Fluttering Habits
Not requested, but I felt a small spark of inspiration.
The small insect was a pretty color. A pure white with speckled gold on its wings. It fluttered clumsily as it clung to the pages of your book. It seemed to be trying to find a spot where it can sit still without halting your actions of turning the pages. They liked doing that. Resting around you as you went about your day or were relaxing on the couch. They were like tiny winged cats. You had long since given up on trying to identify the species. But Marquess had once explained that his moths were not creations of this world, but of his emotions and thoughts.
“They carry me with them.” Marquess had said, as his companions fluttered about his home. “Some are memories; they disappear and come back to remind me of times before my affliction. Others are emotions displayed on tiny wings. They’re the ones that remind me that I am more then I appear. That I can feel things other then hunger or anger.”
You came to terms with these small creatures constantly being about your home, as well as Marquess’. They always hid inside your clothing and bag, to be carried back home or to yours. Despite knowing that they were in fact manifestations of Marquess’ power, you found yourself comforted by their presence. You watched the little snowy moth flutter about, constantly slipping on the smooth cover of the book and then hurriedly moving out of your way when it fell onto the page. “Alright, you, stop that. Just sit on my hand or something.” You chuckled softly. Moving your finger to gently scoop the insect onto your hand. It scrambled onto your knuckles, then seemed to think the back of your hand is good enough, coming to rest with a flick of it’s fluffy antenna. You went back to reading. Unfazed by the soft whisper of wing beats around you. It wasn’t until more and more moths started to fill your home did you suspect more then just a friendly visit was happening. You closed your book and looked up at the cloud of moths above you. Most of them were varied of greys, whites and the occasional black. But all were speckled with gold. They all kept circling till you stood from your seat, they dispersed into smaller swarms. Flying in unison towards your front door, to which you followed. They gathered at your door, fluttering madly until you let them out into the night air. Only one stayed with you, the same one that had been resting on your hand. It circled you, it’s wings brushing against your cheek as it passed you. Leaving you to fly out a ways into the night, only to return and touch your skin again. It did this a few times, which meant it wanted you to follow it. “Alright, but if I get mugged I’m going to use bug spray on you.” You warned. You closed your door and walked out, hurrying after the swarms. They appeared and disappeared in spots of lights from the street-lamps. Their golden markings glittering brilliantly. “Where are you taking me?” You asked in a hushed hiss. Your little moth kept close to you, no doubt encase you lost your way.
The moths came together and were more easily seen as you came across a brightly lit park. It was small, but lush with trees and soft green grass. You came here very rarely, and you knew it was known more for a off leash dog park. But now, it was aflame with candles. It was beautiful, and as the moon’s light cast through the canopy of the trees, you made out a dimly lit shape on a blanket amongst the candles. “You’ve been locked up in your home for sometime. I thought you’d like a home cooked meal instead of junk food.” Marquess’ said as he stood. He wore a sharply tailored suit, a deep emerald green to match the neatly but rather messy, head of hair. You were amazed by it all. Now with the moths fluttering about, it looked like small stars were dancing about the park. Their pale wings catching the flames’ light and making them glow. You stuttered for a moment, entirely caught off guard. “To be honest, I thought they were bringing me.... well not to this.” Marquess smiled smugly, your shocked expression amused him. The same with the slight pink that dusted your cheeks. “They were eager to get you here. My apologies if they were a nuisance.” Marquess reached for your hand, his smile broadening when you took it. He was always surprised when you so calmly, and so confidently, let him touch you. Or even near you. Considering what he was, he constantly expected you to turn tail and run. But here you were, sitting beside him at night with only small fluttering insects as witnesses to the meal you two were sharing. “I honestly didn’t know you could cook.” You said throughout the meal. And Marquess chuckled, shrugging a one shoulder shrug. “I did a crash course on this particular dish. But I’m more interesting in other arts than that of kitchen finery.” You smiled at that. You knew him to be old. Old enough he should know a lot, but you also knew most of his youth as a Vampire was killing and doing what he wished. Not studying.
“Thank you, by the way. I keep forgetting to eat sometimes.” You admitted and Marquess scoffed quietly. “I’m aware. You almost passed out on me a few days ago because you forgot.” There was a stab of disapproval in his voice. And you slumped your shoulders guiltily. “I don’t mean to worry you. It’s just with everything going on, it’s not really one of my priorities.” “Well it should!” Marquess snapped. The moths bristled in response to his sudden outrage. “You need to make time for the very thing that keeps you alive. Sleep, drinking water. It is all vital to keep you going. You may be busy, but you cannot continue whatever it is without sustenance.” You hung your head shamefully. Sometimes it was because you forgot. Other-times it was another reason. And you knew Marquess’ was right, but it seemed difficult at times. “I...I’ll try.” Marquess stared at you with a heated glare for a moment. He wasn’t one for being soft with such important topics. But he sighed and stood, coming over to your side of the blanket and returning to his crossed-legged position by your right arm. “Eating is a habit. It takes practice to get into a schedule, or a routine to consume food. I can help. When I take you home, I’ll write up a time-table of when and what you should eat. I’ll have my moths watch over you during the day. You’ll get better at it. And soon it’ll become second-nature.” Marquess said, in a way that was both firm and soft. His arm wrapped around your lower back. Pulling you into his side so he could embrace you. “If I can control my eating habits, then you surely can. I’ve noticed humans have much more willpower then I. You just need to train your body to accept what it gets.”
You nodded along to what he was saying. Small tears began to gather at the corners of your eyes. Practice. Like anything, it takes practice and will-power. Old habits die hard, but new ones are just as difficult to cultivate. You looked up at Marquess and smiled a small smile. “I don’t want to disappoint you.” Marquess bumped his forehead with yours, squeezing your waist gently. “Then don’t. Come on. We can start now. You’ve already had dinner, and you’ve eaten most of it. So that’s a good start.” Marquess stood and lifted you to your feet. “You’ll be ok, love. It takes some getting use to is all.”
