Flash Fiction Fridays

Prompt- emphasize a flaw in one of your characters. 

FFF'ers

NightTempest

Elaina M. Roberts

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“I never said crazy. You've taken in a lot today that's all.” Liam stroked Quinn’s chest trying to coax the man laying next to him into relaxing. “Maybe your having a wicked case of deja vu.”  

“It’s not deja vu. I've been here before. I’m pretty sure it was just a dream but still I know this place. It's eerie.” Quinn’s eyes focused and everything and nothing. 

He wasn’t sure what time it was but it was still the middle of the night that much he knew. With the exception of a few sparks of light here and there, the outside was pitch black. The laughter and partying drowned out Quinn’s uncomfortability for a while but as those faded into the night, his anxiety replaced them. Quinn wasn’t usually so skittish but after finally accepting there were creatures out there he’d never fathomed and now this place haunting him, he was on high alert. 

The sound of Liam’s voice was the only thing calming his nerves. Liam’s confessions were awkward but needed. After hearing everything, including what Richard had done to help him, Quinn couldn’t help but start to like the guy. His proximity to Faye also helped alleviate some of his jealousy. As much as he tried to hide it, inside his rage boiled at the idea of anyone else getting close to his gentle beast. He promised himself he would work on the jealous bitch in him, eventually. His fingers toyed with the plush cotton underneath them trying to focus his energy on Liam’s touch. 

Liam positioned his body over Quinn’s placing his arms on either side. The brunt of his weight on his elbows, he stared down at Quinn ignoring the increasing sparks under his skin. “Ok dream catcher what else did you see?” 

“I mostly remember you. But we were in this cabin.” emphasizing the last part. 

“And what happened?”

Quinn's face flushed recalling the cabin had not been the star of the show. 

“Are you blushing?”

“Shut up.” Laughing at his own embarrassment, Quinn turned his face away from his dream guy hovering inches above him. 

“What exactly were we doing in this dream of yours?” Liam nuzzled his neck before giving in, gently taking the soft skin between his teeth. Quinn’s embarrassment quickly forgotten, Liam could feel Quinn's arousal rubbing against his own. 

“Not tonight.” Liam’s voice was almost a growl in his ear. “I'm not ready.” 

Quinn groaned melting into the bed. “You feel plenty ready to me.”

Liam chuckled. Red locks tickled his nose as he continuing his assault behind Quinn’s ear. “I'm ready down there but not up here.” Pulling his lips away to make eye contact, he pointed to his temple. 
“This is the first time in as long as I can remember that I haven’t felt like some abomination or freak of nature. I'm still learning how to be normal. How to not hurt the people I care about. I’m a bit of a shit show but if you really want this, we need to take this slow.” 

“Slow is ok as long as we don’t stop. I’m all in. I need to know you are too.” he sobered a bit at the thought of Liam running again. “And for the record there is no such thing as normal. You might be a freak of nature but aren’t we all? Your problem is you don’t have any confidence in yourself or no faith in those around you. I can handle every bit you just fine.” the corners of his mouth curling just a bit at the innuendo. 

“Maybe you have a little too much faith in me.”

Pondering the thought for a moment, Quinn stared into those dark pupils. “The fact that you could unintentionally off me is a valid concern but there’s nothing wrong with you. Except maybe up here.” Quinn tapped the side of Liam’s head with a smile. Whatever came next he was ready. He may not have the fancy bells and whistles but he was every bit his equal. He needed Liam to see him as a partner. Not some defenseless human he needed handle with kid’s gloves. However heavy things got, he was in it for the long haul. 

“I love you.” Liam finally worked up the nerve to say. “I love you. I swear I want us to get closer Quinn.” 

“Then start by getting close dammit.” A swift poke to his ribs caused Liam to jerk his arms out from under him releasing all of his weight atop of Quinn. 

Liam’s laugh shook the bed. “I was trying not to crush you.”

Quinn smiled sweetly. Snuggled happily between Liam and bed, he took a deep inhale. He loved the smell and feel of the man on top of him. “Stop being afraid to love me. I won't break.”