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?"