to arm. 

Opening the veins in his wrist, Rafe poured himself into her mouth and her wounds. The blood spilled out the side of her mouth as she drowned on the liquid she didn’t have the strength to swallow. Tilting her head the king rubbed her throat coaxing the blood down her throat. Silently praying he continued to saturate her open wounds. 

“So she’s coming with us the whole way then?” Seth asked mentally readjusting their plans.

His question left an uneasy silence. Watching Rafe from the rearview mirror he could see the pain on his face. 

“Take me to Xavier.”

“The priest?”

A grunt was his only reply. Knowing it would take them days out of the way he simply nodded.

A knock at the front door stirred the priest reading in his chair. Picking the knife up from the coffee table he approached the front door. He couldn’t see anything from his peephole but the distinct smell of human mingling with something far from it told him someone was still there. Cracking his door he peeked around before settling his eyes on the woman laying on his front step. For a moment he debated leaving her there. He could call the cops and wash his hands of it but he knew what lay ahead for her. Apparently whoever left her there wasn’t planning on coming back. Cautiously he crept from his door to pick her up and carry her inside. Laying her on the couch he took a step back inspecting her while his palm flexed around the knife handle. From the faint smell of humanity that lingered in her veins and traces of what Xavier assumed must have been wounds from some type of attack he knew this was recent. Taking a seat back in his chair and he watched intently for her to wake.

Screaming she was ripped from her coma. Looking around wildly the priest held his hands up hopping to ease her fears. 

“Are you...uh.” The priest was at a lost for words. He didn’t know what question to ask first and he could hear her heartbeat rise in panic. He knew she wasn't ok before he asked the question.

“You’re safe.” raising his hands higher for her to see. “Do you know how you got here?” 

Shaking her head wildly the woman continue looking around the tiny home. 

“I’m Xavier” the priest offered. “I found you on my door step. Do you remember anything from the last few days?” his concern only grew as the woman looked like a cage animal scared and ready to attack. 

“Do you need anything?” he cooed crouching down a little. 

She desperately tried to recall the event of the past few days but nothing clear came to mind.  

“Where’s my brother?”

Flash Fiction Fridays

I'm running off of Red Bull and candy corn but whatever gets the job done :)
This weeks prompt was... Morphing Object – A key object in the chapter/story has (or gains) the ability to morph into a completely unrelated object.

See what spin fellow FFF writers Night Tempest, Elaina M. Roberts, and Tempest Wolf put on the prompt with their stories.




Nehemiah rested his head between Aaron’s shoulders making a pillow of the soft flesh. Molding his chest to Aaron’s back, he placed his palm over the limp hand next to his intertwining their fingers. His body rose and fell on the waves of his lover's breathing. He slid down slowly trailing kisses along the spine. Nehemiah let a low groan escape his lips as his teeth grazed the swell of Aaron’s ass. If he didn't leave now he wouldn't have another chance until tomorrow. Lifting himself off, Nehemiah tied his robe around him slipping on his boots. He admired the sight before him one more time before leaving. 

The pitch black sky gave no indication daylight was on the horizon but Nehemiah could smell it approaching. His feet never made a sound has he traversed the rocky path in darkness. This was the only time he could get away. While he enjoyed the past few months he’d spent here since arriving to the small village, he’d grown restless. He felt stifled unable to exercise his powers and be himself except for the hour or two he had during this time. Nehemiah knew he couldn’t stay much longer but the idea of leaving Aaron made him sick to his stomach. He was the only constant source of happiness in his life. For him he would endure anything. Crying in the distance interrupting his thoughts, he came to the edge of the river where he found the culprit.

“What happened Malcolm?” Nehemiah knew the 5 year old all too well. Known for sneaking off into trouble, he was more than a hand full. He knelt down to the small child grimacing at the deep gash splitting his knee open.

“I fell.” was all Malcolm could manage between sobs pointing at the offending rock. 

Nehemiah instinctively placed his hand over the bloody mess muttering to himself as the boy screamed out expecting pain that never came. Removing his hand to reveal the healed knee, Malcolm’s teary eyed face stared in shock mimicking the face of his mother’s only feet from them. Looking up to the woman’s terrified expression, Nehemiah’s heart sank as he realized what he had done.

Richard watched Faye’s amusement as she stroked his chest, playing with the goosebumps along his damp skin. What he assumed would be a fling had turned into something he couldn’t define but wanted more. She was not only the object of his affection but a confidant and friend. Richard’s upbringing provided him with a wealth of knowledge and control denied to most his age. Yet in the face of so much power and experience Faye left the 20 year old feeling open and vulnerable. He refused to admit it but he had been falling since the beginning. Trying to ignore the nagging anxiety in his gut of unrequited love, he gave into the warmth looming over his erection as she positioned her tiny frame straddling him. Running his hand across her leg he gently massaged her thigh. Faye smiled softly at the connection binding them together. 

“I hate to say we have to go now.” She leaned down granting one more kiss.

“Right now?” content to stay this way for eternity, Richard silently pleaded for just a few more minutes.

The slight sway of his hips would have had Faye reconsidering her previous statement if not for the fearful cries in the distance confirming her suspicions.

Aaron woke to shouts outside his window. Rolling away from bright sunlight drenching his bedroom, he ran his hand along the space next to him frowning at the emptiness. Still disoriented from heavy sleep, he rubbed his eyes clearing his vision. Continued shouting slowly becoming more than distant annoyances, an uneasiness grew his stomach. He jumped from the bed rushing to the source of excitement. From his window he could see the crowd gathering. Screams and curses where thrown at the object in the center. Aaron couldn't quite make out who or what was the cause but he didn't need to see it. He felt it. 

Five men tugged at iron chains wrapped around their fists. Nehemiah stood in the center of the enraged mob clawing at the chains attached to his neck and limbs. Throwing on the first things he saw, Aaron’s strides were spurred on by howls of pain. The wall of people didn’t slow his speed. Shoving his way through the bloodthirsty locals, he threw himself against Nehemiah in a tight embrace.

"What is this!" taking a defensive stance in front of the bruised man. 

"Out of the way boy!" One of the men shoved Aaron not expecting a reciprocating elbow to the face. The man spit a wad of blood from the side of his mouth. He raised his hand to strike but thought better of it as the muscular young man stood fists tight waiting to deliver the next blow if necessary. 

"Come away son." A familiar voice called. Aaron’s father stood in the front motioning his son to his side. 

"What has been accused of?"

"He's a demon." a voice screamed from the crowd.

“He worships the devil. I’ve seen the spells he casts with my own eyes.” another called.

"What are you talking about? He is not a demon!"

"Aaron get over here now!" his father tried again.

He looked over his fellow towns people with horror "Let him go!He’s done nothing wrong."

"He's not human son. Ask him!" his father encouraged.

Aaron turned to face the man who'd stolen his hearts months ago. His eyes betrayed his secret yet Aaron didn’t falter, kneeling down gently taking the his face in his hands. 

"I'm not a demon I swear Aaron." Nehemiah rushed. 

"I know Nehemiah. There is no need to explain anything to any of these people."

"He's cast something on you. Come away from him." a hand tugged at his arm causing him to jerk away. He spun to his feet glaring at the people he’d spent his entire live with.

"You're right. The beat of his heart spells me. The love he’s shown me is far greater and more powerful than anything I've witnessed here.” Aaron felt his mother’s teaching flow through him. Her love and kindness was her greatest gift to her son. Without her now his home had lost the spark it once held for him. “And if what you say is true, he posses some dark demon spirit capable of harm than you should be thankful for the mercy he's shown you all this day in the face of such cruelty.” 

Tears began to flow freely from Nehemiah as he was filled with a sense of pride. If it was possible he was more in love than ever with this man. He closed his eyes whispering to himself as he lunged at Aaron. Hugging him tightly, Nehemiah dissipated into soft pillowy smoke curling around Aaron’s body. His chains took to the sky morphing into scattered birds. Many gasped and screamed watching the flock of iron creatures escape. Some ran for shelter while others aimed their bows attempting to shoot them down.

“Why not fight?” Richard whispered low to the cloaked figure next to him.

“What would it prove attacking those weaker in both body and spirit?”

“Why should he care? They would have killed him if not for Aaron.” Richard countered.

“And the mercy he’s shown them will be how he is remembered.” Faye tried to instill in her young protege. 

“These people do not possess that kind of understanding.” Richard glared at the enraged villagers running in chaos. “He will be remembered as a monster.”

“Not to Aaron.” Faye lowered her hood as she approached the man stunned in place. Startled by the stranger he hadn’t noticed coming towards him, Aaron jumped away from the extended hand. Faye hushed him smoothing his hair away from his sweat and tear drenched face. Aaron couldn’t explain it but the woman’s presence was comforting. Faye locked their arms together leading him away with Richard blocking him on the other side. Aaron’s better judgement told him not to trust the strangers, not to trust anyone but something about them compelled him to follow. 

“Where are we going?” Aaron’s voice was surprisingly calm. He had reached his limit. His brain turned off and body was simply going through the motions.

“Somewhere safe.” 

There was a sincerity in her voice that made him believe he would indeed be safe. He looked over at the young man walking beside him who nodded slightly in agreement. The whistle of arrows could be heard passing over head as local men took aim at anything in their sight. Aaron was led a few miles just past the town to the water’s edge to find a ship nestled between high cliffs. The small yet well maintained vessel didn’t appear to have any crew that he could see. His anxiety grew with every shaky step he took. His boots thudding on the wooden boards, he followed down into a tiny cabin. 

“It is not much but you will both be safe here. Let us know if you need anything.” Faye offered.

“Where is Nehemiah?” Aaron tried to keep his voice from wavering but the fear caught in his throat as the events begin to set in. Faye simply smiled before shutting the door behind her. 

Aaron turned in a circle to study the room. Despite being unbearably hot and cramped he was ok with his surroundings. Starting to feel light headed he took a seat, assuming the stress of the day had taken it’s toll. Within moments every nerve in him lit up with electricity. This was different than anything he’d ever felt before. He didn’t know what it was or how to describe it. He wasn't in any pain. It felt feel good but still off somehow. The beads of sweat rolled down as he striped off his clothes laying on the cool floor. His breath came louder as beads rolled down his stomach leaving a damp trail in its wake. Following the curve of his hips, drops rolled down the hard muscled path tickling the sensitive skin between his legs. His breath caught as every pore opened up with droplets coming through. Aaron could only watch the rain cloud forming over him collecting into one large mass. Solidifying, the storm cloud now had a form. Hands placed on either side of Aaron’s head as Nehemiah held his naked body hovering just above Aaron’s. Nehemiah hid his face in the wet hair hang down as he looked shyly into Aaron’s shocked face. Unsure what to say, he lowered himself kissing Aaron’s lips gently. He didn’t know where they stood but at least wanted to show his gratitude with the simple thank you gesture. Aaron answered his unspoken question returning the kiss with unmistakable passion. Pulling Nehemiah down Aaron urged him to relieve the weight from his arms to rest complete on him. 

“Come with me.” Nehemiah whispered while Aaron sucked at the crook of his neck. Releasing the flesh between his teeth, Aaron stared up the man who had become his family. He’d spent his entire life in this one place but felt more at home with Nehemiah than anyone. He knew they had a long way to go in light of all that transpired but there was no doubt where he wanted to be. 

“Anywhere.” was his answer before returning his lips to Nehemiah’s.

Faye and Richard where snuggled up starring off into the stars. Night had fallen and nothing was visible outside of the spotlight of the moon.

“Where would you two like to go?” Faye asked before turning to face her guests making their first appearance since this morning. “We have no destination in mind. Simply going where the sea takes us. We can take you wherever you’d like to go.” 

The two stared at each other for a moment. “Anywhere is fine.” Aaron answered first. 

“Yes as long as it’s somewhere we can be together in peace.” Nehemiah finished.

Love's Garden part 3

Oh sweet internet how I’ve missed you. So sorry for the m.i.a. status. I had leak which ruined my router and had to pay $$$ for new one. Ok slight exaggeration it was more like $. Nonetheless my face was like :(

Anywho I’m back in action and just in time for one of my fav prompts. I always loved mythology in school when I was a kid. I think it’s where my love of the wondrous adventures of fantasy began. I may use mythology as inspiration for a new story. 

This weeks prompt: Borrow a Myth - Put your own spin on an idea, creature, or item found in established mythology. 

As always fellow FFF writers Night Tempest, Elaina M. Roberts, and Tempest Wolf will be putting their own spin on this prompt. 

Love’s Garden  3

“Hey KamKam.” Ve greeted Kami warmly, strutting awkwardly through the dirt as if the blood and fleshy remnants that covered her didn’t exist. 

“Ve” He smiled invitingly. “Where’s Rycah?”

“Tying things up. There was some flesh eating, soul sucking, something or other.” waving her hands down her body at her disheveled appearance. “I figured I’d get this out of the way before cleaning up.”

“Oh” Kami’s face fell slightly. “Well I like seeing you too.” he shrugged. 

Letting out a laugh, she certainly couldn’t relate to his zen nature but she liked him all the same. He was genuine. Ve didn’t have tolerance for bullshit. Even in his cute naive way, Kami was a straight shooter. That was her favorite thing about him.

“Glad to hear it.” draping an arm around him, Ve motioning out towards the rows of blossoming foliage. “If you don’t mind me asking how do you manage to take care of all these?”  

“Hm.” he thought for a moment scrunching his nose at the messy arm slung around him. “I already have the essentials here sunlight, rich soil, water...”

“I get that but just keeping one alive is a lot of work. I don’t know how you have patience for all this.”

“That’s my gift. These hearts belong to someone out there. They’re people with feelings. They deserve respect and love just like anyone of us would want. Once these hearts know what love should feel like their owners will know what to look for. What happens in their everyday lives will determine the outcome but strong healthy hearts are much more likely to find their other half than withered ones.”

“Wait? I’m so stupid!” palming her forehead she couldn’t believe she’d missed it.

“What’s wrong?”

“Can any of us make one of these things grow? Healthy that is?” gripping him by the shoulders, Ve hovered in his face waiting for an answer. 

“You guys aren’t very suited to it but in theory if you were to devote time to love and tend I don’t see why it couldn’t.”  

“Thanks!” giving him a quick peck before taking off. 

“Sure. There’s nothing today anyway.” Kami yelled waving at the woman moving faster than light.

Rycah was already dressed when Ve appeared wearing a shit eating grin. Her ponytail was weighed down in a stiff tangled mess. Her floral pants were missing patches and she had two shoes but one heel. Rycah shook his head. Considering this was how they spent the majority of their time he couldn’t understand her choices in attire. He assumed it was her annoyance at being immortalized as a male that cause Ve to over compensate. Despite her ferocity even in her human life, Rycah recognized a virtue in the young woman. He secretly watched over her for years following the nomad from country to country until finally ending in Norway. While the origins of Ve had been distorted over the centuries, the uncanny ability that perpetuated her legacy as a Norse God stayed true even after her death. She could manipulate the senses or at least make the mind believe so. A trick especially useful now when rendering a demon blind and deaf.  Taking her under his wing, Rycah taught her to harness her abilities for something other than chaos. Fighting for a cause bigger than herself, she had not only become his right hand but his closest friend.

“Do I even want to know what you’re grinning about?”

“Probably not.” Ve hobbled away from him towards the plant now taller than either of them. “I just hope Kami won’t be too upset about his heart.” peeking over her shoulder.  

Rycah was in her face in a blink. “What did you say to him?”

“Me?” she clutched her chest for dramatic effect. “Nothing of course but Kami’s a smart guy it’s only a matter of time before...”

Rycah stepped in so close his nose touched hers breathing like a raging bull.

“For crying out loud get out of my face.” Ve batted him away. “I didn’t say anything about you or your precious. I went to see if there was anything that needed to be harvested and we got to talking about him and his plants. From there I put two and two together.”

“He didn’t say anything?” Rycah’s voice almost cracking.

“Nothing about you or the plant but from the looks of this thing you’re doing something right.” she slapped him on the back applauding his effort.

Rycah caressed one of the leaves losing himself as he traced the creases and natural dips along the leave’s surface. “It’s been growing steadily.”

“That’s what you were hoping for.” Ve was no longer in sight but her voice echoed through the room. 

“I’m happy but it’s too big to keep now.” he continued absently stroking the plant.

Reappearing across the room, Ve crossing her feet on the arm of his chair relaxing into the plush cushions. Her high waisted shorts hugged her thighs. Decorative bangles on her arms clinked together as she fluffed the collared bow on her polka dot blouse. 

“So it’s time to go back to Anain Fortress Rycah.” 

Ve played look out while Rycah hugged the oversized pot to his chest scanning the fields for the best spot. The cover of night hid nothing from their eyes. Their vision was as clear as if they sun were shining down on them. Kami would only have to glance from his window to catch the pair stumbling their way through. 

“Hurry up.” Ve complained in a strained whisper. “Just pick a spot.” Even with no threat, her body fell into it’s natural stance holding the shovels behind her back like twin blades.

“We can’t just pick a spot. You don’t think he’ll notice a random tree.”

“He’s going to notice it anyway no matter where you put it.” Ve waved her shovel wielding arm out to the vast forest around them. Rycah’s eyes followed. What looked like randomness to the untrained eye was order to Kami. His methods weren’t as carefree as they appeared. He methodically planted each and knew exactly where every one lay. Ve was right. A random no name was going to stick out like a sore thumb no matter where he put it. 

“Maybe we should take it back?”

“Take it back!” Ve’s whisper elevated. “Do you see the leaves and sprouts coming off that thing! It’s already dusting your ceiling. Soon it will need it’s own wing of the house.”

“I know but-”

“I’ve already ruined these shoes we’re staying!” trying to kick the thick muck off her suede ankle boots to no avail. “You knew eventually you’d have to fess up and now your trying to worm your way out of it because for the first time you have to deal with something you can’t attack. Forced to use your heart you poor thing.” Ve mocked with a pout of her lips.

“Keep your damn voice down!” Rycah stomped quietly through the dirt to the small clearing he’d become familiar with. “You’ve got a lot of nerve Ve. As if you’re miss love and sunshine. You’d just as soon trade any of us for a new outfit and you’re giving me shit. I can’t wait until you fall for someone. Let’s see how well you handle it.”

“Undoubtedly poor I’m sure.” Ve responded matter-of-factly. “And I hope you care enough to kick me in the pants if I need it. 

He opened his mouth to protest but instead let his shoulders fall relaxing the tension in his body. As annoying as her pushing and prodding could be he knew it came from a good place. 

“Here is good.” Rycah announced.

Looking at the clearing in confusion. “You wanted to be discrete so you choose a spot with no other plants around?”

“Like you said, he’ll notice no matter where I put it. At least this way he’ll know who left it.” seemingly pleased with his choice. 

“Whatever you say.” Ve handed him a shovel. 

The two moved in flashes like well oiled gears rotating in time with one another. Taking only moments to dig the hole, Rycah knelt down carefully lifting the plant from it’s ceramic prison. Cradling the base and roots, he placed it in it’s new home. It was if he could feel the happiness radiating from the tiny tree. Rycah smiled with contentment patting the dirt around it as Ve filled the hole back up again. Suddenly he couldn’t remember why he’d been so nervous in the first place. 

Ve placed her hands on her hips admiring how far Kami’s heart had come. How far Rycah had come. “I’ll take those.” she grabbed the shovels heading back over to the nearby shed. 

Rycah couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride starring at the heart he was now responsible for. 

“What are you doing?” 

He froze at the sound of the soft voice feet away him. Kami walked closer keeping his eyes on the newest addition before running his palm along the thin base. He rubbed the plant greeting the stranger.

Walking out of the shed Ve stopped abruptly behind Kami catching the wide eyed look from Rycah. She smiled in silent reassurance. Mouthing “Good luck” as parting words before she took off into the night. 

“Where did this come from?” 

“It’s the sprout I took from you.” 

Kami studied it harder in both wonder and shock “How?” 

“I kept it and took care of it and it grew.” his voice unsure like a child searching for approval. Still on his knees watching Kami study the plant he hadn’t realized he was holding his breath. 

“How did you manage to do in weeks what I could not do in...” Kami let his arm fall “forever.”

If not for their heightened abilities he may never have heard the words leave Rycah’s lips. “I think it’s yours.”

Kami’s eyes found him. “Mine? I don’t have one.”

“You always tell me every heart deserves love.” Rycah started.

Kami only nodded turning back to the vibrant baby tree.

“And your job was to make sure every heart got that chance.”

He stood silently taking in the words coming from the man kneeling beside him. 

“What makes you think you wouldn’t have the chance as well.” Rycah rose to his feet taking Kami’s hand in his. The tears spilled over running down Kami’s face at the revelation. 

“I know it’s out of place here but I thought it would be nice to plant it here in our spot.” Rycah smiled. 

“Our?” Kami turned his tear stained face to Rycah. His heart thudding in his ears.

“Of course.” suddenly realizing how presumptuous he’d been, Rycah snowballed his fantasy without knowing for sure his feelings were reciprocated. “Only if this is what you want too. I should have talked-”

Rycah’s words were cut off by the warm lips pressed against his. He closed his eyes savoring the moment as his hands roamed the smaller body. Kami squeezed tighter clinging to him. Rycah nuzzled into the crook of his neck inhaling deeply. 

“It’s me and you now.” he whispered into Kami’s ear with a kiss. Rycah smiled at the petal blossom that hadn’t been there before. He loved seeing Kami happy. He silently thanked their creator for giving him all he’d ever need right here in his arms. 

Flash Fiction Friday - Love's Garden Part 2

Usually it takes forever for Friday fun to get here but this one snuck up on me. I must be working to hard. I'll have to stop that. This week's prompt is birthstones. We only had to reference one but I used all except two.

Check out my fellows FFF ladies
Night Tempest, Elaina M. Roberts, and Tempest Wolf



Love's Garden 

“I hate to break it to you but you don’t know the first thing about gardening.” Ve rose from her seat. Her knee boots clicking on the hardwood floor as she made her way over the Rycah. The oversized bedroom was autumn red with gold accents and deeper crimson alcoves. Light shined from the open window over the sparse walls before bouncing of the metal instruments decorating his lair. Pursing her ruby red lips she took in the tiny peridot colored plant. 

“It’s cute like one of those little do it yourself seed thingies you see in grocery stores except those never actually grow.”

Rycah braced his hands on the table leaning over the potted sprout. “This one has to.”

“If you need this thing to grow so bad why not just give it to Kami? He lives for this stuff. Literally.” Her leather skirt strained as she plopped herself on the mahogany table next to him crossing her legs. Feigning interest in the rose crystals hanging from her necklace, she secretly studied the determination on his face.

“That is not an option right now. Hence why I’ve called you.” 

”I’m no better than you at this stuff.” She pointed a finger at herself. “We spend most of our day tearing shit down not making it grow Rycah. You and I are not nurturers.”

“I can be nurturing.” He snapped. Ve’s insinuation stung for reason he wasn’t ready to admit to her.

“Yeah you nurture the hell out of that sword.” She snorted. 

“Ve-” 

“And the way you sliced that demon bitch up the middle yesterday tenderness at it’s finest.”

“Enough!” 

Her emerald eyes widened almost jumping at the boom in his voice. “Touchy. I was just teasing.” 

“If you are not going to be of assistance than you are welcome to leave.”

Ve had never seen him so tense in the infinite time they’d spent together. She’d struck a nerve she just didn’t know which one. 
“Why is this thing is so important?” Looking back at it for something she’d missed.

Rycah’s eyes bore into hers sending a silent but clear message. She rolled her eyes waving off his macho stare down. She might not break him today but there was always tomorrow she smirked.

”Fine I’ll help but I’m warning you if this doesn’t work it’s not my fault.”

“Fine.”

“So now what?”

“I don’t know.” 

The two stood starring down at the small plant as if it was the source of all evil. 

“Did you water it?” 

“Yes. Should I add more?”

“I don’t know. Would that be too much water?” 

“Maybe.” 

“That’s not a lot of dirt.” 

“Is that not enough dirt? 

“I don’t know? Should we add more?” 

“Is there a such thing as too much dirt?”

“I don’t know!” Ve hopped off the table waving her arms emphatically. 

Rycah knew he’d taken a chance with this. He had no idea what what to do. If this heart did grow where would he put it? He couldn’t keep it in this little pot. What if it never grew?  He was already on thin ice taking it in the first place. He couldn’t handle losing Kami?

“Ok lets think logically.”

“Are plants logical?”

“One more stupid question and so help me...” Ve pointed a finger at him. “Let’s think what does Kami usually do with these things?”

Trying to remember the countless times he’d watch Kami from afar tending to his seedlings, all he’d focused on was Kami. He admired the love and care he put into them but never noticed how he did it. Rycah slumped down to the floor feeling like he’d failed already and he hadn’t even started. Closing his eyes, he let his head fall back with a defeated exhale. He could hear Ve’s movements but didn’t trust himself to look into her questioning gaze without faltering. She sighed catching a flicker of the pain in her leader’s eyes before he hide them. Kneeling down by his side she cupped his face.

“I may not understand all this but if it’s important to you than it’s important to me. We said we’re going to do this and you are not going to make a liar out of me. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. It’s not very attractive. We’re going to the plant store and we’re buying every piece of plant mumbo jumbo they sell. Now let’s go.” Anger she could deal with but self pity was another thing entirely. She didn’t believe in it and wasn’t about to let him start down that path. He smiled weakly as she pulled him up forcing him off the floor.  Several hours and arguments later the duo returned more confused than when they started. Rycah frown at half the store he was carrying in his arms. 

“I’ve never seen Kami use half this stuff.”

“I’ve never seen Kami use anything. I go in, I make small talk, I dig, I leave. Why can’t we ask for his help again?”

Ignoring the question, Rycah pulled instruments that looked more like torture devices that gardening tools out of the bags. Ve huffed parking herself beside him starring at down at the battle ahead of them.

The weeks that past became more and more hectic. On top of taking care of his normal responsibilities, he had another living thing to look after. He found himself fretting over the tiny heart endlessly. Startled from a deep sleep just to check on it. If he had a spare moment it was spent with his new charge. He could’t imagine how Kami took care of billions of these. Just this one was kicking his ass. It’s pear shaped bud started to turn a pale aquamarine as the days went on. He had no idea what it meant but took it in good faith.

Taking the terrain quickly he harnessed his power breaching the sapphire water into the field beneath. It had been a weeks since he last saw Kami. Constantly caring for and thinking of him without having the time to be physically there had him aching to be close to his angel. 

Kami was covered in dirt from the knees down massaging the leafs on one of his hearts. The topaz coloring betrayed it’s youth. Rycah could see his mouth moving and a sweet smile gracing his lips. He knew Kami was in deep conversation with his newest friend. Other’s found his connection strange but Rycah always found it endearing. The crunch of footsteps approaching stole Kami’s attention. Jumping up from his kneeling position he danced on the balls of his feet before running to embrace Rycah nuzzling his face in his chest. 

“Where have you been?” Kami’s voice muffled in the fabric of his shirt. 

Rycah stroked the top of his head relieved. “I thought you might be angry.”

“Why?” His eyes light up inquisitively.

“You seemed pretty upset last time I saw you.”

“Oh.” He pouted for a moment. “Yes I was upset but only because I failed someone not angry with you. Perhaps you were right. Maybe the heart needed to be harvested to make room for something better.” Kami put on a smile but Rycah knew he still felt the loss. 
“There’s nothing to take today though.” The spark of excitement finding him again.

“I’m happy to hear but that’s not why I came. I was hoping to relax is a bit. Spend some time in a peaceful place.”

Rycah led them out into the clearing reserved for Kami’s afternoon sun gazing. The droplets of water sparkled on top of the blade of grass like tiny crystals. Taking a seat in the grass he patted the spot next to him inviting Kami to join him. Kami laid down on his back. His silver tresses fanned out around him contrasting against his skin. The amethyst tunic gathered around his thighs as he starred up into the bright sky with a content sigh. He was happy to have the company but specifically Rycah’s company.

“Do you like it here?” Rycah gazed at their surroundings with newfound wonder.

“Yes very much. I know it doesn’t seem like much but it brings me joy to help others.”

“Actually it seems like a lot. I love that about you.”  He chuckled catching the rosiness appear in Kami’s cheeks. “I also love that.” Brushing his fingers across the blushing face. 

Kami flung an arm over covering his telltale blush. Grabbing both tiny wrists in one hand, Rycah held Kami’s hands tight to his chest over his heart. He placed his free hand in the grass next to Kami’s face positioning himself over the smaller man.

“Don’t hide from me.” 

Kami observed the flexed forearm wanting to nibble the flesh so close to his senses. Rycah leaned down inches from Kami’s face. He knew he was playing a dangerous game. Kami wasn’t like the others. He wasn’t use to such forwardness. The last thing Rycah wanted was to scare him. Still the glimmer of lust he caught in Kami’s eyes made him bold. Kami uncurled his fists laying his hands flat against the hurried thumping under Rycah’s shirt. Rycah let his fingers play over the slender arms skimming down his shoulder and collarbone. Soft kisses trailed. 

Kami lay trembling. He’d dreamt of what it would feel like to have Rycah touch him in more than the casual manner he was accustom to. Now that it was happening he wasn’t sure what to do. He questioned if he should try to will away his impending erection but the reciprocating hardness pressing into his hip eased any concern. He shuddered feeling a finger circle his fabric covered nipple pulling on the stiffening bud. Becoming so hard it hurt, he welcomed the painful pleasure. He knew the tent in his tunic must be visible. He turned his head allowing Rycah to nestled into the crook of his neck. Opening his mouth Kami struggled to pull in air. 

Rycah’s hand roamed the taut stomach to the bulge under Kami’s tunic. Hovering, he ghosted his hand over a small wet spot. There was nothing between him and the object of his desire but this thin barrier. Underneath, Kami’s naked body lay waiting. He considered how easy it would be to rip the irritating thing from him and take what was his. He was as hard as the blood red garnet that graced the hilt of his sword, probably the same color. Unconsciously his hand tightened around the fabric covered cock. Kami jerked his hips arching toward the hand around him.

“Rycah”

His body tingled with the moan of his name only further rousing the caged beast within him. He could feel his blood thudding in his ears. Kami’s erratic breathing thrilled him but also reminded him of just what he was about to do. Closing his eyes he summoned every bit of strength he had. 

“I should go.” Rycah whispered into his ear. 

It took a moment for Kami’s lust filled haze to wear off. He shot to his elbows searching Rycah’s eyes for what he had done wrong. 

“I should apologize for my behavior.” Rycah straightened himself before getting to his feet. His arousal still visible. “You deserve much better than I have shown you.” He helped Kami up brushing the stray blades of grass from his hair, kissing head. He didn’t only want Kami physically, he wanted all of him. He had no intentions of sullying there first time together by being impatient as much as not touching his angel was killing him. Kami already missed the weight of him. He needed to feel Rycah’s breath on his neck and the grass rubbing against his back again. He wanted to argue, urge him to continue but instead let himself be held, gasping at the feelings surrounding him.

Flash Fiction Fridays - Love's Garden part 1

Hi all! So this week I'm switching it up a bit. I was in the mood to write a cutesy love story. This is the first time in the history of everdom I've finished before the wee hours of the night. This all sort of came to me. I broke it into three pieces. Hope you like it :)

This week we had to use one of these locations for our prompt

Anain Fortress
Doeoak Crossing
Enandr Strait
Arokus Hill
Matran Bluff

Check out fellow FFF writers
Night Tempest, Elaina M. Roberts and Tempest Wolf


Love's Garden Part 1



The caretaker tended to a small bud that sprouted seasons ago but never grew more than a few inches above the dirt. Despite being older than many plants in his care, the tiny sprout still held the pale green color of immaturity. Kami took to watering the fields of flowering hearts who dominated his existence. The rows of florets seem to span an eternity though he could take a single row in seconds. He showered each one, his feet landing in the same prints he’d left moments ago only to move on to the next row. Physically his job was monotonous but he found constant joy in watching the hearts sprout forth clinging to each other.  Once a heart bloomed he knew that person had found their love. The hearts were never the same and it was his responsibility to ensure they grew strong and healthy. Nurturing each one that blossomed, he allowed their owners to share in the love of one another.

His job was a lonely one but he made friends with each unique heart imagining the characteristics that embodied it’s owner. Curiously he wondered which hearts were their other halves. They came with no names or associations only the pet names he given them. He knew only what he could tell from staring at the vibrant colored plants. Every now and then, as he watched them mature and grow, he wished the same for himself. He knew of passion from the other angels but hadn’t experienced anything like that for himself outside of his need to serve and guide. The sacrifice he made to tend this garden was well worth it. Forged from tears and love, he was given a choice to live out his purpose here nurturing the souls of his mortal sisters and brothers or choose his own destiny. He knew he was the only one who could care for the fragile hearts. The others were too harsh. They were full of light but spent far too much time in the trenches of good and evil for this delicate labor of love. This was his gift. He would bring joy to everything around him even if it meant nothing for himself. 

Finished his tending for the moment, Kami took a rest laying out in the recesses of the garden. He couldn't help but feel a little lonely amongst the consuming beauty. Most hearts that made it here grew into towering masses high enough to sprout from mortal ground and still paint the tips of heaven. Each one he gazed upon gave him a sense of fulfillment. Still there was a small void in his own heart they could not fill. He closed his eyes to nap before another came looking to harvest the few plants that withered making room for fresh blossoms. He always took it hard when another came to take the dead ones away sealing the dried flowers in books of their history. No one knew the painstaking love and care he put into every seedling leaving a piece of himself imbedded. Many days he sat by a wilted heart weeping for it’s loss. 

Rycah halted at the entrance as he reach the maze that made up Anain Fortress. The outer walls of the enormous angel made structure were boulders made up of liquid pearls adhering to each other. The self contained globules appeared to be nothing more than stilled water anyone could easily wade through. The peaks of the fortress spiked like tips of a crown resting on atop the hill’s head. Under the high sun, the watery stones glistened with golden leaves traversing the surface. The wall rippled under Rycah’s touch. Despite it’s serene appearance, he knew it was impenetrable. The fortress walls created a triangle. Each end devoted to it’s intangible leading lady. The power of will that shaped Destiny.  The inevitability that was Fate. Lastly the path that lead to Karma. While any angel had access, most didn’t have the ability to navigate the passages as nothing stayed in the same place. A person could walk miles and end up in the exact same spot. Only those who tended or guarded a treasure truly knew how vast this place was. The fortress housed the things most precious to Rycah’s creator. Things his children needed both mortal and immortal. One of which was Kami’s garden in the center of the protected plain. 

"Enjoying yourself little nymph" startled by the familiar voice, Kami scrambled to his knees tugging the modest gold tunic over his slender legs only to lose the shoulder. Rycah's presence sent chills through Kami’s body. Other's helped with harvesting but Rycah was his favorite. Taking in every inch as his eyes drifted upward. Rycah was beautiful to Kami in every sense of the word. His black boots laced up his calves. His thick thighs were incased in pants so tight Kami couldn’t imagine how me managed to move. A sheath crossed over his broad chest housing a well used sword wrinkled his crimson shirt. A few inches taller than Kami, his muscular body denoted that of a warrior. His auburn hair was cut close as he claimed it was easier to manage. His eyes gray with specks of light flutter through like flurries in a snow globe. Kami stared at the sword protruding behind his back. Rycah was always armed though it wasn't necessary here. In this place nothing grew but love. Following the path of Kami’s gaze, Rycah adjusted his sheath hiding the weapon completely behind him. Taking him by the shoulders Rycah gently lifted him to his feet. 

"Didn't mean to frighten you." embracing the smaller angel, he wrapped an arm around his waisted and the other at the nape of his neck fitting Kami to his chest. His tiny frame molded perfectly into Rycah. He took a whiff of the faint floral scent wafting off his luscious silver mane. Holding him tight, he relished the quick beating in Kami’s chest mimicking his own. The smooth tanned shoulder freed from his tunic mocked Rycah. He longed to feel the soft skin hidden under the fabric against his.   

“You didn’t scare me.” deep plum eyes looked up to Rycah. “I dozed off for a few minutes. I didn’t expect anyone so soon.” he smiled.

The innocence in his face only made him that much more beautiful to Rycah. Though he was several millennia old, he still held the sweetness of one of his young blossoms. Kami’s smile always turned Rycah to mush. Rycah was use to being in control. He’d become accustomed to the harsh realities of the moral world and battlefield where he'd spilled more than his fair share of blood. He was kind but dominated everything in his presence. That was his role to play in the greater good. Yet here he felt more like a lovesick boy than a warrior. Watching Kami’s rosy lips part as he spoke, Rycah couldn't help but wonder what they would feel like on his. What he would taste like. Kami had no idea the power he held over his larger counterpart. He inhaled deeply willing himself to release Kami before he gave the smaller man more than he bargained for.

“I figured I’d get started early and maybe have a little time to doze off in the fields like some of my fellow angels.” pinching Kami’s side eliciting a giggle. 

Kami loved how tactile Rycah was. Casting his gaze down to hide the heat in his cheeks, he often wondered why the attentions he received from the others never affected him in quite the same way. He cared for all of them but he was indifferent to their advances. With Rycah he longed for the touches they shared though he could never bring himself to say it to him out loud.

“There’s not much to harvest this time.”

“Oh?" Rycah asked looking around at the towering tree like masses that surrounded them. 

Rycah wasn’t surprised. He secretly watched day in and day out as the tiny angel knelt in the dirt coddling each plant under his care. He knew Kami didn’t just lead them to fleeting infatuation. He wanted them to find their other half. He poured every bit of fate his tiny yet powerful hands could muster into these hearts to make sure that happened. No one else could do what Kami could. No one loved as hard as he did. Rycah assumed the keeper even tended to his own heart somewhere in the vast vegetation though neither of them knew which. Rycah only knew from unbearable urge that built in his chest at the sight of Kami that he must be the one nurturing his heart. 

“My only problem seems to be this one.” Kami pointed to the little sprout. “It’s been trying for so long to grow but I don’t understand what’s wrong.” 

Noting the tiny flower not yet formed Rycah nodded. Kneeling down Rycah cupped his palms around the tiny plant though never touching it. 

“I remember you mentioning this one. This little guy has been here since I first started helping out.” Rycah recalled his visit to the garden for the first time. It seemed like a forever ago. He’d been to Anain Fortress more times than he could count but never bothered with the garden hidden deep in it’s core. He had no reason to. His job was to protect. He left it to others more qualified to love and guide. He probably would have never come here if not asked by his creator. The one time was all it took. Once he set eyes on Kami he never had to be asked again. 

Kami nodded kneeling beside him. “That’s when it first sprouted.” 

So many times Rycah prayed for Kami. The answer was always the same. Neither a yes or no. Kami’s heart belonged to whoever claimed it. He never understood but looking at this sad little bud he wondered if he’d found his answer. He knew if it didn’t grow soon it would be harvested or trampled by one of his less sensitive brethren to make room for something else. Something that wasn’t him. 

Looking at the intense concentration on Rycah’s face, Kami had never seen anyone else take such an interest in his plants. 

Rycah lifted his eyes smirking at Kami’s surprised expression. "I don't bring war everywhere I go." he laughed. 

"You've never brought anything but joy here." Kami could feel the flush in his cheeks again at his admission. 

“Good.” Rycah tapped Kami’s nose with the tip of his finger. “Get the shovel so I can dig this little guy out.” he ordered trying to keep his voice even as he contemplated his next move. 

Kami's wide eyes brimmed with tears staring at Rycah who pretended to ignore the pleading look tearing him to pieces. His shoulders slumped in defeat as he got up without a word to fetch the small hand shovel. 

“And a pot.” he heard Rycah call out. He returned with both handing them over to the kneeling giant. Rycah stuck the shovel into the dirt only to stop with a puzzled look. 

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know how to remove this without damaging it. I’m afraid this is not my strong suit.” handing the tools back to Kami.
Confused he took the tools from Rycah. What difference did it make if the plant was to be disposed of anyway? 

“You want the plant undamaged?” Kami asked in a curious tone.

“Yes. Please.” thrusting the pot forward.

Sitting the shovel aside, Kami dug in with his hands scooping a wide section. Bring up the tiny plant roots and all he placed it in the pot. 

“Here” the tears in Kami’s eyes finally spilling over.

Rycah raised his hands to caress the wet cheeks. “Please don’t cry. Perhaps something better will grow.”