Random Piece of the Puzzle Story

This is non FFF related. I've had this story in my head for a while now but I haven't quite fleshed it out or edited for that matter. I know the story I want to tell but I'm still up in the air with crucial points. Anyway I thought posting it and looking at it again might help me piece it together. 



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Ev admired the stone monsters starring back at him from across the high gothic rooftops.  The moonlight reflecting off the beads of moisture made them look almost real. For a moment he swore he saw one flinch. He pitied the stone prisoners for a moment before coming back to his 

senses. Ev's feet began to ache from being concentrated in one spot for so long. Mindlessly tracing his finger through the condensation on his window, he chastised himself thinking of all the things he could be doing right now. Dark figures appeared from the alley rewarding Ev's patience. He couldn't make out his face from such a distance but he didn't need to. He could feel him. 

Lena silently watched, her heart ripping in two. She desperately wanted to stay with her brother, offer him the support he would never get from their parents but she knew Hayden was probably in the same shape. 

“I’ll be right back sweetie” she whispered in Ev’s ear before kissing his cheek. Running into the bathroom, thumbs flew across her phone like texting was the next Olympic sport. 

Please check up on Hayden and make sure he’s ok. 

Already on it babe.

She let go of the breath she hadn't realize she’d been holding. She paced the tiny bathroom for a moment before walking out back out to Evelyn handing him the tissues from the bathroom. 

“Thought you might need these.” Ev absently took the tissues from her curling up on the couch in his same pajamas he had worn all weekend. 

“So sweetie...”

“Don’t. I don’t want to talk it out I just want to lay here ok?” 

Ev already knew what was coming. He knew Lena was only trying to help. He appreciated her being there but he didn’t want to hug it out with her. Feeling oddly helpless, she knew there was something more she should be saying, doing, anything to make this moment better but she was left with nothing. There were no words to make this any better. Her parents had drawn their line in the sand and for reasons Lena couldn't understand Ev went along with them. With each moment it killed him a little more. She simply put her arm around him while he drifted off to sleep. 

Hayden stepped wide over the puddle forming at the clogged drain hole with friends in tow. Sparkling mist accumulated on his clothes as he walked in silence with them laughing and prodding each other. He smiled back occasionally feigning normalcy for the their sake. Pretending he was still there but his thoughts were lost in their own realm somewhere. As usual, the precious few that we're out traveling this time of night ducked into side streets at their approach. Setting his gaze back on his friends, He’d never considered any of them 
menacing but they did have the ability to clear a room or street in this case. 

"Hayden quit walking so damn fast." 

Gil ran up from the pack wrapping an arm around him. The slits in his neck fluttering with every breath. His eyes almost completely black. Staring into that abyss, most thought this must be the doorway to a soulless creature but Hayden knew Gil to be one of the kindest gentlest people he'd ever known. Jamie followed behind still engrossed in his conversation with Vince. He looked like he bench pressed cars in his spear time. At 6'6 and 270 of pure muscle anyone who wasn't cautious of Jamie was insane. Aside from his massive girth Jamie appeared fairly normal and chatty. He was use to them making people nervous. He would be were he in their place. Lena was one of the few that felt 
completely at ease their company. Realizing Gil had been talking to him this entire time he tried to concentrate on his muted words but his own thoughts were screaming. He desperately wanted to look up into the passing window. Knowing there was nothing to see, his eyes burned with need anyway. He fixed his gaze to Gil's moving lips trying to make out the words as they rounded the corner.

Next Week

Agggggh. I was out of the country for an impromptu work trip.  Those are fun however, my schedule paired with my apparent lack of time management skills means I'm always playing catchup with FFF. I haven't even had a chance to read Night's last few updates which means shit just got real :(
No idea what the next prompts will be but I'm writing something next week if it kills me.

Flash Fiction Friday

I was hoping to have this posted before I skipped town but no such luck. This week's prompt was to use one of the seven deadly sins Wrath, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Sloth, or Pride. This is a one shot story. Slightly weird but this is where my mind went so I followed.

NightTempest

Elaina M. Roberts

Finishing up his fifth beer, Ben lounged back in his chair sprawling lean denim cover legs across the arm. Suddenly the fall weather didn't seem as cool, although he knew it wasn't the temperature that had changed. He unzipped his leather jacket fanning the charcoal grey T-shirt underneath.

David stood across the open piazza flanked by Blair and Neal. Ben hated going our with David’s friends. He always felt out of place and uncomfortable to say the least. Tonight he’d hoped would be a fun night listening to music and looking up into the stars, just him and D. Instead it turned into a non-stop bout of eye fuckery and flirting when they ran into David’s old college friends. 

He wasn't exactly shocked. They couldn't go anywhere without running into someone David knew. He was outgoing with a natural charm. Ben could hear his infectious laugh across the square and see the wide smile Blair gave as she slide her hands up his defined arm. Ben’s eyes rolled so far back into his head he thought they'd get lost. Running his fingers through his blonde locks, his grip tightened with every inch Blair's hands moved. When her red tipped fingers began to play across David’s mocha skin, he had to taking a deep breath and release before he ripped his own hair out. 

He'd never wanted to hit a girl before in his life but she was pushing it. Those arms she was pawing all over belong to him. Ben knew Blair wasn't a threat, no matter how much she tried. For that matter neither, was Neal. He knew David loved him. But he was naturally friendly and perceived everyone else’s kind words or touches in the same light. It didn't stop Ben from hating it and being a little jealous he didn't have the same ability. Neal belted out a hearty laugh before placing his own hand on David's other arm. 

"Awesome" Ben muttered to himself.  

Letting his head fall back, he tried to block out the drunken conversation of a pair seated on bench across from him. He let the twinkling lights above take him to his happy place before he vomited all the next person who got too close. His fingers finding the charm hanging from his neck, he absently toyed with the onyx heart. David had laughed when Ben pointed out the gemstone heart in passing. A week later Ben came home to find the necklace laying on his pillow. 

"Why are you all the way over here Benjamin?" 

Slightly startled out of his trance by the sound of a familiar voice, he loved the way David said his name even if it was in annoyance. 

“Not feeling very social tonight." 

"Shocking.” David answered in mock surprise. “I told them you had a headache."

Ben smirked "Not completely untrue."

Grunting David fixing his dark eyes onto the green ones starring back at him until he finally leaned over planting a kiss on Ben’s lips.  

"Come on, lets go." Grabbing Ben by the hand, David turned to wave goodbye before leading them towards the car. 

Ben felt like an ass watching David kick off his boots in a defeated huff before making his way to the fridge. He couldn't help being an antisocial freak and had always been envious of David's charm and presence. He could blend into any room, which usually attracted more attention than Ben was comfortable with. 

"Sorry I ruined your night."

David let out a deep exhale. He sat the container of Strawberry Cheesecake icecream down before embracing Ben. 

"You couldn't if you tried.” he smiled trying to ease the sullen look on his boyfriend’s face. “But I do wish you would be more open. You might shock yourself into having fun."

"I have fun. I'm just not a bee like you.” Ben’s voice muffled through David’s shirt. 

David stepped back furrowing his eyebrows.

“Not B as in bitch, bee as in buzz buzz. Like bees go from flower to flower. Super social. They’re kinda the whores of the insect world really. Not that you’re a whore, just saying it makes more sense than social butterfly.”

“I got the analogy.” David shook his head going back for his abandoned container. “You’re a mess.”

“Sorry, I haven’t mastered the fake smile." Ben pulled up the corners of his mouth with his fingers. 

"Why not? I do it with your parents all the time and they hate me." David managed with a mouth full of icecream.

Ben followed behind the large man making his way towards the bedroom. "Well they fucking hate me too what do you want!"

“All I really want right now is to finish this” he emphasized the spoonful going into his mouth. “And go to sleep.”

Sometimes David's zen was a good contrast to Ben's easily riled nature. Other times it just annoyed him. Ben plopped down on the bed clothes and all. The sloshy feeling of liquid in his stomach reminding him swift movements were probably not the best idea. Suddenly feeling light headed, he closed his eyes trying to still his body and thoughts. 

When he opened his eyes again, the woman standing beside him put Ben at ease. She was familiar though he couldn’t place her. He simply felt the kinship to her more than understood it. The pair walked into what looked like a grand ball room. Ornate light fixtures spanned the circular room. Red curtains hung in front of what Ben assumed to be doorways. Gold insignias lined columns from the hardwood floor to the chandeliers above. In the center was one large table. At the head, a beautiful women in a shimmering black dress sat watching. Matching dark locks perfectly draped her bare shoulders. Something about the air around her didn’t match the sultry pin up girl his eyes saw. She made him extremely anxious. 

"Welcome." The word rolled off her tongue without a touch of warmth to it. The sound of her voice sending a cold chill up his spine. Ben searched his mind to remember how they’d gotten here. This not so humble abode was somewhere on the cusp of what he knew and what had yet to be discovered. 

In this realm Pride reigned. Her children, the tools with which she exercised her power, we're just as infectious. Her first set, Lust, Envy, and Wrath were seated closest to her at the head of the table. 

Lust and Wrath sat on either side of her. They mirrored each other, both possessing long black hair that framed youthful faces. Unlike his sister, Lust was the picture of beauty. Flawless, soft features housed grey eyes reaching into unknown depths to pull forth a bubbling desire.  

Any beauty Wrath may have held was marred by blood red veins that flowed from the crimson pools of rage in her eyes. She was fire and fury dressed in a flesh costume. 

Wild blonde curls playing across her head, Envy sat across from her sister Wrath. She donned her beauty like a cloak over her unhappiness. Her attractiveness was a match for her brother's, though where his eyes peered into his prey with growing intensity, her eyes portrayed a longing in their green hue. A desire never quite sated. She sat in uncomfortable silence, eyes fixed on everything and nothing. 

Greed sat by Wrath's side. Jewels had become permanent fixtures covering blue flesh so that it no longer seemed to bear human likeness. 

Next sat Gluttony. Taking in energy around her, she held a visible excitement her siblings lacked. 

Sloth sat farthest from his mother. He didn't hold the same youthful appearance his siblings did. Skin wrinkled and leathery, time continued on, growing over him like moss over stone. 

"This is your chosen?" Pride questioned, eying him as if he were gum stuck to the bottom of her pretty heels. 

"Who will speak against him?" She looked to each of her children as she blew cigarette smoke through ruby red lips.  

Hope reached out to the visibly shaken man. The long white scarf draped around her head, highlighting her bronze face, cascaded into a simple cloak. Contrasting bright eyes looked over at him reassuringly. Taking hold of his hand, she felt like a life raft in a sea of uncertainty. Ben felt his chest rise and fall quicker than usual. Even though he couldn’t put it into words, he knew why they were here.

"What happens when he realizes how much weaker you are?" Envy's words pierced through Ben like a dagger. 

He opened his mouth to answer but no words came out. David was out of his league yet somehow he'd manage to snag him anyway. He was always terrified of the day when David finally opened his eyes and realized his mistake. 

Pride smiled cruelly at the recognition in Ben eyes. Gesturing towards Envy, acknowledging the floor belong to her now. Rising from her seat Envy abandoned the safety of her familiars, making her way across the grand room. She stop just short of Ben, fixing her gaze on her prey of choice. Ben audibly gulped the saliva and fear culminating in his throat. 

“Look I might not perfect but I”m still...”

"You’re fun for a while but you’re more work than you’re worth. There’s a reason he’d rather spend time with anyone else but you.” Lightly stroking his arm, Envy curled her arms around his replacing the void. Hope held tighter at his other side letting everything she had flow through him. 

“That’s not true. We’re happy.” Ben forced the words as if he’d practiced them in his head.

“Are you? Why does he seem happier with them? Smoky make-up made her emerald eyes pop. He fixated on their likeness as he searched his mind.

"Your relationship is dying Ben. Even Hope knows it. Why do you think she brought you here?”

Ben turned to the woman beside him needing her to say something in his defense, anything. 

“I brought you here but not to make you feel defeated. You needed to see her. She’s poison that seeps into everything you do. Don’t let her.”

“Other men, even women make him smile.” Envy continued yanking him back to attention. 

“I know I need to work on somethings...”

“You make him miserable.”

“I do not make him miserable.” Ben countered indignantly. 

“Dead weight he hasn’t figured out how to cut off yet.”

Ben’s eye widen, anger quickly replacing his fear.

“Even your family knows it. Bow out gracefully Benjamin. This was a last ditch effort. Why do you think...”

“Fuck you!” insulted, he snatched his arm back blinking away angry tears. “I might have my faults and yea we have our fights but I think I’m pretty great.”

Hope nodded smiling at him.

“Yea! I’m fucking awesome!” Ben said nodding along with Hope. 

“You know he’s too good for you. Why do you think...”

“We’re good to each other! How about why wouldn’t he want to be with me? Why am I so scared of other people? Why do I care what anyone else thinks?” gesturing with his free hand. 

“You think...”

“No bitch I know. This isn’t about David or his friends or even my family. This is about me."

Ben turned to Hope gleaming beside him. He knew the words were hers flowing through him but for the first time they weren't just words, he truly felt it. His eyes stayed on hers soaking in her strength as he spoke. 

“She was right, I needed to see you. I needed to see that sad, selfish little child so I could finally let it go. So thank you. Thank you for showing me who I will strive to never be.”

Envy’s eyes still holding a touch of despair.  “We’ll see.” she shrugged. 

His eyes never left Hope's. Suddenly he couldn't feel anyone else's presence anymore.

Ben felt a breath hovering over his lips. Still trying to come out of his sleep induced daze. “Hey.” 

He squinted at the sunlight peeking through their blinds. Still somewhat confused but couldn’t remember why.

“Where are you headed?” 

“Remember we told Dan we’d have brunch with him today. And I already know,” David held up his hands “You have a headache or stomach ache or ass ache and you don’t feel like going. I can cancel if you want." David sat on the edge of the bed next to him grabbing his phone from the nightstand.

"Is that the place with the stuffed pancake thingies?" 

"Yup." David laughed. "I can go meet Dan and bring you back some."

Ben sat up rubbing sleep from his eyes. “It’s ok. I’m up for it.”

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.”

Flash Fiction Friday

New FFF format: Instead of a maximum limit, we now have a minimum of 800 words for each post.  That way if we feel our post should continue we can write our little hearts out, and if we don't want a long post 800 words is managble for all of us. Some posts will probably be short (800+) and posted on fridays due to my schedule right now. 

We'll use one of two skip passes we've been allotted for each month.  This also means we can post bi-weekly if we want, or just take a week off.

Use our own prompt or to use the one given. This week's given prompt - Discovery

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Faye reached down coming away with a fist full of dirt. She cupped her hand in front of his face letting the earth swirl in her palm. A small clear vile formed housing a foggy liquid. Looking closer Richard could make out trees and mountains forming in the liquid base of the round potion vile. His eyes brightened with the realization as he watched the changing scenery of the countries they’d seen together. The pictures formed and melted away leaving a new scene within moments. He opened his mouth to say something but no words came out. Attaching the corked vile to a straw string, she tied it to his neck. 

Acknowledging his appreciation with a sad smile “Better than photos.”

Richard could feel Liam in the distance. Giving the couple their privacy, he took the trail leading away until he was surround by a thick canopy of trees. He laid out on the forest floor, placing a hand behind his head. Thoroughly pleased with his gift, he held the vile up against the moonlight.

“I’ve missed you.” Richard admitted more to himself than Faye. Feeling her fingers brush through his hair was her only reply.

“I shouldn’t have gotten involved.”

“With?” resting her head on her arm. 

Richard tilted his head out into the woods signifying the couple who had disappeared into it. 

“Good chance things are going to go south especial if he’s not growing old anytime soon.”

“If Liam lives a thousand years and Quinn is only a fraction of a moment in time, it will be a moment Liam carries with him always.” she reached out to touch him again, needing the contact. 

“Sometimes that’s worse.” 

He continued to toy with the bottled memories. So small in his hands yet the enormity of it all rushed back to him as he starred at the images. 

"This is what you want me to feel?" Richard looked to his mother slapping her hand away. 

He could feel the emotion in him as if it were his own, because it was. He was overcome with heartbreak and longing but he knew it was a trick. Valla had a talent for manipulating emotions. Giving a sample of what the future held for the recipient should they remain on a certain path. The anguish in his heart was not his future. It was only what his mother wanted him to believe he convinced himself. His time with Faye had been exhilarating but she had no power over him. He knew what they were and more importantly what they weren’t. Their relationship was harmless because he had no expectations. Faye couldn’t hurt him. His mother, paranoid and overprotective, was grasping at nothing.

Valla never wanted to hurt her son. She knew her tactics were cruel but less so then the alternative.  She hoped allowing him to feel this torment would bring him to his senses. Under different circumstances, she would have been overjoyed. She trusted Faye with her life just not with her son’s heart. Though Richard denied it, Valla hadn't missed the look in his eyes. The spark that lit through him when Faye reentered their lives. From that moment on the woman she loved and respected became a danger. Faye was not only powerful, she was a wind storm you couldn’t control or predict. Humans were not the only ones who could be driven mad by lust. Their kind were susceptible to heartbreak only the outcome was far worse. A bitter, lovesick incubus could easily ravage a city. The council she sat on was in place to regulate such destructive behavior. She couldn’t risk her son going rogue. She didn’t ever want to be forced to make an example out of him. 

Rocking on his heels, Richard had ventured away from their estate to get as far away from his mother has he could. He sat near the edge of a small lake hugging his knees to his chest. His eyes low in a lustful haze as they followed the tiny beads of water down the curves of her tanned skin. Her wet hair like deep rich honey dancing on the water around her. His heart pleaded to move closer but his limbs failed him. He was paralyzed in his position. He desperately wanted to be the water that caressed every inch of her frame. Protected from sight by lush branches, he was content to stay there forever. Feeling his power rise, he mentally chastised himself. Suddenly uneasy with their proximity. A wave a nausea hit him momentarily crippling him. Whatever little will power he clung to was gone. He had denied his feelings for so long. Now watching it all play out, he realized somewhere along the line she’d slipped past his defenses. He’d lost part of himself in her. Now his only recourse was to strike first. Exit while he still had some dignity, before she destroyed him. Knowing if he could gathered the will to walk away from her, he could do anything. Guard himself against anyone. This self discovery left him empowered yet emptier than he’d ever felt.

“Have you ever loved anyone Faye?” realizing she had been studying him closely while he drifted through the past.

“Of course.”

His laugh was humorless. “Of course. I meant have you ever been in love? More than a fleeting moment that is.”

She pondered her answer. When Richard was born Faye had been gone for decades. It wasn’t entirely unusually to disappear for a while. They spent years like humans spent vacation days. Though she’d kept up with Valla, by the time she settled back in Richard was already grown up. Anxious for a life outside of the prestigious council life his parents had pushed for, she had given him the excitement he craved. In turn she discovered he brought something to her own life that had never been there before. Still she could see the distance in his eyes. She felt it in the reserved way he touched her, he kept part of himself from her. 

“There were a million fleeting moments between us I was very much in love with.”

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.