Today and a Story
Aug. 21st, 2004 10:22 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
maderrFriday I was officially offered a job with Ikon, and assigned to work for Frost Brown Todd, a lawfirm in downtown Cinci. My first day was supposed to be Monday...but it wound up being today b/c lawyers couldn't meet their deadlines and we had to pick up the slack. So Sarah and I (they called in other Ikon'ers to help out, that's how big this project was) spent the morning stuffing envelopes. And before that we went to the Original Pancake House. Blueberry pancakes and coffee make Megan *purr* and not mind getting up early on a Saturday.
Then it was Tony's birthday and we went to this awesome spanish-y restaurant. I don't recall what I had, some chicken and rice thing, but the rice and chicken were BRIGHT yellow and it had strips of fried banana sticking out of it. And I had this really yummy lemonade. Dessert was the best though - this milk flan (as opposed to the usual caramel I guess?) covered in blackberries. Teh Yum.
Then S and I were on our way home, too tired to really feel like going to Jungle Jim's...but then she said "Want to go to borders?" and the day I turn down the chance to go to a bookstore will be a dark day indeed. So I bought (yet another) book of reworked fairy tales. It said "Neil Gamen" on the cover and that's all I really need to see. Should be cool though, I recognize this series of rewrites. I was very sad they didn't have David Levithan's new book, The Realm of Possibility, so I guess I'll just have to wait until my first paycheck and buy it online.
Faithful Readers will be pleased, I think. I'm posting a new short story here, and hopefully in the next couple of days I'll be able to fix up and post a new chapter each of Treasure and Paradise.
I think overall the story is probably a bit "done" but I absolutely love the opening dialogue, so I wrote it anyway. One of these days I'm going to write a story that's nothing but dialogue, but those can get confusing fast so that won't happen for awhile. Also, a thankee to star, rykaine, and ki-chan for their various ways of helping to improve and fix my stories.
"Goddamn it. The very second I get out of this, there's going to be some fucking violence. And lots of pain. Me inflicting, you suffering."
"Now really. You're overreacting."
"All things considered, I'd say I'm handling it pretty well. I'd even say I'm fucking calm."
"You don't have to be an ass."
"I've got an idea. How about I sneak into your house, knock you unconscious, and then tie you to a dining room chair. Then you can tell me who's being an ass."
"I'm doing this for your own good."
"I hadn't realized mild concussions were good for me."
"You're being as ass again."
"I think I have a right, my soon to be deceased sister."
"There is not going to be any killing."
"Not until I'm free, anyway."
"Would you just shut up and listen to me?"
"Would you just shut up and untie me?"
"No."
"No."
"Now you're really being an asshole."
"Something about being tied up just brings out the asshole in me."
"And concussions bring out the whiny and bitchy?"
"Fuck you."
"No, thanks. Now shut up or I'll gag you."
"You. Wouldn't. Dare."
"Try me."
"What the hell do you want?"
"Finally. I want you to go on vacation."
"You knocked me out, tied me up, and are threatening to gag me because you want me to go on vacation? I'm really going to kill you now."
"Not while you're tied up, you're not."
"JESSICA!"
"Oh, shut up. I'm dead serious about this vacation."
"Seriously dead, you mean."
"Shut up. We all agree - you work too damn much. So I decided you're going on vacation. Everything is paid for. I've even enlisted a friend of yours to go with you. He should be here shortly."
"Then I guess I'm going to be arrested for two murders. Though I'm pretty sure I could get away with self-defense."
"You really are an asshole."
"Only when I'm tied up and suffering from a mild concussion."
"No, you're like this even when you're healthy and free to move."
"Whatever you say, sis. Whatever you say."
The sharp tone of the doorbell interrupted Jessica's reply. Her heels clicked on the hardwood floor as she went to answer the door. She beamed at the man on the doorstep, brushing a strand of black hair from her face. "Bobby. How nice to see you."
Bobby didn't smile back, looking up at her nervously through his dirty blonde hair and black-rimmed glasses. "Jess…please tell me you're not serious about this?"
Her smile didn't fade as she replied in a voice that was almost cheerful, "Of course I'm serious. Now get your ass in here."
Reluctantly he stepped inside, suppressing a wince as the door clicked shut. "This is a bad idea, Jess…"
"Nonsense. He needs the break and you…well, you're perfect for the job, aren't you?"
Bobby merely shook his head and pushed his glasses up his nose.
Sighing, Jessica lifted a small bundle of papers from a side table and thrust them at him. "Here are the tickets and all you'll need for the hotel and everything." She narrowed her eyes, "If I so much as glimpse the two of you before the end of the month, there will be hell to pay. I won't just tell him, Bobby, I'll make sure there are others around when I do it. Understand?"
"Yes, evil spawn."
Jessica sniffed, the trace of a smile on her lips. "That's Miss Evil Spawn to you. And I can't help it that men are inherently stupid about these things. If you're smart, Bobby, you'll tell him yourself sometime over the course of the next two weeks."
"Forget it. I like living."
"Then I suggest you be real careful when you untie him."
"WHAT! You actually tied him up? Are you insane, Jess?"
Snorting, Jessica grabbed her car keys and pulled the door open. "Insane? No. Stubborn? Yes. Enjoy your vacation." The door clicked quietly shut behind her.
Bobby removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Man, he's going to fucking kill me." Replacing his glasses he squared his shoulders and ventured further into the house.
His scuffed sneakers thumped faintly as he walked, occasionally squeaking against the polished wood.
He cringed at the look of pure fury on Garret's face as he entered the dining room - and sighed quietly in relief when his bound friend's anger turned to surprise.
"Bobby? What the hell are you doing here? Are you the one I'm supposed to be going on this dumb ass vacation with? I thought you were one of the good guys. How the hell did she drag you into this?"
"Blackmail," Bobby said simply.
That made Garret pause. He ceased struggling with the ropes binding him. "Blackmail?" he echoed. "Bobby, what in the hell could she possibly blackmail you with?"
"If I told you, there really wouldn't be much point in the blackmail, would there?"
Garret frowned, "It's something you don't want me to know?"
"Ah…no, I just mean that telling anyone would render the blackmail pointless."
"Oh. Would you fucking untie me already?"
"Only if you promise not to hurt me." Bobby said cautiously.
Garret huffed. "I had initially planned on it, but it seems you're as much a victim as I. Let me go and you can hold her while I kill her."
"Well, um…it's true I'm kinda being blackmailed into this but…"
"But?" Garret repeated ominously.
Bobby's voice was barely audible. "But it was sort of my idea in the first place." He continued in a panicked rush as Garret's expression went from displeased to 'you're dead meat.' "I mean I jokingly suggested to her a while ago that the only way you'd go on vacation was if you were tied up and thrown on the plane. I had no idea she'd take me this seriously." He paused, looking at his sneakers, "All she told me was that I was going on vacation with you, and that if I didn't get my ass over here at 2:30 today she'd tell everyone my secret. And that she'd also tell if I didn't make sure you stayed on vacation for exactly fourteen days - starting tomorrow."
"Starting tomorrow."
"Yeah."
"Bobby."
"Yeah?"
"Untie me RIGHT NOW."
Instead Bobby jumped and stumbled back, a collision with the wall all that kept him from crashing to the floor. "I don't think that's a good idea."
"The longer I'm tied up, the worse it's going to be when I get free."
"Yeah, but..."
"But nothing."
"Look. I don't like this any more than you do, 'Ret. So if I untie would you please just cooperate? We have to be at the airport in," he glanced at the tickets still in his hand. "Two hours."
Garrett didn't calm down at that, "Even assuming I was going to cooperate and go on this fucking vacation, that's no where near enough time to pack and fix everything with my clients."
"Umm…I think Jess got Maggie to help her out with your clients. And she packed your stuff last night. It's already in the car."
"My secretary is on this? That's it. She's fired. And my sister is officially dead. Bobby, why the hell did you let them get away with this? What in the fuck could she be holding over your head?"
Bobby just shook his head, mussed dirty-blonde hair falling in his face. He shoved it back, disheveling it further. "Can't tell you."
"Whatever." Garrett's shoulders sagged. "Damn conspiracies. Fine. Untie me. No promises about the vacation but I'm not going to kill you or run off and kill her. As tempting as it is."
"You have to go on vacation. Please."
"No way. I've got too damn much to do."
Bobby frowned, fingers tugging at the cuffs of his black, long-sleeved button up shirt, worn open over a pale mint green t-shirt the exact color of his eyes. "But if you don't go she'll spill everything."
"I see. So not only am I tied up and mildly concussed, but now I have to cooperate because you're being blackmailed into going with me. This is lovely. I can't wait until this whole vacation is over and I can beat the shit out of all of you." Garret started to continue his rant but paused as hurt flashed briefly across his friend's face. But Bobby was good at covering his emotions when he wanted, and it was gone almost before he saw it.
Almost.
Garret swallowed the rest of his protest, "All right, all right. Just untie me already. I was roped before I had a chance to unwind and I would really like to take a piss. Jesus, I'm going to kill her."
Managing a weak smile Bobby moved to undo the ropes, quickly stepping away as Garret pulled free. The taller man didn't glance back as he exited the dining room. Bobby's smile turned into a frown as he sat at the wide bar that divided the kitchen from the dining room. Glumly he propped his chin on folded arms, staring blankly across at the small window above the sink.
Nearly a half hour later Garret reappeared, blue-black hair damp and still rough from a towel drying. His expensive gray suit had been replaced by jeans and a navy blue t-shirt. A heavy sigh of resignation broke the tense silence. "I hope everyone's happy that I'm probably going to lose half my clients because of this."
"I doubt it. You're not one of the top business consultants around for nothing." Bobby slid from his barstool, "Ready to go?"
Sighing in resignation, Garrett nodded and grabbed his keys. "Let's go."
"You have to admit," Bobby shielded his eyes from the sun as he looked over their hotel. "There are worse things in life than being forced to endure two weeks of vacation - for free. Your sister has an…interesting way of managing things, but she means well."
Garrett wasn't impressed. "Don't care. She's still dead."
"You should really lighten up, 'Ret."
"Why would I want to do that?" Hoisting his bag up onto his shoulder and grabbing his wheeled suitcase, Garrett stalked across the parking lot toward the hotel.
Bobby raced to catch up, "What's the harm in letting your self have fun? I mean you're here even if you don't want to be - may as well enjoy it, right?"
"And just what exactly am I supposed to enjoy?" Garrett returned acidly. He was a few steps ahead of his friend, and missed the dejected look on his face. The faint words, however, he did catch.
"A friend, maybe?"
Garrett winced, and inwardly kicked himself. He sighed and approached the counter, checking them in and silently leading the way to the elevators. He didn't speak again until they were in what turned out to be a very nicely appointed room, decorated in blues and greens and with a view of the beach that was nothing less than breathtaking. "I suppose there's worse in life than being stuck with you for two weeks at a place like this." He smiled over his shoulder, relieved when Bobby smiled back.
"What say you to finding some dinner? Preferably not at one of the abhorrently expensive tourist traps."
Garrett shrugged, "Sure, why not."
"Smile and pretend you're having fun, and I'll even offer to pay."
"And if I don't?" Garrett smiled.
Bobby grinned and held up his cell phone, "I'll call your sister."
"Do you want to die?"
"No, I want to eat. So come on." Shoving his glasses up his nose and his keycard into his pocket, Bobby led the way back out of the hotel and down to the crowd of shops, restaurants and people.
"Admit it."
"I admit nothing."
"Fuck you. Just admit it."
"Okay, okay. I admit this beer isn't actually that bad. Still exorbitant what they're charging."
"'Ret!"
"All right. Calm down and be quiet - people are trying to sleep you know."
"Admit it."
"Fine. This hasn't been all bad. I still maintain I'm doing it under duress, however."
"Of course. God forbid you admit to enjoying all this time off."
Garrett contemplated his beer bottle, "Well it hasn't all been under duress, I suppose. It's been a long damn time since I could kick back and just enjoy a beer." He glanced up at the moon and dark waters beating against the shoreline far below them. "And the view's not too bad, I guess."
Snorting, Bobby took a pull on his own beer. "You're ridiculous."
Rolling his eyes, Garrett ignored that and followed a different train of thought. "You know, now that I think on it…the day we left was the first time I'd seen you in a good long while. I know I'm always busy but still…you and I used to always have time for a beer at the bar once or twice a week. What happened? It's not just me imagining things, is it?"
"No…"
"Then what is it?" Garrett huffed, impatient with his friend's sudden reticence.
Bobby flicked him a brief glance, then pushed nervously at his glasses and studied his own beer bottle. "Do you remember the last time we went out to the bar?"
Garret frowned, fingers tapping against his lips as he thought. "Yeah, because I was having a good time until those two assholes walked in." He didn't notice Bobby tense. "Jerks drove me insane at the office; they didn't like anything I had to say. That and they gave my secretary holy hell for not immediately admitting them to my office."
"What!" Bobby blurted, "That's why you were disgusted with them?"
"Huh? Well, yeah. Why the hell else would they piss me off?"
"N-no reason." Bobby surged out of his seat and moved to enter the room.
Sitting up, Garrett snagged his arm and dragged him back onto the balcony. "What gives? Why did you think I didn't like them? That's what this is about, isn't it? That's why we don't hang out anymore. Spill."
"I thought…"
"You thought?"
Bobby looked over Garrett's shoulder. "I thought you disliked them because they were gay. I guess I was just being paranoid."
That stopped Garrett in his tracks, but he recovered when his friend started trying to pull away. "Are you insane? Where would you get that idea?"
"Like I said, I guess I was paranoid."
"Paranoid? What the hell does that--" his eyes went wide. "Oh."
Bobby tensed, and dropped his head to examine his shoes. "Yeah. Oh."
"This is fucking ridiculous. Is that what my dumb ass sister is holding over your head?"
"Sort of." was the faint reply, as Bobby began to look slightly panicked.
"Sort of," Garrett repeated dryly. "What in the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"N-nothing." Bobby at last managed to pull free, and strode through the glass doors into their room, then across it and out of the room.
Pensive, Garrett watched him go.
He was still pensive when Bobby finally returned, just as dawn was lapping at the watery horizon.
Whatever Bobby had done to knock out the past several hours, it hadn't calmed him down any. At least he didn't reek of alcohol; but then, that had never been Bobby's game. Knowing him, Garrett thought, he'd probably been on a computer or with a book the whole time.
"You forgot your cell phone," he said glancing at him. Bobby avoided his gaze, though he did glance at him briefly in confusion.
Garrett explained, "I used it to call my sister while you were gone. She wasn't too happy about thinking it was you and finding out it was me." He grinned, clearly not bothered about upsetting his sister. "Anyway, I tried for a good hour to get her to tell me what she's holding over your head. She was more reticent than you are." He quirked a brow, "So what gives? I'm not going to spend the rest of this damned vacation with you all gloomy and dreading. That's not what we're here for."
"What's it matter, man? Just drop it." Bobby eyed the door.
Narrowing his eyes, Garrett rose - then dashed across the short space as Bobby bolted for the door. He reached it just in time, slamming the door shut and trapping his nervous friend against it. "Bobby, come on. Give a man a damn break. I know I'm an ass but shit - you've never run from me before. What the fuck is going on?"
"Nothing."
"Bullshit. " Fisting his hand in Bobby's shirt, he dragged him back into the room and threw him into a chair. "Now stop trying to run, stop being vague, and tell me what the fuck you're so knotted up about."
Bobby instead got mad, something which happened rarely. "Fuck off. I'll tell you when and if I want to. I don't care what you or your sister has to say about it. It's my secret to tell."
"Since when do you keep secrets from friends?" Garrett let him go, face unhappy. "I'm sorry about the bar. That I gave the wrong impression. Christ, Bobby. Did you really think so little of me that you thought I'd dislike you for being gay?"
"That wasn't it…" Bobby said thinly. He looked about as miserable as Garrett felt.
Garrett sat down heavily beside him. "Then what was it?"
"What does it matter? This has nothing to do with your vacation."
"Because the only thing I hate more than being forced to do something, is being forced to do it with a friend who's only along because of blackmail! I'm tired of it hanging over my head. Of my sister hanging it over your head."
Bobby shook his head vehemently, sending his hair into disorder. "I would have come if she'd just asked me. She was the one who decided blackmail was necessary. And I think she did it more to make you feel guilty anyway."
"Yeah, that sounds about right. But tell me anyway."
"No!"
"I'm not relenting until you tell me!"
"What does it matter?" Bobby demanded, frustrated. He slumped back in the seat.
"Because all of a sudden I don't like the damned secrecy. And I'm kind of pissed that you'd tell my sister but not me." Unhappy, Garrett sat down hard on the bed and stared glumly at the floor. "I hadn't realized I'd become so abhorrent my friends would rather talk to my sister than me."
Bobby looked even more miserable, "I didn't need to tell her. She figured it out. Believe me, I like her knowing about as much I want you knowing. Could we please just drop it?"
"No," Garrett said stubbornly. "I don't see what the big deal is. It can't be that bad. What? Are you secretly dating someone I know or something?"
"No!" Bobby tried to get up, but Garrett shoved him back down. "Just stop it," he pleaded tiredly.
"Forget it. I'm tired of everyone scheming and whispering around me. I don't like that I was forced to come here, I don't like that you were forced to come here, and I don't like that some supposedly-horrific secret has come between me and one of my closest friends. I put up with this shit in the office day after day, I don't need it from you."
"Fine!" Bobby's shoulders sagged, as if something weighed heavily on him. "I like you. A lot. As in not platonic." He looked everywhere but at Garrett.
Garrett was silent, blinking in surprise. "Oh."
That just made Bobby cringe.
"What the fuck is my dumb ass sister telling you that she thought that was worthy blackmail? I know I'm an asshole but Christ, I'm not a monster." He frowned at Bobby, who was pressed back against the chair as if hoping it would swallow him. "Though I'm going to have to say you have no taste in men, Bobby."
That made his friend start, "What?" Bobby looked at him, almost smiling.
Garrett stood up and moved away, "Tell my conniving sister to do better a job the next time she blackmails you. And now that that's taken care of, I'm going to bed. Do me a favor and don't stay out so late next time." With that, Garrett fell into his bed and promptly dropped off to sleep.
Bobby shook his head and climbed into his own bed, and stared blindly at the ceiling for a long time.
"Well, you've managed to survive most of the trip," Bobby said with a grin. "I'm very impressed."
"Most?"
"Ain't over yet. You've got a whole 'nother day to go."
"True," Garrett said idly as they walked along the beach in shorts and t-shirt, carrying their sandals, periodically dodging children and nodding to other walkers. "But I think I'll make it," he looked out over the water.
Bobby dodged another squealing kid and then fell back into step with Garret. Three days had passed since he'd confessed. And things seemed…normal. More normal, in fact, than they'd been for a long, long time. Like they'd been before Garrett had turned work-obsessed and Bobby had started avoiding him.
He wasn't sure if he was relieved or disappointed. Maybe both.
They walked in silence for several minutes, far enough down the coast that the number of people thinned out. The sun was slowly setting, cooling the air and adding just the slightest bite to the wind.
"So what shall do our last night here?
Bobby was slow to reply, recalling his wandering thoughts. "Dunno. What haven't we done yet?" He grinned slyly, "Want to hit up that Italian place again?"
Shuddering, Garrett glared and took a swing at him. "Hell no. If I ever see that woman again, I'm going to be become a monk. I swear it."
Dodging the hit, Bobby snickered. "I don't think that'd dissuade her any. She'd just try to get you to see the error of your ways."
Garrett took another swing at him, making a face when Bobby once more dodged the blow. Then he stilled, expression turning thoughtful. "Actually, I think I have a better idea."
"Huh?" Bobby's laughter faded. He looked at Garrett in confusion, not able to place the odd look on his face. He jumped back when his friend reached up and touched his cheek, nearly tripping in the waves that were beating against the shore. Garrett steadied him with a hand on his shoulder. "What are you doing?"
"I've been wondering something," Garrett said quietly, seriously. His hand once more moved to Bobby's cheek, then trailed down and around to grasp the back of his neck.
"W-wondering what?" Bobby asked shakily, wishing his legs would move like he kept telling them. "You're not about to do what I think you-" his words were cut off as Garrett leaned in and kissed him, just as he'd feared. His eyes went wide, mind unable to comprehend that Garrett was kissing him. He dropped his sandals, barely noticing as they splashed into the water.
He probably should be resisting, getting angry, but he couldn't. If the curious, hesitant kiss was all he was ever going to get from the man he'd wanted forever, he was going to take it. Bobby returned the uncertain kiss with fervor, swallowing Garrett's muffled cry of surprise and taking the opportunity to deepen the kiss. He tasted of beer and pretzels, and even better than Bobby had always imagined he would.
Garrett pulled away with a gasp, "Wow."
"What?" Bobby hadn't really been expecting that response. Slowly he freed his hands from Garrett's shirt. "Why the hell did you do that?"
"I told you - I've been wondering something. Namely, what kissing you would be like. It's been rather a constant thought since…since you told me."
"Oh. Really?"
"Yes, really."
"Last I checked, Ret, you had a 'Girls Only' sign stamped on your forehead.
"Yeah, well. Jessica says I have "Clueless Asshole" stamped on it."
"So what exactly are you saying?" Bobby asked with a frown. "I don't relish being an experiment, if that's what you're after."
Garrett glared, "How many times do I have to say it? I'm an asshole, but not that much of one. I would think you would know that better than anyone."
"I do…but give me a break. I wasn't exactly expecting you to kiss me."
"Neither was I, really. But the opportunity just seemed to present itself."
"Ah."
"Are you going to be pissed if I do it again?"
"Maybe you shouldn't. I don't feel like getting arrested for lewd behavior."
"Kissing isn't lewd!"
"It is when there are children watching," Bobby pointed with a thumb toward the kids scattered along the beach. A few adults were glaring at them.
Garrett made a face, "Fine. We'll go back to the room then."
"That's another thing…" Bobby's momentary cheer faded.
"What now?"
"Is this just a vacation thing? Actually, what is it?"
"How the fuck should I know? But I didn't kiss you because I though 'oh, this'll be fun for one day.' I wouldn't do that to a friend. Fuck, if you think I'm that much a jerk, why the hell do you like me?"
Bobby shook his head, "Hell if I know."
"Hey!" Garrett took a swing at him. "Would you stop dodging!"
"I can't help it if you hit like a girl."
"That's going to cost you." Garrett threatened.
Instead of replying, Bobby waded out into the water and fished around for his lost sandals, which thankfully hadn't gone far. Turning around, he splashed Garret full in the face and then took off at a run for their rented car.
"Told you so."
"Fuck you."
"I don't think I'm the one you're going to be doing that with."
"Don't be vulgar in public."
"Being vulgar is only fun if you're in public. How else are you going to offend people?"
"I'm going to horrify them in a minute. You're still due an ass-kicking."
"Real men don't hit ladies."
"You're my sister, not a lady."
"Why don't you just admit I was right, you were wrong, and let's go grab dinner?"
"You're not getting out of this. None of this changes the fact that you tied me up, gave me concussion-"
"I did not give you a concussion!"
"Fine. Nearly gave me a concussion, and blackmailed Bobby."
"It looks like you came out of it well enough. Men. Never properly grateful for anything we women do."
"If I showed you any sort of gratitude, it would just encourage you more."
"Oh, whatever."
"Guys!" Bobby interrupted, laughing. "Could we please just grab our luggage and get out of here? Security is starting to look at you two suspiciously and I'm really hungry."
Garrett glared once more at his sister and then relented. Shouldering his carry-on he slung his other arm around Bobby's shoulders. "Fine. Jessica can get the bags, we'll go find the car."
"Like hell I'm hauling your luggage around!"
"Then I guess I'll just have to tell your husband exactly how you got me to go on vacation. Because I bet he doesn't know the entirety of the scheme. And we all know how much he likes it when you plot."
Jessica stopped, glared, and cursing a blue streak went to go get the luggage.
Then it was Tony's birthday and we went to this awesome spanish-y restaurant. I don't recall what I had, some chicken and rice thing, but the rice and chicken were BRIGHT yellow and it had strips of fried banana sticking out of it. And I had this really yummy lemonade. Dessert was the best though - this milk flan (as opposed to the usual caramel I guess?) covered in blackberries. Teh Yum.
Then S and I were on our way home, too tired to really feel like going to Jungle Jim's...but then she said "Want to go to borders?" and the day I turn down the chance to go to a bookstore will be a dark day indeed. So I bought (yet another) book of reworked fairy tales. It said "Neil Gamen" on the cover and that's all I really need to see. Should be cool though, I recognize this series of rewrites. I was very sad they didn't have David Levithan's new book, The Realm of Possibility, so I guess I'll just have to wait until my first paycheck and buy it online.
Faithful Readers will be pleased, I think. I'm posting a new short story here, and hopefully in the next couple of days I'll be able to fix up and post a new chapter each of Treasure and Paradise.
I think overall the story is probably a bit "done" but I absolutely love the opening dialogue, so I wrote it anyway. One of these days I'm going to write a story that's nothing but dialogue, but those can get confusing fast so that won't happen for awhile. Also, a thankee to star, rykaine, and ki-chan for their various ways of helping to improve and fix my stories.
Vacation
"Goddamn it. The very second I get out of this, there's going to be some fucking violence. And lots of pain. Me inflicting, you suffering."
"Now really. You're overreacting."
"All things considered, I'd say I'm handling it pretty well. I'd even say I'm fucking calm."
"You don't have to be an ass."
"I've got an idea. How about I sneak into your house, knock you unconscious, and then tie you to a dining room chair. Then you can tell me who's being an ass."
"I'm doing this for your own good."
"I hadn't realized mild concussions were good for me."
"You're being as ass again."
"I think I have a right, my soon to be deceased sister."
"There is not going to be any killing."
"Not until I'm free, anyway."
"Would you just shut up and listen to me?"
"Would you just shut up and untie me?"
"No."
"No."
"Now you're really being an asshole."
"Something about being tied up just brings out the asshole in me."
"And concussions bring out the whiny and bitchy?"
"Fuck you."
"No, thanks. Now shut up or I'll gag you."
"You. Wouldn't. Dare."
"Try me."
"What the hell do you want?"
"Finally. I want you to go on vacation."
"You knocked me out, tied me up, and are threatening to gag me because you want me to go on vacation? I'm really going to kill you now."
"Not while you're tied up, you're not."
"JESSICA!"
"Oh, shut up. I'm dead serious about this vacation."
"Seriously dead, you mean."
"Shut up. We all agree - you work too damn much. So I decided you're going on vacation. Everything is paid for. I've even enlisted a friend of yours to go with you. He should be here shortly."
"Then I guess I'm going to be arrested for two murders. Though I'm pretty sure I could get away with self-defense."
"You really are an asshole."
"Only when I'm tied up and suffering from a mild concussion."
"No, you're like this even when you're healthy and free to move."
"Whatever you say, sis. Whatever you say."
The sharp tone of the doorbell interrupted Jessica's reply. Her heels clicked on the hardwood floor as she went to answer the door. She beamed at the man on the doorstep, brushing a strand of black hair from her face. "Bobby. How nice to see you."
Bobby didn't smile back, looking up at her nervously through his dirty blonde hair and black-rimmed glasses. "Jess…please tell me you're not serious about this?"
Her smile didn't fade as she replied in a voice that was almost cheerful, "Of course I'm serious. Now get your ass in here."
Reluctantly he stepped inside, suppressing a wince as the door clicked shut. "This is a bad idea, Jess…"
"Nonsense. He needs the break and you…well, you're perfect for the job, aren't you?"
Bobby merely shook his head and pushed his glasses up his nose.
Sighing, Jessica lifted a small bundle of papers from a side table and thrust them at him. "Here are the tickets and all you'll need for the hotel and everything." She narrowed her eyes, "If I so much as glimpse the two of you before the end of the month, there will be hell to pay. I won't just tell him, Bobby, I'll make sure there are others around when I do it. Understand?"
"Yes, evil spawn."
Jessica sniffed, the trace of a smile on her lips. "That's Miss Evil Spawn to you. And I can't help it that men are inherently stupid about these things. If you're smart, Bobby, you'll tell him yourself sometime over the course of the next two weeks."
"Forget it. I like living."
"Then I suggest you be real careful when you untie him."
"WHAT! You actually tied him up? Are you insane, Jess?"
Snorting, Jessica grabbed her car keys and pulled the door open. "Insane? No. Stubborn? Yes. Enjoy your vacation." The door clicked quietly shut behind her.
Bobby removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Man, he's going to fucking kill me." Replacing his glasses he squared his shoulders and ventured further into the house.
His scuffed sneakers thumped faintly as he walked, occasionally squeaking against the polished wood.
He cringed at the look of pure fury on Garret's face as he entered the dining room - and sighed quietly in relief when his bound friend's anger turned to surprise.
"Bobby? What the hell are you doing here? Are you the one I'm supposed to be going on this dumb ass vacation with? I thought you were one of the good guys. How the hell did she drag you into this?"
"Blackmail," Bobby said simply.
That made Garret pause. He ceased struggling with the ropes binding him. "Blackmail?" he echoed. "Bobby, what in the hell could she possibly blackmail you with?"
"If I told you, there really wouldn't be much point in the blackmail, would there?"
Garret frowned, "It's something you don't want me to know?"
"Ah…no, I just mean that telling anyone would render the blackmail pointless."
"Oh. Would you fucking untie me already?"
"Only if you promise not to hurt me." Bobby said cautiously.
Garret huffed. "I had initially planned on it, but it seems you're as much a victim as I. Let me go and you can hold her while I kill her."
"Well, um…it's true I'm kinda being blackmailed into this but…"
"But?" Garret repeated ominously.
Bobby's voice was barely audible. "But it was sort of my idea in the first place." He continued in a panicked rush as Garret's expression went from displeased to 'you're dead meat.' "I mean I jokingly suggested to her a while ago that the only way you'd go on vacation was if you were tied up and thrown on the plane. I had no idea she'd take me this seriously." He paused, looking at his sneakers, "All she told me was that I was going on vacation with you, and that if I didn't get my ass over here at 2:30 today she'd tell everyone my secret. And that she'd also tell if I didn't make sure you stayed on vacation for exactly fourteen days - starting tomorrow."
"Starting tomorrow."
"Yeah."
"Bobby."
"Yeah?"
"Untie me RIGHT NOW."
Instead Bobby jumped and stumbled back, a collision with the wall all that kept him from crashing to the floor. "I don't think that's a good idea."
"The longer I'm tied up, the worse it's going to be when I get free."
"Yeah, but..."
"But nothing."
"Look. I don't like this any more than you do, 'Ret. So if I untie would you please just cooperate? We have to be at the airport in," he glanced at the tickets still in his hand. "Two hours."
Garrett didn't calm down at that, "Even assuming I was going to cooperate and go on this fucking vacation, that's no where near enough time to pack and fix everything with my clients."
"Umm…I think Jess got Maggie to help her out with your clients. And she packed your stuff last night. It's already in the car."
"My secretary is on this? That's it. She's fired. And my sister is officially dead. Bobby, why the hell did you let them get away with this? What in the fuck could she be holding over your head?"
Bobby just shook his head, mussed dirty-blonde hair falling in his face. He shoved it back, disheveling it further. "Can't tell you."
"Whatever." Garrett's shoulders sagged. "Damn conspiracies. Fine. Untie me. No promises about the vacation but I'm not going to kill you or run off and kill her. As tempting as it is."
"You have to go on vacation. Please."
"No way. I've got too damn much to do."
Bobby frowned, fingers tugging at the cuffs of his black, long-sleeved button up shirt, worn open over a pale mint green t-shirt the exact color of his eyes. "But if you don't go she'll spill everything."
"I see. So not only am I tied up and mildly concussed, but now I have to cooperate because you're being blackmailed into going with me. This is lovely. I can't wait until this whole vacation is over and I can beat the shit out of all of you." Garret started to continue his rant but paused as hurt flashed briefly across his friend's face. But Bobby was good at covering his emotions when he wanted, and it was gone almost before he saw it.
Almost.
Garret swallowed the rest of his protest, "All right, all right. Just untie me already. I was roped before I had a chance to unwind and I would really like to take a piss. Jesus, I'm going to kill her."
Managing a weak smile Bobby moved to undo the ropes, quickly stepping away as Garret pulled free. The taller man didn't glance back as he exited the dining room. Bobby's smile turned into a frown as he sat at the wide bar that divided the kitchen from the dining room. Glumly he propped his chin on folded arms, staring blankly across at the small window above the sink.
Nearly a half hour later Garret reappeared, blue-black hair damp and still rough from a towel drying. His expensive gray suit had been replaced by jeans and a navy blue t-shirt. A heavy sigh of resignation broke the tense silence. "I hope everyone's happy that I'm probably going to lose half my clients because of this."
"I doubt it. You're not one of the top business consultants around for nothing." Bobby slid from his barstool, "Ready to go?"
Sighing in resignation, Garrett nodded and grabbed his keys. "Let's go."
*~*~*~*
"You have to admit," Bobby shielded his eyes from the sun as he looked over their hotel. "There are worse things in life than being forced to endure two weeks of vacation - for free. Your sister has an…interesting way of managing things, but she means well."
Garrett wasn't impressed. "Don't care. She's still dead."
"You should really lighten up, 'Ret."
"Why would I want to do that?" Hoisting his bag up onto his shoulder and grabbing his wheeled suitcase, Garrett stalked across the parking lot toward the hotel.
Bobby raced to catch up, "What's the harm in letting your self have fun? I mean you're here even if you don't want to be - may as well enjoy it, right?"
"And just what exactly am I supposed to enjoy?" Garrett returned acidly. He was a few steps ahead of his friend, and missed the dejected look on his face. The faint words, however, he did catch.
"A friend, maybe?"
Garrett winced, and inwardly kicked himself. He sighed and approached the counter, checking them in and silently leading the way to the elevators. He didn't speak again until they were in what turned out to be a very nicely appointed room, decorated in blues and greens and with a view of the beach that was nothing less than breathtaking. "I suppose there's worse in life than being stuck with you for two weeks at a place like this." He smiled over his shoulder, relieved when Bobby smiled back.
"What say you to finding some dinner? Preferably not at one of the abhorrently expensive tourist traps."
Garrett shrugged, "Sure, why not."
"Smile and pretend you're having fun, and I'll even offer to pay."
"And if I don't?" Garrett smiled.
Bobby grinned and held up his cell phone, "I'll call your sister."
"Do you want to die?"
"No, I want to eat. So come on." Shoving his glasses up his nose and his keycard into his pocket, Bobby led the way back out of the hotel and down to the crowd of shops, restaurants and people.
*~*~*~*
"Admit it."
"I admit nothing."
"Fuck you. Just admit it."
"Okay, okay. I admit this beer isn't actually that bad. Still exorbitant what they're charging."
"'Ret!"
"All right. Calm down and be quiet - people are trying to sleep you know."
"Admit it."
"Fine. This hasn't been all bad. I still maintain I'm doing it under duress, however."
"Of course. God forbid you admit to enjoying all this time off."
Garrett contemplated his beer bottle, "Well it hasn't all been under duress, I suppose. It's been a long damn time since I could kick back and just enjoy a beer." He glanced up at the moon and dark waters beating against the shoreline far below them. "And the view's not too bad, I guess."
Snorting, Bobby took a pull on his own beer. "You're ridiculous."
Rolling his eyes, Garrett ignored that and followed a different train of thought. "You know, now that I think on it…the day we left was the first time I'd seen you in a good long while. I know I'm always busy but still…you and I used to always have time for a beer at the bar once or twice a week. What happened? It's not just me imagining things, is it?"
"No…"
"Then what is it?" Garrett huffed, impatient with his friend's sudden reticence.
Bobby flicked him a brief glance, then pushed nervously at his glasses and studied his own beer bottle. "Do you remember the last time we went out to the bar?"
Garret frowned, fingers tapping against his lips as he thought. "Yeah, because I was having a good time until those two assholes walked in." He didn't notice Bobby tense. "Jerks drove me insane at the office; they didn't like anything I had to say. That and they gave my secretary holy hell for not immediately admitting them to my office."
"What!" Bobby blurted, "That's why you were disgusted with them?"
"Huh? Well, yeah. Why the hell else would they piss me off?"
"N-no reason." Bobby surged out of his seat and moved to enter the room.
Sitting up, Garrett snagged his arm and dragged him back onto the balcony. "What gives? Why did you think I didn't like them? That's what this is about, isn't it? That's why we don't hang out anymore. Spill."
"I thought…"
"You thought?"
Bobby looked over Garrett's shoulder. "I thought you disliked them because they were gay. I guess I was just being paranoid."
That stopped Garrett in his tracks, but he recovered when his friend started trying to pull away. "Are you insane? Where would you get that idea?"
"Like I said, I guess I was paranoid."
"Paranoid? What the hell does that--" his eyes went wide. "Oh."
Bobby tensed, and dropped his head to examine his shoes. "Yeah. Oh."
"This is fucking ridiculous. Is that what my dumb ass sister is holding over your head?"
"Sort of." was the faint reply, as Bobby began to look slightly panicked.
"Sort of," Garrett repeated dryly. "What in the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"N-nothing." Bobby at last managed to pull free, and strode through the glass doors into their room, then across it and out of the room.
Pensive, Garrett watched him go.
*~*~*~*
He was still pensive when Bobby finally returned, just as dawn was lapping at the watery horizon.
Whatever Bobby had done to knock out the past several hours, it hadn't calmed him down any. At least he didn't reek of alcohol; but then, that had never been Bobby's game. Knowing him, Garrett thought, he'd probably been on a computer or with a book the whole time.
"You forgot your cell phone," he said glancing at him. Bobby avoided his gaze, though he did glance at him briefly in confusion.
Garrett explained, "I used it to call my sister while you were gone. She wasn't too happy about thinking it was you and finding out it was me." He grinned, clearly not bothered about upsetting his sister. "Anyway, I tried for a good hour to get her to tell me what she's holding over your head. She was more reticent than you are." He quirked a brow, "So what gives? I'm not going to spend the rest of this damned vacation with you all gloomy and dreading. That's not what we're here for."
"What's it matter, man? Just drop it." Bobby eyed the door.
Narrowing his eyes, Garrett rose - then dashed across the short space as Bobby bolted for the door. He reached it just in time, slamming the door shut and trapping his nervous friend against it. "Bobby, come on. Give a man a damn break. I know I'm an ass but shit - you've never run from me before. What the fuck is going on?"
"Nothing."
"Bullshit. " Fisting his hand in Bobby's shirt, he dragged him back into the room and threw him into a chair. "Now stop trying to run, stop being vague, and tell me what the fuck you're so knotted up about."
Bobby instead got mad, something which happened rarely. "Fuck off. I'll tell you when and if I want to. I don't care what you or your sister has to say about it. It's my secret to tell."
"Since when do you keep secrets from friends?" Garrett let him go, face unhappy. "I'm sorry about the bar. That I gave the wrong impression. Christ, Bobby. Did you really think so little of me that you thought I'd dislike you for being gay?"
"That wasn't it…" Bobby said thinly. He looked about as miserable as Garrett felt.
Garrett sat down heavily beside him. "Then what was it?"
"What does it matter? This has nothing to do with your vacation."
"Because the only thing I hate more than being forced to do something, is being forced to do it with a friend who's only along because of blackmail! I'm tired of it hanging over my head. Of my sister hanging it over your head."
Bobby shook his head vehemently, sending his hair into disorder. "I would have come if she'd just asked me. She was the one who decided blackmail was necessary. And I think she did it more to make you feel guilty anyway."
"Yeah, that sounds about right. But tell me anyway."
"No!"
"I'm not relenting until you tell me!"
"What does it matter?" Bobby demanded, frustrated. He slumped back in the seat.
"Because all of a sudden I don't like the damned secrecy. And I'm kind of pissed that you'd tell my sister but not me." Unhappy, Garrett sat down hard on the bed and stared glumly at the floor. "I hadn't realized I'd become so abhorrent my friends would rather talk to my sister than me."
Bobby looked even more miserable, "I didn't need to tell her. She figured it out. Believe me, I like her knowing about as much I want you knowing. Could we please just drop it?"
"No," Garrett said stubbornly. "I don't see what the big deal is. It can't be that bad. What? Are you secretly dating someone I know or something?"
"No!" Bobby tried to get up, but Garrett shoved him back down. "Just stop it," he pleaded tiredly.
"Forget it. I'm tired of everyone scheming and whispering around me. I don't like that I was forced to come here, I don't like that you were forced to come here, and I don't like that some supposedly-horrific secret has come between me and one of my closest friends. I put up with this shit in the office day after day, I don't need it from you."
"Fine!" Bobby's shoulders sagged, as if something weighed heavily on him. "I like you. A lot. As in not platonic." He looked everywhere but at Garrett.
Garrett was silent, blinking in surprise. "Oh."
That just made Bobby cringe.
"What the fuck is my dumb ass sister telling you that she thought that was worthy blackmail? I know I'm an asshole but Christ, I'm not a monster." He frowned at Bobby, who was pressed back against the chair as if hoping it would swallow him. "Though I'm going to have to say you have no taste in men, Bobby."
That made his friend start, "What?" Bobby looked at him, almost smiling.
Garrett stood up and moved away, "Tell my conniving sister to do better a job the next time she blackmails you. And now that that's taken care of, I'm going to bed. Do me a favor and don't stay out so late next time." With that, Garrett fell into his bed and promptly dropped off to sleep.
Bobby shook his head and climbed into his own bed, and stared blindly at the ceiling for a long time.
*~*~*~*
"Well, you've managed to survive most of the trip," Bobby said with a grin. "I'm very impressed."
"Most?"
"Ain't over yet. You've got a whole 'nother day to go."
"True," Garrett said idly as they walked along the beach in shorts and t-shirt, carrying their sandals, periodically dodging children and nodding to other walkers. "But I think I'll make it," he looked out over the water.
Bobby dodged another squealing kid and then fell back into step with Garret. Three days had passed since he'd confessed. And things seemed…normal. More normal, in fact, than they'd been for a long, long time. Like they'd been before Garrett had turned work-obsessed and Bobby had started avoiding him.
He wasn't sure if he was relieved or disappointed. Maybe both.
They walked in silence for several minutes, far enough down the coast that the number of people thinned out. The sun was slowly setting, cooling the air and adding just the slightest bite to the wind.
"So what shall do our last night here?
Bobby was slow to reply, recalling his wandering thoughts. "Dunno. What haven't we done yet?" He grinned slyly, "Want to hit up that Italian place again?"
Shuddering, Garrett glared and took a swing at him. "Hell no. If I ever see that woman again, I'm going to be become a monk. I swear it."
Dodging the hit, Bobby snickered. "I don't think that'd dissuade her any. She'd just try to get you to see the error of your ways."
Garrett took another swing at him, making a face when Bobby once more dodged the blow. Then he stilled, expression turning thoughtful. "Actually, I think I have a better idea."
"Huh?" Bobby's laughter faded. He looked at Garrett in confusion, not able to place the odd look on his face. He jumped back when his friend reached up and touched his cheek, nearly tripping in the waves that were beating against the shore. Garrett steadied him with a hand on his shoulder. "What are you doing?"
"I've been wondering something," Garrett said quietly, seriously. His hand once more moved to Bobby's cheek, then trailed down and around to grasp the back of his neck.
"W-wondering what?" Bobby asked shakily, wishing his legs would move like he kept telling them. "You're not about to do what I think you-" his words were cut off as Garrett leaned in and kissed him, just as he'd feared. His eyes went wide, mind unable to comprehend that Garrett was kissing him. He dropped his sandals, barely noticing as they splashed into the water.
He probably should be resisting, getting angry, but he couldn't. If the curious, hesitant kiss was all he was ever going to get from the man he'd wanted forever, he was going to take it. Bobby returned the uncertain kiss with fervor, swallowing Garrett's muffled cry of surprise and taking the opportunity to deepen the kiss. He tasted of beer and pretzels, and even better than Bobby had always imagined he would.
Garrett pulled away with a gasp, "Wow."
"What?" Bobby hadn't really been expecting that response. Slowly he freed his hands from Garrett's shirt. "Why the hell did you do that?"
"I told you - I've been wondering something. Namely, what kissing you would be like. It's been rather a constant thought since…since you told me."
"Oh. Really?"
"Yes, really."
"Last I checked, Ret, you had a 'Girls Only' sign stamped on your forehead.
"Yeah, well. Jessica says I have "Clueless Asshole" stamped on it."
"So what exactly are you saying?" Bobby asked with a frown. "I don't relish being an experiment, if that's what you're after."
Garrett glared, "How many times do I have to say it? I'm an asshole, but not that much of one. I would think you would know that better than anyone."
"I do…but give me a break. I wasn't exactly expecting you to kiss me."
"Neither was I, really. But the opportunity just seemed to present itself."
"Ah."
"Are you going to be pissed if I do it again?"
"Maybe you shouldn't. I don't feel like getting arrested for lewd behavior."
"Kissing isn't lewd!"
"It is when there are children watching," Bobby pointed with a thumb toward the kids scattered along the beach. A few adults were glaring at them.
Garrett made a face, "Fine. We'll go back to the room then."
"That's another thing…" Bobby's momentary cheer faded.
"What now?"
"Is this just a vacation thing? Actually, what is it?"
"How the fuck should I know? But I didn't kiss you because I though 'oh, this'll be fun for one day.' I wouldn't do that to a friend. Fuck, if you think I'm that much a jerk, why the hell do you like me?"
Bobby shook his head, "Hell if I know."
"Hey!" Garrett took a swing at him. "Would you stop dodging!"
"I can't help it if you hit like a girl."
"That's going to cost you." Garrett threatened.
Instead of replying, Bobby waded out into the water and fished around for his lost sandals, which thankfully hadn't gone far. Turning around, he splashed Garret full in the face and then took off at a run for their rented car.
*~*~*~*
"Told you so."
"Fuck you."
"I don't think I'm the one you're going to be doing that with."
"Don't be vulgar in public."
"Being vulgar is only fun if you're in public. How else are you going to offend people?"
"I'm going to horrify them in a minute. You're still due an ass-kicking."
"Real men don't hit ladies."
"You're my sister, not a lady."
"Why don't you just admit I was right, you were wrong, and let's go grab dinner?"
"You're not getting out of this. None of this changes the fact that you tied me up, gave me concussion-"
"I did not give you a concussion!"
"Fine. Nearly gave me a concussion, and blackmailed Bobby."
"It looks like you came out of it well enough. Men. Never properly grateful for anything we women do."
"If I showed you any sort of gratitude, it would just encourage you more."
"Oh, whatever."
"Guys!" Bobby interrupted, laughing. "Could we please just grab our luggage and get out of here? Security is starting to look at you two suspiciously and I'm really hungry."
Garrett glared once more at his sister and then relented. Shouldering his carry-on he slung his other arm around Bobby's shoulders. "Fine. Jessica can get the bags, we'll go find the car."
"Like hell I'm hauling your luggage around!"
"Then I guess I'll just have to tell your husband exactly how you got me to go on vacation. Because I bet he doesn't know the entirety of the scheme. And we all know how much he likes it when you plot."
Jessica stopped, glared, and cursing a blue streak went to go get the luggage.
no subject
Date: 2004-08-21 08:00 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-08-21 08:16 pm (UTC)*bows humbly* You are too kind to me.
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Date: 2004-08-21 09:28 pm (UTC)I just finished reading a very short story that was all dialogue and having a discussion about it with the author.
Errrrr, I liked the story. Kinda got confusing at parts (with the dialogue) but nothing utterly mind boggling.
I always find myself dropping everything I'm doing in order to read your stories. Cuz I like them so much. XD... Can't wait for Treasure. (Yes, I've said it before, and I believe you already know.)
no subject
Date: 2004-08-21 09:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-08-21 10:38 pm (UTC)Anyway, this story was great! You have an aptitude for dialogue, which just makes the story that much better. Even if this is over-done, all is forgiven because it's so well-done. Ah, I love Garret and Jessica! (Even if he's oblivious and she's manipulative.)
I think you could write an all-dialogue story easily. If you need some help or anything, there's a book called "Phone Calls" by R. L. Stine (of all people!) that's completely dialogue. (Gods, I haven't thought about that book in YEARS.) Or, not to spam out my own work or anything, but I've written a couple all-dialogue stories if you want to peruse or anything.
"Paradise" is going to be updated? Yay!
There's a Gaiman book of reworked fairy tales? Well, I love Neil Gaiman. And I love fairy tales. What's it called?
*crosses fingers and presses "post comment"*
no subject
Date: 2004-08-22 07:13 am (UTC)Thank you! I think I'm only decent with dialogue because I'm too lazy to write lengthy descriptions.
I shall peruse your work. Ye gods, R.L.Stine. When was the last time I read one of his books? Years ago...
The book isn't all Gaimen, he's just one of the regular contributors to what I thin is sort of an informal series of 'fairytales for adults.' I have two of them now, I'm not sure how many were out before I found them. The two I have are Snow White, Blood Red and Black Heart, Ivory Bones and oh look there's a whole list of'em in side. Wow, I'm behind. Anyway, they're edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling, and are pretty cool twisted versions. Erm, enough rambling.
no subject
Date: 2004-08-22 10:43 am (UTC)Oh, the fairy tales for adults. Yeah, I've got some of those. They're great! Heh, I haven't read R. L. Stine since...since...since I can't even remember!
Well, if you really want to peruse, I have two up at fp.com. Here are the links.
(His Twisted Reality) http://www.fictionpress.com/read.php?storyid=1700544
(Phone Calls -- Ha, ha, go figure!) http://www.fictionpress.com/read.php?storyid=1310418
Hope you enjoy!
no subject
Date: 2004-08-22 11:56 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-08-22 12:01 pm (UTC)Hee, ^_^ I'm not sure I'd call it literature, but you're most welcome. Thanks for reading!
no subject
Date: 2004-08-22 02:45 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-08-22 09:00 pm (UTC)*giggles* Always happy to oblige *loves back* Thanks for reading!
no subject
Date: 2004-08-22 09:16 pm (UTC)It feels like I used to have flan all the time, but I realized I actually like ice cream better. Then again, I forget what flan tastes like.
I actually wanted the dessert that said it had delicious wafers of stuff in it, but I knew that one bite of that would be the end of me.
no subject
Date: 2004-08-22 09:28 pm (UTC)I'm pretty much *squee* for anything involving blackberries.
Flan is an acquired taste for me. For the longest time I was not a fan of either spanish or indian food. But all my friends *heart* the stuff so really it was "can't beat. join."
That place was great. Thanks for taking us along ^_^
no subject
Date: 2004-08-23 11:47 am (UTC)