I Believe In A Thing Called Love
So from now on I will be posting one story a week. Some of these will be serials of the same story as new plots form in my head. All will be under Lj-cuts as to save for space. I will be posting some of my older work first and then will work my way to new stuff and then to unwritten as of yet stuff. The older stuff will not be in order of when it was written, mainly cause half of the stuff I have I forgot that I wrote it, let alone when.^^ The first of these was written for a contest called things_unwritten here on livejournal. I used some of my original characters which you will see a lot of in different times and plots. This was a fantasy setting with a modern twist.
~I Believe in A Thing Called Love~
By dragon_badfaith aka shinigamihaku
"You took your coat off and stood in the rain. You were always crazy like that. I watched from my window Always felt I was outside looking in on you..." The haunting voice resounded through the schools hallways. It was after hours and the sound of the piano in the Music Classroom being played had sparked my interest. I walked closer to the room wondering who was playing the piano and had such a wonderful voice; I assumed it would be a female sitting behind the piano but I was mistaken. I drew closer to the door to get a better look at the man playing the piano. "These foolish games are tearing me apart. Your thoughtless words are breaking my heart. You're breaking my heart." He had his head down, shoulder length black hair covered his face but he was pouring all he had into the song. His voice choked at the last line, shoulders shaking; prompting me to step into the doorway.
The piano stopped at the sound of the door being pushed open.
"I'm so sorry; I should not be here, I know. I'll be leaving now." He lent down to pick up his bag trying to surreptitiously swipe at his eyes and make it into one smooth movement, so I wouldn't notice the tear tracks on his elven face. I was so shocked to see his face he was almost past me when I thought to speak.
"No!" I spoke a little to loudly for the empty classroom. "Please don't go. I was just enchanted by the song you were playing. You are very talented." I looked him over; he was about five inches shorter than my six foot four and whereas I had long black hair his was short, spiky and white. He was a little lanky whereas I had a stockier build, the skinniness was odd for his height but not unattractive. He swiped a longer bit of his hair behind his ears revealing his elven heritage.
He jumped at the tone in my voice. "Um... it.." He cleared his throat. "It's called "Foolish Games" by a human female named Jewel. It's from before the Rift." He gaze was fixated on his shoes. The Rift had happened 30 years before; meshing the human world with that of the mythical creatures such as elves, vampires and werewolves or so the humans believed before that time. Things between the species were still settling.
"Oh." I said stupidly. "I like it... it seems very sad though." He sniffed shaking his head, swiping his hand across his eyes once more.
"It's a touching song about a love lost. More of torn apart by the boyfriend cheating and playing mind games than anything else." He sniffled rubbing at his eyes again. I quickly took my handkerchief out of my pocket and handed it to him.
"Here... You seem like you need it more than I do." I smiled at him. "My name is Gage Sakuishi, what's yours?"
"Tri..Tristan Jaxx." He smiled a little as he accepted the handkerchief and blew his nose quietly. "Thanks." He said motioning to the handkerchief.
"No problem. What year are you? I don't remember seeing you around." I asked honestly, trying to think if I had seen him around school, it wasn't a small school but not huge so I at least thought I knew everyone by face, even if I didn't know their names.
"I'm a senior, I just moved here about two weeks ago. So that might be why." That would explain why I had not seen him around campus.
"Ah, I'm a junior, that might explain it." He looked back down at his shoes. "So what in that song is making you sad?" I noticed his fists clenched a little at my question. "Uh... you don't have to answer that, I'm sorry; that was rude of me."
"No...it's alright; really." He said walking back over to the piano and motioning me over. He scooted over on the bench a little so I could sit next to him. I sat gingerly on the edge of the bench; he started playing it once more. "You were always brilliant in morning Smoking your cigarettes and talking over coffee Your philosophies on art, Baroque moved you You loved Mozart and you'd speak of your loved ones As I clumsily strummed my guitar." He stopped singing but continued playing the piano. "It reminds me of my last relationship. It...ended badly; so to speak." He hung his head a little then changed the song he was playing to a classical piece. One of those that everyone knows but not the name.
I was taken aback by his honesty, really I didn't expect him to answer me. "That's... sad. I'm sorry that had to happen to you. I like this piece, what is it called?"
"Domine Deus by Mozart. It's part of a three song masterpiece named 'The Great Mass'. It's one of my favorites. The best piece from the Mass is Kyrie." I smiled and listened to him play for a bit more. He skipped through genres as if they were nothing, naming each piece and the artist. "And this one is actually a poem by William Butler Yeats but many have made it into a song." He started playing once more and I was drawn into the music and then Tristan began to sing and I was lost once more. Noticing one particular lyric. "Come away, o human child. To the water, and the wild. With a spirit hand in hand."
"It's amazing that even before the Rift the humans knew of our existence." He said thinking over the lyrics. "Here he comes the human child. To the waters and the wild. With a spirit hand in hand." The enchantment broke when my phone began to ring, looking down at the screen I cursed under my breath.
"Shit... I have to go home... I didn't realize it was so late. Thank you Tristan... I'll see you around okay?" I stuttered as I fell over myself trying to grab by school bag and run out the door at the same time. Opening my phone once I was back in the hallway I answered it. "Hello?"
"Gage..." Shit, it was my father. "A boy your age should know to be home in time for dinner." My father was a human whereas my mother was a shape shifter. He had learned after the Rift had opened that one had to be a little harsh to not become dinner to some of the more, exotic, species. Especially in the early years.
"Sorry dad I got caught up doing homework with a friend. I will be home soon, I promise." I cursed under my breath. One more strike and I'm out.
"That's all fine and dandy but don't expect dinner to wait for you." And with a click he hung up. I am so in trouble was the thought that resounded in my head as I ran all the way home. My father was not a cruel man but was very set in his ways. He did not tolerate any disobedience without a harsh punishment. It wouldn't be the first time I missed dinner because I was late. My father believed in respect for family, and if my mother was going to slave away in the kitchen to make dinner, I better damn well be there to enjoy it; or have nothing at all. It was something that I normally had no trouble with; but there was something about Tristan Jaxx that called to me. Somewhere deeper than just my brain and my body.
~
I didn't see Tristan at school the next day, nor the day after. I asked a few of my friends who were seniors if they knew of him but laughed it off saying that we got so many new students every week, especially this close to the beginning of the year, that they couldn't keep track. I started wondering if I should go to the music room by the third day when I didn't see him at all before lunch time. I sat down at my usual table with my usual friends and was taking a drink of chocolate milk when I saw him, he was in line getting food and a bottle of soda. I took a moment to look him over, he was wearing all black; long sleeves and long, baggy pants. His hair looked a little greasy and didn't stand up as much as it had a few days before. He had a pair of headphones around his neck and the moment he finished paying he put them on, then went weaving through the crowd to find a seat; finding one on a bench not far from my own table I used this time to watch him.
He bobbed his head to the music playing from his mp3 player, fingers tapping out the rhythm on his thigh as he ate one handed. He had a plate full of fruit and some fries. Bringing a strawberry up to his mouth I was awestruck at the sight of him eating a simple strawberry, he prolonged the moment by holding it in between his lips with his teeth as he changed song on his mp3 player; seeming almost absent minded. The was something inherently sexy about the motion. Standing unconsciously and heedless to the protests of my friends I made my way through the crowded room to the seat next to him.
He looked up when I sat down and his light blue eyes caught me off guard. I could have sworn that they were a darker color the last time we had talked, but then again I wasn't paying that much attention to his face while he played the piano. He smiled quietly and slid his headphones off.
"Hey." He said shyly, lowering his head so that;I couldn't see the blush on his face but not the point of his ears.
"Hey. I was wondering if you wanted to hang out after school?" I smiled as his head shot up and he looked at me.
"Really? I mean... sure." His goofy grin was a little infectious.
"Wanna meet in the Music Room again?" I said. "I'd love to hear you play more." Wondering what the people around us would think I smiled wider.
"O..okay." His head dropped again as first I thought it was because I said something wrong but then I noticed the pinkish tinge to his cheeks. He's blushing. The thought resounded in my head. He's adorable when he's blushing. That had my thoughts in the wrong place. Shaking it to get those thoughts out of my head I had an idea.
"Then afterward want to get something to eat? My treat." I said hoping to spend more time with him this time; maybe get to know each other.
"Sure... if it isn't too late. And only if you won't get in trouble again." He said remembering my phone ringing and the subsequent retreat.
"Yeah I'll talk to my folks and see if it's okay to be out late." I smiled in what I hoped was an assuring way. Looking at my watch I picked up my bag. "Well, time for History. See you later Tristan." I winked at him as I stood, waving behind me as I walked out to class.
"Yeah...see you Gage..." He said quietly under his breath but with my enhanced hearing I caught the longing tone to his voice. Maybe I just might have a chance. I thought as I pushed my way through the hallway; my day suddenly looking a little bit brighter.
My afternoon classes passed in a blur, the anticipation of seeing Tristan forcing them to go faster, until the last five minute of my last class of the day, Math. I wonder if this is Goddess's way of telling me to slow down. Or maybe she is just a sadistic bitch, that sounds more likely. I wonder what he tastes like, shit, other thoughts something gross, umm, damn. It's only five minutes...how long can you draw out your daily lecture? Looking back at the teacher I noticed that he wasn't lecturing anymore and was actually glaring at me. Looking around there was no one else in the room, the bell had rung whilst I was lost in thought. Shit! I cursed as I ran out of the classroom and down the hall to my locker. Putting all my books away and all my stuff I needed into my backpack I grabbed the one thing that had been sitting in my locker for the past three days; my acoustic guitar, a gift from my human grandfather.
Getting to the music room hallway I heard the notes floating down the hallway once more; drawing me in like a sirens call. This song did not sound nearly as sad as any of the songs from before but instead was flurry of life and activity. I stood in the doorway leaning one slim hip on the frame of the door; holding my backpack loosely on my shoulder with two fingers. Watching as Tristan's face lit up with a smile as he passed an exceptionally hard sounding part of the song. The smile looked at home on his face, it was one of those rare but treasured moments.
Moving into the room and dropping my bag I sat at the chair nearest to him but not resuming my position on the bench with him, I pulled out my guitar and started to strum along with the song that he was playing. The sound breaking him out of his trance he looked over at me and then continued playing.
"I didn't know you played." He smiled his eyes lighting up like Christmas lights.
"Yeah, I picked it up a few years ago. Want to play something in particular?" I asked looking at him as he stopped playing and stretched his fingers.
"Hmm... not really. Play me something though. I want to hear you play." He straddled the bench so he was facing me. My heart jumped into my chest, my fingers fumbling. "Ooh I know. Play your favorite song." He smiled a little deviously thinking he had been quick with that. I blushed a little as my fingers found the first few notes.
Strumming the chords softly I started singing my low tenor complementing the song. "Sometimes I feel like I don't have a partner. Sometimes I feel like my only friend. Is the city I live in the city of angel? Lonely as I am together we cry..."
"I drive on the streets cause she's my companion I walk through the hills cause she knows who I am." His voice joined mine with the next verse almost messing me up. He had a honeyed tenor, higher than my own which added a nice effect to the sound of the song. "I don't ever want to feel like I did that day. Take me to the place I love. Take me all the way." We sang the chorus in tandem. Finishing the song I turned to him, my smile almost breaking my cheeks.
"You like Red Hot Chili Peppers?" I asked, they were one of my favorite older bands. I liked the music from before the Rift compared to the techno crap that was popular with my fellow students. It was rare to find anyone other than another human who liked the music. Especially my own age.
"A few of their songs. My favorite is 'This Velvet Glove'." He said nodding. I continued playing my guitar through our conversation, enjoying just being around him. We cycled through a few songs and then agreed it was time for dinner. Walking down the street from the school we stopped at a pizza place that catered to teenagers of all species. They had some of the weirdest toppings for pizza I had ever seen. Honestly who would want pigs eyes or drakes wings on a pizza?
"Welcome! What do you want on your pizza?" The girl not much younger than ourselves asked bouncing a little. She was cute in that hyper little sister way. I made a side glance to Tristan and caught a soft smile as he looked over the menu. She definitely was not as cute as my companion.
"The Veggie supreme." I said as he opened his mouth to mention his eating habits. He smiled gratefully. We paid and got our drinks then sat down at a table in the corner.
"Thanks for that." He said looking down at his drink. "Most people don't pay attention and just order what they like."
"No problem. I noticed it at lunch. And besides I love veggies anyways." I smiled. "So what kind of movies do you like?" The evening continued such as fist dates do, finding more out about each other trying to seem like we were not digging for information. Finally as the last of the pizza disappeared off the plates we made our way out of the restaurant. I has the strangest urge to just lean over and kiss him but retrained myself. We had only known each other less than a week.
"So I guess I will see you tomorrow." I said smiling, the evening had been wonderful.
"Yeah..." He said looking at his feet and blushing. Too cute! I thought as I leaned in and kissed his cheek succumbing to my thoughts.
"Bye!" I said as I ran in the direction of my house,the shocked look on his face and the deepening of the blush that I caught before turning making me feel butterflies.
"Ah..Bye!" I heard him shouting behind me his hand resting on his cheek where the kiss had landed.
~
It had been an interesting few weeks with events around the school and the intolerant fucks that believed half-breeds like myself shouldn't exist; then acting on their beliefs. "...and the thing that bugs me the most is my father's, 'The tougher skin the more you win', bullshit." I was nursing a new black eye. "He lived through the Rift opening up and I know it was hard those first few years but still." My bluish grey tail twitched aggravated from side to side. That happened sometimes when I lost control of one of my emotions; a side effect of being a half-breed I suppose. "Those assholes deserve to sit in the Hospital for a while." The guys who tried to jump me came out worse off then my black eye.
"Well you know I agree and all but still you shouldn't have hit him so hard. You could be expelled." He said vehemently. The blushed and looked at his hands after his out burst.
He's blushing. It still gave me butterflies every time I saw his cheeks light up with a blush. He had his arms around me in a loose embrace, sitting on the piano bench next to me. I had been venting about my family and about an event earlier in the day when he shut me up by hugging me. He hadn't let go.
It's raining. My thoughts were not on my actions as I leaned in and kissed him. I heard him gasp a little but then lean into the kiss.
His lips were not soft and silky. They were slightly damp and cracked a little. There was nothing absolutely perfect about the kiss, no sparks, no fireworks. Just the warm feeling in my heart spreading to my entire body. There was perfection in the imperfection of it. The bumping of noses, a soft chuckle and a nuzzle to the cheek. The windows fogging the outside world from ruining our imperfect perfection.
"Thanks." I whispered, barely audible.
"No problem. At least I'm good for something." He shrugged.
"More than one thing now." I chuckled and leaned in for another kiss.
"Hey." He said laughing softly; pushing lightly against my shoulder.
"We should probably head out now." I said looking outside to the water falling. "Do you have an umbrella?" I asked getting an idea.
"Uh..no actually." He said blushing lightly. "I didn't think it would rain today."
"Good. Now I have a viable excuse to walk you home. Wouldn't want you getting all soaked only to get sick on me." I said picking up my bag and pulling out my umbrella. We had to squeeze to fit but me made it. the walk to his house was not far from the school and was pleasant; we passed the time by talking about our favorite movies. Some time during the walk our hand intertwined.
We stopped in front of his house. It wasn't large but was pleasant and homey looking. It had a chain link fence and a front porch with a well groomed lawn. Slowly letting go of his hand I brought mine up and rubbed the back of my neck nervously.
"I guess this is it." I said smiling. He smiled and leaned in quickly to kiss my cheek. Then ran up the steps and waved as he stepped into his house. I waved back and started the walk back to my house.
The rain had stopped so the walk back wasn't as wet as the walk there had been. Opening my front door I was met with the delicious smell of my mothers cooking and the noise of the TV coming from the living room. I made my way in and sat with my father. He was watching the news before his football game started.
"What's the funny look for? You meet someone?" He said noticing my smile. I looked up from the TV my eyes a little wide. I still was not sure where my father stood with gay relationships. I knew he didn't care about interracial or even inter-species. But I couldn't lie to him.
"A boy at school. His name is Tristan." I said looking at my hands and waited for the explosion. My father was tolerant of most things but I could just see him freaking out about his only boy being a queer and bringing shame to the family name.
"Really now? Is this that 'friend' who you spend so much time with these days?" I was surprised and looked up. He wasn't mad just smiling and then looked to the kitchen at a noise from my mother.
"Yeah." I said softly. Still shell shocked a little bit.
"Tell me a little about him. From what you've said before he sounds like a nice kid." He said look back at me and turning the volume on the TV up just a fraction so my mother couldn't over hear us.
"He is Elven, eighteen and loves to play the piano. And he's good, really good. He's a vegetarian who will sometimes each chicken but only if it's fried chicken from that one place on Parker St. He likes the same kinds of music I do but hates hip-hop or rap. He has this bright white hair and light blue eye that are so light you can barely tell there is color in them. He's small and scrawny and is just freaking adorable." I said looking at the ceiling and picturing his face the first day that we met. I'm glad he hasn't had to shed any tears since that day.
"You should invite him over sometime. I'd like to meet the boy who captured my sons heart." My mom said from the doorway. She glared at my dad. "And you should know better than to try and hide something like this from me dear." Making a small motion to the TV. My father looked sheepish. "But anyways turn that thing off. Dinner is ready, come and eat."
Dad turned off the TV and stretched a little before walking into the kitchen and picking up the plates and silverware to set the table. I followed and picked up some of the side dishes and placed them on the table. My mom was an incredible cook. She had gone to school for culinary arts before she became pregnant with me and had never gone back. The thought of which made me slightly sad.
"You should go back to school mom." I said looking up from my plate of half eaten food.
"What brings this on?" My dad asked looking between me and his wife. He had been trying to convince her for years to return to school but she refused, wanting to be home for me in case anything came up.
"Well it's just that I was thinking of what a wonderful cook you are and how much you enjoy it. You should finish your schooling. I'm old enough now that I don't need you for every little thing like I did while I was growing up. And my birthday is in a few weeks. When I turn 18 I'll be able to leave school if I get sick and not have to make you come and pick me up. Though I probably still will." She and I had a routine for when she picked me up from school if I was feeling sick. First she would check my temperature then bring me home to make me burrow into my blankets while she made hot soup. Then we would sit and watch a movie. It was something we had done since I was little and I didn't like to think of changing it now.
"That's very thoughtful sweetie. But not necessary. I gave up school because I wanted to, so I could be with you and enjoy watching you grow."
"That's the point Mom, I am almost grown and will be leaving in a year and half for school anyways. If you started now you could be finished by the time I leave and have something to occupy your time. Other than calling and bugging me at Callahan." He smiled softening the blow.
"You know he's right Hun. Why don't you give it a try?" My dad was horrible at convincing people in a nice way. He was a police officer and his gruff voice did not help.
"Alright fine. I'll look into classes for next semester." She said and continued eating. The rest of dinner passed in mostly silence.
~
"You look fine they aren't going to throw you out for having a piercing." I said as Tristan adjusted his t-shirt again as we walked towards my house from the school. "Besides, it doesn't matter what they think. I'm gonna stick with you no matter what." I smiled at him. His smile grew wider and he grabbed my hand, squeezing it once.
"Thanks I needed that." He said calming down a little as we rounded the corner to my street. My house was at the end in a cul-de-sac. It was larger than his house but not by much. We had a second floor but his house was wider. So you couldn't really say without measuring the total square footage.
Walking together up the steps we paused as I unlocked and opened the door. The smell of lasagna wafted through the house and the sound of the news played in the living room. MY mom peaked her head around the corner, set down the spoon she was holding and walked over and hugged Tristan. He looked shocked and stood very still.
"Mom, your freaking him out. Let go." I said. She wasn't very tall, maybe an inch shorter than Tristan, and she had the same lithe body style as he did. Her brown hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail and her brown eye shined as she smiled.
"Sorry about that. Habit. I'm Michelle and that Tom. It's so nice to meet the boy who my son keeps talking about." She said smiling more at my blush.
"He talks about me?" Tristan looked a little shocked and looked between me and my mother a few times.
"Yes." I grudgingly admitted. His smile just grew wider.
"Honey come and meet Tristan." My mom called through the doorway to the living room.
"Why don't you let the boys put their stuff down first?" He called back over the recap of the football game from the night before. My mom blushed and stood back so we could set down our bags and take off our shoes. We made our way into the living room and sat on the couch. Dad turned off the TV and turned to us. Looking Tristan over he smiled.
"So you're Tristan Jaxx." He said scanning him once more. It was an ingrained habit from interrogating suspects and looking for criminals on the street.
"Yes, sir." Tristan said. His voice was a little shaky I reached out and grabbed his hand. He calmed and shot a grateful smile at me.
"Do you like football?" He asked nodding at the TV in an offhand way.
"Yes, I don't like to play though. Only watch. I like lacrosse a little bit more though." He said.
"Pity the school doesn't have a team. I was defense-man on my high schools team." Tom smiled as the memories rushed him
"You played?" Tristan's smile grew wider. "That's awesome. I play midfielder when I can." I had to roll my eyes as the two of them went into sports jargon that I didn't understand.
"I'll be back I'm going to go see if mom needs any help." I stood as Tristan nodded at me and then returned to the conversation with my father.
"What in the world are they talking about?" I asked mom as I walked in the kitchen and started to set the table. She was humming as she pranced around the kitchen.
"Lacrosse. It's a funny sport where you beat people with stick. Kind of fun actually, it's akin to hockey." She said as she cut the tomatoes for the salad.
"Oh." I felt a little lost but figured it didn't really matter. I just was never into sports of any kind. I liked ice skating and figure skating but other than that not much else caught my attention. I heard the sounds of Tristan's laughter mingled with my father's, I was happy they got along. I didn't show it half as bad as Tristan but I was just as nervous about how this would go as he was. I might even be worse. His laughter is like a summer breeze, it just rolls off you and make you feel better. I bet he makes cute noises when- I cut that thought off just as it started. Blushing I finished setting the table. "Is there anything else you need help with?"
"Just find out what everyone wants to drink. And dear, that red tinge really suites you well." She teases as I walked out of the room her silent laughter mocking me.
"Thanks mom." I called back and walked in to the other room.
"So then he took his crosse and tripped the poor guy, breaking his ankle. Which sucked he was one of our best player. But he made an amazing assistant coach the rest of the year." My dad finished. "What's up dinner done?"
"Not yet, just wanting to know what everyone wants to drink for dinner." I said looking between my dare I call him my boyfriend, my friend and my father.
"I'll have sweet tea tonight. What about you Tristan?" Dad looked over at Tristan watching me.
"Umm. I don't know, what do you have?" He asked tentatively.
"Water, tea, sweet tea, soda, and I think some orange juice. Oh and milk." I listed looking down at him. He seemed at ease, which made me feel better after he became such ball of nerves earlier in the day.
"Milk sounds good." He decided looking over at me as if to ask 'is that okay?'. I smiled.
"Alright I'll go set that up." Dad said as he stood. "Don't worry about it son, show your friend here the ropes."
"Okay." I said a little bewildered as he walked out of the room.
"Your dads cool." Tristan said after he had left he room.
"Glad you like him. I was a little nervous. Here let me show you the house. This obviously is the living room. That's the entry way and that's the kitchen and you can either go through there or that next door down to get into the dining room." I lead him to the stairs. "Down the hall second door on the left is the bathroom. First is the laundry room. There's my parents room on the right side." I lead him upstairs into an open area. "This is the loft, kind of my own living room since dad kinda lives in the one downstairs when he gets home from work. That door there is the bathroom, the door on the right is my room and the other is a guest room." I lead him into my room.
"Your house is really nice. I like it." He looked around my room which was pretty simple, my bed up again the far corner, my desk against the wall with a window, my computer sitting on top. and my closet on the other wall with a TV on top of the dresser. He started laughing. Looking around I made sure I hadn't left out any of my stuffed animals or anything and looked at him with a questioning glance when I realized that I hadn't.
"What's so funny?" I asked a little nervous.
"We have the same comforter set." He motioned to the black bedspread with grey and white dragons all over it. The matching black pillows and bed skirt peaked out too. I chuckled a little and sat down on my bed. He sat next to me, even though there was a chair at my desk. Grabbing my hand he squeezed it reassuringly.
"I wasn't laughing at you, don't worry." Smiling he looked up at the posters on my wall. Most were from movies or bands that I liked but I had one with a beautiful white snow dragon. "That's really cool." He said looking the dragon. I had bought it cause I liked the detail.
"I got that when we went to Japan to visit my grandparents." I said smiling softly at the memory.
He turned wide eyed. "I always wanted to go to Japan." He said softly.
"Maybe I'll take you one of these days." I said smiling.
"I could never accept that, its way to expensive." He said his eyes going wide as possible.
"We go all the time plus get frequent flier miles for all three of us. Plus my grandparents will want to meet the guy who 'stole my heart'. As mom put it." I said shrugging. I never had put much thought into the price of the flights but we had been going three times a year since I was little. I remember the first time on the plane that I remember I threw up on the nice stewardess who was trying to help me feel better by giving me animal crackers. "We should head downstairs." I said standing, I offered my hand to him to help him up.
"I still wouldn't want to impose. It would be awkward and I would be in your debt. Which I don't want to do," He said as we made our way down the stairs. You could smell the lasagna now and he smiled. "What did your mom make?"
"Eggplant lasagna. I told her about you being a vegetarian and she thought this would work just fine. Do you like it?" He asked hoping that they hadn't made something he couldn't eat.
"That's so strange." He said my head swinging back to look at him. "It's my favorite." He said smiling and making the apology that was working to free itself stop in its tracks.
"Really?" I said, a little shocked. "That's amazing. Come on, let's eat." I grabbed his hand feeling the warmth in my own cheeks as we walked in the dining room and sat at the table. My parents were already sitting so we just sat for a moment and looked at each other. Our family never said grace or anything but didn't want to offend him if he did.
"Does you family normally say grace?" He asked breaking the silence. We all let out a sigh of relief. "Cause if you do, that's cool. My family never eats together so we don't."
"No we normally just eat and talk about the day." My mom responded smiling at him. "Everyone go ahead and serve yourselves." She then grabbed the salad bowl and put some on her plate then passed it to my father. All the food on the table made rounds and once our plates were full we started to eat. Taking a bite of the lasagna, which mom had never made before, I was a little cautious but it tasted all right. Nothing would replace beef in my diet but I could see why Tristan liked it so much.
"So what tribe of elves are you from?" My dad asked after a moment.
"Sidhe. Though I am half high elf also." Tristan said looking at his plate. "My dad was on the High Eleven Council until he met my mom, then he quit so he could marry her." He had a small sad smile on his face.
"That's romantic." My mom said. "This big lug and I went to school together and he fell for me when I fell from the top of the pyramid of cheerleaders." She said giggling a little at the memory.
"That's not true, it was when you tripped down the hill after class one day. You were so nervous around me that you fell backwards." My dad response garnered a glare from my mom. He just chuckled and waved it off.
The rest of dinner was a game of 20 Questions, my parents would ask Tristan something and he would respond with whatever answer was appropriate. Through this I learn3ed his favorite color was red, his only allergy was to cacti and he loved to go skiing in the winter. When we were done with dinner mom brought in the most wonderful pumpkin pie.
"Is that pumpkin pie?" Tristan asked looking it over, he had a smile on his face like a five year old told he could own the entire toy store. "I haven't had pumpkin pie in ages."
"Yes it is, have as much as you like. Gage your father and I will be eating dessert in the living room if you two would like to go upstairs or just stay in here." My mom said picking up all of out dirty dishes and whisking them away to the sink.
"Here let me cut you a piece. Do you want whip cream?" Warmth spread through my chest at the happiness that shone in his eyes.
"Yes!" He said excited like a little puppy. Dipping my finger in the whip cream I held it out to him.
"It's homemade so have a taste first." I was putting his pie on the plate when I felt the wetness of his tongue curve around my finger and lap at the cream. My wolf ears and tail popped out of no where. I tried to hide my blush by busying myself with the pie for both of us.
"Mmmm. That's really good." My brain died for a moment as he reached into the bowl and swiped his finger through the creamy white substance then put it in his mouth. Sucking on his finger he lifted his plate and followed me upstairs.
"What... What time does your parents want you home?" I asked trying to keep my voice neutral.
"Oh they don't really care as long as it's not too late." He said absentmindedly licking at his finger.
"Want to watch a movie or play some video games for a bit then?" I set my pie down on the coffee table in front of the couch and walked over to the bookshelf that was full of movies and games.
"What movies do you have?" He asked walking over and trying to see over my shoulder he just stepping in front of me instead. His ass was pressed against me, his back resting against my chest. My heart sped up, my tail wagging back and forth.
"A.." I had to lick at my lips, my mouth seemed so dry all of the sudden. "About everything really, this is only a portion of the movies, the hallways closet is full of them."
"Ooh. That's an oldie but goody!" He said reaching out for one of the cases. Pulling it out I saw the wings on the cover before anything. "City of Angels, I haven't seen this since I was little, it was my mom's favorite movie." He sobered a little.
"Well then we should watch it. Go sit on the couch and eat your pie I'll put it on." He reluctantly went and sat on the couch and nibbled at his pie. I finished putting it on, turned off the light and then sat down next to him.
"Cold?" I asked, he wasn't wearing a long sleeved shirt and my dad liked the house kept on the chilly side.
He nodded as I sat down and grabbed the blanket off of the back of the couch. Sitting next to his I draped it over both of us and then started ion on my pie. He put his plate down hen he was finished and leaned his head on my shoulder. I put my plate down and, my heart racing, put my arm around him and felt him snuggle closer to my side. I don't know how he did it, but in the short time we knew each other he had wormed his way into my head and I would never let him go. He made a contented sigh as the movie played singing softly along with one of the background tracks.
"And I'd give up forever to touch you cause I know that you feel me somehow, You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be and I don't wanna go home right now. And all I can taste is this moment, and all I can breathe is your life, cause sooner or later it's over. I just don't wanna miss you tonight." The emotion in his voice made me look down at him, curled into my side and made me realize that it was true. Kissing the top of his head before laying my own on top of his I said the three most important words of my life.
"I love you."
~Fin~
~I Believe in A Thing Called Love~
By dragon_badfaith aka shinigamihaku
"You took your coat off and stood in the rain. You were always crazy like that. I watched from my window Always felt I was outside looking in on you..." The haunting voice resounded through the schools hallways. It was after hours and the sound of the piano in the Music Classroom being played had sparked my interest. I walked closer to the room wondering who was playing the piano and had such a wonderful voice; I assumed it would be a female sitting behind the piano but I was mistaken. I drew closer to the door to get a better look at the man playing the piano. "These foolish games are tearing me apart. Your thoughtless words are breaking my heart. You're breaking my heart." He had his head down, shoulder length black hair covered his face but he was pouring all he had into the song. His voice choked at the last line, shoulders shaking; prompting me to step into the doorway.
The piano stopped at the sound of the door being pushed open.
"I'm so sorry; I should not be here, I know. I'll be leaving now." He lent down to pick up his bag trying to surreptitiously swipe at his eyes and make it into one smooth movement, so I wouldn't notice the tear tracks on his elven face. I was so shocked to see his face he was almost past me when I thought to speak.
"No!" I spoke a little to loudly for the empty classroom. "Please don't go. I was just enchanted by the song you were playing. You are very talented." I looked him over; he was about five inches shorter than my six foot four and whereas I had long black hair his was short, spiky and white. He was a little lanky whereas I had a stockier build, the skinniness was odd for his height but not unattractive. He swiped a longer bit of his hair behind his ears revealing his elven heritage.
He jumped at the tone in my voice. "Um... it.." He cleared his throat. "It's called "Foolish Games" by a human female named Jewel. It's from before the Rift." He gaze was fixated on his shoes. The Rift had happened 30 years before; meshing the human world with that of the mythical creatures such as elves, vampires and werewolves or so the humans believed before that time. Things between the species were still settling.
"Oh." I said stupidly. "I like it... it seems very sad though." He sniffed shaking his head, swiping his hand across his eyes once more.
"It's a touching song about a love lost. More of torn apart by the boyfriend cheating and playing mind games than anything else." He sniffled rubbing at his eyes again. I quickly took my handkerchief out of my pocket and handed it to him.
"Here... You seem like you need it more than I do." I smiled at him. "My name is Gage Sakuishi, what's yours?"
"Tri..Tristan Jaxx." He smiled a little as he accepted the handkerchief and blew his nose quietly. "Thanks." He said motioning to the handkerchief.
"No problem. What year are you? I don't remember seeing you around." I asked honestly, trying to think if I had seen him around school, it wasn't a small school but not huge so I at least thought I knew everyone by face, even if I didn't know their names.
"I'm a senior, I just moved here about two weeks ago. So that might be why." That would explain why I had not seen him around campus.
"Ah, I'm a junior, that might explain it." He looked back down at his shoes. "So what in that song is making you sad?" I noticed his fists clenched a little at my question. "Uh... you don't have to answer that, I'm sorry; that was rude of me."
"No...it's alright; really." He said walking back over to the piano and motioning me over. He scooted over on the bench a little so I could sit next to him. I sat gingerly on the edge of the bench; he started playing it once more. "You were always brilliant in morning Smoking your cigarettes and talking over coffee Your philosophies on art, Baroque moved you You loved Mozart and you'd speak of your loved ones As I clumsily strummed my guitar." He stopped singing but continued playing the piano. "It reminds me of my last relationship. It...ended badly; so to speak." He hung his head a little then changed the song he was playing to a classical piece. One of those that everyone knows but not the name.
I was taken aback by his honesty, really I didn't expect him to answer me. "That's... sad. I'm sorry that had to happen to you. I like this piece, what is it called?"
"Domine Deus by Mozart. It's part of a three song masterpiece named 'The Great Mass'. It's one of my favorites. The best piece from the Mass is Kyrie." I smiled and listened to him play for a bit more. He skipped through genres as if they were nothing, naming each piece and the artist. "And this one is actually a poem by William Butler Yeats but many have made it into a song." He started playing once more and I was drawn into the music and then Tristan began to sing and I was lost once more. Noticing one particular lyric. "Come away, o human child. To the water, and the wild. With a spirit hand in hand."
"It's amazing that even before the Rift the humans knew of our existence." He said thinking over the lyrics. "Here he comes the human child. To the waters and the wild. With a spirit hand in hand." The enchantment broke when my phone began to ring, looking down at the screen I cursed under my breath.
"Shit... I have to go home... I didn't realize it was so late. Thank you Tristan... I'll see you around okay?" I stuttered as I fell over myself trying to grab by school bag and run out the door at the same time. Opening my phone once I was back in the hallway I answered it. "Hello?"
"Gage..." Shit, it was my father. "A boy your age should know to be home in time for dinner." My father was a human whereas my mother was a shape shifter. He had learned after the Rift had opened that one had to be a little harsh to not become dinner to some of the more, exotic, species. Especially in the early years.
"Sorry dad I got caught up doing homework with a friend. I will be home soon, I promise." I cursed under my breath. One more strike and I'm out.
"That's all fine and dandy but don't expect dinner to wait for you." And with a click he hung up. I am so in trouble was the thought that resounded in my head as I ran all the way home. My father was not a cruel man but was very set in his ways. He did not tolerate any disobedience without a harsh punishment. It wouldn't be the first time I missed dinner because I was late. My father believed in respect for family, and if my mother was going to slave away in the kitchen to make dinner, I better damn well be there to enjoy it; or have nothing at all. It was something that I normally had no trouble with; but there was something about Tristan Jaxx that called to me. Somewhere deeper than just my brain and my body.
~
I didn't see Tristan at school the next day, nor the day after. I asked a few of my friends who were seniors if they knew of him but laughed it off saying that we got so many new students every week, especially this close to the beginning of the year, that they couldn't keep track. I started wondering if I should go to the music room by the third day when I didn't see him at all before lunch time. I sat down at my usual table with my usual friends and was taking a drink of chocolate milk when I saw him, he was in line getting food and a bottle of soda. I took a moment to look him over, he was wearing all black; long sleeves and long, baggy pants. His hair looked a little greasy and didn't stand up as much as it had a few days before. He had a pair of headphones around his neck and the moment he finished paying he put them on, then went weaving through the crowd to find a seat; finding one on a bench not far from my own table I used this time to watch him.
He bobbed his head to the music playing from his mp3 player, fingers tapping out the rhythm on his thigh as he ate one handed. He had a plate full of fruit and some fries. Bringing a strawberry up to his mouth I was awestruck at the sight of him eating a simple strawberry, he prolonged the moment by holding it in between his lips with his teeth as he changed song on his mp3 player; seeming almost absent minded. The was something inherently sexy about the motion. Standing unconsciously and heedless to the protests of my friends I made my way through the crowded room to the seat next to him.
He looked up when I sat down and his light blue eyes caught me off guard. I could have sworn that they were a darker color the last time we had talked, but then again I wasn't paying that much attention to his face while he played the piano. He smiled quietly and slid his headphones off.
"Hey." He said shyly, lowering his head so that;I couldn't see the blush on his face but not the point of his ears.
"Hey. I was wondering if you wanted to hang out after school?" I smiled as his head shot up and he looked at me.
"Really? I mean... sure." His goofy grin was a little infectious.
"Wanna meet in the Music Room again?" I said. "I'd love to hear you play more." Wondering what the people around us would think I smiled wider.
"O..okay." His head dropped again as first I thought it was because I said something wrong but then I noticed the pinkish tinge to his cheeks. He's blushing. The thought resounded in my head. He's adorable when he's blushing. That had my thoughts in the wrong place. Shaking it to get those thoughts out of my head I had an idea.
"Then afterward want to get something to eat? My treat." I said hoping to spend more time with him this time; maybe get to know each other.
"Sure... if it isn't too late. And only if you won't get in trouble again." He said remembering my phone ringing and the subsequent retreat.
"Yeah I'll talk to my folks and see if it's okay to be out late." I smiled in what I hoped was an assuring way. Looking at my watch I picked up my bag. "Well, time for History. See you later Tristan." I winked at him as I stood, waving behind me as I walked out to class.
"Yeah...see you Gage..." He said quietly under his breath but with my enhanced hearing I caught the longing tone to his voice. Maybe I just might have a chance. I thought as I pushed my way through the hallway; my day suddenly looking a little bit brighter.
My afternoon classes passed in a blur, the anticipation of seeing Tristan forcing them to go faster, until the last five minute of my last class of the day, Math. I wonder if this is Goddess's way of telling me to slow down. Or maybe she is just a sadistic bitch, that sounds more likely. I wonder what he tastes like, shit, other thoughts something gross, umm, damn. It's only five minutes...how long can you draw out your daily lecture? Looking back at the teacher I noticed that he wasn't lecturing anymore and was actually glaring at me. Looking around there was no one else in the room, the bell had rung whilst I was lost in thought. Shit! I cursed as I ran out of the classroom and down the hall to my locker. Putting all my books away and all my stuff I needed into my backpack I grabbed the one thing that had been sitting in my locker for the past three days; my acoustic guitar, a gift from my human grandfather.
Getting to the music room hallway I heard the notes floating down the hallway once more; drawing me in like a sirens call. This song did not sound nearly as sad as any of the songs from before but instead was flurry of life and activity. I stood in the doorway leaning one slim hip on the frame of the door; holding my backpack loosely on my shoulder with two fingers. Watching as Tristan's face lit up with a smile as he passed an exceptionally hard sounding part of the song. The smile looked at home on his face, it was one of those rare but treasured moments.
Moving into the room and dropping my bag I sat at the chair nearest to him but not resuming my position on the bench with him, I pulled out my guitar and started to strum along with the song that he was playing. The sound breaking him out of his trance he looked over at me and then continued playing.
"I didn't know you played." He smiled his eyes lighting up like Christmas lights.
"Yeah, I picked it up a few years ago. Want to play something in particular?" I asked looking at him as he stopped playing and stretched his fingers.
"Hmm... not really. Play me something though. I want to hear you play." He straddled the bench so he was facing me. My heart jumped into my chest, my fingers fumbling. "Ooh I know. Play your favorite song." He smiled a little deviously thinking he had been quick with that. I blushed a little as my fingers found the first few notes.
Strumming the chords softly I started singing my low tenor complementing the song. "Sometimes I feel like I don't have a partner. Sometimes I feel like my only friend. Is the city I live in the city of angel? Lonely as I am together we cry..."
"I drive on the streets cause she's my companion I walk through the hills cause she knows who I am." His voice joined mine with the next verse almost messing me up. He had a honeyed tenor, higher than my own which added a nice effect to the sound of the song. "I don't ever want to feel like I did that day. Take me to the place I love. Take me all the way." We sang the chorus in tandem. Finishing the song I turned to him, my smile almost breaking my cheeks.
"You like Red Hot Chili Peppers?" I asked, they were one of my favorite older bands. I liked the music from before the Rift compared to the techno crap that was popular with my fellow students. It was rare to find anyone other than another human who liked the music. Especially my own age.
"A few of their songs. My favorite is 'This Velvet Glove'." He said nodding. I continued playing my guitar through our conversation, enjoying just being around him. We cycled through a few songs and then agreed it was time for dinner. Walking down the street from the school we stopped at a pizza place that catered to teenagers of all species. They had some of the weirdest toppings for pizza I had ever seen. Honestly who would want pigs eyes or drakes wings on a pizza?
"Welcome! What do you want on your pizza?" The girl not much younger than ourselves asked bouncing a little. She was cute in that hyper little sister way. I made a side glance to Tristan and caught a soft smile as he looked over the menu. She definitely was not as cute as my companion.
"The Veggie supreme." I said as he opened his mouth to mention his eating habits. He smiled gratefully. We paid and got our drinks then sat down at a table in the corner.
"Thanks for that." He said looking down at his drink. "Most people don't pay attention and just order what they like."
"No problem. I noticed it at lunch. And besides I love veggies anyways." I smiled. "So what kind of movies do you like?" The evening continued such as fist dates do, finding more out about each other trying to seem like we were not digging for information. Finally as the last of the pizza disappeared off the plates we made our way out of the restaurant. I has the strangest urge to just lean over and kiss him but retrained myself. We had only known each other less than a week.
"So I guess I will see you tomorrow." I said smiling, the evening had been wonderful.
"Yeah..." He said looking at his feet and blushing. Too cute! I thought as I leaned in and kissed his cheek succumbing to my thoughts.
"Bye!" I said as I ran in the direction of my house,the shocked look on his face and the deepening of the blush that I caught before turning making me feel butterflies.
"Ah..Bye!" I heard him shouting behind me his hand resting on his cheek where the kiss had landed.
~
It had been an interesting few weeks with events around the school and the intolerant fucks that believed half-breeds like myself shouldn't exist; then acting on their beliefs. "...and the thing that bugs me the most is my father's, 'The tougher skin the more you win', bullshit." I was nursing a new black eye. "He lived through the Rift opening up and I know it was hard those first few years but still." My bluish grey tail twitched aggravated from side to side. That happened sometimes when I lost control of one of my emotions; a side effect of being a half-breed I suppose. "Those assholes deserve to sit in the Hospital for a while." The guys who tried to jump me came out worse off then my black eye.
"Well you know I agree and all but still you shouldn't have hit him so hard. You could be expelled." He said vehemently. The blushed and looked at his hands after his out burst.
He's blushing. It still gave me butterflies every time I saw his cheeks light up with a blush. He had his arms around me in a loose embrace, sitting on the piano bench next to me. I had been venting about my family and about an event earlier in the day when he shut me up by hugging me. He hadn't let go.
It's raining. My thoughts were not on my actions as I leaned in and kissed him. I heard him gasp a little but then lean into the kiss.
His lips were not soft and silky. They were slightly damp and cracked a little. There was nothing absolutely perfect about the kiss, no sparks, no fireworks. Just the warm feeling in my heart spreading to my entire body. There was perfection in the imperfection of it. The bumping of noses, a soft chuckle and a nuzzle to the cheek. The windows fogging the outside world from ruining our imperfect perfection.
"Thanks." I whispered, barely audible.
"No problem. At least I'm good for something." He shrugged.
"More than one thing now." I chuckled and leaned in for another kiss.
"Hey." He said laughing softly; pushing lightly against my shoulder.
"We should probably head out now." I said looking outside to the water falling. "Do you have an umbrella?" I asked getting an idea.
"Uh..no actually." He said blushing lightly. "I didn't think it would rain today."
"Good. Now I have a viable excuse to walk you home. Wouldn't want you getting all soaked only to get sick on me." I said picking up my bag and pulling out my umbrella. We had to squeeze to fit but me made it. the walk to his house was not far from the school and was pleasant; we passed the time by talking about our favorite movies. Some time during the walk our hand intertwined.
We stopped in front of his house. It wasn't large but was pleasant and homey looking. It had a chain link fence and a front porch with a well groomed lawn. Slowly letting go of his hand I brought mine up and rubbed the back of my neck nervously.
"I guess this is it." I said smiling. He smiled and leaned in quickly to kiss my cheek. Then ran up the steps and waved as he stepped into his house. I waved back and started the walk back to my house.
The rain had stopped so the walk back wasn't as wet as the walk there had been. Opening my front door I was met with the delicious smell of my mothers cooking and the noise of the TV coming from the living room. I made my way in and sat with my father. He was watching the news before his football game started.
"What's the funny look for? You meet someone?" He said noticing my smile. I looked up from the TV my eyes a little wide. I still was not sure where my father stood with gay relationships. I knew he didn't care about interracial or even inter-species. But I couldn't lie to him.
"A boy at school. His name is Tristan." I said looking at my hands and waited for the explosion. My father was tolerant of most things but I could just see him freaking out about his only boy being a queer and bringing shame to the family name.
"Really now? Is this that 'friend' who you spend so much time with these days?" I was surprised and looked up. He wasn't mad just smiling and then looked to the kitchen at a noise from my mother.
"Yeah." I said softly. Still shell shocked a little bit.
"Tell me a little about him. From what you've said before he sounds like a nice kid." He said look back at me and turning the volume on the TV up just a fraction so my mother couldn't over hear us.
"He is Elven, eighteen and loves to play the piano. And he's good, really good. He's a vegetarian who will sometimes each chicken but only if it's fried chicken from that one place on Parker St. He likes the same kinds of music I do but hates hip-hop or rap. He has this bright white hair and light blue eye that are so light you can barely tell there is color in them. He's small and scrawny and is just freaking adorable." I said looking at the ceiling and picturing his face the first day that we met. I'm glad he hasn't had to shed any tears since that day.
"You should invite him over sometime. I'd like to meet the boy who captured my sons heart." My mom said from the doorway. She glared at my dad. "And you should know better than to try and hide something like this from me dear." Making a small motion to the TV. My father looked sheepish. "But anyways turn that thing off. Dinner is ready, come and eat."
Dad turned off the TV and stretched a little before walking into the kitchen and picking up the plates and silverware to set the table. I followed and picked up some of the side dishes and placed them on the table. My mom was an incredible cook. She had gone to school for culinary arts before she became pregnant with me and had never gone back. The thought of which made me slightly sad.
"You should go back to school mom." I said looking up from my plate of half eaten food.
"What brings this on?" My dad asked looking between me and his wife. He had been trying to convince her for years to return to school but she refused, wanting to be home for me in case anything came up.
"Well it's just that I was thinking of what a wonderful cook you are and how much you enjoy it. You should finish your schooling. I'm old enough now that I don't need you for every little thing like I did while I was growing up. And my birthday is in a few weeks. When I turn 18 I'll be able to leave school if I get sick and not have to make you come and pick me up. Though I probably still will." She and I had a routine for when she picked me up from school if I was feeling sick. First she would check my temperature then bring me home to make me burrow into my blankets while she made hot soup. Then we would sit and watch a movie. It was something we had done since I was little and I didn't like to think of changing it now.
"That's very thoughtful sweetie. But not necessary. I gave up school because I wanted to, so I could be with you and enjoy watching you grow."
"That's the point Mom, I am almost grown and will be leaving in a year and half for school anyways. If you started now you could be finished by the time I leave and have something to occupy your time. Other than calling and bugging me at Callahan." He smiled softening the blow.
"You know he's right Hun. Why don't you give it a try?" My dad was horrible at convincing people in a nice way. He was a police officer and his gruff voice did not help.
"Alright fine. I'll look into classes for next semester." She said and continued eating. The rest of dinner passed in mostly silence.
~
"You look fine they aren't going to throw you out for having a piercing." I said as Tristan adjusted his t-shirt again as we walked towards my house from the school. "Besides, it doesn't matter what they think. I'm gonna stick with you no matter what." I smiled at him. His smile grew wider and he grabbed my hand, squeezing it once.
"Thanks I needed that." He said calming down a little as we rounded the corner to my street. My house was at the end in a cul-de-sac. It was larger than his house but not by much. We had a second floor but his house was wider. So you couldn't really say without measuring the total square footage.
Walking together up the steps we paused as I unlocked and opened the door. The smell of lasagna wafted through the house and the sound of the news played in the living room. MY mom peaked her head around the corner, set down the spoon she was holding and walked over and hugged Tristan. He looked shocked and stood very still.
"Mom, your freaking him out. Let go." I said. She wasn't very tall, maybe an inch shorter than Tristan, and she had the same lithe body style as he did. Her brown hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail and her brown eye shined as she smiled.
"Sorry about that. Habit. I'm Michelle and that Tom. It's so nice to meet the boy who my son keeps talking about." She said smiling more at my blush.
"He talks about me?" Tristan looked a little shocked and looked between me and my mother a few times.
"Yes." I grudgingly admitted. His smile just grew wider.
"Honey come and meet Tristan." My mom called through the doorway to the living room.
"Why don't you let the boys put their stuff down first?" He called back over the recap of the football game from the night before. My mom blushed and stood back so we could set down our bags and take off our shoes. We made our way into the living room and sat on the couch. Dad turned off the TV and turned to us. Looking Tristan over he smiled.
"So you're Tristan Jaxx." He said scanning him once more. It was an ingrained habit from interrogating suspects and looking for criminals on the street.
"Yes, sir." Tristan said. His voice was a little shaky I reached out and grabbed his hand. He calmed and shot a grateful smile at me.
"Do you like football?" He asked nodding at the TV in an offhand way.
"Yes, I don't like to play though. Only watch. I like lacrosse a little bit more though." He said.
"Pity the school doesn't have a team. I was defense-man on my high schools team." Tom smiled as the memories rushed him
"You played?" Tristan's smile grew wider. "That's awesome. I play midfielder when I can." I had to roll my eyes as the two of them went into sports jargon that I didn't understand.
"I'll be back I'm going to go see if mom needs any help." I stood as Tristan nodded at me and then returned to the conversation with my father.
"What in the world are they talking about?" I asked mom as I walked in the kitchen and started to set the table. She was humming as she pranced around the kitchen.
"Lacrosse. It's a funny sport where you beat people with stick. Kind of fun actually, it's akin to hockey." She said as she cut the tomatoes for the salad.
"Oh." I felt a little lost but figured it didn't really matter. I just was never into sports of any kind. I liked ice skating and figure skating but other than that not much else caught my attention. I heard the sounds of Tristan's laughter mingled with my father's, I was happy they got along. I didn't show it half as bad as Tristan but I was just as nervous about how this would go as he was. I might even be worse. His laughter is like a summer breeze, it just rolls off you and make you feel better. I bet he makes cute noises when- I cut that thought off just as it started. Blushing I finished setting the table. "Is there anything else you need help with?"
"Just find out what everyone wants to drink. And dear, that red tinge really suites you well." She teases as I walked out of the room her silent laughter mocking me.
"Thanks mom." I called back and walked in to the other room.
"So then he took his crosse and tripped the poor guy, breaking his ankle. Which sucked he was one of our best player. But he made an amazing assistant coach the rest of the year." My dad finished. "What's up dinner done?"
"Not yet, just wanting to know what everyone wants to drink for dinner." I said looking between my dare I call him my boyfriend, my friend and my father.
"I'll have sweet tea tonight. What about you Tristan?" Dad looked over at Tristan watching me.
"Umm. I don't know, what do you have?" He asked tentatively.
"Water, tea, sweet tea, soda, and I think some orange juice. Oh and milk." I listed looking down at him. He seemed at ease, which made me feel better after he became such ball of nerves earlier in the day.
"Milk sounds good." He decided looking over at me as if to ask 'is that okay?'. I smiled.
"Alright I'll go set that up." Dad said as he stood. "Don't worry about it son, show your friend here the ropes."
"Okay." I said a little bewildered as he walked out of the room.
"Your dads cool." Tristan said after he had left he room.
"Glad you like him. I was a little nervous. Here let me show you the house. This obviously is the living room. That's the entry way and that's the kitchen and you can either go through there or that next door down to get into the dining room." I lead him to the stairs. "Down the hall second door on the left is the bathroom. First is the laundry room. There's my parents room on the right side." I lead him upstairs into an open area. "This is the loft, kind of my own living room since dad kinda lives in the one downstairs when he gets home from work. That door there is the bathroom, the door on the right is my room and the other is a guest room." I lead him into my room.
"Your house is really nice. I like it." He looked around my room which was pretty simple, my bed up again the far corner, my desk against the wall with a window, my computer sitting on top. and my closet on the other wall with a TV on top of the dresser. He started laughing. Looking around I made sure I hadn't left out any of my stuffed animals or anything and looked at him with a questioning glance when I realized that I hadn't.
"What's so funny?" I asked a little nervous.
"We have the same comforter set." He motioned to the black bedspread with grey and white dragons all over it. The matching black pillows and bed skirt peaked out too. I chuckled a little and sat down on my bed. He sat next to me, even though there was a chair at my desk. Grabbing my hand he squeezed it reassuringly.
"I wasn't laughing at you, don't worry." Smiling he looked up at the posters on my wall. Most were from movies or bands that I liked but I had one with a beautiful white snow dragon. "That's really cool." He said looking the dragon. I had bought it cause I liked the detail.
"I got that when we went to Japan to visit my grandparents." I said smiling softly at the memory.
He turned wide eyed. "I always wanted to go to Japan." He said softly.
"Maybe I'll take you one of these days." I said smiling.
"I could never accept that, its way to expensive." He said his eyes going wide as possible.
"We go all the time plus get frequent flier miles for all three of us. Plus my grandparents will want to meet the guy who 'stole my heart'. As mom put it." I said shrugging. I never had put much thought into the price of the flights but we had been going three times a year since I was little. I remember the first time on the plane that I remember I threw up on the nice stewardess who was trying to help me feel better by giving me animal crackers. "We should head downstairs." I said standing, I offered my hand to him to help him up.
"I still wouldn't want to impose. It would be awkward and I would be in your debt. Which I don't want to do," He said as we made our way down the stairs. You could smell the lasagna now and he smiled. "What did your mom make?"
"Eggplant lasagna. I told her about you being a vegetarian and she thought this would work just fine. Do you like it?" He asked hoping that they hadn't made something he couldn't eat.
"That's so strange." He said my head swinging back to look at him. "It's my favorite." He said smiling and making the apology that was working to free itself stop in its tracks.
"Really?" I said, a little shocked. "That's amazing. Come on, let's eat." I grabbed his hand feeling the warmth in my own cheeks as we walked in the dining room and sat at the table. My parents were already sitting so we just sat for a moment and looked at each other. Our family never said grace or anything but didn't want to offend him if he did.
"Does you family normally say grace?" He asked breaking the silence. We all let out a sigh of relief. "Cause if you do, that's cool. My family never eats together so we don't."
"No we normally just eat and talk about the day." My mom responded smiling at him. "Everyone go ahead and serve yourselves." She then grabbed the salad bowl and put some on her plate then passed it to my father. All the food on the table made rounds and once our plates were full we started to eat. Taking a bite of the lasagna, which mom had never made before, I was a little cautious but it tasted all right. Nothing would replace beef in my diet but I could see why Tristan liked it so much.
"So what tribe of elves are you from?" My dad asked after a moment.
"Sidhe. Though I am half high elf also." Tristan said looking at his plate. "My dad was on the High Eleven Council until he met my mom, then he quit so he could marry her." He had a small sad smile on his face.
"That's romantic." My mom said. "This big lug and I went to school together and he fell for me when I fell from the top of the pyramid of cheerleaders." She said giggling a little at the memory.
"That's not true, it was when you tripped down the hill after class one day. You were so nervous around me that you fell backwards." My dad response garnered a glare from my mom. He just chuckled and waved it off.
The rest of dinner was a game of 20 Questions, my parents would ask Tristan something and he would respond with whatever answer was appropriate. Through this I learn3ed his favorite color was red, his only allergy was to cacti and he loved to go skiing in the winter. When we were done with dinner mom brought in the most wonderful pumpkin pie.
"Is that pumpkin pie?" Tristan asked looking it over, he had a smile on his face like a five year old told he could own the entire toy store. "I haven't had pumpkin pie in ages."
"Yes it is, have as much as you like. Gage your father and I will be eating dessert in the living room if you two would like to go upstairs or just stay in here." My mom said picking up all of out dirty dishes and whisking them away to the sink.
"Here let me cut you a piece. Do you want whip cream?" Warmth spread through my chest at the happiness that shone in his eyes.
"Yes!" He said excited like a little puppy. Dipping my finger in the whip cream I held it out to him.
"It's homemade so have a taste first." I was putting his pie on the plate when I felt the wetness of his tongue curve around my finger and lap at the cream. My wolf ears and tail popped out of no where. I tried to hide my blush by busying myself with the pie for both of us.
"Mmmm. That's really good." My brain died for a moment as he reached into the bowl and swiped his finger through the creamy white substance then put it in his mouth. Sucking on his finger he lifted his plate and followed me upstairs.
"What... What time does your parents want you home?" I asked trying to keep my voice neutral.
"Oh they don't really care as long as it's not too late." He said absentmindedly licking at his finger.
"Want to watch a movie or play some video games for a bit then?" I set my pie down on the coffee table in front of the couch and walked over to the bookshelf that was full of movies and games.
"What movies do you have?" He asked walking over and trying to see over my shoulder he just stepping in front of me instead. His ass was pressed against me, his back resting against my chest. My heart sped up, my tail wagging back and forth.
"A.." I had to lick at my lips, my mouth seemed so dry all of the sudden. "About everything really, this is only a portion of the movies, the hallways closet is full of them."
"Ooh. That's an oldie but goody!" He said reaching out for one of the cases. Pulling it out I saw the wings on the cover before anything. "City of Angels, I haven't seen this since I was little, it was my mom's favorite movie." He sobered a little.
"Well then we should watch it. Go sit on the couch and eat your pie I'll put it on." He reluctantly went and sat on the couch and nibbled at his pie. I finished putting it on, turned off the light and then sat down next to him.
"Cold?" I asked, he wasn't wearing a long sleeved shirt and my dad liked the house kept on the chilly side.
He nodded as I sat down and grabbed the blanket off of the back of the couch. Sitting next to his I draped it over both of us and then started ion on my pie. He put his plate down hen he was finished and leaned his head on my shoulder. I put my plate down and, my heart racing, put my arm around him and felt him snuggle closer to my side. I don't know how he did it, but in the short time we knew each other he had wormed his way into my head and I would never let him go. He made a contented sigh as the movie played singing softly along with one of the background tracks.
"And I'd give up forever to touch you cause I know that you feel me somehow, You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be and I don't wanna go home right now. And all I can taste is this moment, and all I can breathe is your life, cause sooner or later it's over. I just don't wanna miss you tonight." The emotion in his voice made me look down at him, curled into my side and made me realize that it was true. Kissing the top of his head before laying my own on top of his I said the three most important words of my life.
"I love you."
~Fin~