This is just a little ficlet I thought of while re-reading the series. Takes place in STWAOES, when they're being held in the School. The few lines about checking each other for expiration dates inspired me to write this little fax-ish thing.
"Fang?" I whispered in the darkness.
"Yeah." I sat up, hugging myself. The lights were out, and we were the only ones awake in the small room in the School. I couldn't stand being in here; I didn't understand how the flock could fall asleep.
I watched as Fang's silhouette stood from his table/bed. He came over to sit next to me on mine. We were quiet for a minute.
"Um, Fang..."
"Yeah?" There was something like hope in his voice; it confused me. Nothing I could say would help us.
"Would you, um, would you check my neck?" I whispered, thinking about the tattoo on Ari's.
He didn't say anything for what felt like a while. Then I felt his fingers pulling my collar away from the back of my neck. He softly touched the nape of my neck, making me shiver. Pushing my hair out of the way, he was quiet as ever.
"Well?" I asked nervously, trying to ignore the involuntary quiver in my voice.
"Nothing."
I sighed in relief. His hand lingered, gently massaging, just like that night in the cave. It felt like forever ago.
"Want me to check you?" I said awkwardly. It felt good, but bad, at the same time. It was just... confusing. And I didn't like being confused.
He shrugged, finally pulling away. I bit my lip and brushed his messy black hair out of the way. What if there was a date?
Phew. Nothing but smooth, tan skin. "You're good," I said, smiling tensely and patting his hair. His mouth quirked, just slightly.
We sat there in the dark, watching the sleeping forms of the flock. Our flock. He absently placed a finger on top of mine, and I let it be. We were fine.
I hoped.
Review!