#looooong chapter

[theresthesnitch]

Chapter 7: Practice Swing

Let's go camping!

Read chapter 7 here on AO3.

Read starting from the beginning here.

[kertneyk]

Big Cats Like Bones Too - Chapter 20 - Kertneyk - Undertale (Video Game) [Archive of Our Own]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

You talk with Gerson, who was less than impressed with your performance on Tuesday. Then on Friday you meet up with Sans again. Will you make peace with your antagonistic roommate?

Trigger Warning: vomit

[magnoliasinbloom]

The Midwife

AO3 :: Previously

XIV

The Seine ran smoothly beneath the Pont Neuf. Jamie and I stood upon it, holding each other’s hands. I was still in my grubby work dress, a homespun cloak on my shoulders to ward off the chill. Jamie was much more handsomely attired, having been provided with a Fraser tartan kilt by his uncle.

Jamie’s uncle had apologized for not being able to procure a suitable dress for me to be wed in, on such short notice. He may not have approved of our hasty union, but he made clear that it had nothing to do with me personally. He had kissed my cheek and embraced me as his niece, and wished us every happiness. He was justifiably worried about our reception at Leoch as a married couple, now for my sake as much as Jamie’s. So with Jared as our witness, we exchanged vows.

“Mo nighean donn, repeat after me.” Jamie pulled a small sgian dubh from his sporran. He hesitated as he turned my arm to expose my wrist, but I nodded encouragingly. He made a small cut, and proceeded to slit his own skin open. Pressing our wrists together, Jared stepped forward to tie them with strip of linen.

Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone, I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One. I give ye my Spirit, 'til our Life shall be Done.

My heart pounded as I said the words that bound us as husband and wife. Jamie’s gaze upon me made me forget my heartache, all my worries and cares. Gently, he untied our wrists. He pulled the silver ring from my right hand and placed it on my left with a kiss on it. “I’m sorry we canna be wed in a church proper. I wanted to do better by ye,” Jamie said softly.

“I love you, James Fraser. That’s all that matters.” He smiled, and laid his hand on my waist, tugging me closer. The wind off the river was cold, whipping our hair across our faces.

“Sassenach.” His voice was guttural with need as he gripped me with restraint. We kissed, our lips cold but our mouths warm, until we forgot where we were. I finally pulled away from him, breathless.

“You’re mine,” I whispered, my arms around his broad shoulders. Our foreheads touched; we breathed each other’s air, oblivious to the world, until Jared cleared his throat and broke through our reverie.

“Jamie, it’s time.”

The three of us made our way back to Jared’s house in his coach. Jamie and I sat in silence next to each other, holding hands. He squeezed my hand gently as I gripped his arm tightly, nerves racing through me.

To make the handfasting valid, like any other marriage, it must be consummated.

I knew the mechanics, of course. Maman had been thorough in her explanations, and as a midwife, there was little I didn’t know about. But the difference between knowing and doing was vast, a chasm I hadn’t thought about crossing—until I met Jamie.

We arrived at Jared’s beautiful house on Rue Tremoulins; I was assisted out of the carriage by Jamie and ushered past a lineup of servants who were waiting for us. The house was just as lovely on the inside, rich with brocades and glinting carved wood. I held onto Jamie’s hand as we trailed up a curved staircase to the family rooms. Jared walked before us and led us to a room just off the dark hallway.

“James…”

“Uncle, dinna fash. ‘Twill be alright.” Jamie took the wavering candelabra Jared had used to light our path. With a pat on the shoulder, Jared went off, and Jamie stepped inside the room, gesturing for me to enter as well.

The flickering candles illuminated the fine furniture and tapestries on the walls. But what occupied my thoughts first and foremost was the large canopied bed. The room was cold, but Jamie set about lighting a fire in the grate. He was skilled with a flint, and soon flames danced merrily and cast a golden glow across our faces.

We had been completely silent, offering small smiles to each other. Now Jamie approached me, rubbing my arms through the cloak.

“Are ye warm enough, mo nighean donn?”

“I suppose.” My voice quivered, and I hated myself for it. This was Jamie, my husband, my love. I wanted him, wanted this, so much. He must have noticed how nervous I was because he pulled me closer in an embrace.

“What is it, Claire?” Jamie asked.

“’Tis only… I’ve never…” A blush crept up my neck.

“Och lass, if it helps, I’ve never… either.” Jamie gave me a sheepish smile and a similar flush tinted his cheeks.

“You haven’t?” After Maman’s explanations and what I knew of the nature of men, I hadn’t expected Jamie to have remained a virgin. He was after all, a very attractive male who could probably charm the very birds from the trees. To have him be as inexperienced as me, was a revelation.

“Truly, no. I suppose neither of us kens what we’re doing. I grew up on a farm, and I know of it, of course, but I expect between a woman and a man, ‘tis rather different, no?” Jamie ruffled up the back of his hair self-consciously.

“Aye, I ken,” I replied, imitating his soft Scots burr and making him laugh; some of the tension broke. A knock at the door interrupted us, and the butler who introduced himself as Magnus, laid a tray with supper on a small side table. He let himself out with a bow, and the door clicked shut behind him with a finality that cast a shiver up my back.

“Let’s have a bite, Sassenach. We’ll no be this well-fed on our travels to Scotland.”

Delicately braised meat and vegetables, along with one of Jared’s most superb wines, made up the meal. I managed no more than a few morsels, nerves making my stomach twist. As Jamie poured the last drops of the bottle, they returned in full force.

“Here, Sassenach.” He patted his knee and I slid over to sit on his lap, draining my glass. He put his arms about my waist, fingers tapping out a quiet beat on the whalebone of my stays. “’Tis easier when we touch, no?”

The crackling of the fire was the only sound in the room, except for our breathing. The staccato rhythm of Jamie’s fingers became a caress, and I tried to reciprocate, running my fingers through his red curls.

“I love your hair,” I said nonsensically, admiring the different hues of auburn and roan.

“And I love yours, lass. Like the water in a burn, the way it ruffles down the rocks…” he trailed off, his fingers now on the back of my neck. I leaned in and kissed him, tasting of the sweet wine we had shared.

Jamie returned the kiss enthusiastically, rising from the chair and setting me on my feet. I stood on my toes, striving to reach his mouth. He clasped me to him, hands bunching my dress and shift at my hips.

I broke away from Jamie, gasping for breath. “Perhaps we should go to bed.”

“To bed, or to sleep?” Jamie dropped the fabric of my clothes, also trying to control his breathing.

“Either way, I’m not likely to do it in this dress. Would you…” I placed his hands on my laces, and watched amused as he fumbled trying to untie them. He slipped the cord through the last eyelet, leaving me in my skirt and shift. I kicked off my shoes and stockings, and shimmied out of the skirt, and it lay puddled on the floor at my feet.

I had never been so undressed in front of a man before—and there was still my shift between us. Heat stained my cheeks, and I looked at my feet, embarrassed. Jamie lifted my face with a finger on my chin, and blue met amber.

“Fair’s fair, lass. Help me take off mine as well.”

The kilt and its belt slid down his legs, boots cast aside. Jamie’s shirt reached to mid-thigh, and I could not look away from the way the firelight burnished the curly hair on his thighs to pure gold. It was an odd sight, and although I had seen men completely naked as a healer, those had just been bodies that needed tending. Jamie’s body was a very different thing. Toned with muscle, lithe as a cat, brown in places and milk white in others…

“Before we—I think I should tell ye, the lashes ye healed, they… there are scars on my back.” His voice was shy and hesitant, and I reached out to touch his cheek in encouragement.

In one swift motion, Jamie pulled his shirt over his head. He stood bare before me, his eyes burning intensely. I didn’t dare look down, not quite yet. I trailed my fingertips over the raised bones of his collar, walking around him, touching the roped muscles of his shoulders. The marks on his back rose in ridges, still pink instead of the white of old wounds. Heat coursed through me in flashes of want and need.

Facing Jamie again, he reached over and took the ribbon that held my shift up. He waited until I nodded, and he undid the bow with a tug. The fabric loosened over my shoulders, slipping off. As the material pooled on my feet, I was seconds away from covering myself with my hands and turning away from Jamie, but he sensed it; he removed the pins from my hair so it fell in a mad riot framing my face.

“Ye are so beautiful.” His breathless reassurance made me smile, giving me much-needed confidence, and I stepped closer to him, enough to feel the heat radiating from his body. “I want ye so much I can scarcely breathe.”

“Have you never seen a naked woman before?”

“Yes, but no so close,” Jamie smiled, his eyes raking over me with a hunger matched by my own. “And no one that’s mine.” Hesitantly, he touched my breast, kneading it gently. It was as though I felt his touch somewhere lower, tingling; I reciprocated, his pectorals shifting.

Jamie kissed me, his tongue exploring my mouth. His hands roved all over my skin, leaving fire wherever they went. Finally, he lifted me off my feet, his lips still on mine. He laid me on the bed, where I scooted back until I reached the pillows. Jamie climbed onto the bed, sidling next to me. We lay skin to skin, all wandering caresses. Timidly, I touched below his navel, fingers hesitant. Jamie made a soft noise of encouragement (or possibly excitement) and I felt the tip of his member against my fingertips. I glanced, finally, committing all of his wondrous body to memory. His cock was silky smooth, and very warm. Emboldened by the sounds emanating from Jamie’s mouth, I grasped it fully in my hand.

Jamie showed me how to move my hand, up and down, sometimes twisting slowly. His frenzied pants in my ear, I could not have predicted how much I would enjoy making him feel this way. Eventually he gripped my hand and bade me stop.

“Sassenach, wait.” I immediately released him, pressing the lines of my body urgently against his.

“Now?” I asked, my arms around his back and attempting to pull him on top of me. I trembled at the thought of him inside me, joined like infinity.

“No, mo chridhe. Not yet.” Jamie removed my hands from his back and laid them next to my head, our fingers intertwining. He kissed me deeply, thoroughly, and slowly started making his way down my body. He paid attention to my neck, with small nips that elicited sounds I’d never made before. He sucked on my breasts, teasing and licking until my nipples stood out as big as cherries. He released my hands and I immediately tangled them in his curly mop of hair, and Jamie continued his downward trajectory, tickling my ribs until he stopped, grazing my hipbones with his tongue. I squirmed beneath him, my body demanding more with a fierce ache and pulsing between my legs.

“May I touch ye? Here?” Jamie’s fingers grazed the most intimate part of me. My legs seemed to part of their own accord; almost twenty years of propriety were no match for thousands of years of instinct. He slid a finger in slowly, and I could tell I was slick with arousal. He teased and nudged further inside. I heard a low keening sound and then realized it was coming from me.

I put both my hands over my mouth as my back bowed slightly off the bed. Jamie ceased his ministrations and gently pried my hands off my face. “No, Sassenach, I want to hear ye—every sound, every cry, is mine, do ye understand?” His lips on mine swallowed another moan as he parted my thighs further, settling between them. I could feel his hard, swollen member, straining at attention. I ventured another glance downward; I didn’t think that would fit in me.

“Jamie…” I felt his heart pound through his ribcage, beating in unison with mine.

“Tell me if I’m too rough,” he whispered, “or tell me to stop altogether, if ye wish.” He kissed me deeply as he pressed forward, with unerring aim and our bodies joined. I felt a stinging pressure as he advanced, an intruder of sorts that my body resisted. I willed myself to relax, even as Jamie held me close and I felt myself being stretched wide. There was a flash of brief pain and I couldn’t help but whimper a bit. Jamie immediately stopped and soothed me with gentle Gaelic words that I couldn’t understand.

After a moment or two, I pressed my hands to his back as a sign for him to continue, the scars ridged under my fingers. His hips met mine as he buried himself to the hilt, and slowly withdrew, before sliding in again, exquisitely and unhurriedly. I knew this was for my benefit; there was a hidden urgency to his motions, a power held in check, that I imagined would be unleashed once our bodies grew more comfortable with each other.

I met his eyes, and saw nothing in them but tenderness and joy. I trailed my fingernails up his flank, hoping to leave red lines to mark him as mine. Jamie responded by gripping my buttocks and changing the angle of penetration. In an instant I felt a flare of tingling pleasure, despite the discomfort, and again and again, a feeling that slowly increased and I began to understand what all the fuss about lovemaking was about.

“Sassenach… Claire…” Jamie called out my name between breaths. “I… dinna think… I can…”

“Don’t stop,” I said, gripping his backside and striving to get even closer. I felt Jamie shudder, his hips surging against mine as he spilled himself inside me. I watched his face, his eyes screwed shut and mouth agape, until it relaxed and his eyes opened, gazing into mine with love and wonder.

“I’m sorry, mo nighean donn.” He kissed my mouth over and over, our legs untangling as he withdrew. His warm hand lay across my stomach. “Bha mi a 'smaoineachadh gu robh mo chridhe a' dol a bhriseadh.”

“What is that?”

“I said, I thought my heart was going to burst.” Jamie’s hand caressed my face. “Was it alright for ye? Did I hurt ye?”

“No, you didn’t hurt me.” I was somewhat sore, but I supposed that was to be expected for our first time. It wasn’t entirely disagreeable; it was a reminder of what had transpired between us. We were now truly husband and wife.

“I’m sorry ye didn’t—I mean, that I didn’t… well, Sassenach, was it… pleasurable, for ye?”

“A little.” I planted a kiss on his long nose, and held him close. I could feel dampness between my legs, but was too lazy and comfortable to do anything about it. “We’ll just have to practice some more.” I tugged at the eiderdown comforter, wanting to get beneath the covers. After our exertions, the chill of the room had only dissipated slightly with the fire.

Jamie wrapped his arms around me, his body cocooning mine and radiating natural warmth like a small brazier. He brushed my hair aside, placing soft kisses on the nape of my neck. “Tomorrow, Sassenach, we’ll go to l’Hôpital des Anges. I shall speak to Mother Hildegarde, while ye gather yer belongings. I apologize, mo nighean donn, from taking ye away from yer life’s work.”

“I’ll still have it, James Fraser. Wherever you are, that’s were my life will be.” I had not thought I needed to hear it, but having him speak his regrets about upending our previous plans loosened something within, a modicum of peace and reassurance settling in my chest. “About Malva—”

“Dinna be afraid, there’s the two of us now.” Jamie curled his legs behind mine, fitting perfectly like two spoons nestled in a drawer. “I will not let her harm ye, and I live.”

I still worried though, about our imminent journey and how we should be received by his family in Scotland, and about leaving the life I knew behind. But before I realized it, I fell asleep in his arms, lulled by his Gaidhlig whispers and the knowledge that we belonged irrevocably to each other.

[tome-hybrid-au]

An Angel’s Tears

Chapter Nine: Trust

I do NOT own TOME or it's characters.

Okay this isn’t the best chapter in the world, but you guys have waited long enough!

Kirbopher sighed as he leaned against the wall outside the bathrooms. He told Brad to go on ahead while he waited for Alpha. Thankfully Brad seemed all too happy to back away from this....unpleasantness.

This camping trip just got awkward. He thought to himself sadly.

Heck, Brad, although through no fault of his own, caught sight of what Alpha hid under his hoodie all this time. It was little wonder that the hybrid got so upset. Kirbopher looked back at the door. He hoped Alpha would come out soon. He could fetch Flamegirl since Alpha always relaxed around her, but he didn't want leave him in there alone. What if he left and got lost?

“Agghh, Why did this have to happen, today of all days?” Kirbopher grumbled to himself. “Flamey isn't gonna like this.”

After a few more minutes Kirbopher went back into the bathrooms and knocked on the cloak room.

“Hey, buddy, you doing okay in there.”

When he didn't get an answer he let out a sigh.

“Hey.....don't......don't worry about it too much okay. Sure Brad found out before.....before you were ready, but he's not going to think any less of you okay? So why don't you come out and we'll head back.

Come on man, I'm no good at this. Kirbopher thought unhappily. This is Flamey's department, not mine.

Kirbopher waited and after about a minute the door opened and Alpha (now in his PJs thank goodness) Slowly walked out.

“There we go.” said Kirbopher smiling a bit. “Now we should head back before Flamey starts to worry.

Alpha shivered and looked at his feet.

“I....I....don't....w...want....”

Kirbopher looked at Alpha sadly.

“Yeah, I know, but we can't stay in here forever now, can we? Just gonna have grin and bare it buddy.”

Alpha looked up at Kirbopher still looking forlorn.

“Heather...”

“Huh? What's she got to do with...” Kirbopher began but then it clicked. “Ohhhh....”

Kirbopher sighed, taking off his hat and rubbing his hand through his brown hair. This was definitely gonna get even more awkward.

“Well....Now that Brad knows, buddy, we can't very well hide it anymore. Once he gets back, the girls are certainly gonna notice his.....mood change. Especially Flamey, she's a sharp one. I think it's probably best to get it out in the open now, then we won't have to worry about it later. You know, get it over with.

Alpha was shaking now and looked about ready to burst into tears. Kirbopher saw the warning signs and began to panic slightly. If he struggled to comfort Alpha now, all hope would be lost if the hybrid broke down.

“Hey, don't you do that!” he cried. “I get, it's good for you sometimes, but this really is nothing to turn on the water works for okay?” Alpha looked up at Kirbopher looking surprised, but he wiped his eyes.

“Sometimes you need to be brave and....do things that scare you.” said Kirbopher seriously. he then walked up and placed a hand on Alpha's shoulder. “Look, you would only need to do this once okay? Then it's over. It's not like they would totally forget about it tomorrow, and even if they did that wouldn't solve the problem. So let's just get through this and be done with it alright?”

Alpha looked back down at his feet and nodded.

“Okay.”

Kirbopher smiled feeling inwardly relieved and a tad proud.

“Awesome, then let's head back before they send a search party, huh?”

Kirbopher began walking when he heard something he didn't expect.

“Thank you.”

Kirbopher turned and looked at Alpha who looked back at him with a small smile. Kirbopher couldn't help but smile back.

“Hey, don't worry about it, sometimes friends just need....a little push. Come on now, let's hurry.”

Alpha and Kirbopher walked back towards their tents, they got a few stares, but one glare from Kirbopher told them to keep walking. Once they returned Flamegirl dashed up to them.

“Where were you?! I was getting worried.”

“We had a…..small incident.” said Kirbopher sheepishly.

“Does Brad have something to do with it?” asked Flamegirl. “When he got back he looked like he wanted to punch someone.”

It was at that time that Heather apparently chose to join them.

“Do you know what happened you two. It's rare to see my dad this furi..”

Heather stopped mid-sentence as she stared at Alpha. She covered her mouth both hands and took a couple steps back.

“Wha.....wha.......”

Kirbopher dared a glance at Alpha who looked about ready to bolt. He gave him a supportive pat on the shoulder. Flamegirl sighed seemingly guessing the situation now.

“Should've known I couldn't keep this under wraps forever.” she muttered shamefully.

Heather then suddenly ran up to Alpha and wrapped her arms around him.

“Oh my god, you poor thing!” she sobbed. “I can't believe it! To think that anyone that cruel exists! No wonder Dad was looked ready to murder.”

Alpha seemed surprised but returned the hug. Kirbopher sighed and placed a hand on Heather's shoulder.

“Well now you know why he wears that hoodie all the time.”

                                            --------------------------------------

Alpha was now lying in his sleeping bag in the boys tent. He was clutching Pipling close to him and shuddered. Brad had once again apologised when they entered the tent and Alpha told him not to worry and that he was okay. Afterwards everyone settled down to sleep, but Alpha couldn't sleep at all. One thing that he didn't consider about this camping trip was how dark it was at night. Alpha hated the dark. It felt like he was back in the wash room which was nearly always dark. An owl hooted from outside, causing Alpha yelp and shoot up.

“Huh? Hey you okay, dude?”

Alpha turned to where Kirbopher's voice came from.

“N....no....it......it's too dark.”

It was silent for a moment before Alpha heard a sound of shuffling then a click and a light appeared. Alpha saw that Kirbopher had switched on a flash-light.

“Wow, scared of the dark at your age?”

Alpha pouted.

“I'm not scared.....just....don't like it.”

Kirbopher rolled his eyes.

“Riiiight. Okay buddy, but I'll just leave this here.”

Kirbopher put the flash-light on the ground in front of Alpha. “Got plenty of batteries anyway.” he added.

Alpha nodded slightly inwardly thankful.

“Okay.”

“Now try to get some sleep okay.” said Kirbopher lying back down. “No yawning allowed tomorrow.”

Alpha smiled slightly and snuggled back in to his sleeping bag. Sleep was easier to get hold of now.

                                                  ------------------------------------------

The next morning, everyone sat at the picnic table eating bacon and eggs for breakfast. Alpha didn't feel quite as uncomfortable as last night but things were still a little awkward. Heather kept giving him sympathetic glances and Brad seemed too ashamed to look the hybrid in the eye. Kirbopher sighed.

“Okay so things went to an awkward place, last night. We're not gonna let it ruin this are we?”

“That's right.” chimed in Flamegirl. “didn't a certain someone say that we're here to have fun, not be miserable?”

Brad let out a laugh.

“I did say that didn't I? Okay then, no more moping around! Time to have some fun. I think I'll do a spot of fishing. That always cheers me right up. Anyone willing to join me?”

“Nah, fishing isn't my thing.” said Kirbopher.

“How about you Tyke?” Brad asked Alpha. “I'd hate for things to stay awkward between us. Maybe this will be a good way to break the ice.”

Alpha nervously looked at Flamegirl.

“Can I?”

Flamegirl smiled and nodded.

“Sure, if you want to.”

Alpha smiled back.

“Okay, I'll go.”

“Excellent!” boomed Brad. “Then we should finish our breakfast quick so we can get started.

                                                ---------------------------------

“You sure you'll be okay on your own?” Flamegirl asked Alpha as she helped him get his life jacket on. She was clearly worried, probably because this was the first time he would be away from her or Kirbopher for longer than a few minutes. To be honest, he was a little nervous about it himself. The fact that he had to take his hoodie off for the life jacket to fit properly didn't help matters.

“Y...yeah, I.....feel like I owe him this.”

“Alright, but you be careful, okay?” said Flamegirl giving Alpha a quick hug. “And promise me you'll tell Brad if you start feeling seasick.”

“I promise.” said Alpha with a small smile. That promise would be easy to keep. Feeling sick was never an appealing thought. He already felt a little funny and his cheeks felt a little warm, but he tried to ignore it.

“Don't you fret now, dear.” reassured Brad. “I'll take care of the tyke. You just go ahead and have some fun.”

“Ok, but no talking about you know what okay.” whispered Flamegirl. “None of us needs another fiasco like last night's”

“Not one word on the subject. That's a promise.” Brad whispered back.

Alpha shuffled his feet slightly. He wasn't sure if they knew he could hear them but he kept quiet.

“Alright see you two later then.” said Flamegirl with a smile. Alpha and Brad waved and got into the motor boat they rented. Alpha wobbled slightly but kept his balance.

“Brace yourself kid.” warned Brad as started the motor boat and of it went. Alpha gripped on to the side not quite expecting the boat to go this fast. He watched as the mainland get smaller.

“Heh, don't worry Tyke.” said Brad. “We won't go too far. Don't wanna get lost at sea do we?”

“How big is the sea?” asked Alpha.

“Good grief, you have lived a sheltered life haven't you?” laughed Brad. “Well trust me, the sea is HUGE! It covers almost the entire planet.”

Alpha was amazed although also felt foolish knowing that should be common knowledge. He just never got the chance to learn these things before.....that happened. After a few minutes Brad stopped the motor.

“That should do it I think.” He said.

Alpha looked down at the sea. He couldn't see any fish, but the water looked very blue. This made him realise how thirsty he was. The sea was water right? And it looked clean enough so he took a handful and prepared to drink.

“I wouldn't do that if I were you.”

Alpha jumped when he felt Brad place a hand on his shoulder.

“Seawater isn't like the water you get out of the tap. It's very salty and if you did manage to drink it, it could make you sick.”

Alpha immediately emptied his hands of the seawater as if it was acid and stepped away from side. Brad smiled and gave Alpha some bottled water.

“Here. This is much better for you.”

Alpha gladly accepted it.

“Thank you”

After a few lessons on how to fish. The two were now fully into it. After a couple hours Alpha actually managed to hook a fish.

“Oh yeah, that's a beauty.” said Brad.

Alpha smiled feeling proud of his accomplishment but then he lost his grip on the squirming fish and landed back into the sea.

“Sorry!” cried Alpha.

“Heh Never you mind Tyke. Just a fish. I doubt the world's gonna blow up.”

Brad put a hand on Alpha's shoulder.

“You know, you don't have to apologise for every little thing that goes wrong. Especially if it isn't your fault.”

Alpha hugged himself and looked at his feet. He knew Brad was right, but he just couldn't help it. He still felt scared when things went wrong he still thought that someone was gonna blow their top. He wanted to forget, but it was just so hard.

“Well, hey just a suggestion.” said Brad with a smile. “Don't wanna pressure you or anything, but know this: You are one lucky kid. You've got friends care about you a great deal, and if you can't trust your friends, who can you trust? That's what I say.” Then the middle-aged man wiped his forehead. “Phew, it's getting pretty warm huh? How about we head back and get an ice-cream?”

Alpha nodded eagerly. It's been a long time since he had an ice-cream. He hoped it would taste as good as he remembered.

                                    -------------------------------------------------------

Kirbopher was sitting at a table by the burger stand finishing of his lunch.

“I wonder how Alpha is doing.”

Kirbopher sighed and looked out at the sea. This was so weird. He never felt such an overwhelming urge to protect someone before. Flamegirl was always able to handle herself even from a young age. Alpha however, seemed so vulnerable. Of course that was most likely from his ordeal that lasted for nearly nine years. He felt like Alpha was someone he needed to keep safe at all costs. Like a little brother. Kirbopher eyes widened. Did he really just think that? He let out a little laugh.

Funny. I say little brother but he's taller than me.

Kirbopher played with what little remained of his burger, suddenly not feeling up to finishing it. How was he gonna talk to Alpha about this without coming off as a total dork?

Arrrrgh! Stupid feelings! He thought irritably.

“Excuse me mister.”

Kirbopher jolted from his thoughts when he heard the little girl speak. She looked no older than four. Kirbopher sighed.

“This better be important kid.”

“Why are you blue?” the little girl asked.

Kirbopher resisted the urge to scream in frustration and answered her.

“I'm half-imp kid. A hybrid and I'll thank you not to stare.”

“Oh.” said the girl looking to the side.  “Why are people mean to errr Haaaybids?”

“Hybrids and beats me kid.” said Kirbopher inwardly wishing that one of the kids parents would show up and shoo her away from him.

“I think it's silly.” said the little girl sitting on one of the chairs by the table. “Your the same as  other people. Your just a different colour. Why do people have to be mean to people who are a different colour? Why can't we just be nice to everyone?”

Kirbopher couldn't help but smile.

“I don't know kid, but we could use more people like you.”

The little girl smiled.

“Mummy always tells me to treat people how you want to be treated.”

That's when a woman came over with an two ice-creams.

“Come on Holly you're not bothering this person are....oh.”

“Mummy he's a Hybeed. He's really nice.”

“You mean a Hybrid, dear and yes I can see that.” said the mother. “Come on now sweetie let's get back to the beach.

Holly waved goodbye to Kirbopher and followed her mother.

“Mummy why are people mean to hybids?”

The mother sighed.

“It's just the way this world works sweetheart.”

Kirbopher grunted at that and got up to head back to the beach himself.

                                    -------------------------------------------

“I caught a fish this big, but it got away.” said Alpha telling Flamegirl about his fishing expedition with Brad. He motioned his arms to show her how big the fish was, nearly losing his double chocolate ice-cream in the process. Flamegirl let out a laugh at his antics. It was rare to see him this upbeat.

“Somehow I think that's a bit of an exaggeration, but I'm glad you had fun.”

Flamegirl was a bit worried about Alpha at first, but him coming back all smiles was enough to tell her that did indeed enjoy himself. The two were now sitting a bench overlooking the beach. Flamegirl watched Kirbopher sneak up on Heather with a bucket of water from the sea. She let out a laugh when Heather emitted a squeal as the half imp splashed her. After that it turned into an all out war, making the female hybrid glad that she was out of their reach.

“Michael”

Flamegirl nearly dropped he own ice-cream in surprise then turned to Alpha, wondering if she had heard right.

“Sorry?”

Alpha who was looking at the pavement looked at Flamegirl, his eyes screaming trust.

“It....it's Michael. You asked before. I'm sorry I didn't tell you til now. I....I was scared.”

Flamegirl smiled and gave Alpha a hug, taking care not to touch his wings. Not an easy task when you're holding an ice-cream cone.

“It's fine. Don't worry about it.” Once she parted she gave Alpha a sheepish look. “I kind of already knew. It was on your bedroom door. You know that time we found your old house? But I wanted to wait until told me.”

Flamegirl was relieved to see that Alpha didn't look upset by this. He nodded and smiled.

“Thanks, Stephanie.”

Flamegirl was a little surprised that Alpha called her by her real name. Flamey was pretty much an accepted nickname among everyone she knew. She didn't mind though. She was just glad that Alph...wait...Michael finally trusted her enough to tell her his name. Flamegirl put her arm around the young hybrid and pulled him close.

“I'm so proud of you.” she said sincerely.

She felt Alpha lean against her and almost instantly she felt her cheeks heat up. She glanced at the boy who looked happy but also seemed close to falling asleep.

Wow....he really cute right now. Flamegirl thought to herself, then her eyes widened and she shook her head vigorously.

BAD THOUGHTS FLAMEY, BAD THOUGHTS!!!!!

“You okay?” Alpha asked obviously confused by Flamegirl's sudden mood change.

“Oh...er...yeah. A bee just flew into my face, that's all. Come on we should catch up with the others, now that the water fight has slowed down.”

Alpha nodded.

“Okay.”

The two hybrids got up and headed back to the beach. Flamegirl let out a sigh of relief.

I'm sure it was just a fluke.

T.B.C

Brace yourselves because the next chapter gets heavy!