Yo my fine feathered friends. I decided to try to put together a masterlist so its easier for peeps to check out my stuff. Don’t worry, tumblr will still be the first place all my new stuff goes up on, but AO3 makes it easier for me to put it together in one place.
For those of you that don’t know me, I am a part time g/t writer. You can call me Duck, Ducker, Mother Ducker, or really whatever you would like.
Fair warning my main thing is Giant girls and tiny guys. Definitely not closed off to other possibilities and I might branch out in the future, but that’s what you can expect from most of my writings for now. I like the fluff, angst and sass, but also like a fair amount of kindness shown between giants and tinies. (I’d like to say I’m a positive vibes person) Just a heads up some of my stories have violence and most have profanity.
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Online Dating Can Be Hard.
Meeting a possible romantic interest is never easy. Doing it online can be even harder. Especially if you don’t read the fine print and end up with a little or big surprise... This is the story of Cam and Kate.
Will they be able to build and maintain a friendship? Will it evolve into something more? Or will past trauma and their differences be too vast to overcome...
The world is based on the idea that there is the human race and the parvus race. Parvuses are just humans, but a lot smaller. I’ve made another post on parvuses, but the big overall idea is that they are “equal” to their human counterparts, but are still struggling with fair treatment at times. If anyone else wants to use the parvus universe or a similar idea for their stories go for it!
(This one is my main story right now and probably gets updated the most. Plus it seems to be the people’s favorite.)
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The Protector
The sacred alliance between humans and giants is held together by the bond the human king or queen holds with their giant protector. When the protector ritual goes wrong the prince ends up with a giant way more terrifying than he intended. Will they be able to over come their fears and differences? Will people accept the giantess? And will she be able to help with the approaching dark days?
(I have the skeleton for this one basically done. Its the fleshing out that takes some time. There might be some rewrites as the story proceeds so please be patient with me.)
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In A Dire Situation
Hans's family is threatened by the wolf mob running town. Will he be able to convince his childhood friend to help him?
This one has the characters as animals because I like to switch up the medium through which that g/t good good is passed.
(This is similar to The Protector and gets updated on occasion. Its not the favorite amongst the crowds based on feed back but I still like it and want to keep it going.)
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Born Small
Based off the George Shrinks TV show. That’s what first got me into G/t as a kid. Its not a fan fav with the tumbr community so I don’t really post the updates here, but if you want to check it out the link is above.
Whelp. It's Friday. We made it another week. To start the weekend off on a high note how about a chapter and maybe a joke.
How do you know when a joke becomes a dad joke?
When it becomes a parent.
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Maybe a little corny but there you go. Now the chapter I promised!
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Sending Kate that text was probably the hardest thing I have done in my adult life. I texted her in the morning and we agreed to meet at her place around noon. The second hardest thing I have done in my adult life was actually going over to her place.
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My nerves were eating me alive as the clock inched closer and closer to noon. I cleaned my house as best as I could. I took a shower and put on nice fresh clothes. And then proceeded to pace my apartment for what seemed like eons. How was this going to go? Was Cam still mad at me? Will he listen to me? Will he tell me to fuck off and never bother him again? No matter what I knew I had to tell him how I felt. Even if he told me to fuck off… If we are on our way out then I’m at least going to go out with a bang.
As I completed my 349th lap around the house my doorbell rang. I let out a long sigh. Now or never. The 10 steps it took to walk down the hall didn’t seem long enough. I filled my lungs with a deep breath to collect myself before opening the door. Cam stood there in his usual git up except this time he had on a backpack with a daisy peeking out the top. My heart skipped a beat. Did he bring that for me?
I looked at him dumbfound for a second before I shook off my stupor and invited him in. Cam nodded with a sad smile. Fuck… Sad right from the start…
“I ah… brought you this flower as an olive branch.” He said after I closed the door behind him. He pulled it from his pack as he lifted it up to me.
“Thank you.” I said with a warm smile as I plucked it from his tiny hands.
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We were silent as Kate rummaged for something to put the flower in. Cam you are so pathetic for only bringing one flower! Most other human men would have brought a bouquet. But you are too fucking small to bring more than just one… The negative self-talk ran rampant in my mind.
Before I could go any further into self-deprecation Kate rounded the corner. I stood there expecting her to pick me up to go to the couch, but we did no such thing. Instead, Kate laid on the ground about a foot from me. Was she trying to make me feel more comfortable? Kate gave me a soft, warm smile as she rested her chin on her folded arms. Her presence was slightly overwhelming to say the least. I didn’t know what to say. With both the proximity and the curveball of laying down, Kate had me at a loss for words.
“Cam…” She began before she looked away. I could tell she was just as uneasy as I was.
“Kate I’m sorry.” I blurted out without even thinking. My abruptness caused Kate to turn toward me. Confusion plastered all over her face.
“Don’t be Cam.” She said with a sad smile. “It was my fault… I never meant to hurt you…”
I nodded and started to rub the back of my arm for comfort. “I was hurt Kate. I was really hurt. And in all honesty, it was because I really care about you. Like really really care about you… Like… I… Love… You…” The words escaped faster than my brain could stop them. I felt both bile and tears starting to pool. I can’t believe I just confessed.
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Did Cam just say he loved me? I felt weightless as I stared at the little man in shock. Does he really love me?! Has this thing just been a stupid misunderstanding? I couldn’t hold back the laughter that bubbled up from within me. As much as I tried, I couldn’t contain myself. This whole thing just us being two fools.
Cam didn’t take my laughing well. Immediately he started to bristle. Cam set his jaw as he stared at me with daggers before turning on his heel and storming off. I couldn’t let him go. Now that I knew that he loved me I decided to be a little bold. Reaching forward I gently wrap my fingers around his small body. Almost instantly I was met with resistance as Cam kicked and punched at anything he could get in contact with.
Part of me felt bad for holding him against his will. The other part of me knew it was going to be worth it. Slowly I pulled my irate little man back towards me.
“LET ME THE FUCK GO KATE.” Cam roared. He was about to scream more profanity but was cut short when my lips pressed softly into his back. All the fight in him evaporated in seconds. I pulled my lips barely off of him as I whispered. “Cam Chaudhry. I am madly in love with you. That’s why I was stupid jealous of Sara.” My breath tussling both his hair and clothes.
Cam whipped around in my hand with shock and awe on his face. “No… You are lying…” he said in disbelief.
I shook my head. “I swear to God I’m telling the truth. I would never lie to you Cam. I really did bring her over because I thought it would be nice. But low key I wanted to toss her out the window when she started flirting with you. Didn’t you notice me getting really quiet?”
“I thought you were getting quiet because you didn’t want to interrupt her!” Cam exclaimed.
I just laughed. “Nah. I wanted nothing more than to pluck you out of her grasp and hold you close to me. I thought you couldn’t see past me being a human so it pissed me off even more when a parvus was doing everything I wanted to do to you.”
Cam couldn’t hold back his laughing this time. “Well I feel like an absolute dick now…”
I smiled warmly at him as he rubbed his tiny hands down the bridge of my nose that hovered millimeters above him. “Don’t be… we both were just clueless fools I guess.”
“You can say that again…” Cam said before motioning for her to come closer. “Come ‘er big girl. It’s my turn to give you a kiss.” How could I say no to such a man. I leaned forward this time letting my lips engulf basically all of Cam’s face. I hoped he loved the feeling as much as I did..
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The kiss was everything that I had imagined. Her soft lips engulfed all of my senses. The only thing I could hear, smell, see, taste, touch or even think was her. The feeling was pure ecstasy. Kate loved me! I just wanted to scream it at the top of my lungs.
Yo. Life and stuff like that. But duck it, here is another chapter! The other is in the oven so hopefully that will be out real quick! I hope you guys enjoy!
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It was impossible to ignore my doorbell that had been constantly going off for the past minute. A deep groan escaped my lips as I walked to the door. I knew exactly who was outside. Low and behold, as the door opened up, there stood Sal in all his charming glory.
“I thought you were going to leave me out there all day!” He exclaimed.
I rolled my eyes hard. “So dramatic. Would you like an Oscar for your performance…”
“Finally, someone has recognized me for my talents.” Sal proclaimed.
I just shook my head and asked, “Why are you here Sal.”
Sal clicked his tongue. “Bitch you know why I am here. You don’t write. You don’t call. We assumed your ass was dead.” He said as he sauntered in before waiting expectantly for me to give him a lift up to the counter.
“I’ve been busy…” I said setting him gently on the counter.
“Oh no. No you did not just lie to me. I may have been born in the morning but I wasn’t born this morning Katy Kate. Now spill. You look like shit and haven’t talked to anyone in days. What happened with you and Cam.” Sal said while driving daggers into me with his eyes.
I let out a big sigh. It was useless as always to lie to Sal. “Cam thinks that I was trying to hook him up with Sara and now he no longer wants to talk with me.”
“Great spark notes version but I am here for the whole book Kate.” Sal said bluntly.
I groaned, “Ugh… Sal you were there. I invited Sara over because I thought it would be nice. She ended up being crazy for Cam and basically spent the whole night trying to get him to sleep with her. What’s funny is that I was stupid jealous of her and was doing my best to try to keep it together all night. Cam, though, mistook my silence as support for him and Sara. So now Cam is pissed because he thinks I pushed her on him and basically wanted the two of them to get together. Wild because that is the furthest thing from the truth and that I actually hate the idea of them together. To be honest I feel horrible about the whole thing because I basically ruined things with Cam and its all just a tragic joke. Satisfied?”
Sal started bursting out laughing. I narrowed my eyes at him and asked, “What is so funny. Do you just enjoy my pain?”
Sal wiped the tears from his eyes as he tried to settle himself. “Kate, you were horrible at hiding your jealously. She would lace her arm in Cam’s or lean against him and you were basically staring daggers into her.”
I looked at Sal appalled. “No I was not. I thought I kept my cool quite well actually.”
Sal just shook his head. “Yeah, if wearing a stare void of all emotion and having a resemblance of a serial killer was keeping your cool then you did a great job.”
My face scrunched up in confusion. I thought for sure I hid my emotions well. Then again this was Sal we were talking about. The man could read anyone with ease. I slumped in my chair in defeat. “Well, it doesn’t matter anymore. Cam doesn’t want to even see me so oh well I guess...”
Closing the distance between us, Sal laid his tiny hand upon mine. “Oh Kate… He will come around. He always does. He was just hurt is all.”
Tears started to cascade down my face. For someone who didn’t cry much it seemed to be a reoccurring thing. “I don’t know Sal. I think I really screwed things up this time. Last time we talked I know he felt trapped in my presence. That’s the last thing I wanted to do was make him feel trapped…”
“You love him don’t you… That’s why you are really struggling with this isn’t it…” Sal’s words may have been just a whisper, but they hit like a truck. I could only reply with a nod. Sal nodded back before giving my hand another pat. “It will be ok Kate. I know it doesn’t feel like that right now though. You know I am always here for you and I will be bugging you everyday.” I nodded again in reply. “Well good.” Sal said, motioning for me to bring him to the door. “Now if you excuse me I have another matter to attend to.”
I brought Sal to the door and set him down almost exactly where I picked him up. “Thanks Sal… You always know when to come over.”
Sal just bowed and said, “As any good gentleman does when he knows his friend is in need. Now don’t be a stranger. Hang out with us this week or at least text me you are alive, ok?”
“Ok.” I said with a sad smile before waving goodbye to my friend.
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Maybe if I ignore them, whoever is at the door will go away… I thought to myself as I hid in my dark apartment.
“Open the door Cam! I know you are in there. I saw you in the window on my way in.” Sal practically yelled through the door.
Ugh... Fuck… I guess the gigs up… I sighed as I open the door to none other than Mr. Charm himself. “Hi Sal… What’s up? Did Kate send you?” I said flatly.
Sal rolled his eyes. “You act as though I am just her dog doing her dirty work. No Kate did not send me. I am an independent man who wanted to check up on his friend he hasn’t heard from all week.”
I let out another sigh and nodded. “Ok. Come in. Do you want some water or anything?”
“Nah but thank you.” Sal said as he gave my wreak of an apartment a once over. “Looks like you are doing good.”
“Har har har…” I said lackluster.
Sal came and wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “Tell me what’s going on.”
I pushed Sal off me and then grabbed the back of my arm before saying, “I know you talked to Kate. You already know what’s going on.” I snapped at him.
Sal raised his arms in defense. “Hey man. Didn’t mean to piss you off. I just want to hear your side of the story… I feel like as a friend you deserve that from me.” His voice was genuine.
I looked away still rubbing the back of my arm. “I don’t know what she told you… But basically she has been toying with me this whole time… She probably caught wind that I had feelings for her beyond just friends and that’s why she tried to set me up.” I pause as I turned my back to Sal to gaze toward my balcony. Memories of Kate’s smiling face waiting for me outside filled my mind. Tears started to tumble down my cheeks as I said, “I should have known she could never love a parvus. How can you love someone so far below you…”
We stood there in silence for a while. I couldn’t stop the tears from falling and frankly I didn’t care anymore. Sal came over and put a knowing hand on my shoulder. “Cam I know you are not going to want to hear this but I think you should get together with Kate and talk this out. It’s not my place to say anything so all I will say is that I think you both are missing something in your story.” He said warmly.
I wanted to get angry. I could feel the hate bubble up from within, but I just didn’t have the heart to let it build. Sal continued, “Look. I know you really care about Kate. I also know that this has really hurt you. It’s hurt Kate as well. Hear her out. You love her. I know that. So give her a chance.”
Maybe Sal was right. Maybe I should give her one last chance. My heart was torn between wanting to build walls to try to protect itself or allow myself to be vulnerable one last time with the woman I loved. Flashbacks of Kate flooded my mind. The way her blue eyes shown in the sun. How she never let her lack of singing skills stand in her way of Karaoke. Her gentle hands as they held me. How she knew what I was feeling without having to say a word. Dozens of memories filtered through my mind. I couldn’t give up on what we had. Not that easily.
“I’ll text her tomorrow.” I said knowing exactly what I was going to do.
Sal patted me on the back. “Good. Now if you will excuse me, I have a hot date with a bank teller.” Sal gave me a wink as he headed toward the door. “Oh and Cam.” He said standing in the threshold. “You got this.”
I nodded in reply. My sad heart hoped this was the right decision.
I hope you all are having a great day! Enjoy! And as always my work contains strong language.
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Cam didn’t text me all week. Probably because he was talking with Sara. I thought about texting him a couple times but voted against it. I didn’t want to be overbearing. My heart ached. I would wake up everyday hoping to see a text from him. All day I would be on edge waiting, but as night would roll around, I accepted that he wouldn’t text… I was just the old toy he got bored of playing with.
The friend group chat was as active as usual, but I didn’t even give it a glance. I didn’t want to see what Cam was saying and frankly I didn’t want to see anyone period. I just wanted to be left alone to wallow in my sorrow. I didn’t truly understand how deeply I wanted Cam in my life until now. Until he moved so far out of reach.
As I laid on my couch staring at my ceiling fan with Lilith on my chest I tried to will my heart to stop loving him. No matter what, though, I couldn’t get him off my mind. I traced my fingers where he placed his tiny hands the night we danced. The night I almost kissed him. When I should have told him I loved him. Would things be different now if I would have had the courage back then?
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The walk with Sara after game night was quiet. She tried to make small talk but I just wasn’t in the mood. When we finally reached her hotel room she ran her hands over my chest and asked if I wanted to come up. I told her that it was late and I had to wake up early for work so I was going to pass. She badgered me to give her my phone so she could give me her number. She then texted herself my number so she had it. I didn’t want her to have my number, but I was so emotionally numb that I didn’t care anymore.
She texted me consistently throughout the week. At first I would text her back, but by the middle of the week I told her that I was too busy and didn’t want to keep texting her. I wished her good luck with her life and deleted her number. She didn’t text me after that. Heidi noticed my low mood at work and was kind enough not to prod. Every night I went home to a quiet apartment where the only sound was the humming of the appliances. Our group chat continued on like usual, but I didn’t even look at it. I couldn’t bring myself to even see Kate’s name.
I trudged home from work at the end of the week in the first snow of the season. My head down, lost in the dark thoughts that consumed my mind. About a ¼ mile from my home I heard someone call my name. My brain didn’t register the voice till they called again. Kate. I sped up my steps. I knew it was futile, but I didn’t want to see her. I couldn’t turn around and face the elephant in the room just yet. So I let my tiny legs fast walk as far as they could before a dark shadow cast over me. I knew the gig was up then as I came to a stop. I still couldn’t bring myself to turn around. I could feel Kate gently lower herself to the ground but still I remained facing straight forward.
“Cam…” I could feel Kate reaching for me as she spoke. I put my hand up to stop her before turning to face her. Her touch was unwelcomed at the moment and it was best to get this over as fast as possible. “Cam can we talk?” she said. Her voice was level and caring.
Anger started to bubble up from deep within me. “It’s not like I can run away from someone 10 times my size so I guess so.” I snapped.
Kate was taken back.
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Cam’s comment made me sick to my stomach. Never once did I want to make Cam feel trapped because of my size and yet here we were. Part of me wanted to just walk away and give him space, but I knew I wasn’t going to get an opportunity like this again. So, I pressed on.
“Cam, I’m not trying to corner you or anything. I just wanted to see how you were doing and stuff. I haven’t heard from you all week so I figured you were with Sara. I thought about texting but I didn’t want to bother you…” I said, trying to keep my tone even to deescalate the situation.
Cam fired back at me, “Oh now you care about me. After you pushed Sara on me. I don’t even like her! Do you really think I am that pathetic that you have to play matchmaker. And don’t play dumb. I have heard you say to others that you don’t know how I am single. But guess what Kate. I can find my own fucking partner. You don’t have to go meddling with your giant ass fingers in my love life.”
I looked at him with shock and said “I didn’t push anyone on you! I wasn’t trying to play match maker! I only invited her because I thought I was being nice! Then you two seemed to like each other from the start so I figured you liked her.”
Cam glared at me “She liked me off the bat! I didn’t care for her whatsoever. I just was trying to be cordial and nice!”
“I was just trying to be nice too! That’s why I invited her over!” I exclaimed.
Cam waved a dismal hand, “Yeah whatever you say. You just so happened to bring a girl over who seemed to know all about me and immediately fell in love with me just because you were ‘trying to it would be nice.’ Whatever you have to say to yourself to sleep at night Kate.”
Cam then turned to walk away but was stopped when a hand came to rest softly in his way.
“Cam stop… Please… I’m really not lying. If I knew she would upset you so much I would have never invited her. I care too much about you and our friendship to do something to jeopardize it.” I said softly.
Cam whipped around with tears welling in his eyes. “Don’t say that!” His voice cracked with emotion. “Don’t say such things haphazardly. You don’t know what your words do to me…”
I held my breath as I looked down at the tiny man who was now shaking in front of me. Parvuses and humans alike were looking at us as they passed, but I didn’t care. “Cam…” I said as I pulled a hand closer to him, but he just pushed it away.
“Stop Kate!” He screamed. “I hate you Kate!” His voice dripped with venom. He continued, “I hate you. I hate that you are so nice but clueless. I hate that you care. I hate how you toy with me! I hate it Kate and I’m done! I can’t take any more!”
I let a deep breath out as I fought back my own tears. “Cam I’m not trying to toy with you and I’m sorry I am clueless… please… just tell me what I can do to make this better…”
Cam scoffed, “Leave. That will make this better.”
I opened my mouth to protest but closed it again. Cam didn’t want me there so I should respect his wishes. I stood and left. I didn’t look back once as I walked home.
Spicy week this week! I have a couple more chapters I'm gonna try to get out this week! Enjoy. And as always with my work there is some strong language used.
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I let out a long sigh as I stood from my seat by the gate. I guess now was as good of a time as any to conduct preflight. I showed the gate agent my badge and within seconds I was running through the usual checklist with my first officer.
“Good afternoon!” A cheery little voice spoke from well below me. I looked down to find a parvus flight attendant. This was a mixed flight so her presence didn’t surprise me.
“Afternoon!” I replied warmly. “How are you doing?”
“I’m doing good! Beautiful day to go flying! I’ve also never been to the cities so I’m excited to finally see them!” she exclaimed. She was a cute little thing. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a professional bun. Every inch of her uniform seemed to be well put together as did she.
“Well, I’m happy to welcome you to the cities then! When we get there I mean.” I said with a smile. “I’m Kate by the way.”
“Sara!” She tossed back.
She was a very quizzical woman. During the flight when there were lulls, she would come and chat with me in the cockpit. She wasn’t really supposed to do this but it didn’t bother the first officer or I so we let her stay for a couple of minutes before she would return to her passengers.
She asked about the parvus scene in the cities and I told her about my parvus friends. I didn’t know I had talked mainly about Cam till Sara let out a little chuckle and asked, “Are you two dating?”
My face immediately turned a deep red as I looked away. Images of Cam in his tux flooded back into my mind. The way he looked at me. The look in his eye. Was it desire?
“Nah. We are just friends.” I said hoping to not give my real feelings away.
“So this Cam character is single?” she asked haphazardly.
I nodded. “Yep. How he is still baffles me too.” I said with a laugh.
“Do you know what he is up to tonight by chance? I would love to meet up with some local parvuses.” She said with a smile.
“Well Cam, Sal and Marcy are coming over to my place for game night tonight. It’s not the downtown scene you are looking for but you are more than welcome to join if you would like.” I said trying to be nice. Deep down, though, I hoped she would pass on the offer and just go downtown.
My heart tightened as she said sweetly, “I would love to join you!”
Well duck. How bad can it be? She seems nice. Maybe it will be fun with her around tonight I tried to tell myself.
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Tonight was game night at Kate’s place and I was excited! I had my master plan already. We would have a great night playing games. Everyone would go home and I would be left with Kate. She would walk me home like usual. I would confess my love to her under the streetlights. It was going to be perfect!
I was basically buzzing as I walked up the stairs to her apartment. Cresting the top I rang the doorbell as usual and waited for my blue eyed beauty to answer. Like clockwork the door opened to reveal Kate. She immediately took a knee and we went through our usual dance of her saying hello and grabbing my jacket before offering me a beer which I always said yes to. Lilith then greeted me in her little wiggle butt way.
The dance was thrown off, though, when a parvus woman I did not know rounded the corner and beelined for me. She wore skin-tight jeans and a crop top that showed off her nice form. “You must be Cam!” She exclaimed as she came up and gave me a big hug which threw me off. She was shorter than me by a couple of millimeters. Definitely be someone mom would love for me I mentally chuckled as I tried to cope with the odd situation.
“Ugh… Hi. Do I know you?” the confusion plain as day in my voice. I didn’t know whether to hug her back or not so I voted for not.
“Oh I should probably introduce myself. I’m Sara. I have heard so much about you and I’m really excited to meet you! Kate and I flew together today and she told me all about you and invited me over!” Sara’s voice was bubbly as ever.
Kate was talking about me at work today?! My heart fluttered at the thought. A weird feeling struck me, though. Why did Kate invite Sara though? And why was Sara so excited to see me?
“Well looks like you two met already.” Kate’s voice from behind pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see her take a knee not too far away. She handed me my beer with a warm smile.
“Yes Ma’am!” Sara was practically giddy. She then covered her mouth with the back of her hand to try to block her words as she said, “And he is way more handsome in person. Your words do him no justice.” She added a wink at the end for a touch.
“That he is.” Kate chuckled before smiling down at me.
I was so confused what was going on, but couldn’t dwell much on it as Sal and Marcy started to yell at us to hurry up. Kate gave both Sara and I a ride to the table where Sara proceeded to sit way too close to me all night. As the night went on Sara tried harder and harder to make more advances. I tried my hardest to be nice because I didn’t want to seem rude to a parvus that Kate invited over.
As the night progressed though, my irritation rose. Kate was just letting this woman do all of this to me and didn’t once try to stop her. Was this not eating Kate up like it was me? Did Kate not care about me the way I cared for her? Is Kate trying to set me up with this girl or something? Is that why she invited her over and told her all about me beforehand…
I shoved down the hurt and tried to put on a happy face. I didn’t want to be the one to ruin game night. After everyone had their fill of games and decided it was best to go home, I found myself alone with Kate and Sara. Kate had been quiet all night and barely interacted with me at all. Sara dragged me to the door and half asked half demanded I walk her back to her hotel room because she ‘didn’t know the city well and needed a strong man to protect her.’ My mom would have killed me if I told a tipsy woman I would not walk her home, so I said yes.
Kate said nothing as she stood on. Kate had never seemed so distant as she did towering feet above my tiny form. Did she really not care at all? Was she really ok with me walking another woman home? A woman that was flirting with me all night. A woman who for sure wanted to sleep with me. I wanted her to say something as she handed me my jacket, but all I got was an emotionally disconnected, “Please be safe on your way home.”
That was it. The straw that broke the camel’s back and split my heart in two. Kate didn’t care about me. Not in the same way I cared about her. How stupid I was to think someone like Kate, a human, could ever love me. She was just trying to set me up this whole time. To get me out of her hair. She probably knew I had feelings and tried to deflect them onto someone else. That’s why she invited Sara over. That’s why she told Sara all about me. That’s why she let Sara flirt with me all night. I really was pathetic for thinking Kate and I could have been something more than friends.
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I had a feeling Sara might be trouble from the start, but never imagined it was going to be that bad. Watching her all over Cam crushed me. I just wanted to pick her up and toss her out the window. From the very start she was hiding in the shadows, waiting to ambush Cam. And I could do nothing but stand by and watch as she worked her magic on him.
Cam never pushed her away. Even as her advances grew more bold he just let it happen. If I would have known it was going to be this bad I would have worn a mouth guard to protect my poor teeth from all the grinding. I wanted to be that crazy human who kicked her out without hesitation. But that would have been terrifying for everyone. A colossal crazy picking up a parvus and tossing her into the street because she was flirting with the parvus I was in love with… Definitely not ok…
What made it wall worse was I think Cam liked her back. Again, he never seemed to push her away. He even said yes when she asked if he would walk her home… Maybe I am crazy. Maybe this whole time while I thought Cam liked me, he actually was waiting for his small and cute parvus woman to come along. I was just a place holder until someone more acceptable came into his life. Who was I kidding… Cam was a parvus and I was a human. No parvus wanted a human looming over them. Especially not a fine parvus like Cam.
I wanted to slam my head into a wall for being such a fool. For thinking we could have been more than friends. Now I questioned if we could even continue being friends…
Coming at you with another chapter right before the weekend! Enjoy!
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It had been a couple of days since I saw Kate last and as silly as it sounded, I missed her. I pulled out my phone and pulled up our messages. “Hey want are you doing tonight? I wanted to get my human fix for the next couple of days.” I texted. I then set my phone off to the side and tried not to let the anxiety of if she would text me back or not consume me.
With in minutes my phone vibrated. My stomach was doing backflips. I opened the message and read “Hey, sorry Cam. Tonight is probably not the best time to get together. I’m not feeling the best…”
My brow furrowed as I typed, “Are you ok? Feeling sick? Want me to bring you soup or something?”
My phone vibrated again. “Nah you are good. Just not feeling the best. No worries I should be fine soon.”
I didn’t like that answer. I feel like she was hiding something. If she was sick just tell me. I don’t mind bringing over soup or drugs. “Alright. Please don’t hesitate to hit me up if you need anything.”
Kate liked it but didn’t say anything in reply. The whole day I mulled over what I should do. She said she didn’t need anything so maybe I should just leave her alone. But then again its nice when someone brings something over when you are sick… Plus part of me wanted to make sure she was ok. I knew she was, but I wanted to see it myself. Mainly because I wanted to see her…
I made up my mind. After work I would have soup delivered to her place and walk over there just to check up on her. Once my shift was over I clocked out and headed over to Kate’s. The timing was perfect. When I get there the soup had just arrived. I rang the doorbell and waited patiently. I didn’t hear anything for a few seconds. Mentally I kicked myself for not thinking she might be asleep. My thoughts were disrupted when rhythmic steps increased in intensity as they neared.
The door unlocked and opened to reveal a disheveled Kate. Her hair was in a messy bun on the top of her head and looked as though it hadn’t been washed in days. Her stormy eyes were filled with deep emotion. I knew just looking at Kate that she wasn’t sick, she was depressed. I knew that look. I felt the same sadness that they hid.
“Cam? What are you doing here?” She asked while trying to hide her low mood.
“I ahh.. came to check up on you? How are you feeling?” I said bashfully. I felt like I was overstepping my bounds being here. I have been that sad and I didn’t want people to see me like that. I also knew that those were the moments I needed others the most.
“Did Sal send you?” Kate asked. Her voice hoarse from lack of use.
“Um… no. I just… You said you didn’t feel good and well… I wanted to do something to help you get better so I ahh… got you soup… but you aren’t sick are you…” I said softly.
Kate sighed, “No. I’m not sick...” We stood there in silence for a few seconds.
“I should go and give you some space shouldn’t I…” I said with some sadness in my voice.
“I um… I’m not any fun right now…” Kate said starting at her feet.
“That doesn't bother me!” I replied too quickly. “I ah… mean… if you want company or someone to talk to I’m here. I don’t want to be pushy though…”
Kate nodded and moved to the side. “Well give me a second to clean up quick.”
I nodded as well and waited till she came back after hiding whatever her coping mechanisms were. She motioned for me to come in. I slide my jacket off as I passed her. Lilith greeted me at the door. I rubbed behind her ears as I waited for Kate to grab the soup and put it on the counter before grabbing my jacket. I followed her to the couch where she gave me a lift to sit on the far cushion.
“Ugly isn’t it…” She said. I could hear the shame in her voice.
“Not at all.” I replied. I hated seeing Kate like this. She was always strong and confident. Depression hid that Kate behind a dark void. “Kate… I understand how you feel. I’ve felt it before too. You aren’t ugly. There isn’t anything to be ashamed of. You don’t need to hide from me…” I said.
Letting out a sigh I stood and cut the distance between us as I walked along the cushions of the couch till I was a parvus arm’s length from her. “Kate. Let me in please. I want to know you. All of you. The light and the dark.”
Tears filled Kate’s eyes as she looked down at me. “Cam please no… You will run and I can’t lose you…”
I shook my head before climbing into her lap. “Kate I am not going anywhere. You are always the strong one. You are always here for me. So please, let me be here for you. I promise I won’t run.” Kate couldn’t hold back the flood gates as tears, emotions, and words came tumbling down. I listened patiently.
“Cam… I’ve suffered from depression for a while now. I didn’t have the easiest up bringing. My mother died when I was young. She was also an alcoholic so there was a lot of baggage with that I never dealt with growing up. That’s when the void started. Things would happen or sometimes nothing would happen and I would spiral down. My mental state really went downhill when I was in the military. I was a pilot in the Air Force before I joined the airlines. I loved my time in the Air Force, but early on in my career I happened to be the copilot in bad mishap... I was lucky… I walked away from the crash… Others did not... I’ve had concussions before, but this one mixed with the traumatic event really messed me up for a while. I can still see their faces to this day… Bloodied and lifeless…” Kate paused for a second, seemingly to collect herself. The turmoil was clear as day on her face. She took a deep breath and then continued, “I was able to compartmentalize it for a while, but sooner or later I had to deal with the mess I became. Took me years of hard work in therapy to get to the point I am today where I only get this depressed a couple times out of the year… It’s always the middle of October I get like this too… The mishap happened on this date twelve years ago… And The anniversary of my mother’s death is next week.” Kate held the tears back to only small streams down her checks until the last sentence. The flood gates then opened as parvus basketball sized tears fell down.
My heart went out for this colossal woman before me. I never knew she was struggling with so much. I rubbed her hand as she sobbed. Occasionally a stray tear would douse me from head to toe, but I didn’t mind. I just wrapped my arms around her fingers and squeezed, hoping she could derive some comfort from it. Without warning she gently wrapped me in her fingers and lifted me in the air only to softly be placed right over her heart. It’s heavy beating reverberated through my body. I tightened my grip on her fingers.
We stayed like that for what seemed like hours before Kate’s sobs calmed to just whimpers. The fingers encompassing me softly opened. I leaned back into her hand and looked up into her tear-stained face. Her beautiful blue eyes were blood shot and snot threatened to escape her nose.
“I’m so sorry Cam… That you have to see me like this…” She said trying to sniff in all the gunk in her nose.
I shook my head and gave her thumb a soft punch. “Stop apologizing! I don’t mind at all. Like you said to me the other day, thank you for opening up to me. For letting me into your life. Kate, I don’t want to just be there for you when everything is going right. I want to be there for your low moments as well. You aren’t ugly either! You are human. And wild enough, humans and parvus have an array of emotions. And you know what Kate, I want to be there for every emotion you feel, good and bad.”
Kate looked like she wanted to start crying again but was too exhausted to do so. I just continued to rub her hand. “Cam?” Her voice was hoarse.
“Yeah?” I replied with a warm smile.
“W-will you st-stay with m-me to-tonight…” I had never seen her so timid and vulnerable as she spoke.
I stroked her hand as I nodded, “I’m not planning on going anywhere.”
I fell sleep to the sound of Kate’s heartbeat that night. She had fallen asleep shortly after she laid down. I stayed up though. I wanted to watch and feel as her chest rose and fell with each breath. How her face relaxed into an almost bliss with a slight smile. In that one sweet hour before the darkness of sleep overtook me, I watched the woman I loved sleep peacefully right next to me.
It's been a while since I posted. I'm going to try to put chapters out again like I did before, but unfortunately no promises. Life and stuff. I hope you guys enjoy thought!
Oh and as always, fair warning there is some strong language.
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I couldn’t keep from buzzing at work. The thoughts of last night twirling around my head. Kate was dazzling and the night was unforgettable. I smiled like a fool as I typed away answering to the newest work order.
Suddenly my office door swung open and Heidi sauntered in. “Cammy Jammy! Tell me how your human mistress is doing! I need some excitement in my life.” She said sliding into the chair across from me.
“Kate is not my mistress Heidi! She is just a friend…” I groaned.
“Call her whatever you want we both know you have the hots for her.” Heidi waved dismissively. I could feel the heat rising into my cheeks. How did she know? “Cam you have been grinning like a fiend since you clocked in this morning. This was after you stressing over what to wear all week! You kept babbling about how you had a formal event. I figured the only person who would bring you to a formal event was Kate. So spill Romeo. I want all the details. Even the dirty little ones.” She said giving me a wink.
If possible the red in my cheeks deepened. “It was ahh… great…” I said fiddling with my fingers as I adverted her gaze.
“You are impossible Cam!” Heidi’s eyes rolled so hard I could almost feel it. “Come on! Out with it!”
I swallowed hard trying to keep from gushing, but as I opened my mouth all my feelings came tumbling out. “Heidi it was amazing! Kate wore this beautiful black dress with a slit up the side and a little make-up. The event itself was so so, but Kate made it a great time. People judged us a little, but we ignored them. When the party started to get boring we slid out into the garden. And well… We danced… together… it was magical!”
Heidi smiled a Cheshire grin. “You danced, eh? You guys are the cutest!”
I smiled into my hands as my mind relived the feeling of her fingers in them. “Heidi I think I really like her… Like really really like her…”
Heidi shook her head and said kindly, “What tipped you off to that dummy? So.” Heidi paused as her smacked her hands on her thighs. “When is the next time you guys are getting together?"
I shrugged, “Tomorrow I think. Our one friend Marcy’s birthday is tomorrow. Sal, our other friend, reserved a human parvus friendly escape room. We are planning on going there and then getting some drinks afterward. Kate flies to Canada today and is not sure if she will be back in time though… So we will see.”
Heidi leaned in. “Well for your sake I hope she can make it.” She said before standing up to leave. “Good luck Cammy! I’m expecting updates!” She said tossing a peace sign before closing the door behind her.
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Somehow my flight miraculously landed early. I told everyone to start the escape room without me because I was sure I was going to be late. Some higher power was looking out for me though as I pulled into the parking lot with 3 mins to spare. My heart was racing knowing I was going to see Cam. Why did he make me nervous like this? We were just really good friends, right? I pushed these thoughts aside as I jogged up to the front desk.
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I was trying hard not to look disappointed when we got the news that we should start the escape room without Kate. I was looking forward to seeing her. The show must go on though. I sat back in Pete’s hand as we entered the room. He was a kind man with soft hands, but they didn’t give me the same feeling of security as Kate’s. I took a couple of deep breaths to steal my nerves.
He set me down next to Sal and Marcy on the table in the middle of the room. “3 minutes till start.” A voice said over the intercom. “Good luck!”
“Here we go!” Marcy said giddy as a little schoolgirl.
Sal lounged off to the side of her with his signature cool demeanor as he looked haphazardly around the room. “This is going to be a piece of cake Marcy.” He said giving her a fist bump.
They were my friends and I knew I should feel a part of the group, but without Kate I felt like an outsider. My mind started to wander as I stood off to the side waiting for the door to close.
“Hold up!” a familiar voice said as the mediator was about to close the door. I whipped my head around to see Kate fill the doorway. She was smiling from ear to ear, “Made it just in time!”
“Perfect! I’m glad you could make it!” Pete said punching her arm softly.
“Me too! Got really lucky. My flight landed early leaving me with just enough time to speed here.” She joked.
“We will definitely crush this now that Kate is here!” Marcy squealed.
“Hopefully! Happy birthday by the way!” Kate chuckled. She then turned, letting her eyes fall on me. My heart felt like it would beat out of my chest as she approached. “Hey” she said as she leaned on the wall near me.
“Hey” I replied trying to act cool.
“You look good today. I like that shirt on you. Fits nice.” She said with a side smile.
“Thanks! I’m glad you could make it.” I probably sounded bashful as all git up as I rubbed the back of my head. Did she know her words had such a hold over me?
“Let the games begin!” The voice announced of the loud speaker, breaking the moment between Kate and I.
“Let’s go Marcy barcy and Cammy boy! Where should we search first?” Sal’s voice was playful as he draped one arm around me and the other around Marcy.
We looked around the table for a while. Sal found a key chain in the shape of a skull and Marcy found a locket. I on the other hand had no luck. The only thing I had to show after going through two of the 6 boxes on the table was a paper clip.
“Hey Cam, can I borrow you over here for a second?” Kate said as she crouched to be eye level with me.
“Sure!” I exclaimed. I could never say no to those big blue eyes.
She laid her hand softly in front of me. “Don’t hesitate Cam.” I whispered to myself before closing my eyes and propelling myself up. I was in the air crossing the room in seconds.
“There seems to be a parvus sized tunnel right here. Want to check it out for any clues?” Kate said as she set her hand on the edge of the shelf.
“Yes ma’am!” I said with a salute before disappearing into the hallway. There were dim overhead lights to illuminate the corridor while giving off a creepy aura. “You got this Cam. You want to look brave and strong in front of Kate don’t you?” I mumbled to myself. Slowly I made my way further in till the path was cut off by a wall with a button in the middle of it. I shrugged to myself before leaning all of my body weight into the switch. I heard a door on the other side of the tunnel whoosh closed. “Duck…” I grumbled to myself. Jogging to the other end I was met with the light brown sheen of the wooden door in my way. “Great… Just great… Not only is this place creepy as shit I now can’t get out…” I groaned.
“Cam?” Kate said through the door. “Cam are you ok?
“Yeah I’m fine… Just stuck now…” I yelled back.
“Hold on. We will try to find another switch to try to get you out.” She replied.
My back slid down the door as I plopped on the ground waiting for my savior to open the door. I could hear everyone rustling about outside while my eyes stared down the hallway. The place had me on edge and the last thing I needed was to have something sneak up on me while I was trapped in here. My heart skipped a beat as I saw movement out of the corner of my eye.
“Hey you guys…” I yelled, “Can you guys hurry up?” My voice was uneasy as the movement started to form into a figure. I squinted my eyes to get a better idea of what it was. Legs started to stretch their way forward. Fear gripped me as I immediately recognized the creature as a spider. “Guys please hurry the Fuck up!!” I screamed desperately.
“Cam are you ok?” Kate’s voice was filled with worry.
“No! No I am not ok! There is a spider in here! Get me the fuck out of here!” I shouted. The creature slowly materialized before me. One of my greatest fears in life was spiders and now I was stuck in this stupid tunnel with one.
“Hold on Cam. We are going to get you out.” I could feel Kate lay her hand on the door behind me.
I know my friends were moving as fast as they could but it was not enough as the arachnid inched closer. I could start to make out its beady eyes and large fangs.
“I think I found something!” I heard Pete say in the background. “Marcy do you still have that locket?” I could hear the clicking as the two worked on their task.
The spider continued its methodical march. This is it I thought to myself. No shot I’m getting out of here alive. “Hey Kate.” I said low so only she could here it.
“Yeah Cam?” I could feel her presence draw near.
I had to tell her. If I was going to die she had to know. “Kate I have to tell you something…” The monster was inches away from me at this point.
“Cam, what is it? We almost got it. Please hold on!” there was no hiding the deep worry in her voice.
“Kate… Kate I-” was as far as I got before the wooden door slid open behind me. I tumbled out as my backrest disappeared. My body didn’t fall far though as familiar hands caught me. I looked up into the beautiful eyes of Kate, they were stormy as they stared through my soul. I didn’t know what to say so I just said, “Hey you. Always there to catch me when I fall.”
Kate shook her head but couldn't hide her smile. “You kill me.”
“Cam is this what you were afraid of?” Sal burst out laughing in the background.
Both Kate and I looked over to see a mechanical spider hanging out of the tunnel opening. Sal was playing with its legs as Marcy punched its face. Above me Kate started to giggle. I looked up at her with betrayal.
“There was poor lighting in there!! It looked real!! Ah screw you guys.” I huffed as I turned my back to them.
“Ah come on Cam.” Kate chuckled as she poked me in the side. “It’s kinda funny now that its over.” She maneuvered her hand so that I was eye level with her staring into her big blue orbs.
“It was not funny at all. I legit thought I was going to die.” I grumbled.
“Well, I’m glad you didn’t.” she said giving me a warm smile. “Life would have been unbearable with out you.” Like an arrow to the heart I was left dumbstruck by her words.
“Come on you fools. Thanks to Cam the door is open so lets get a move on. We have less than 45 minutes left.” Sal chided from Pete’s hand as they passed by us.
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Cam grumbled the rest of the time in the escape room that he was not going to go in any more dark, closed off places. He insisted that he could find clues from my hand and out in the open. I didn’t complain. Carrying Cam was one of my favorite things to do. I would never let him know that though.
We pushed through the second room with some ease. The third and last room gave us some trouble, but with 7 minutes to spare we were out. Marcy had a great time and was actually our biggest clue finder which made her birthday that much more perfect. Cam was trying to get into a better mood but the spider run in had his shaken up pretty bad. He took me up on my offer to ride with me to the bar while everyone else rode with Pete.
“Hey Cam, are you ok?” I asked looking over to him before putting my truck in 1st.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” He said quietly.
“Really?” I said raising an eyebrow, “because you don’t seem fine. That spider really got to you didn’t it. I’m not trying to push, just want you to know I’m here if you want to talk about it.”
Cam took a sharp breath in. “When I was a kid my sister and I were running through the woods near my house. I didn’t see where I was going and got caught up in thick spider webs. I can still remember to this day watching with horror as the long legged hairy monster crawled towards me and there was nothing I could do about it. Luckily my sister got to me before that beast did. It doesn’t happen often but there have been stories of parvus being attacked by spiders and I was almost one of those. I don’t know… since then I have been afraid of spiders.”
I sat there digesting his words. “You are wild to me. You have had so much trauma in your life yet I would have never been able to guess it. You are one of the most positive and upbeat people I know.”
Cam shrugged, “No sense in being down. I choose to be happy young in life and no matter what happens I want to be happy. Will I be happy all the time? No. But I refuse to let the low points in life bring me down.”
Emotion filled me as I reached over and set my finger on Cam’s thigh. “Hey. Thank you.”
Cam looked up at me dumbstruck. “For what?”
“Opening up to me. For letting me into your life.” I replied.
Cam smiled as he covered my finger with his hand. “Thank you for listening.” He then pulled my finger into his lap. “You know I’m here for you too… If you ever need to talk or anything. I swear I am a good listener.”
I nodded. “Thank you. I will keep that in mind for sure.” Part of me wanted to tell him about the dark void I constantly battled with. I didn’t want to put that on him. Not yet. Would he push me away if he knew how broken I have been?
We sat in silence for the rest of the car ride. The bar was packed as we weaved our way to our table reserved in the back. One of the best local bands was playing which filled the joint with good music.
We all drank a fair amount. Beer and laughter flowed throughout the night. Cam stayed near me the whole time. He leaned his small frame against my arms sipping on his beer. I couldn’t help but steal glances of him. I still couldn't wrap my mind around how he was single. He had a great job. Loving family. Fun loving, warm personality. And on top of it all he was good looking. How did I get so lucky?
We were all drunk as the night came to a close. Cam and I were laughing like we were crazy at a stupid joke when closing time was played over the stereo system. I looked down to my pint-sized partner with a goofy smile as I asked in a poor British accent, “Ready to go my pocket prince?”
Cam’s cheeks were red from drinking as he stared up at me with a glossy look. “Aye. I guess I am.” He said mirroring my accent. With a bow I extended my palm out to him. He walked on as though he was entering a chariot. “You may rise gentle lady.” He giggled. I obliged as I stood.
“You two are too cute.” Marcy squeaked as she swayed back and forth. Sal moved in to hold her up. Marcy proceeded to bring her hands up and together as she said, “Now kiss!”
Everyone balled over laughing at that. I prayed that they were too drunk to see the red on my cheeks. Kiss Cam? Never! We were just friends. Right?
Cam and I wished everyone a good night as we stepped out into the chilly fall evening. Cam wrapped himself tight in his coat as we trudged off into the night. A couple of minutes into our walk I could feel him start to shiver. Without a word I lifted him to my shoulder as I parted a hole between my neck and jacket. I could feel him press his cold body greedily into my skin as he tried to steal my warmth.
“Thank you.” His voice was muffled from all the layers.
“No worries. I can’t let my handsome handful get cold.” I quipped.
“You are full of these aren’t you.” He grumbled.
“Oh heck yeah I am.” I teased.
I could feel is breath on my neck while his beard brushed my skin. It sent lighting through my veins. My mind drifted back to Marcy’s kiss comment. I know she didn’t mean anything about it, but it made me think about what if Cam and I did kiss. Would he like to kiss me? Would just the thought of it disgust him? He probably doesn’t even like me that way. But what if he did? What if he wanted to kiss me too?
Part of me wanted to ask while I still had liquid courage bracing me up, but a soft snore told me it was not the right time for that. We reached his place in no time. Part of me wanted to bring him home with me to “make sure he was ok”. In all honesty I just liked having him around and didn’t want to leave him. I wanted to watch him sleep all night and wake up to the ray of sunshine that was him. Unfortunately, that didn’t seem right. So, skillfully, I weaved my hand in between the warm layers of my jacket and the small body of the man who was stealing my heart bit by bit.
“Cam… We are here…” I said softly rubbing his back with my thumb.
I could feel him stir as he groggily said, “Already? Dang humans travel fast.”
“Can I pick you up?” I asked.
Cam took a deep breath in and released it. “Yeah I guess so…”
I wrapped my fingers around his sturdy little form and lifted him from the warmth of my jacket and neck. He immediately started to shiver as he was exposed to the cold night. I set him gently on his balcony. My fingers hovered protectively around him in case he stumbled on his way in.
“Thanks Kate.” Cam said as he slid the sliding glass door open. “I had a great night.”
I smiled warmly, “Me too. Good night Cam.”
“Good night Kate.” He said before disappearing into his house and locking his door.
On the way home I rubbed the fingers that had his lingering heat still in them. Would he want to kiss me like I want to kiss him?
A bomb boom! Chapter for the week. Hope you guys like it!
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Kate said that this was a suit and tie kind of event. Luckily for me I still had my suit from freshman year of college that still fit like a glove. My bowtie only took about 32 attempts and 3 youtube videos to finally get done. Straightening it the mirror though, I had to admit, I looked pretty dang good.
Kate said she would pick me up (literally) around 5 p.m. so I had about 10 minutes to get my life together. Giving myself one last look, I sprayed on a little bit of cologne that Heidi said I had to buy. There was a soft tap on glass down the hall. Kate was early per usual.
“Here we go Cammy boy…” I said with a nod before walking down the hall to greet my date.
No one stood in front of my balcony, so I opened the door hesitantly. Maybe I was just hearing things I thought stepping out into the cool night.
“Well, hello there handsome.” Kate’s voice drawled high above me.
I looked to my right to see her push off the building. My breath caught in my throat. Kate was dazzling. Her black dress was cut high on the leg and hung off her in all the right places. Her brown hair had a slight wave to it as the blonde highlights in her brown hair shone in the streetlight She had some make up on but only the bare minimum to make her features pop. I didn’t know I wasn’t breathing till the sent of Jovan Musk wafted gently on the wind. I inhaled long through my nose as I got drunk off her beauty. Kate knew I was staring as she bent over further to get a better look at me. My heart fluttered seeing those big blue eyes trained on me.
“You clean up really nice.” She purred.
“You do too.” I said instinctively. A smile stretched from ear to ear.
“Ready to go?” she said rising to again tower over me in the streetlight.
“Yes ma’am!” I tossed back.
Her hand came to rest next to the guard rail near mean. The same familiar fear crept into my bones. I shook my head to try to clear it. “Not tonight… I can’t let my fear ruin the moment.” I quietly chided myself.
Stealing all of my courage I climbed upon the outstretched hand. Kate was warm against the cold fall night. I leaned back into her fingers as they cupped around me. She laid her thumb across my lap absent mindedly. I chuckled to myself as I set my hands on the large digit.
I could feel her heart was beating as fast as mine. I didn’t know if it was from nerves or excursion from walking, but part of me wished she was as caught in the moment as I was.
“You are 10/10 going to be the talk of the town tonight.” Kate said with a smile as she walked to her old Tacoma.
“That’s only because everyone’s going to be jealous of me for being your date!” I shot back. I had a great view of her and planned to soak it up for as long as possible.
Kate snorted a laugh and shook her head. “You are delusional but thank you.” If I looked closely I was pretty sure her cheeks had a light dusting of red. Was she blushing?
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I thanked the Lord when we finally got to the truck. Not going to lie, Cam was making me a little flustered. It took everything for me to stay cool. The drive was a little less than an hour away. We chatted and sang to the radio like usual.
I was always infatuated with how well Cam could sing. From Garth Brooks to CCR the man seemed to be able to sing it all. I on the other hand was just good enough to be tolerated. Cam kept telling me that I was better than I thought I was, but I was pretty sure he was just saying that to make me feel better.
I knew we definitely did not fit in with the attending crowd when everyone else pulled up to the valet with new Range Rovers and Lexus. Part of me wanted to valet park my beat-up truck as a big middle finger to the rich folks, but that probably wasn’t good etiquette. Instead, I pulled into a small parking lot not too far from the venue. As a force of habit, I parked towards the back of the lot in hopes someone wouldn’t put another ding in my door.
“My good Sir.” I said opening the passenger side door and bowing as I offered Cam my hand.
He let out his usual cool guy chuckle. “My lady.” He said as he climbed on. I don’t think I would ever get use to having him in the palm of my hand.
“These are definitely not our people.” Cam laughed as he watched high class people dress to the nines pass us by.
“Definitely not” I tossed back.
Cam’s focus was on the passersby which gave me the opportunity to study him once more. His dark brown hair was slicked back, and his beard was well oiled and tamed. His suit was tailored perfectly to his body. It took everything in my power not to lean down and put my nose directly on him to fully take his cologne.
“Good evening” I said to the guard as I reached into my purse and pulling out the invitation.
He looked from the invitation to Cam and then back to me. He did little to hide the surprise in his eyes that I had a parvus as my date. “Good evening Ms. Kaiser and Mr. Chaudhry.” He said before opening the door.
The hall was filled with people and decorations. Classical music played in the background which only added to the ambiance. Fine works of art hung from all the walls as fancy people admired them. Cam was eating up the sight with awe. I chuckled a little seeing his jaw physically drop.
“Would you like to sit on my shoulder or stay in my hand?” I asked gaining the attention of my tiny date.
“Can I sit on your shoulder? I feel like your arm would get tired after carrying my sorry ass for a while.” He said looking up at me with bright eyes.
I didn’t have the heart to tell him that he weighed practically nothing so holding him didn’t bother me. Raising my hand Cam hopped off onto my shoulder.
He let out an excited squeak which brought a smile to my face. “Did you really get holds secretly sown into your dress for me?” I could hear the happiness in his voice.
I shrugged tousling Cam a little bit. “I figured it would make the night a little easier on you.” I said casually.
“Thank you.” Cam said softly as he leaned into my neck. I practically melted at his words.
We walked around looking at the art and eating the horderves. We had a smooth system down. Cam and I would choose what we wanted to try. I would then bring the tooth pick up to Cam so he could get a couple of bites and I would finish off whatever was left. Other couples gave us weird looks but to us it felt so natural.
“Ah! Kate! You came!” My boss said as he steered his wife our direction. “And you brought a date!” He said just noticing Cam for the first time.
“Yes Sir!” I said with a smile. Motioning my hand to my shoulder beau I continued, “This is Cam. Cam, this is my boss Mr. Klein and his wife.”
My boss shot up his finger to shake Cam’s hand. “Nice to meet you Cam! You can call me Larry. Kate said she made a new little friend. She always did enjoy having parvus friends.”
“Yeah… A little too much if you ask me…” His wife mumbled under her breath, but her words were still loud enough everyone heard. I could tell the woman had been drinking as the smell of liquor hung in the air.
“Darling…” My boss scolded through a grit smile.
“Larry, I just don’t think it is right and I don’t think we should pretend it is.” The woman said turning to her husband.
“Honey, like I told you before, it is none of our business. Kate also said they are just friends, so maybe we should leave it at that.” Larry said trying to salvage the situation.
His wife let out a huff and crossed her arms. “Everyone always starts out as just friends Larry… Don’t be so blind to the way of the world. That’s why being so close with parvus to begin with is wrong. We need to know our place and they need to know theirs.”
Cam and I both tensed at the woman’s words. If she wasn’t my boss’s wife I would have already sank my teeth into her. I hated people like her. As much as I wish they were a dime a dozen, I knew better.
Larry let out an awkward laugh. “Well, it was nice talking to you Kate, I hope you two enjoy your evening.” Larry said steering his wife away before she could continue her rant.
I watched her go, too stunned to react.
“Fuck that woman.” Cam huffed crossing his arms over his chest. His words brought me back to reality.
“Forget about her…” I said walking over to a painting. “People like her only want to spread hate into this world. They fear what they don’t understand so they constantly look to put others in boxes so they feel good. Fuck ‘em and fuck her”
“You can say that again.” Cam laughed.
We share a brief moment of silence before Cam spoke up. “Thanks Kate.”
I turned my head towards him. I couldn’t really see him that well since he was leaning against my neck but I wanted him to know he had my full attention. “For what?”
Cam shrugged. “I guess… for being cool.”
I knew that Cam was struggling with the words. I would too if I was in his situation. If someone told me that I should “know my place” I would be upset too. I wouldn’t want the words to ever come out of my mouth either. So I understood what Cam’s “being cool” meant.
With a chuckled and I reached up a finger to softly poke him in the side. “Thanks… for being cool too.”
-----------
Kate and I successfully avoid conversation with others for over an hour. During that time we laughed quietly to ourselves while critiquing the paintings. People were staring at us left and right but we didn’t care.
“I swear if some of these are worth thousands then my finger painting from kindergarten is worth at least 20 dollars.” I said staring at a splatter painting.
Kate tried to stifle my laugh. “Low key you probably aren’t wrong though.”
“Sold! I’ll bring it next time I go home. But I do require getting paid in advance.” I jested, patting her neck expectantly.
“Lol what? I don’t want it!” Kate tossed back poking me gently in the chest for good measure. As much as her hands could make me nervous, I liked when she did this. The action itself was just like when my sister would playfully punch me.
“But you agreed that it was worth 20 dollars!” I joked.
“Yeah, to someone! Not me though!” Kate laughed. It was a weird but pleasant feeling of rumbling as my back rested comfortably against her neck.
“Excuse me.” I heard someone clear their throat off to my left. Kate and I turned to find an older couple. The older woman was on the shorter side had almost snow-white skin which contrasted with her deep pink outfit. Her husband on the other hand stood as tall as Kate. He had a midnight complexion and a strong build most likely from years of hard labor.
“Oh, good evening.” Kate said with a warm smile.
“Good evening.” Both said in unison. They then shifted their focus up to me.
“My, aren’t you a handsome little parvus.” The old woman cooed.
My face immediately turned a deep red. I could feel Kate trying to stifle a laugh. I gave her neck a soft punch before opening my mouth. “Ah…. Thank you ma’am.”
The old lady then turned to look at Kate. “And you, my darling, look dazzling tonight.”
The old woman wasn’t wrong I thought. Kate did look amazing and I’m pretty sure the only reason she didn’t get more compliments was because the other guests had a chip on their shoulder, or rather, Kate had a parvus on hers.
“Thank you ma’am.” Kate replied easily. Her cool demeanor never breaking.
“We just wanted to come over and say that we think you two are adorable. Ahh… what young love felt like.” The woman patted her husband’s arm thoughtfully as she looked into his eyes with immense love. They share a moment before turning back to me and Kate. “Don’t worry what other people think. Sam and I used to get stared at all the time. People didn’t like rich baronesses hanging on the arm of a poor farm boy. But here we are! Almost 70 years later!”
I couldn’t help but smile at the woman’s words. “Oh thank you ma’am, but Cam and I are just really good friends.” Kate said.
“Sam and I were just friends too.” The woman said with a wink as the two turned to leave.
Kate and I were speechless for a moment before breaking into a quiet laugh. “Well, looks like you won’t be able to get rid of me for 70 plus years.” Kate jested.
I couldn’t hold back my laugh. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
-----------
Cam and I walked around for a while making small talk with the other guests. Everyone for the most part was respectful and didn’t bring up their qualms about my friendship with Cam. The event itself was starting to become dry though.
“Hey.” Cam whispered in my ear. His breath cascading over my skin sent a chill down my spine. “There is a garden out back. What would you say about sneaking away and taking a break from these snobby people?”
I big smile crept across my face. “Yes, yes and yes. Please.” I said heading straight for the door. The garden was quiet for the most part. The guests outside were staying near the well lit areas as they nursed their champaign.
I found a stone bench blocked off from the crowd and took a seat. Cam jumped on to my awaiting hand. I set him on the bench next to me. Once he was safely on his feet he turned around and smiled up at me. I couldn’t help but grin back.
“Dang you look good tonight.” Cam said before covering his mouth. His cheeks turned a crimson red as shock filled his eyes.
I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Well thank you. You do too. If I took you downtown right now I would have to be fighting off parvuses and humans left and right!”
“I would say the same about you, but we both know I would lose in a fight, parvus or human.” Cam laughed.
“You always were a lover not a fighter.” I joked.
Cam continued to beam up at me. It was becoming more and more difficult to keep myself together. Why was my heart beating so fast? My palms were usually sweaty, but they seemed to be extreme.
“Thanks Cam.” I said giving him a warm smile.
“For what?” He replied casually. How could he be so cool.
“For coming with. I know this might have been a little daunting, but you made this night worth it.” I said tracing circles with my finger on the bench at his feet.
“Anytime!” Cam tossed back. “I just wish they would have had some dancing. Then maybe everyone wouldn’t have had a stick so far up their rear the whole time!”
The two of us couldn’t contain our laugh. I bit my lower lip and looked down to my miniature prince. “Would you dance with me?”
Cam looked up at me dumbfounded. “Here? Now?”
I nodded.
Cam cracked a smile. “I don’t really know the logistics of this, but I am down for anything.”
I couldn’t hide my joy. I offered my hand to Cam. He only had a little hesitation as he climbed on. I lifted him to the stone wall behind me that was about chest high. Cam stepped off and looked at me quizzically. I pulled out my phone and scrolled through Spotify till the perfect song popped up.
“Blue-jean baby.
L.A. lady.
Seamstress for the band.
Pretty-eyed.
Pirate smile.
You'll marry a music man”
Cam just smiled and shook his head. “You have been waiting for this for a while, haven’t you?”
I gave him a sheepish smile. “Maybe.”
Cam bowed low and offered me his outstretched hand. “May I have this dance?”
I couldn’t hold back my blush as I reached my pointer fingers forward. Cam seemed to understand and took them in his small hands. We swayed back and forth as though there wasn’t an incredible difference in our size.
Cam caught on to how the dance was working and started to get creative. He would pick up a finger as I would duck under and twirl around. We would then move our hands out while we brought our bodies closer. All of it was invigorating.
The world melted away, leaving only Cam and I. We sang like fools as the chorus rolled on. I never wanted this moment to end.
“Hold me closer, tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
You had a busy day today”
We howled up at the moon. There was a slim chance other patrons could hear us, but we didn’t care if they did.
Our eyes met as the song came to a close. How could this tiny man have me in the palm of his hand.
“Shall we get out of here?” Cam said with smile as he gave my fingers one last squeeze before letting them go.
“Let’s do it.” I said offering him my hand. He walked on with such elegance and grace that my breath caught in my throat. This little guy was going to be the death of me.
-------
I didn’t want the night to end. I was so enamored with Kate, but I knew if we went any further, I would say things that I couldn’t take back. Holding Kate while we danced ignited feelings in me that I never knew possible. Feelings about her that had been so cloudy up to this point finally took shape.
I could no longer lie to myself. I loved Kate, there were no questions about that.
Kate and I talked so casually on the way home. We would only pause to sing to the music that played softly in the background.
Kate seemed to walk slower than usual as she took me home. I wanted to believe it was because she didn’t want tonight to end either, but I couldn’t let myself think that. Was it possible such a being could share the same feelings for me as I did for her.
Hope blossomed in my chest thinking back to her teasing and warm smiles. She was the person to ask me to dance as well! My heart wanted to leap out of my body and proclaim to the highest of heavens that I loved such a wonderful woman, but as I slid off of her hand onto my balcony all I could muster was a sheepish smile and a simple “I had fun tonight. Thank you for inviting me.”
Kate’s face was warm and welcoming. “Thank you for coming! You made the event more than bearable.”
“Good night Kate.” I said, not being able to take my eyes off of her.
“Good night Cam.” She said with a nod before turning to leave.
I watched her disappear around the corner before retiring to the warmth of my small apartment. Taking in a deep breath I let a big smile slide across my face.
“Next time I see her, I’m going to have the courage to tell her how I feel.” I whispered quietly so only my heart would hear.
A Tall and Small Collection | S2.25 | Recovery and Discovery
The evening was, in a word, restless. Between coughing, tossing and turning, and Mayzie’s subtle whimpers, no one slept soundly that night. Even with the medicine, it was tough.
Soren stayed close to his daughter, keeping his arm wrapped around her as she slept, even though Soren didn’t get a lot of rest. He helped give Mayzie water when he was awake, and Ashlynn stepped in from time to time to make sure Mayzie stayed comfortable.
The next morning, everyone took an accidental nap while watching a cartoon on Ashlynn’s laptop. Thankfully, she didn’t seem to be experiencing any symptoms of being sick. She continued to provide, what she called, “bone broth” chicken barley soup and a reassuring attitude, smiling the whole time.
The next day was the same. Restless and rough. Soren coughed a few times, earning him a dose of medicine with the rest of them. They spent time watching movies and snuggling either on the bedside table or on the massive bed with Ashlynn.
Then, upon Ashlynn’s insistence, they went and spent some time sitting on the windowsill in the bright sun watching the cars and people far below her apartment. She said something smart about something called vitamin D and that spending some time in the sun and not trapped in a darkened room watching movies all day.
The afternoon came and went and after another round of vapor bubble baths, the Borrower family finally showed signs of being on the mend. They repeated the same process of sitting in the sun, resting, and drinking water with Ashlynn’s homemade soup and, by the afternoon of the third day since Rey came to Ashlynn with a very sick Mayzie that they were cured.
Rey’s fever was gone. Dorian still had a little cough, but it was productive, and his breathing was even. Soren, thankfully, only had a little cough and got a headache. Even Mayzie’s color was back, as was her smile. By that night, they were practically back to normal.
Ashlynn still insisted on everyone taking one last small dose of medicine to sleep soundly through the night. Dorian and Rey gave the biggest pushback on this suggestion from their human companion simply because of the revolting taste, but they relented and took the burning icy liquid.
Soren had a sip of some fizzing concoction Ashlynn was taking and Mayzie finally broke down her own stubbornness and took a few small sips of the odd smelling medicine.
This was their first night of peace and restful sleep, and it was amazing. The only reason Soren stirred the next morning was because he heard Ashlynn got up and called someone from the other room on her phone saying she would be working from home today.
Soren listened to her for a minute as she rummaged around in the kitchen, most likely preparing her morning coffee. Mayzie’s soft coo brought his attention back to her. She nuzzled into his chest before rolling over, thumb shoved into her mouth.
Soren sat up and gazed at his daughter. Her cheeks were once again a sweet, rosy color. He pressed his cheek against hers and breathed a sigh of relief. No fever. He pushed himself back up before reaching out and brushed some of the strands of hair away from her face.
She was okay.
She was safe.
Soren leaned forward and kissed her temple before leaning back on his makeshift bed on the bedside table. He closed his eyes and breathed his first sigh of relief in days. He let his mind quiet from the spiraling he went through from the past few days.
It wasn’t until he heard Ashlynn coming back that he slipped out from under the covers to stand by the end of the bedside table.
He hated to leave his daughter and his brothers, but she hadn’t had a chance to talk to Ashlynn and discuss some of his questions as to why they were sick, but Ashlynn was healthy and fine.
Ashlynn tiptoed as quietly as she could, for a human, back into the room to see Soren standing expectantly on the ledge. Her eyes narrowed as she read Soren’s face, but her shoulders relaxed when she saw him smile and wave. She stepped up to the ledge and sat on the end of her bed, eyes flicking over to Mayzie, Dorian, and Rey.
Soren couldn’t help but smile. Even though they were in the clear from the night before, she was checking up on them. Those beautiful blue-grey eyes filled with relief flicked back to him.
“Hey,” she whispered. “Sleep okay?” Soren nodded.
“Never better,” he said, needing to raise his voice slightly so Ashlynn could hear. The sound of Soren’s voice made the boys stir slightly, but they didn’t wake up.
“Want to go to the kitchen?” asked Ashlynn after they both held their breath to not disturb the sleeping family. Soren nodded and stepped onto Ashlynn’s extended hand, instantly crouching as Ashlynn stood and tiptoed back out of the bedroom.
The whole way, Soren let his body relax into the warmth of Ashlynn’s hand. He could feel the light pulse just beneath him. It was strong and calm, like her. His eyes closed and, for just a moment, he was brought back to that first day he stepped onto her hand willingly in the kitchen of the old apartment, unable to get to his injured brother on the ground below.
The initial fear he experienced seemed silly now.
“It’s nice, seeing you relax,” said Ashlynn as she began fixing her cup of morning coffee. She was using her non-dominant hand, allowing Soren to stay unmoved in her palm. He grinned and sighed.
“First time in a few days,” he replied. “How are you feeling?”
“Rested and relieved. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Rey shaken up like that, and you too for that matter,” said Ashlynn as she carefully balanced her coffee as she walked to the living room where her laptop was already set up. She sat down and started typing with only one hand, leaving Soren undisturbed.
“Need me to get up?” he asked as he pushed himself up onto his elbow, to which Ashlynn shook her head in response.
“No, you’re fine. I just need to respond to this email and do some reading.”
Soren nodded and laid back again to watch her work. After a minute, she coughed and hit the send button before taking a sip of coffee.
“You okay? Don’t tell me we got you sick,” said Soren as he sat up, feeling a quick wave of worry. Ashlynn shook her head.
“No,” she chuckled slightly. “Just breathing wrong. I really do feel fine. Thanks for checking up though.” Soren sighed in relief again, making Ashlynn curious. “You sure you’re okay? That’s the third sigh if my count is right.”
“Yeah,” Soren shrugged. “I’m just trying to figure out why we all got sick and you’re fine.” Ashlynn smirked and flexed her hand, jostling Soren teasingly.
“You sound bitter that I didn’t get sick,” she said, exaggerating so it was obvious she was joking.
“No, that’s not it. Sorry, I didn’t mean for it to sound like that,” apologized Soren. “I’m just… trying to figure out the connection.”
“Well, walk me through it. What are you thinking?” prompted Ashlynn as she shoved her laptop out of the way and turned her focus to him. Soren scratched his head and tried to organize his thoughts.
“Okay, here’s my thought. There were a few Borrowers coughing in the community, but nothing as severe as what we just went through. Maybe things have changed, I don’t know. If others aren’t sick like us, that means that whatever is making us sick is close to home. The other bit is that if it’s close to home, you ought to be sick too,” said Soren.
“So, you’re saying there might be something in the walls making all of you sick and not bothering humans because we’re not coming into contact with it?” asked Ashlynn.
“That’s what’s weird,” said Soren as he folded his arms across his chest. “You’re not sick, but we are. I have a hard time believing it is Borrower specific, so even if you’re not sick, someone else might be,” replied Soren.
“You think it’s affecting humans other than me?” asked Ashlynn. “I mean, possibly. Or it’s just something you are all exposed to for a prolonged amount of time that we don’t get to experience every day.”
“But that should be everything,” sighed Soren. “We all technically live together so we technically should all be sick, but there’s something we get exposed to that’s not getting to other humans, at least not you.”
“Well, I mean… I could ask around and see if anyone else is sick. I could say I’ve had a cough or something along those lines and see what comes up,” suggested Ashlynn.
“That could work,” agreed Soren. “But I’m not convinced. I mean, you talk to your neighbors from time to time. They would’ve said something, right?”
“Maybe,” said Ashlynn. “Still, no harm in asking.”
Soren laid backward so his spine curled with the natural curve of Ashlynn’s fingers. There was something missing. Ashlynn felt just as frustrated as Soren did. What was making his family sick? Was she getting ready to get sick with what they had? More importantly, what did they all have in common but only Borrowers would have prolonged access to.
Soren’s eyes drifted from the ceiling to the side of the couch where Rey had been working on a new contraption to help them get onto the couch without having to climb. It was essentially a kind of lever system that was supposed to raise and lower a platform like an elevator.
Then, after a fraction of a moment of staring at this device, both Ashlynn and Soren came to the same conclusion at the same time.
“The elevators,” they said together.
“It makes sense,” said Ashlynn.
“We’ve all been by the elevator shaft on the inside, but we’re the ones who live near it. Something that’s connected to that elevator shaft has got to be where we got it,” said Soren.
“Plus,” added Ashlynn. “It would affect some humans, but not others. Anyone who lives near the elevators may be feeling poorly.”
“But where did it come from? I mean, is the whole community is getting sick? Is it something we kept specifically, or is it all through the community? What’s causing it?” wondered Soren.
“That might be for another day. Right now, you and the family are recuperating,” insisted Ashlynn. “You stay with the boys and Mayzie while I ask around. When I get back, I might have a better idea of where to look. I just know we both can’t look at the same time.”
Soren folded his arms but had to admit she had a point. They both couldn’t be gone at the same time. He just hated the idea of being there when they all woke up and the having to leave them now that they were well.
“At least let me go first. I’ll be quick and, be honest, how many humans are awake now for you to talk to?” prompted Soren. Ashlynn gave him a reluctant look. She obviously wanted to poke around first, but Soren followed up with his argument. “Just a quick look! Borrowers are naturally early risers. Also, same goes for you. Maybe I find something that helps you.”
Ashlynn sighed and conceded.
“As long as you’re back quickly and safely,” said Ashlynn. Soren nodded and smiled.
“Always.”
With that, Ashlynn walked them over to the wall and let Soren jump off before retrieving her laptop and returning to her bed to watch over the others. As she did, she saw both Mayzie and Rey stir ever so subtly. As tenderly as she could, she reached out with her index fingers and stroked their backs.
“Shh… it’s okay bobbins. Don’t worry, he’ll be back soon,” soothed Ashlynn. Rey curled into Ashlynn’s touch, arching his back like a sleeping kitten while Mayzie turned and held onto the tip of Ashlynn’s finger, her chunky fingers grasping the finger that was practically her size. He’d be back soon.
Soren, in the meantime, quickly gathered his supplies for a quick run and balanced precariously along the beams leading to the main chamber by the elevator shaft. It had been a few days since he’d been back, and something felt different about the air around him.
The eldest Borrower brother had every intention of getting back quickly so he wouldn’t alarm his brothers or Mayzie with his absence, especially since they were all on the mend from being sick.
As he walked, his mind kept wandering back to the past few days with Ashlynn. Everything felt natural – felt right. Was it because he wasn’t the only one who his brothers could look to for answers? Or was it something else? He had to admit that sitting there with Ashlynn, feeling the warmth of her skin against his, made his chest swell with emotion.
It was a familiar emotion, and one he was terrified to name.
The sound of wheezing coughs made Soren stop suddenly in his tracks and check his hearing. There were several seconds of silence before he heard it again. Sure enough, there was an echoing cough erupting seemingly from everywhere.
He stepped out to the elevator shaft, and the sounds of coughing were more apparent. Soren cautiously stepped forward and looked out into the community, thinking, and hoping it was only an echo or one or two, but that wasn’t the case. Not only were they more apparent, but there were also numerous sources of coughing.
When Soren began descending the stairs by the elevator shaft by the main Borrower trading hub, he was more than alarmed to see very few Borrowers out, and those who were out by their makeshift stations looked horribly sick, pale in the face and coughing in between wheezing breaths.
It was like something out of a scary movie. When did it get this bad? Thankfully, some looked okay and just mildly ill, but not nearly enough to stop the alarm bells going off in Soren’s head.
There was only one place he could really go to get all of the answers – the main communication hub of the Borrower community, the Rafters.
Soren went past room after room until he found the front door of the Rafter home.
He knocked several times and waited nearly twenty seconds before knocking again nervously. Soren almost knocked again when the door creaked open and Casper, the father of the house, peered out of the door. Soren felt a knot churn his insides.
Casper also looked ill, features pale and a bead of fever sweat on his brow.
“Soren?” he asked just as he began coughing. “What brings you by here? I’m sorry, but I’m a little under the weather.”
“Yeah, that’s been going around,” stated Soren. “I came to find out what’s been going around. What happened? Why is everyone sick? Please, can I just talk to you for a minute?” Casper eyed Soren for a moment before nodding slowly and stepping to the side to allow him into his home. The moment Soren was inside, Casper began speaking again.
“We don’t know,” he stated as he coughed again. “And not everyone is sick. Most of the community has come down with this thing, but some are still fine.”
“Who isn’t sick?” asked Soren, wondering if there might be a connection.
“My son, Hero, is still healthy and well. Atlas has a cough, but he’s mostly well. He’s out borrowing at the moment. There are a few others on the lower floors who are doing alright,” Casper stated. Soren glanced around and noted that the other kids or Casper’s wife were in the kitchen. He decided to press his luck.
“So, Prim and the others?” asked Soren. Casper’s entire demeanor shifted. His features steel. For a moment, Soren suspected the worst when Casper spoke again.
“They’re… not doing well. Atlas went out to try and find something to make them feel better,” he said stiffly. At this point, Atlas stared at Soren suspiciously. “Why aren’t you sick?”
“We were, but Ashlynn…” Soren saw Atlas stiffen at the mention of her name. “She helped us get better.” He knew his family was beyond fortunate to have Ashlynn in their lives, but it had never been so pronounced as in this very moment as his family was practically recovered while the rest of the community suffered. Even with the home remedies nearly every Borrower practiced, the sickness was still rampant. It made Soren’s insides twist uneasily, which he hated. He wished he could do something.
“I see,” said Casper softly. He suddenly got a look in his eye like he had something he wanted to say but knew he shouldn’t. Casper’s eyes glanced to the bedrooms attached to the living area and the kitchen, undoubtedly looking at where his wife and children slept. It was that reluctance that gave away what was going on in the father’s head.
Soren knew what Casper wanted to ask of him, and Soren decided to make the offer, but in an indirect way so it would be easier to accept.
“Mr. Rafter, I know you’re not all feeling well,” said Soren, speaking carefully to not overstep boundaries. It was risky, but he continued anyway. “Would you like to ‘borrow’ some supplies from us? It will make you all feel better.”
Casper’s eyes, for a moment, flared in a frustrated anger toward Soren.
“Like what? And at what cost? A quick trip to your home away from home?” asked Casper. Soren knew Casper was asking if his family would need to be seen and tended to by Ashlynn, to which Soren shook his head.
“No, we have… supplies and tried a few new things that helped us get better. I can bring everything you need here in your home. I doubt your family would feel like going anywhere,” said Soren.
There were several more seconds of intense staring from Casper. It was like he was trying to see if Soren was lying or trying to trick him, but Casper’s suspicion gave way to a reluctant acceptance brought on by exhaustion and worry.
“As… long as you don’t think it’ll be… missed…” he said stiffly. “And as long as you, and only you, can bring it. I wouldn’t want your family to get sick again.”
“I know it won’t be missed,” stated Soren reassuringly. “I’ll get everything together and bring it back as soon as I can. Do… you think anyone else in the community would… be interested in these… borrowings?”
“Let me check it out first. I wouldn’t want it to make someone’s illness worse,” said Casper firmly.
“Sure thing,” agreed Soren. “Actually, could you tell me where this started or who you remember getting sick first? It’s why I came by in the first place. I was hoping you might know.”
Casper thought about it for a moment before recalling the name.
“Granny Ollie Day. She lived somewhere on the top floor I think,” Casper informed. Soren’s heart skipped a beat at the words Casper used.
“Lived? Did she…?” he asked, afraid he already knew the answer. One nod was all Soren needed. “Top floor. Got it. Guess I have one more stop to make. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Soren turned and placed his hand on the door when he heard his name.
“Soren.” He turned and looked at Casper for a moment. “Be careful,” said the older Borrower. Soren nodded in acknowledgement and left for the top floor as quickly as his legs would carry him.
From what he remembered, the top floor was far above them and was practically attached to the roof. He and Bay had peered in there once or twice out of pure curiosity. Very few Borrowers lived up that far since the humans there were a little more particular about things going missing and many of them had security in the form of pets.
It didn’t take too long for Soren to climb the stairs up to his final destination. With his most perceptive skills, he scoured the walls and beams along all of the apartments on the upper floors. He walked along the beams and through nearly every corridor but didn’t find anything. He poked and prodded at the walls and insulation, but there was nothing out off the ordinary.
Soren was about to make another lap when the hair on the ack on his neck raised. He stopped dead in his tracks and looked down one of the corridors he had already been down. Something told him, despite all he’d done to poke around, that he should try this place one more time.
There was a family who lived up here if Soren wasn’t mistaken. They were supposed to be away, weren’t they? He couldn’t remember, but he knew he needed to check out the place.
He walked down the beam, carefully balancing along one of the edges, until he reached the edge of the exterior wall. There was a small gap between one side of the wall and the other. He couldn’t even slip between the two ledges. Something about the gap made Soren feel odd, and a gust of wind which shouldn’t have been there wafted up from somewhere within the wall.
That wasn’t right.
He removed his hip lamp and carefully attached it to his climbing rope before slipping it into the gap. He lowered the light further and further down, craning his neck until he saw it.
Mold.
A lot of it.
It coated the walls and beams all along the edges of the walls. Soren nearly dropped his light he was so astonished at what he saw. How long had this been going on? What was causing it?
Soren hurriedly pulled up the rope as he thought about the human rooms below him. There was a corner of the human apartment that had windows. This was above one of the kids’ rooms, right? Soren had to know.
He ran to the nearest access point and slipped down the line to the nearest electrical outlet. When he peered out, he saw that the windows were open and there was mold growing on the windowsill.
The rain!
There were heavy storms not too long ago. The rain must’ve soaked into the walls and festered there. Not only that, but this room was just below the air ducts and the air coolant system for the elevators. This was bad.
Soren hurried back into the walls and jogged all the way back home. Cleaning this would take weeks on their own. Plus, the humans probably only saw the speck of mold on the window and simply wiped it away. With everyone out of commission in the community, there was no way they could handle this immense job. He wasn’t sure what Ashlynn was going to be able to uncover, but hopefully she would have an idea of how to clean this up.
~~~^*^*^~~~
Soren had almost made it back. His lungs were burning and legs shaking. Evidently, he was a little more tired than he anticipated from staying up with his sick family for the past few days. He was crossing over one of the beams to descend the secure line when he heard a shout from below.
“No! Don’t! Don’t do it!”
Rey!
Was he in trouble? What was going on?
Soren opened one of the trim pieces to peer into the room below and saw Ashlynn sitting on the bed with Mayzie while Dorian was on the bedside table. Ashlynn had put on a hoodie that was horribly oversized, but Rey was nowhere to be seen.
At least…
Until Soren spotted him on the bed. The moment he did, he breathed a sigh of relief.
“Noooo! Don’t do it! Aahhh!”
Rey wasn’t in distress, but his playful shouts would raise alarm for any Borrower, and rightfully so. Ashlynn had grabbed Rey’s legs and was dragging him slowly across the covers toward her sleeve, letting him go with just enough time for him to run back toward the pillow where Mayzie was sitting before getting grabbed again.
To any other Borrower, it would have looked like this monstrous hand was dragging some poor soul to their demise from the bed covers until being dragged into the hoodie sleeve. Rey would “get free” and fight off Ashlynn’s hand before trying to run back to Mayzie. Ashlynn was obviously playing, and Rey was overexaggerating his distress, and he could actually hear why now.
Mayzie, who was watching everything happen, was giggling up a storm at watching Rey playfight with Ashlynn.
“Not today!” howled Rey as he once again got free. “She’s mine now, and I’m going to unleash the tickle monster.” Mayzie squealed with delight and ran for Ashlynn’s free hand for cover, at which point Ashlynn once again knocked Rey over carefully and grabbed his legs.
“No you don’t. I’ll protect you Mayzie,” said Ashlynn.
“Never!” Rey cried out in reply as Ashlynn once again dragged Rey over the covers away from his niece.
It was nice that they were having a good time playing, and Soren hated being the bearer of bad news. Still, there were important things to attend to. Soren abandoned the scene and descended the line before making his way over to the bedside table.
“What on earth is going on?” he called. Ashlynn glanced over the edge of the bed at Soren.
“Hark, dad makes it home for the win. Welcome back,” smiled Ashlynn as she let Rey go and lowered her hand for Soren to climb onto. “We were just playing. Find anything interesting while you were out?”
“Yes, and we’ve got work to do,” said Soren. The moment Ashlynn set him down on the bed, Soren explained everything he saw.
He told them about the mold and that the whole community was sick. He explained that Casper, head of the Rafter family, had actually dared to accept help, and he thought they should oblige.
“It would certainly be a good gesture and is more than a sign of trust. He must be desperate,” said Ashlynn. “There is the little problem about reporting the mold though. I’m obviously going to be questioned about how I knew about the mold and if cleaners come, they’re going to have to get into the walls. It’s going to cause a lot of panic.”
“If we help everyone get better, maybe they’ll be open to the idea of hiding out somewhere for the time being. We’re capable of hiding and making ourselves scarce. First things first, I’m going to need to borrow some of that broth and the medicine you used,” said Soren. “This could be a good thing. If people know they can trust you and trust us, maybe they’ll be more receptive. At any rate, we have to do something.”
“You don’t think they’ll be scared?” asked Ashlynn.
“Oh, for sure. We won’t come right out and say this came from you though. I’m sure they’ll make their assumptions, but there’s nothing we can do about that. Borrowers are suffering, some even didn’t make it through the sickness. I’m not going to sit around and do nothing,” said Soren. Ashlynn nodded as did Dorian and Rey.
Their minds were made up.
Later that day after some shopping and prep work, Ashlynn helped place easy to transport plastic bottles of broth and medicine into the ceiling crawl space near the elevator shaft where Soren and the boys were able to drag it to the community.
They continued this over the next few days, distributing broth and medicine to the community and, like magic, everyone began seeing a drastic recovery rate.
It was then that Soren had a long talk with the Rafters about the mold and Ashlynn needing to report it. They didn’t like the idea, but didn’t want the sickness to persist. They agreed to help spread the word that they “caught wind” of a human calling someone about mold in the walls and that they would need to evacuate certain areas and steer clear of others.
Soren and his brothers were praised for their work, but not all was well.
All the while, there were a few Borrowers who were suspicious of where these “borrowed” materials came from. They were suspicious of the three brothers.
Later a few evenings later when the brothers and Ashlynn were eating dinner and talking, Ashlynn could have sworn that one of the trim pieces wasn’t put back quite right.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Please enjoy the latest chapter of The Rescue, presented here in all of it's "wait are we seriously still doing this" glory!
[Author's note: Yes, we are still doing this, and I love it! So if you don't, oops I am sorry.]
Thank you all as always for reading and enjoying!
I just found your stories yesterday and I gotta say, THEY ARE SO CUTE!!! They are so wholesome! Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much! I can't tell you how much I appreciate the support! Get ready for the next chapter. There are going to be some really good genuine moments.
As promised my peeps! Thanks for waiting I hope you enjoy.
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The crew was going out for drink tonight and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to it. I had been flying for the past four days and was looking forward to sitting down and enjoying time with friends.
I met Sal, Marcy and Pete at the bar. Cam said he was running a little late because he had to finish some stuff up at work. We ordered a round for the table and sat and chatted for an hour or so before Cam sauntered in.
He wore his usual Carhart jacket with a flannel, blue jeans and a beanie to top everything off. I bit my lip as I got a good look at him in the dim light of the bar. He was handsome and how he was still single I would never know.
“Hey you guys! Sorry I am late. Work had me working overtime to help get a new program on board.” He said in his signature upbeat way.
We all waved him off saying that we had been there before. Cam then came to sit in front of me at the parvus sized table. My heart fluttered having him so close. ‘What is wrong with you Kate?!’ I mentally chided myself. ‘Cam is just your friend so cool it before you scare him away.’ Taking a breath I successfully resisted my desire to reach out and touch the small man.
After about a half hour or so we were in need of fresh drinks. It was my turn to buy so I collected everyone’s order and turned to leave.
“Wait!” Cam said.
I stopped in my tracks and slowly turned around.
“Can I come with?” He asked sheepishly.
I smiled brightly. “Totally!” I said resting my palm up gently on the table next to his feet.
He hesitated. His little chest rose and fell as he took a deep breath. I hated how I made him nervous still. Maybe one day he wouldn’t be afraid to be in my hand… Today wasn’t that day though. He finally worked up the courage after a few seconds and we were off to the bar.
“Sorry…” He said quietly looking at the ground away from me.
I should my head. “Don’t apologize Cam. It’s ok. Don’t ever feel rushed or pressured to do anything. I don’t mind waiting. Okay?”
Cam turned to look up at me. “Okay.” He said with a small smile. “Thank you.”
“Yeah, no worries!” I said placing my hand on the bar for him to jump off.
“Ahhhhh…” the bartender said with a smile. “Cam and Kate! Some of my two favorite people! What can I get you guys?”
“Can we get another bucket of Michelob’s? And what do you want Cam?” I said looking down to my pint-sized pal.
“Can I get a jack and coke?” Cam asked looking up at the human bartender.
“Hey Kim, can you get Cam a jack and coke?” the bartender tossed over his shoulder at his parvus counterpart. Kim responded with a thumbs up. “And for you my dear?” He said turning back to me.
“Can I get a whiskey and water?” I asked.
The bartender chuckled and nodded. “You have always been an interesting one haven’t you.”
I just shrugged in reply before looking down at Cam. “Hey I’m going to run to the bathroom quick. I will be right back ok?”
Cam nodded. “Sounds good. I’ll be here!”
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I watched Kate walk away as I sat alone at the bar. There was a pretty good crowd that showed up for the live music. I tapped my foot to the sound of the beat as I watched the bartenders mix drinks.
The peace was nice till it was shattered by the sound of a drunk man stumbling up from behind me. I felt his presence loom high over me as I whipped around to face him. The man was clearly intoxicated as he slammed his elbows down on the bar not knowing (or probably caring that I was only inches from him) knocking me back on my ass.
“Two beers and three shots of Jack!” he bellowed.
I got up with a grumble and dusted off myself. Unfortunately, this seemed to catch his attention.
“Oh look what we have here.” He said to no one in particular. “Are you a little guy.” He brought his meaty fingers up to wrap around my trembling body. Flashbacks from college came roaring back. I could still see the asshole’s hand coming for me after he accused me of gawking at his girlfriend.
Time passed in slow motion. ’This is why I hated humans!’ My mind screamed. ‘I told you that they were nothing but monsters that couldn’t be trusted!’
The man’s hand slowly marched forward. I shut my eyes hard willing for it to be over quickly. I could feel another presence tower over me from behind. I figured it was just one of his friends coming to join in on the joke.
“Keep your fucking hands off of him!” Kate roared.
My eyes snapped open and immediately noticed that Kate had the man’s wrist pinned to the counter inches from me. I shot my gaze up to her face which was mostly turned away from me. What I could tell though, was that she was angry.
“What the hell. I just wanted to get a better look at the little guy you fucking bitch!” the drunk yelled.
“I’m the bitch?! Would you like some disgusting fuck grabbing you without permission. I don’t fucking think so.” Kate said forcefully throwing the man’s arm off the counter. I let out the breath I had been holding seeing the hand disappear far away from me.
“Are you looking for a fucking fight?” the man challenged, standing to look at Kate eye to eye.
Kate just smiled. “Nah… I prefer fair fights where I don’t have to worry about taking it easy in fear that I will beat you to a pulp.”
“Kate… What are you doing?!” I hissed.
“Who the fuck do you think you are?!” the man bellowed shoving Kate. She barely moved while I took many steps back in fear she might get pushed into me. Kate took notice.
I visibly watched as Kate grit her teeth. “Look…” she was struggling with the words. “Neither of us want to get kicked out or hurt anyone else. Let’s just stop and go our own ways…” I could tell Kate hated saying every word. Her fists were balled up so tight her knuckles were white.
“Talk big till you get shoved. I knew you were a little bitch.” The man spat.
Kate went ridged. Her breath came in shallow, and her nostrils flared. I’m pretty sure if I saw her eyes, they would be a flame. She went to open her mouth to speak but was quickly interrupted by the bartender.
“Harry. Get the fuck out of my bar! You got way to drunk again and are pissing off the wrong people. I have half a mind of letting Kate take you outside and letting her beat you senseless. And trust me, she would easily.” The bartender growled.
Harry looked like he was about to argue but with one last look at Kate, he thought better of it.
While we were distracted with Harry and woman came up close to me and looked down with a predatory look in her eyes. “Aren’t you handsome” she purred.
“Beat it you ugly slut.” Kate snapped. “I had enough random people ‘talking’ to my friend.” To emphasis her point Kate put her arms on either side of me as she sat down in the bar stool with a huff.
I know I should have been terrified of this giant angry woman blocking me off from everyone else, but after what I just went through it felt like my sanctuary. Kate looked at my trembling form and softened.
“Sorry Cam… I should have brought you back to the table before leaving you alone at the human seats… I’m also sorry for getting carried away there. Something just kinda broke in me though when I saw him reaching for you and how terrified you were… I just wanted to break all of his limbs. I wanted him to feel the exact way he was making you feel.” Her voice was soft so that only I could hear.
Kate dropped her head and let out a long sigh that cascaded over me. I walked over to her arm that was acting as my protective barrier and patted it gentle. Kate raised her sorrow filled eyes to look at me.
“Hey, stop that. It’s over. And heck, if it wasn’t for you I would probably have some pretty painful broken ribs right now.” Cam chuckled.
I snorted a small laugh. Some of his hair fell haphazardly into his eyes. I started to reach forward with a finger to brush it away only to halt as Cam stiffened. I started to pull my hand away but Cam lunged forward and grabbed a hold of my extended pointer finger.
We spoke no words as we looked at each other. He nodded at me to say that it was ok. Slowly I brought my pointer finger forward to brush his hair back under the beanie.
“You have had a bad experience with hands, haven’t you?” I asked in almost a whisper.
Cam let out a shaky breath and nodded. “What gave that away…” He nervously chuckled.
“Here are your drinks! Sorry about Harry again. The beers are on the house!” the bartender said breaking the moment.
“Thanks Larry. We appreciate.” I said giving him a smile and a nod. “Ready to go?” I said looking down at Cam.
“Yep! I think we both need these drinks after everything.” He laughed.
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As always Kate gave me a lift home after the bar. I got a little more tipsy than intended so it helped to have someone else steer me home.
“How you holding up Cam?” Kate asked tousling my hair with her finger under my winter hat.
I reached up and rearranged my hat. “I’m doing just fine.” I said batting her fingers away.
“Good. I was kind of nervous tonight fucked with you.” Kate tossed back.
My chest automatically tightened. How did she know? Could she see through my façade this whole time? Between being drunk and emotionally drained I broke down. Tears streamed down my face as I brought my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them. My body shook with sobs.
“Cam?” Kate asked. Seeing the state I was in she immediately stopped. “Cam…” she said slightly above a whisper.
I just continued to cry. My body demanded a release. I had held it together all night, but all it took was Kate prodding a little for everything to come crashing down. I wasn’t ok. Earlier brought up trauma that I clearly hadn’t properly dealt with.
Kate brought her fingers up to rub gentle circles on my back. “Just let it out. Its ok…” Kate’s voice was full of compassion.
I cried for what felt like hours, but was closer to 10 minutes before my body could no longer produce tears. I looked up and noticed that we were in a side alley. Kate was still rubbing my back as she leaned against a nearby building. I silently thanked her for the privacy.
“Feel better?” she asked.
I nodded.
“Want to talk about it?” her voice was warm and welcoming but did make me feel pressured to answer.
I let out a shaky sigh. “In college a guy accused me of looking at his girl at the bar. I told him that I wasn’t and that I was just trying to see the score of the hockey game which was past her, but he didn’t believe me. So he snatched me up and proceeded to squeeze the life out of me till his girlfriend pleaded with him to stop. After he saw how bad of shape I was in he bolted. They rushed me to the hospital. My ribs where broken to the point that they felt it was smart for them to put metal braces on the sides of them to try to reenforce them. My arms were broke and I had to have surgery on one. The doctors said I was extremely lucky I didn’t pop a lung or worse… So seeing the man reach for me today… I thought I was going to have to relive that all over again…”
Kate listened intently as I spoke. She gave a soft nod when I finished. I looked up into her face looking for any sign that she thought I was a pathetic little thing. There was nothing of the sort present. She took in a sharp breath before answering, “Cam… I am so sorry… I am soo sorry that happened to you.”
She was starting to get choked up. Tears threatened to overflow the dams holding them back. “I swear Cam…” her voice cracked a little. “As long as I am around. I will never let that happen to you ever again.”
My heart filled with warmth. I knew she meant that. At first I thought Kate would look at me as though I was just a sad little being, but the more I looked up into her beautiful blue-grey eyes full of emotion the more I knew her words came, rather, from a place of love. Knowing I had her in my corner to help combat the trials that life threw my way made me crave the safe haven she created even more.
I literally have 41 word documents with different stories that I want to share with the world. Some are one page ideas. Some are 25 page outlines that need to be fleshed out.
Low key torn between sharing new stories that I have been working on or having a stern talk with myself to finish the chapters for these past couple of weeks...
So basically.... Thank you for coming to my ramble... I’ll update my stories soon..
I wish that media wouldn’t treat a man being saved by a woman as a joke or something to be ashamed by. I’m having childhood flashbacks of all the times I wanted to have media that allowed for men to be saved, men to be sensitive, etc. A younger me could’ve benefited immensely from that kind of healthy representation that anyone is worth saving & showing emotions.
