Flash Fiction Friday Part 2

Yes it is in fact Saturday...nope make that Sunday. Sorry for the late post. 2am is the only time I've had to myself all week.  So here is the second part of my FFF story I realized I never named. We'll call it Cambion for the time being. 

This Week's prompt was one of the following:

1. Holiday - Crollifus is a cultural holiday celebrated on the summer solstice. It is associated with wildness, a reunion and peace. Traditions include private games of chance, exchanges of gifts and atonement. 

2. Flag - an oriflamme with two stripes of olive and pale yellow, and a cross of dark green. The emblem is an oak tree. (oriflamme - any triangular banner with pointed ends, not to be confused with a pennant which is simply a triangle)

3. Superstition - Finding a poppy in a grove of ironwood trees is a sign that soon you will encounter a duel. 

4. Tarot Card - The Lauded Arcanist - The card depicts a proud youth involved in a search near a lake. It is bordered by mountains. The back is bronze with an ear of corn involving repeating design. It is bordered by glyphs. 

5. Ritual - Fighters trying to be protected from spirits can sacrifice a raven in a temple under a quarter moon 

I'm sure you've already checked out fellow FFF writers Night Tempest, Elaina M. Roberts, and Tempest Wolf but they're worth another read.

(Cambion part 2)

“I don’t entirely know how to answer that.” Liam released Quinn’s hands posting himself against a near by bookshelf. 

So many times he’d started this conversation in his head. He wanted to tell him everything but always chicken out in the end. Not quite making out Liam's expression, Quinn only hoped it wasn’t anger. 

“Sorry about going through your stuff. This book just looked cool in that whole Indiana Jones ancient relic way.” 

Liam ran his hands through his hair in frustration. Fuck it.

“Do you believe in demons?” Caught off guard, Quinn pondered for a moment.

“I guess. I believe in angels so the opposite could exist.”

Liam grunted his approval assuring Quinn he’d given the right answer. “Is that what it is?” 

Nodding Liam dared to reveal a little more. “You’ve heard of a Succubus or an Incubus right? I suppose succubus is more common than incubus. I think more people of heard of that.  Actually I don’t really know what other people know.” His nerves kicking in, he was starting to babble. There was no easy way other than to blurt it out but his lips refused.

“Yeah” Quinn shrugged not sure where this was going but still willing to ride it out. 

“Do you believe in them?” 

Walking over he pulled Liam into his embrace. He wanted to kiss away the terror in Liam’s angelic face and make it better. Make them better. “You know that’s not real don’t you?” 

Liam shook his head needing to plead his case. He couldn’t take the pitiful look or the tender voice Quinn used as if he was speaking to a child afraid of monsters under the bed. 

“You’ve never thought it was strange the way people react to me? The way you reacted to Richard?”

“Richard? What does...”

“Think about it?”

He was sure Liam was losing his marbles but something about the whole thing was indeed off. “Yes people go a little crazy over you but look at you” grabbing Liam’s face bringing his sweet chocolate eyes closer “You’re beautiful how could anyone not want you.” 

“It’s more than that. I know it sounds crazy but I’ve seen what happens to men I lose control with. What happened to my mother after my father.”

“So you think you’re an incubus?” Quinn scoffed. 

“Cambion. Half.” he corrected.

“Oh excuse me” Quinn threw up his hands in mockery. “Cambion because being a full incubus that’s just crazy!” 

He regretted the comment as soon as it left his mouth. Liam braced his hands against Quinn pushing himself off.

“Listen to me. I don't want you because you’re was some monster. I want you because I love you. I love you with everything I have. You’re not a demon or a whatever. You’re an amazing person. And Richard, he’s an attractive guy. That’s it!” As logical as his argument seemed and as insane as Liam sounded, he still couldn’t shake the feeling there was some truth in Liam’s words. He wouldn’t admit it but part of him wanted to believe. 

“Maybe you should talk to someone.”

Liam already felt like a freak and Quinn was sending him over the edge. Even though he knew he could never have him the way he wanted, he still hoped Quinn would at least understand him. He could accept him, let him know everything was ok. It was naive but he still hoped. Now he realized how foolish he was.

“You’re right. I’m not making any sense right now.” Liam conceded making his way to the bedroom to grab Quinn’s shoes. Quinn hot on his trail, he handed them over ignoring his attempts to continue this conversation. He couldn’t stand the sound of Quinn’s voice right now. He was about to lose it with every passing moment. 

“Liam...” following him to the living room, Quinn knew he needed to apologize.

“We’ll talk later”  Holding open the front door, Quinn got the hint. His eyes pleaded but Liam never looked up. He hated himself. The man he loved had finally given him a moment of vulnerability, a look behind the curtain and he’d thrown it back in his face. The tears built up as he heard the door shut behind him. 

Liam was tired. The guilt and loneliness had taken their toll. His conversation with Quinn went just as he knew it would. The cool floor soothed the soles of his bare feet as he walked into the bathroom. He noticed his surroundings in a way he never had before. The beckoning of curtains from the open window. The bumps on his arms from the breeze caressing his skin. His body reacted to the energy in the room. He had become a shell of himself resigned to live out the rest of his life moving, existing but never indulging in the things closest to him. Never savoring anything. He stood to face the mirror. He wanted to feel something staring back at him.  He wanted to know what these men felt when he touched them. Pain, pleasure anything. He was spiraling out of control. His choices were limited but he needed someone to talk to before he completely lost it.

Richard pried his lids open to the most annoying sound imaginable. His hand searched the table frantically for the culprit he planned to kill. Success came as he felt buzzing under his palm. Looking at the screen, he remembered exchanging numbers with Liam and Quinn to get in contact should anything important come up. He never expected Liam would actually use it and certainly not first thing in the morning. Curbing the urge to hurl his phone, Liam didn’t strike him as the type to call for nothing. He was thankful he'd answered hearing the desperation in the few shaky words Liam managed. Insisting he come over, Liam made a sound of protest but Richard hung up before anymore was said. 

Liam knocked softly at the door already regretting having called in the first place. Dark brown locks in disarray, sipping his coffee, Richard opened the door waving him in. Liam took in the sight of the man in only low hung sweats as he walked back into the kitchen gesturing at the empty chair next to the island. He took a seat watching Richard pour another cup. 

“Alright so what’s going on?” sliding the cup across, his baby blues burned into Liam. 

He’d already made a fool of himself. What was one more person. He poured himself out right in front of Richard. His relationships, his mother being institutionalized, Quinn, all of it. Though stunned at some of his admissions, Richard only nodded along as he took everything in. 

“I know we’re a rare breed but it’s hard to believe you’ve never run across another anything.” Now wonder the kid was a mess Richard thought. He had no idea who he was, where he came from, or where to go from here. Richard had the benefit of his mother’s teachings. Spent time with his own, both a blessing and curse at times. He never considered himself a role model but he wanted to help. There was something about this kid he liked. He saw a little of himself in his youth. 

“I’m not much of a consolation but I can show you the ropes if you’d like.” 

Liam didn’t know how much he could learn from this man but if nothing else he was grateful to have someone to listen.  

Scratching the stubble on his face, he pondering a thought."You might want to join me at Crollifus. It’s a holiday celebrated on summer solstice. It is associated with wildness, reunion, and peace. There’s games and gifts. It’s also a time of atonement for the few full bloods that attend. It’s being held in upstate Pennsylvania this year. I wasn't planning on going but I think it would be good for you." Some time with his own that didn't involve death or madness would be good for him.

"What kind of games and gifts?"

Richard cocked his head with a devilish smirk. 

“Oh.” Liam lowered his eyes willing the rosy blush in his cheeks away. 

“What?” sensing the question growing in his mind, Richard bent down to meet his eyes.

“I don’t know how. I mean I know how but...”

Richard’s lips curled understanding his unspoken predicament. “We have an advantage over full Succubi and Incubi. May not have as much power but we can control the damage we do. They can’t. They’re kind of like trying to catch lightening in a bottle and expecting the bottle not the break. They simply can’t help it.”

He urged Liam to stand stepping behind him. Richard wrapped his arms around him pressing their bodies together. 

“First problem is you fight your power. You can't master what you're afraid of or don't understand." 

Liam tensed at the sudden contact struggling against his body’s natural instinct to run.  

"Relax."

Liam closed his eyes. Breathe in breathe out he repeated. Trust was something he’d struggled with his whole life. Mostly he didn’t trust himself. Even with Richard, his constant nagging fear crept into his consciousness. He didn’t think he had the ability to harm Richard but truth was he didn’t know what he was capable of. As hard as he fought, there was something calming about Richard’s presence. Something that made Liam welcome the feel. His worrisome thoughts began to fade as his body gave into Richard’s. An inviting aroma assaulted his senses so thick he could taste it on his tongue. The only sounds were the rhythmic breathing that took the room. His skin dampened as the air warmed around them. The body behind him feeling more like an extension than a separate being, the separation of their skin by his clothes disturbed him. That warm sensation trailed the hands that ran under his shirt, over his chest, and down his stomach. His body tingled with electric sparks under his skin. The power engulfing him sizzled against his own. Draping itself over every inch like a second skin igniting the tiny jolts that fondled his most sensitive places. Letting his head fall back he nuzzled the shoulder behind him. He'd spent so many nights fisting himself screaming into the darkness for the closeness he felt right now. A small piece of him knew he should be embarrassed at the cock stiffening in his jeans but he was lost to the touch. Instinctively fighting for dominance, his own power pushed back intertwining. His energy blended returning the sparks of passion onto his captor. Soft lips whispered across his neck eliciting a moan. That incredible warmth pressed harder into him bring a gasp from his lips. His energy submitted to the power forcing it’s way inside while his body did the same. He ground his ass into the reciprocating erection behind him panting for more. It was the first time he'd made a connected to another person without stifling fear. Unwrapping itself from the tangled knot of lust that surrounded them, the foreign power retreated without warning leaving only his own grasping at the lingering sparks.

"Feel that?" 

Several moments passed before the whispered question lulled Liam from his haze. Fuck. "Sorry." turning an undiscovered shade of red he immediately tried pulling away.

"Stop it" Richard held tighter dismissing his self consciousness. "That feeling was our energy.  We constantly release a bit of it. It’s what draws other to us but when we are at our peak is when it becomes dangerous. Human’s have their own energy that draws us though no where near as powerful. That’s why it’s so easy to overtake them. The key is not to suffocate or feed on another’s energy. Simply intertwine.” Richard locked his fingers with Liam’s for emphasis. “ Let it build then summon it back to you. Just yours. Remember that feeling. Practice it. Embrace it. This is your first lesson." 

Flash Fiction Fridays Part 1

I've been promising myself forever I would start writing more. My dream? To be epic of course. I went on a quest to be a writer without having to actually write. After an exhausting search for the magic solution I figured it was easier to just do it.

Night Tempest has so generously invited others to join in on the Flash Fiction Fridays. I took the bait and I'm throwing feather pen in the ring.
This story is an attempt at experimenting outside of my comfort zone. Not the m/m part of course :)
There may be grammatical errors which I apologize for but honestly I'm just happy to have finally made a deadline. It will be a couple parts and possibly expanded eventually. For this week's FF we had to use one of the following sentences starters and two of the words listed at the bottom

He hadn't seen the old man since
This time it wouldn't be so easy to fool them
He watched, helpless, as the door closed behind her
The attack was over in seconds
His voice had never sounded so cold

Asinine, Computation, Radical, Evangelical, Dirty

Night Tempest and Elaina M. Roberts posted their FF pieces for this week. Completely amazing. You should stalk them if you don't already. Seriously right now.

Liam laid in his bed staring at the picture of Quinn on his phone. He wasn’t sure which he wanted to do more reach into his briefs or curl up in a ball and cry. He knew all to well what would happen if he ever tried to get close again. He still remembered his last boyfriend Tim. The moans of ecstasy that soon turned to agony. The attack was over in seconds but Tim’s sickly face twisted in pain, as he cried out, still haunted Liam.  He had ruined another man. Angry with himself, he’d left before any more damage was done. He cleared the picture and sat his phone down scratching at the familiar twinge in his chest. Not sure if it was real or simply guilt, he’d started to believe his victims were tearing at his soul. At first he didn’t understand what his mother had warned him about. Liam refused to believe simple acts of affection could ruin so many lives. After his second boyfriend ended up in the hospital, his mother’s delirious rantings from her own hospital room didn’t seem so crazy. He naturally possessed the kind of allure everyone sought. He exuded lust and pleasure but always pain in the end. Thinking of Quinn made him feel impossibly lonely. Having finally found the love he desperate wished for, he had no way to act on it. He refused to risk Quinn’s safety. His last encounter testament to his failure, he resigned himself to the fact he would be alone forever.  

It had been a month since Quinn last saw Liam. He worked as a freelance artist at the same company. Though they had shared such a short span of time together, Liam had touched his heart with his shy sweetness and generous spirit. Liam left his mark on Quinn’s heart like a brand claiming every inch. Much to Quinn’s disappointment, Liam called it quits without warning just as things started getting serious. Liam refused to allow Quinn to get close to him emotionally or physically. He knew he cared but he also knew Liam had a hard time letting anyone in. Women and men fell all over themselves trying to get his attention. He loved Liam just as much as anyone but they're unabashed and often asinine efforts to turn his head never ceased to amaze him. Their methods ranged from simple dirty talk to all out begging. There was a time he’d felt that pull once too but soon settled very comfortably into their newfound friendship. Maybe that was the problem. Liam was use to people fawning over him and he didn’t have that love sick puppy act. Shaking the accusation from his mind, he knew Liam wasn’t like that. More than anything he always seemed unimpressed even uncomfortable with the attention. 

Now waiting in the conference room for their meeting to begin, Quinn was secretly elated their boss Michael insisted the two work on this next project together. It would finally get Liam into a situation he couldn’t run from and they could talk things out. Quinn’s heart skipped at the jiggle of the door handle. Walking in Michael and Liam took seats across from him. Giving a quick hello, Liam tried his best not to make eye contact with the sexy redhead across from him. Quinn returned his stoic hello convinced they could see his heartbeat through his shirt. 

“We’re just waiting for one more before we get started.  He’s heading up the whole building project and he’ll be checking in with us to make sure everyone is on the same page.” Michael announced with his eyes glued on Liam as usual.   

“Excuse me for my tartiness gentlemen.” a voice interjected. Eyes bluer than any water Quinn had ever seen peaked through his dark bangs. The man standing in the doorway appeared to be in his early thirties and effortlessly stunning. Wearing black slacks and a t shirt under his matching blazer, he greeted the room with a surprisingly laid back demeanor for an executive. The redhead jumped from his seat tripping over his own feet. Embarrassed but not deterred, he extended his hand to the handsome newcomer “Quinn”. 

“Richard” the man returned with a smile.

Irritated but not surprised at Quinn’s actions, Liam extended his own hand. Standing from his seat, he gripped Richard’s hand a little firmer than necessary. Liam had never met another of his own kind but recognized his scent immediately. He wanted to make sure Richard knew it didn’t go unnoticed as well. Smirking Richard took a seat next to Quinn and nodded in an unspoken understanding. 

The meeting went on with Quinn and Michael fawning over every word from Richard who casually returned their pleasantries.  Liam had always tried his best to keep his power under control. He never wanted to hurt anyone especially Quinn. Now he was sick to his stomach at the sight of Quinn falling all over this guy. He wanted to jump on the desk and beat his chest claiming his territory. Trying to stifle his growing jealousy, Liam spent most of the meeting in silence with only the occasional nod or grunt to let them know he was still there. The meeting dragged on until Richard finally cut the two men loose, explaining he had another meeting he was already late for. They’re faces fell like fangirls kicked out of a Beiber concert. Gathering their things they made their way out. Liam rolled his eyes at the ridiculousness of his two friends though he couldn’t help being curious himself. Studying Richard made him wonder if people looked at him in quite the same way. 

“Don’t see many of us around.” catching Liam before he made it out of the conference room, Richard seemed genuinely intrigued. 

“Uh yeah I guess not.” Liam looked around for anyone in ear shot. He wanted to hate this guy but for some reason he couldn’t. Other than the fact he was stealing the love of his life, the guy seemed ok. He thought it might even be nice to have someone around who understood. Liam had so many questions and no answers outside of his books. Catching Quinn’s starry eyes still locked on Richard from outside the door caused him to pause. Glancing over, Richard understood. 

“Yours?” Richard chuckled a bit at Liam’s obvious irritation. 

“No but he’s a friend. And off limits.” His eyes bore into him. 

Richard’s lips curled at the subtle warning. “Trust me I’m no threat.” 

Starring at Quinn’s lopsided grin across the office Liam groaned. Richard’s laugh at the whole interaction was deep but cheerfully friendly. The man had an easy going vibe that made Liam feel a little less uncomfortable. Who knew, he might even consider him a friend one day.

Taking the steps to Liam’s apartment, Quinn was in a daze. He was a little embarrassed and very confused at his actions earlier but thankfully Liam claimed not to notice. Opening the door Liam gestured his guest in. Quinn led the way to the kitchen previously familiar with his surroundings. He pulled out a few beers. He knew what he wanted to say. He’d rehearsed it in his head a thousand times but now that they were alone and he’d just made a fool of himself not more than a couple hours ago, he was losing his nerve. He opened the first one downing his liquid courage in large gulps. Joining Liam in the living room he starred blankly at the papers spread out on the table. Liam tried his best to ignore their proximity but Quinn was distracting in the best possible way. 

More than their share of bottles gone, Liam realized Quinn wasn’t going to be much help. He wasn’t even sure what he was doing at this point. Quinn’s head dipped as he dozed off. Liam knew he must be exhausted given the energy he’d probably lost with Richard near him. 

“You can rest a bit if you want” placing a hand on Quinn’s chest coaxing him down.  As his eyes became heavy, he felt the warmest sensation he had ever felt in his life. His heart began to skip. The hand still resting on his chest, before Quinn knew it he had succumb to sleep. 

Liam knew he certainly couldn’t send him home in this state. He looked so small curled up on the couch. He gently lifted him carrying him to the bedroom. He reasoned he’d have more room and be more comfortable.  Liam had wanted to share a bed with Quinn for so long but he knew the consequences. Keeping his thoughts and hands from venturing to the point of no return, he removed his shoes and spread Quinn out pulling the covers over him. He laid next to his ex gently pushing the hair from his face and planting a soft kiss on his forehead. Liam swore he’d never get this close to Quinn again, never tempt himself but this was innocent he promised before sleep over took him as well. 

Quinn woke to a warm body cuddled beside him. Looking over, he smiled at the man he missed so much. He admired everything about him in his unconscious state from the stubble on his jaw to the dimples in his cheeks.  He trailed a lone a finger over his lips. Liam was one of the most beautiful and kind hearted people he had ever met. He couldn’t imagine what he tried so hard to hide and why. Slowly rising as not to disturb him, Quinn made his way out of the bedroom. He took the short hallway leading to the living room. Walking past the couch he tried to remember what happened but it was all a jumbled mess. He was still fully dressed so he figured the answer to his question was sound nothing. Examining everything but nothing in particular, Quinn wondered into the study. Book cases lines the room like wallpaper. He traced the books on his shelves. Ancient biblical references followed by book after book of mythological texts and sprinkles of old classics. Taking a seat at the desk, Quinn found himself rummaging. He knew he kept things he used daily at his own desk, easily reachable. He figured Liam probably did the same. He had no idea what he was looking for. He just needed something. Opening one of the draws a book neatly tucked away was barely holding together. Fingering the rough grainy fabric so old he was afraid it would disintegrate in his hands, he peeled the cover. Reading the first paragraph, it seemed like he was onto something. Albeit something strange.

“It is not polite to go through people’s things” the voice startled him. 

Quinn slammed the book shut with a fright, his fingers still trapped inside. Trying to shake the pain away, Quinn felt Liam run his palms down his arms grasping the aching digits into his own hands. 

"Better?" he asked rubbing the pain away. 

Liam's touch always made feel like he might combust at any moment. He had almost forgotten what he wanted to ask until he followed Liam’s wide gaze from his hands to the book. Quinn turned his attention back to the item of interest. "Liam what’s a Cambion?"