#twdgmaygame

[stop-breaking-my-heart-telltale]

TWDG Oneshot Game May 2020 “Unrequited Love”

Write a oneshot using the theme of the month. Gain bonus points with each element you incorporate within the story, add up your total, and put it in the tags, after the #twdgmaygame tag

I know we’re already well into May, but I figured that I might as well put this idea to the test and see if it’s something y’all are interested in. While I was away, I thought it’d be fun to have a different kind of monthly challenge. 

Usually whenever I do one of these, it’s a challenge that has participants writing multiple stories. This time, it’s a single story for the month using the different elements. 

Here’s how it works:

You write a single oneshot using the theme of “Unrequited Love.” When you post it, make sure you use the tag #twdgmaygame AND that you tag me. 

For every character listed [Marlon, Brody, Mitch] that physically appears, you gain [+2] per character. If they’re only mentioned, then it’s [+1] per character. If ALL three characters make a physical appearance, you get a bonus point, resulting in [+7]

For using the dialogue prompt within the story, you earn [+3]

You earn [+1] for every word prompt in your story, as well as [+1] for having the item appear. 

There are a total of 14 points this month. 

An example: Say you write a story about Marlon and his unrequited love for whoever. Brody and Mitch both make an appearance, too, so that’s [+7]. You also add in the dialogue prompt [+3], and use the words ‘heal’ and ‘somber’, which gives you another [+2] points. You don’t end up using a knife in your story. 

In the end, you end up with a total of 12 points, so you’d put that in the tags. 

Make sense?

Now, what are the points for? Well, mostly they’re here for an extra challenge and to add some fun. 

But, something else that’s different with this is I’m adding a page on my blog for this where ALL of the stories written and tagged for this challenge/game will be featured. A post will go up on the first of June detailing the same thing. 

Now, depending on how many points you get, you’ll earn a certain amount of these stars: ⭐

0-3 points: ⭐

4-7 points: ⭐⭐

8-10 points:⭐⭐⭐

11-13 points: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

All 14 points: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

So, try and earn as many points and stars!

Of course, if you don’t really care about points and stars, but still want to write a oneshot under the theme and use one or two elements, that’s perfectly okay. I’ll still give you a star or two and you’ll be featured on the page/post. 

Also, this isn’t a contest or anything, so ... y’know, be nice. And don’t feel bad if you don’t incorporate everything and don’t get every single point, or if someone gets more points and stars than you. It’s not like the stars are a rating of your story or anything, they’re just for fun and for a sense of accomplishment like “Oh yeah! I earned 10 stars for this story!” y’know? 

If you want, you can even start small by having a goal of 5 points, then if you participate next month, boost it up to 8 points, and so on. As long as you’re having fun and enjoying the writing process, then we’re all happy!

If all goes well and y’all want to do another one for June, then the stars from this month will also carry over. The more you write and participate, the more stars you earn. 

I think this’ll be a fun way to get some creative juices going and give the community even more wonderful content. And if you aren’t a writer or you choose not to participate, that’s perfectly fine! All I ask of you is that you’re kind and supportive to those who are participating. 

May 31st will be the last day for this theme, and on June 1st I’ll make the post featuring all the stories that were written for the theme. Then, the June theme and prompts will be posted on the 2nd. 

If you have any other questions, please feel free to send them in and I’ll do my best to clear things up. I can’t wait to see what y’all come up with! 

[twdteacakes]

TWDG Oneshot Game - May 2020 Prompt

Unfulfilled Plans

A/N - So this fun challenge was created by @stop-breaking-my-heart-telltale. It allowed me to go outside me comfort zone and write a fanfic including characters I don’t usually work with. Since the theme was unrequited love, I thought it would be interesting to explore whether or not Marlon had feelings for Brody before and after the raider incident. However, I personally don’t ship Marlon and Brody. I think there’s too much toxicity that surrounds their relationship, so I’d never want to see them get together. I hope the inclusion of Marlon as the central character doesn’t put people off, but if it does, then I completely understand.

“...So, after the hunting trip, I’ll lead Brody back to my office. Then, I’ll show her the picnic basket that I’ve already setup on the balcony. We’ll eat our candy bars and y’know, shoot the shit, and that’s when I’ll tell her how I feel.” Marlon finished explaining his elaborate plan.

Louis sat opposite him at the picnic table, completely slack jawed. “Whoa. I never pinned you as the romantic type, but… That actually doesn’t sound half bad. I think she’ll love it.”

Marlon’s pale blue eyes sparkled with hope and elation. “Really?”

“Yeah, dude, of course!” Louis replied, hoping to sooth his best friend’s worrying and banish any nagging doubts. “You agree with me, right, Mitch?”

Mitch was sitting to Marlon’s right, busying himself with a wood carving and not paying attention in the slightest. He paused, silver blade mid-stroke, and briefly glanced up. “Oh uh, yeah sure.” He mumbled, before returning to his current activity. 

Marlon frowned at Mitch’s total lack of interest in their conversation, since it carried so much weight and importance. However, he ultimately decided not to challenge him on the subject - after all, Mitch was never the social type.

“What about you, Aasim?” Louis asked, searching for a second opinion, as well as a way to brush off that awkward encounter.

Aasim was perched on the table’s edge with his back to the trio. The best response he could offer was a cartoonish shrug, although he seemed to be holding his tongue.

“Oh come on, you must have something to say.”

“Well… If I were you, I wouldn’t go through with it- at least, not today. The food situation is stressing everyone out, so unless you bring back something worthwhile, I doubt Brody will be in the mood.” Aasim finally weighed in with a factual response.

Marlon felt his heart sink like a lead balloon. Meanwhile, Louis scoffed and shook his head. “Alright, Mr Killjoy, thanks for that.” 

“You asked!” Aasim snapped back.

“Forget it.” Louis muttered, before addressing Marlon directly. “Dude, don’t listen to these knuckleheads, they haven’t got a clue what they’re talking about. You and Brody are gonna need to unwind, so this is the perfect time for a date. You totally got this!”

“I got this. I got this.” He whispered, repeating those words of encouragement like a mantra. A smile crept across his face, as he daydreamed about the date which awaited him - where he and Brody would relax on a red checkered picnic blanket, and gaze wistfully at the starry night sky. He had romanticised such an occasion countless times, but never believed it would actually come to fruition. But now, it was only a few hours away. He could hardly contain his excitement.

“Speak of the devil.” Louis commented, gesturing with a flick of his head at something not within Marlon’s line of sight.

Marlon glanced over his shoulder, to see Minerva and Sophie approaching the school gates, along with Brody in tow. The morning sun kissed her rich, pale skin and set her red hair ablaze. She caught his eye, and a smile painted her rosy cheeks as she waved. Marlon’s heart kicked into overdrive, and for a split second, he thought he might keel over on the floor and die.

He could feel his lips twitching and palms sweating profusely as he waved back. And just like that, their short interaction was over, and Brody turned away, returning her attention to the twins.

Marlon swallowed hard, attempting to combat the lump forming in his throat, before forcing himself to stand. His legs quivered, reduced to jelly. “Well, time to go.” He declared, his voice cracking.

“Good luck, man. I’ll be rooting for you.” Louis said, treating his best friend to a wide, toothy, confident grin.

“You’ll need it.” Mitch chimed. Perhaps he had been listening after all.

He ignored that snarky comment and gave Louis a small nod, expressing his gratitude through body language. He then collected his bow and headed towards the hunting party, even though his body was screaming at him to run in the other direction. “You three ready to head out?” 

“Think so.” Sophie answered. Brody was quiet - most likely because she wanted to get this over and done with.

“Where’s Vi?” Marlon questioned, addressing Minerva in particular, since her presence was not anticipated. 

“She wanted to stay behind, so I said I’d go instead.”

“Fair enough.” He responded, feigning interest. “Alright everyone, let’s go. We’re burning daylight.”

Minerva and Sophie exited through the gate first, while Marlon hung back. “Hey, Brody, can I talk to you after we get back?” He requested. “Privately.”

Her brow became knitted with confusion, but she masked that impulsive reaction with a pleasant smile. “Sure.”

Marlon’s heart soared, whilst he had to stifle a relieved laugh. “Great. Can’t wait.”

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

“I forgot all about you.” Marlon whispered softly. He stared at the picnic basket, which had been jammed into the cupboard many moons ago, with a somber expression. Laying eyes on that object again rattled him to the very depths of his core. Why did I never get rid of it? He questioned internally. It’s just sitting here, collecting dust. Did I take the candy bars out? Ugh, I don’t even want to imagine what state they’re in now. 

I guess… I could just never bring myself to do it.

He gently shut the cupboard door and continued rummaging through his desk drawers, searching for a bandage. His arm was in bad shape, and needed immediate medical attention. He had slashed it on a piece of rebar whilst refortifying their defences, and there was no end in sight to the bleeding.

A knock at the door halted Marlon in his tracks. His first instinct was to ignore the visitor, but when they persisted in their knocking, he knew he had to take action. “Not now!” He shouted.

“It’s me.” Brody’s muffled voice replied.

“Brody- come in!”

The door creaked open, and Brody stepped inside. “What happened here?” She questioned, wearily eyeing the blood trail, and the state of disarray his office was in.

“Nothing, it’s just-” Marlon paused to take a breath, in an attempt to calm his shot nerves. “I can’t find a damn thing in here.”

“Do you need some help?” She offered.         

He slumped down in the comfy, leather, reclined chair and mopped his forehead. “Please.”

Brody walked over to the mattress situated in the corner, where Rosie was sleeping peacefully. She crouched down, and tore off a small piece of fabric from the blanket, before approaching Marlon. She floated through the delicate, silver moonlight like a ghost, and in that moment, he saw how incredibly exhausted she was. How tired her once brilliant, glistening, sapphire eyes had become.

She silently cupped his injured arm and began to wrap the makeshift bandage around the deep cut. He did not protest - the only thing that escaped his mouth was the occasional hiss, as he winced in pain. 

“It’s almost been a year.” She uttered, in the ghost of a whisper.

“Huh?” Marlon barely managed to croak out.

“It’s almost been a year… Since the twins-”

“Brody.” He interrupted, on the verge of snapping. He saw her shudder. “We swore we wouldn’t talk about that. Ever.”

“Right. I’m sorry.” Brody apologised. Her voice quivered as she blinked rapidly, fighting back tears that yearned to break free. She sped up, and finished bandaging his wound in record timing. “There, all done. That should heal in no time.” She stated, readjusting her brave-faced mask, after it had momentarily slipped. She then retreated to the other side of the desk, whilst Marlon checked her handiwork.

“So… Was there something you wanted?” He asked, meeting her skittish gaze. 

“No, not really. Well- sort of. It doesn’t matter. I should go.”

Oh. She came here to talk about the twins. Marlon thought, the realisation finally sinking in. He watched as she headed towards the door. He only found his voice when her hand grasped the cold, metal knob. “Wait!”

She froze, and glanced back at him. Misery swirled around her irises like a dark, twisting vortex, and he knew he was the source of such suffocating guilt and shame. What even was their relationship anymore? Did it have a label? It was impossible to wrap his head around. This secret… It had brought them closer together, but also driven a wedge between them. The damage was irreversible.

A year ago we were supposed to be starting a new chapter in our lives.

“...You don’t have to go. I’d actually like the company.” He stated, his tone oozing with sincerity, along with hints of desperation. Please don’t go. You’re the only one who understands- the only one who could ever understand.

Brody hesitated, torn between two choices. Eventually, her gaze settled once more on the mattress in the corner. “Rosie will keep you company. Just- try to get some sleep, okay?”

And with those parting words, she vanished. 

Although disappointed, Marlon wasn’t surprised. His crush on her had faded, but some feelings still lingered. However, he knew in his heart she would never reciprocate those feelings. Besides… Those days where he could happily daydream about picnics and star gazing were long gone.

[maybemitch]

UNREQUITED LOVE | MITSIM, #twdgmaygame

━━━⋆☆⋆━━━

Hi, this is apart of the #twdgmaygame which is hosted by @stop-breaking-my-heart-telltale. It’s fun! You should check out their page! And look out for the June Game!

Most of it sounds forced as hell to others, but it didn’t too me.

Also! In this one shot, there is a mention of an OC character. They belong to me and are related a fic I am writing! Sorry for confusion

━━━⋆☆⋆━━━

“Hey, Brody?” Aasim whispered into the darkness of his dormitory. With a sigh, he pulled himself up, his arms wrapping tightly over his chest, trapping his body heat. His eyes wondered, landing on the bunk above; his best friend was probably sleeping up there. It had been Brody’s idea to stop the night in Aasims dorm room, she wanted to experience them again, she wanted it for nostalgia purposes. “Brody?” He whispered louder.

A humanly grunt echoed in the room. The bunk seemed as if it was screeching underneath the body weight of the person rolling over - Brody wasn’t a heavy girl, the beds were just beginning to rust away in the dreadful conditions they were put through.

“Do you reckon Mitch would ever go for someone like me?” Aasim asked shyly, his heart already racing rapidly in his chest at the thought of an answer. “I know you must be getting sick of me nagging you about it. But I trust you more than anyone.”

“Maybe you should just…” Brody's words became silent as she dropped her face back into her pillow, a light snore falling from her lips, whilst drool began to trail down her chin.

Aasim reached up to the bunk above, pushing roughly at the metal supporting the mattress, causing the girl to jerk out of her light snooze. With a gentle chuckle he spoke again, “English this time please?”

“Just ask him,” Brody mumbled, her eyes beginning to get heavy again, “Just… talk…” a yawn fell from her lips as he cuddled her pillow, “Let me sleep.”

Aasim sighed heavily and the next thing he knew, Brody had begun to climb down with a soft blanket draped over her shoulders. She looked at her best friend before sitting down on his bed and lying down. Aasim smiled fondly at her, before offering her his spare pillow which she snatched without hesitation.

“I don’t know why he wouldn’t like you,” Brody smiled as she rubbed her face, her words were laced with honesty and that was recognisable with the way her voice stayed at a constant pitch throughout. “You know, Mitch talks about you a lot of the time when we’re out hunting. Never shuts up at times. Drives Marlon insane half the time. Tells him to shut his bombhole of a mouth.”

“Yeah, but that’s Marlon for you, when was the last time he said something considerate about anyone?” Aasim laughed, a soft chuckle escaping his lips, “Himself isn’t included in that.”

“Touché,” Brody laughed lightly also, making sure not to be too loud or else everyone would be arsey with her in the morning, “But I mean it Aasim. Mitch talks about you.”

His lips fell as a bubbling feeling of rejection surfed through him, “How can you be sure it’s about me? I mean…” his arms gripped tightly at his body, “He has been getting closer to Nate… too close.”

Brody took notice of the sober gaze Aasim was casting to the fraying bedsheets. He was obviously in a doubt over his worth. It was only a matter of time until he shut himself up behind his journal for hours on end. With a sigh, she heaved herself up to look at him with a lopsided head, “Hey, look at me.”

Aasim did as asked.

“Get some shut eye and I’ll talk to him tomorrow.” Brody shot him a smile, the moonlight which seeped through the sealed off windows caught her eye, making her iris glisten. “I’ll be here when you wake up. As promised.”

Aasim nodded and lay down, with a smile he closed his eyes and drifted off into a slumber.

———

Brody didn’t speak to Mitch the next morning, or throughout the day for the matter of fact. She didn’t speak to him the following day. It had been almost a fortnight before she cornered the male and asked him about his friendship with Aasim, to which he replied vaguely to each question.

They had been out on a hunting trip, her, Mitch, Marlon and Nate. She had decided to make them split out into pairs, to which she snatched Mitch up right away and began to push him along the stream, the male only dragging his feet along behind him.

“Hey Brody!” Marlon called down the dirt path, the girl turned to look at the male, her eyebrow arched with a questioning look. “Meet back here in 20 minutes?” Marlon looked on edge - he always had recently. Although, Brody couldn’t blame him.

Brody nodded expeditiously as she averted her eyes back to MItch who had begun to walk away from the female and down the path to the fishing spots. Mitch had his hands shoved in his pockets, his shoulders slumped up and he kicked a stone with his breaking shoe.

Brody slowly follows in the older taller males footsteps, her shadow fitting in inside of Mitch’s. The sound of gravel being crushed underneath their shoe was all that was heard for a few minutes until they met the old shack.

“I’ll head inside and grab the spears,” Mitch huffed as he walked up the splintering stairs and into the old building. With a few seconds delay, Brody followed after him, slamming the door behind her.

Mitch jumped, the spears in his hand clattering down onto the floor, “What the fuck!” He shouted as he threw a glare towards the girl, “You don’t go sneaking up on people! You… Brody!”

“Oh calm down,” Brody rolled her eyes, leaning up against the door, “You are a baby at times. Walkers can’t open the doors with knobs, jackass.”

Mitch mimicked what she said as he sat down on the mattress in the old shack. Resting his legs upwards, he crossed his arms, only after wincing from the open wound on his left hand. “So now what?”

“What do you think of Aasim?” Brody asked as she smirked, her eyes analysing every body movement Mitch made, “You've known him for years now. So what’s your opinion on Aasim?”

Mitch shrugged, “I’ve told you. He’s my friend. Funny. Smart. A good friend,” Mitch lifted his gaze, looking over towards the girl, “What else do you want me to say?”

Brody hummed, “What do you feel for him?”

Mitch frowned, “I don’t know. He’s my friend. I…” Mitch looked at Brody and sighed, before standing up, “I don’t have feelings for him. Like he has for me if that’s what you're trying to get at.”

Brody was taken back. She had no idea how she was going to tell Aasim. She didn’t want to upset him nor hurt his feelings.

Mitch lowered his head, “I’m seeing Nate.” His voice was quiet and shaky. Mitch was never someone which admitted relationships. Licking his lips he continued, “It's new to me. I think I lo… yeah.. that word.”

“You love him?” Brody asked, a frown on her lips, “Oh… well… I wish you the best with Nate. I’ll be off.” She picked up a spear and left the old shack.

———

The group of four returned to the school at nightfall. Marlon was laughing as he walked through the gates, in a deep conversation with Nate and Mitch. Brody was walking in her own, a bucket of fish in her hands. With a frown, her eyes scouted the courtyard before walking up to Mitch’s side.

“So, Louis will be in the music room tonight,” Marlon told Nate and Mitch, “We managed to find some pretzels and some mints. We’re going to stay up late and sleep there for the night. You two in?” He asked as Roise came running home to him, nudging his legs for a fuss.

Nate looked at Mitch before nodding his head, “We will be there.” Nate smiled before crouching down to pet the dog too, “Any magazines there?”

Marlon shrugged, “I can probably find some in the confiscated section of the filing cabinet. I’ll have a look.” Marlon stood up, whistling causing Rosie to sit down, “Come with me, Nate.”

Mitch looked at his secret boyfriend and gave a nod, “Go.” He whispered, knowing that he wanted a confirmation from him. “I need to speak to Aasim for a while. I’ll catch up with you two later. I’ll probably end up carving something.”

Mitch began to walk away, not allowing Marlon or Nate to speak back to him. Brody had already disappeared, nowhere to be seen out in the courtyard and neither was Aasim. With a sigh, Mitch hurried himself along to the dormitory, before stopping before Aasims door and knocking timidly with his wounded hand.

He cursed at the stinging sensation which filled his left hand. A deep cut from the top of his index finger running down to the start of his wrist was on his hand, the stitches hand began to come out but that wasn’t his fault. They weren’t good anyways. He had been messing with his knife, before he slipped up and the blade piercing his skin.

Brody eventually swung open the door, a look of rage on her face as she looked to Mitch, “What do you want?” She asked harshly as she took a step outside of the room and shut the door so she could talk to Mitch in private. “I think Aasim doesn’t want you around him at the moment.”

Mitch frowned, “Just let me talk to him,” he pleaded, “You have no right to keep me from him. He has his own rights and I bet he wants to speak to me.”

“I can prove you wrong,” Brody smirked, but frowned before stepping aside, “I’m sorry. That’s not like me. Go ahead inside. Just… don’t hurt him. Because… I don’t want him to cry again. He might seem all happy and impossible to cry but you don’t know what happens behind his closed dormitory door.”

Mitch smiled at her as he walked into the room, shutting the door behind it. It was dark inside, an old blanket had been hung over the window acting as a curtain, no candles were lit, well that was probably because Aasim had a torch rather than a candle, the people at the school wanted him to stay safe still and not relapse.

“Hey Aasim.” MItch whispered as he sat down on the far end of the bed, allowing some space between them. His eyes were on his friend as he curled up, “Brody let me in. I hope you don’t mind. I want us to be friends still.”

Aasim didn’t speak to him, which caused Mitch to frown deeper. Mitch began to shift on the bed before sighing and standing up. Obviously Aasim didn’t want him here.

“I’m going to leave you alone.” Mitch sighed in defeat as he began to walk towards the door, his hand wrapping around the handle.

“Y-You don’t have to go…” Aasim whispered, his voice shook as he sniffed, looking over to Mitch from the shadows, “I-I actually like the company.”

Mitch looked over as Aasim began to move to the edge of the bed, patting the spot besides him, urging his friend to return to his side. Mitch didn’t hesitate as he walked back to sit besides Aasim, offering a timid smile to him.

Mitch looked down to his left wounded hand and traced down the stitches.

Aasim peered over his shoulder, “How long has that got left to heal?” He questioned.

Mitch shrugged, “Well, it’s going to take longer. Because Ruby will lecture me on reopening it.”

Aasim nodded with a frown, “Why did you come here?”

Mitch frowned, “Because. I know things aren’t exactly okay between us right now. And I’m sorry for certain things. But I want my friend. Even if I’m… with someone else.”

Aasim nodded, “I suppose we can’t always have what we want, right?”

MItch chuckled lightly, “In all honesty, you’re way out of my league.” Mitch watched as Aasim chuckled, “See, you agree.”

“Oh, I know I’m better than you.” Aasim joked.

[stop-breaking-my-heart-telltale]

TWDG Oneshot Game Results [May 2020]

[Important Note: The ⭐’s are NOT a rating of the story. Stars are determined by how many POINTS were earned within the story]

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 Unfulfilled Plans by @twdteacakes  Points: 12 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I haven’t read many stories that follow Marlon’s POV, but this one is an enjoyable, albeit bittersweet story that explores his relationship to Brody before and after what happened to the twins. Incredibly well-written! Highly recommend everyone check it out if you haven’t already! 

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Walking a Knife’s Edge by @ericsonclan​  Points: 14 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Another story from Marlon’s POV but throws in the idea of him and Sophie as potentially becoming something more. A short but fun read with great, believable dialogue and natural chemistry between Marlon and Brody as they talk about Sophie. Overall, wonderful! If ya haven’t read it yet, do so! 

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UNREQUITED LOVE by @maybemitch​ Points: 11 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A story about Aasim’s [unreturned] feelings for Mitch. This is yet another enjoyable story to read with terrific writing style and on point characters, but of course, with the theme being what it is, there’s the sense of dread knowing that Aasim’s feelings won’t be returned. Once more, if you haven’t had the chance to read this one, please do!

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Thank you for participating, friends! All your stories were great and I hope to see you return for June’s theme!

Speaking of which, the reveal for June’s theme, as well as it’s additional prompts, will go up sometime tomorrow! I hope to see more of you participate, given that you’ll have a whole month to come up with something! I also hope to participate myself this time around!

Again, please check out all the stories if you haven’t already, and if you’re feeling extra kind, let these wonderful writers know how much you enjoyed their stories! 

[ericsonclan]

Walking a Knife’s Edge

Summary: Marlon considers his friendship with Sophie and if it could ever be something more.

Read on A03:

Notes: Wrote this for @stop-breaking-my-heart-telltale ‘s TWDG One Shot prompt for May. Was able to get all the points and still make it sound natural, so I’m super happy with it :D

Marlon sat on the bannister of the deck on Ol’ Kickass, his expression somber as he looked out at the calm sea. He was thinking back on the scars Sophie had inadvertently shown him when they’d gone to that cave for a swimming lesson. To think that she’d been beaten so badly in her time on that other ship that her scars would never truly heal… the thought sickened Marlon. He wished there was something he could do for her, some way to ease at least a small part of the internal pain she carried, but he was coming up empty. All he could do was be there for Sophie as a listening ear or a supportive sounding board whenever she wanted to talk. It wasn’t enough, but it was all he had.

“Hey, Marlon,” Brody’s voice was cheerful as she approached him. “Mind if I sit with you while I have my lunch?” Her face fell when she saw the look on his. “Shit, am I invading your privacy? I know that’s hard to come by on a ship. I’ll just leave-”

“You don’t have to go. I’d actually like the company,”

“Well, alright then,” Brody plopped down beside him, pulling an apple out of her pocket. A dagger was in her other hand. Carefully she began to peel the apple. The curling peel fell in pieces under the waves beneath their feet from time to time as she worked.

Marlon smirked at her as she took her first bite. “Really? All you’re having for lunch is an apple?”

Brody shrugged. “We’re running low on supplies. And my stomach can’t handle another stew right now. Omar’s been making them really rich lately,”

“Still, no meat to supplement it? Not even a roll?”

“They’re full of weevils,” Brody responding, her nose wrinkling in disgust.

“Ok, that’s fair,”

They sat in silence for a few moments, legs dangling off the edge as the waves crashed against the gently rocking ship. Brody wasn’t saying anything, but Marlon could tell that she wanted to.

“You’ve got a question?”

“It’s just… you’ve seemed awful quiet these last couple days. It isn’t like you,”

“Just had a lot on my mind,”

“Was it something that happened when you and Soph went swimming?”

Marlon looked over at Brody, studying her eyes. What did she suspect? “It’s not my place to say,”

“Oh, OK,” Brody returned to kicking her legs, looking out at the endless expanse of sea. “Y’know, for what it’s worth I think the two of you are cute together,”

“What?!” Marlon’s shocked expression was mirrored by Brody’s.

“Damn it, did I misread things? I’m sorry!” Brody looked down in shame. “I just thought with how close the two of you have been lately that maybe there was something more there. That’s how it started with Mitch and I. Though I guess it was a lot more teasing and bantering on our end. The affection came later. You and Sophie seem to get along so easily. I’m glad she has someone she feels she can trust,”

Marlon shrugged. “I don’t know how much help I’m being. Sophie’s been through so much… being lost at sea for all those years just to wake up and find out what Minnie’s become, what she did to her own friends? I don’t think having a friend is going to fix it all,”

“Well, it certainly can’t hurt,” Brody glanced over at Marlon uncertainly. “And feel free to disregard what I say next if it’s not true, but if there are feelings there with Sophie, I’d just give it time. Not every romance has to be expeditious,”

“Expeditious?” Marlon’s brow quirked in confusion. “Where did that come from?”

“Did I not use it right?” Brody blushed in embarrassment. “Prisha said it the other day when she was talking about some sort of strategy with Clem. I figured I understood what it meant so I thought I’d give it a whirl,”

“I mean, I think you used it right. It was just a bit unexpected,”

“What I’m trying to say is every couple’s different. For Louis and Clem it only took a few months before they knew they wanted to be together while it took me years to figure out why Mitch was so special to me. All I’m saying is you don’t have to get everything sorted out all at once,”

“All this assumes Sophie even likes me,” Marlon responded, his boot dully thumping against the side of the ship.

Brody’s eyes widened at his tacit acknowledgement of his own feelings, but she quickly contained herself. “No matter what I know you mean a hell of a lot to Sophie. Don’t sell yourself short on how important that friendship is,”

Suddenly the door that connected the lower and upper decks burst open. Mitch strode out, his arms cradling something wooden. His eyes brightened when he saw his girlfriend. “Holy shit Brody, you gotta see this!” He ran over, holding out the item excitedly. “You know how Willy and I have been working on alternate peg legs for Clem? Check it out!” Suddenly he unsheathed the peg leg, showing a hidden blade within. “Knife leg! If anyone every tries to disarm Clem, she can just whip out this baby and do some serious damage!”

Brody smiled at Mitch’s excitement. “That’s great! Are you going to be able to convince Clem to wear it though?”

“Willy’s trying to convince her now. We were thinking maybe if we had support from someone besides the two of us she might be willing to give it a try,” Mitch looked at his girlfriend, his eyes silently pleading.

“You want me to convince Clem to try out the knife leg?”

Mitch nodding silently, clutching his creation.

Brody let out a good-natured sigh. “Well, it’s worth a shot. I’ll see you later, Marlon,”

“See you,” Marlon watched as Brody walked away with Mitch, her expression warm as he chattered excitedly about the new leg. He couldn’t deny that he was jealous of what they had. He knew Brody meant well with her encouragement that things between him and Sophie might develop into something more, but he didn’t want to get his hopes up. It would be selfish of him to do so. Sophie was trying to navigate a brand-new life right now, struggling to reclaim the freedom that had been torn away from her when she and Minnie were captured. She didn’t have the time or energy to worry about things like his silly crush right now. That would only get in the way of the long road to healing that she had begun.

There was only one right thing to do. He would tamp these feelings down. Squash them before they got in the way. Brody was right about one thing: the best thing he could be to Sophie right now was a friend. Everything else was irrelevant. Marlon got up from his place on the bannister, shaking the numbness out of his legs. He should find Louis, figure out if there was anything that needed doing. Maybe that would finally distract him from the dull, nagging ache in his chest.