A/N: I'm horrible, I know. I have all these new and random (half-baked) stories and I haven't even finished my others. I'm still writing for them too, except I'm having trouble with transitioning scenes. But then again, as you probably know, the thing I complain most about is my trouble linking scenes. I write the scenes I see clearly first and then I have to go back and string them together.
I've head that taking a sabbatical from writing would be good, but I don't want to take a break from writing. I have a fear that if I take a break then I will lose my motivation to write all together. It's taken almost two decades to write again. So...I'll just keep posting my random idea stories.
ALSO if you know anyone who might be interested in being my beta, that'd be cool.
Please read and review. Your reviews really do lift my spirits and help motivate me to continue writing. It is the best feeling when someone reacts to the pieces they write. I hope one day to write a cool short novel. If I don't...at least I have my fanfiction! lol.
Summary: Six years ago Mamoru left Juban, Japan for Boston. Returning with his wife in tow, he learns more and more about the years he was away... (Sorry for the sucky summary)
Defer
Chapter 1
Rated: M
The screeching sound of the grocery carts grated on her nerves. She gnashed her teeth to keep from screaming at her husband. Why were they here- in a...gross grocery slash retail store? The stench of mundane meager living caused her nose to twitch in disdain. She was surrounded by it, and it felt as if it was trying to suck her into the vacuum of the working class. Fukuyo shuddered at the thought. Clenching the fur of her coat tightly she walked swiftly, her designer Badley Mishka clicking against the scuffed tiled floor.
It was obvious that Chiba Fuyuko was not from the area. If her clothing did not make it obvious, the rest of her did. It wasn't necessarily her pearlescent skin, many of the residents took care of their skin, religiously pressing serum to their cheeks and neck. Neither was it the silk shine of her obsidian hair or the precisely cut ends that fell into a perfect bob just an inch from her shoulders. No, it was none of that. The thing that identified her as a foreigner to this part of the city was the colored eyeshadow that painted her lids; the dark eyeliner that emphasized the length of her eyes; the faux eyelashes that framed her eyes. It was the blush at the apple of her cheeks and the applied contour that shaped her face.
The other faces around her were not heavily brushed. Some had not bothered to cover the dark circles under their eyes or fill in their eyebrows. Some wore shirts with heavy wrinkles, not bothering to feel ashamed that they looked less than pristine.
Fuyuko was so lost in her own self-pity that she didn't notice the little boy who was standing near the shelves. But she certainly noticed him when she bumped into him. The collision caused the young woman to fall on her knees, causing her suit skirt to tear. The child was pitched to the side, he stumbled a little but ultimately stayed standing. His feet were quick and they distributed the force from the collision with large heavy steps.
"Shit!"
The child stared at the woman with wide eyes; she had justcussed. Fuyuko pushed herself up and turned her eyes to the raven haired boy. Her lavender eyes narrowed and zeroed in on him with utter contempt.
"Look at this!" -pointing to the tear in her skirt- "you ripped my skirt!" The small boy continued to stare at her, his azure eyes wide and his mouth slightly open. "And this! It's dirty!"
Abruptly the boy bowed several times. "Gomen nasai. Gomen nasai. Gomen nasai," the child repeated. She sneered. God she hated children.
"Gomen nasai?! What kind of child are you! Where are your manners?" she snipped. "Didn't your parents teach you how to speak to your elders! It's sumimasen*!"
The boy, who looked no more than six was still in his bow. His little hands were at his sides, straight as rods, the way his mama had always told him. Fuyuko slapped the back of his head, once, twice, and a third for good measure.
"You watch where you're going next time! You're lucky I don't find your mother and demand she pay for ruining my outfit!" Feeling a little better after punishing the boy, she turned around and went to find her husband.
She found him in the pharmacy area. Pushing her bottom lip out, she walked to the man with an exaggerated whimper. It should be no surprise that Fuyuko's husband was handsome. Good looking people often copulate with other good looking people. And because Fuyuko was exceptionally beautiful, her husband was incredibly beautiful as well.
When the heavens created him they had given him height, it was a selfish move on their part, the taller he was the closer he would be to them. They had also gifted him with immaculate bone structure, he had a strong jaw and wide shoulders. Although he was thin, he was not lanky. His body was sculpted with muscles that were formed and maintained by his frequent and daily workout.
He didn't hear his wife as she toddled to him, nor when she whined. His cerulean eyes were fixed on the two bottles of pills in his hand. They darted back and forth, comparing ingredients.
"Mamoru," Fuyuko pouted. She waited for him to turn to her. His non response was not unfamiliar. Her husband tended to hyper focus on one thing and forget everything else around him. "Mamoruuuu," she repeated petulantly. When he did not respond a second time she slapped his shoulder.
"Huh?"
"Mamoru! Look!" She pointed down to her skirt.
"What happened?" he asked, looking at the large dirt spots near her knees and the tear in the inner seam.
"That her!?"
Mamoru turned his gaze from his wife to the end of the aisle. There were two children looking in their direction. With the same colored hair, Mamoru assumed they were, likely, siblings. The one who shouted marched down the aisle, hand holding the other one's. Once they were a few feet away he could see they were twins, a girl and a boy. It was the girl who was taking lead.
"Old lady!" The child pointed her stubby finger at his wife. "You made my brother cry!"
Fuyuko gasped, her eyes widened, clearly offended.
"How dare -"
"Now you better apologize!"
"Excuse me!"
Mamoru stifled his laugh. The child was rather adorable; round cheeks, large azure eyes, and long dark hair. It fell just at her waist. The little boy hid behind his sister. His eyes were swollen and his lower lip trembled.
"Apologize!" the child repeated even louder.
"Listen up you little -"
"Chibi-Rei! Ryoma!" A blonde blur came through the aisle and straight to the children. "I told you to stay next to me!" The straw haired man scolded them. "Do you know how panicked I was when I couldn't find you? You know kids get taken from places all the time!"
"Tou-chan, I was just-"
"No excuses Chibi-chan, you know better than this. Ryoma-chan... maybe. But you -"
"Motoki-san?" Mamoru questioned. The man squatting down in front of the children looked up quickly. His green eyes widened abnormally so, his pupils dilating, a rush of adrenaline filling his system.
"I-uh..Ma-Mamoru-san...I-um-hi," he stuttered. "I- I didn't know you were in town" -he reached out to take the children's hands- "are you...back for good?" He pulled them to stand behind him.
"No. I'm here for a ceremony. I'll be going back up to Boston after."
"Good," Motoki sighed. "I mean- not good as in it's good you're going back, but good as in you get to come visit your hometown."
"Are thos-" Mamoru began to gesture to the children.
"Is this your wife?" Motoki interrupted.
"Oh yes, sorry. Fuyuko this is my childhood friend Furuhata Motoki."
"It's great to meet you," the straw-haired man smiled warmly. The young woman lightly blushed. Her husband's friend was rather handsome.
"Your kids?" Mamoru continued.
"Yes," he stated proudly. "I'm so sorry but I've gotta run. It was really nice seeing you again Mamoru-san." He turned away quickly and pushed his kids forward, "let's go, let's go, let's go," Mamoru heard Motoki rushing them.
The ceremony was being held at an upscale restaurant that hadn't existed when Chiba lived there six years ago. It boasted French decor, bright white linen, and neo-renaissance paintings. All things that Mamoru found visually appealing. The private dining rooms were separated by glass partitions. He thought the design was modern and genius, as it allowed the room to appear open whilst allowing for closed group functions.
The glasses were made of crystal and the light from the chandeliers made them sparkle. There was a light clink. Clink. Clink. Clink. and the room hushed. The hospital chairman cleared his throat before he began his greetings.
"I'm going to the bathroom darling," Fuyuko whispered to her husband. He nodded as she left the table. When she returned a few minutes later she looked rather irritated. In most cases he would have ignored it, but as she slid into her seat she said, "I saw that kid again."
The raven haired doctor quirked an eyebrow; the incident at Daiae forgotten.
"Your friend Motoki, his daughter. I just saw her and the mother."
"Oh yes," he remembered now. "That'd be Reika. Those two have been together since high school. She moved to Africa for her fellowship for a little while and then returned just after I left here. They must've gotten married…"
For some reason, the thought of Motoki marrying without inviting him hurt. Despite the fall out of everything, he and Motoki had still been his best friend for 34 years (28 if you subtracted the last six years). How could he not invite him to the wedding?
"I wonder if I should say hi," he wondered aloud.
"Oh, there she is," Fuyuko nodded toward the party across the room.
Mamoru felt his insides freeze. His whole body simply turned to stone. He was afraid to move, afraid to breathe, lest he bring attention to himself. He had hoped he'd never see her again, never run into her, never have to deal with her again. He'd hoped...but that hope was squashed now, because she was standing in the same restaurant.
-Thirteen years ago-
She was dancing in his living room. The bottom of her dress twirling with each spin. She told him, "I want to dance." With little effort, which meant a lot of effort, Mamoru moved his coffee table and rearranged the furniture. She would need a lot of space, otherwise she'd just knock into the table and couch.
Connecting her phone to his bluetooth speaker she put on her favorite song. It was an upbeat pop song. She shook her head and wiggled her hips, her dainty hands were up in the air and her fingers making magic.
"Come on Mamo-chan dance with me." The ebony haired man shook his head.
"You know I can't dance," he laughed. "And anyway, I'd much prefer watching you."
He sat on the chair and watched her in awe. She was so brilliant and bright, this amazing piece of light that shined through his life. He liked when she came over, when she'd busy herself in his cabinets and refrigerator looking for food. Usagi walked about his apartment as if it were her own, throwing her things about carelessly and not bothering to ask for permissionfor a thing.
He met the young blonde girl two years ago; a fourteen year old middle schooler introduced to him by his best friend. The moment his eyes met hers, he'd fallen in love. But the five year age difference had him keep her at a platonic distance. Yet his infatuation made him keep her close. They were friends, although she'd argue he behaved more like an arrogant, annoying, and overprotective older brother.
"Guess what!?" his angel asked.
"What's that Usagi-chan?"
"You have to guess!" She folded her arms across her chest, and though the music was positive in message, her face displayed a rather sour look.
"Okay, okay," he relented. "Um...you passed your English exam?"
"Ugh, what kind of guess is that? Try again."
"You passed your math test?"
"Nope."
"You failed your math test?"
"Well...yeah... but that's not what it is."
"I give up."
"I have a date for junior prom!" she jumped up and clapped. Mamoru bristled, junior prom?
"You're not even a junior, Odango."
"Well I don't have to be a junior, Baka! My date is a junior. I'm so excited! I'm going shopping with the girls tomorrow."
Mamoru's eyes darted away; he fixed his gaze on the side wall. "I don't think it's appropriate for you to go to the junior prom. You're only a sophomore."
"It's fine. Mina was asked as well. Masumi Hiro asked me. You met him, the one with the really spiky blonde hair."
Mamoru did remember that kid. He was the one that often hovered near her when she played the racing game.
"I thought we talked about this dating thing."
"Noooo...you stated your opinion. And I don't feel the same."
"You're too young! Guys only want one thing, to get in your pants."
"That's not true. Hiro isn't like that!"
"All guys are like that! All they think about is sex!"
"So all you think about is sex!" she cut in scathingly.
"Yes! And The only reason he asked you is because he knows how naive and immature you are. You're easy to take advantage of." She felt as if he'd slapped her. Her eyes watered as she shouted back.
"You are not my father! I don't care what you think! I'm going!"
"No you aren't!" He jumped up from his seat and threw a pillow at the floor.
"You don't get to tell me what I can and cannot do, Chiba! So what if he wants to get into my pants? If I decide to have sex with him that's my choice, not yours!" She stomped over to her bag, "I'm going home. I don't want to ta-"!
"Wait, wait, wait." Mamoru cried desperately. He ran to block the door. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you like that." Usagi sniffled. Her angry tears were still at bay. "I just don't..." His voice cracked. The blonde's eyebrows furrowed, not understanding his sudden change in attitude. "Every time you go out with someone" -he raised his gaze to meet hers- "it hurts."
I]I]I]I
Mamoru watched her closely. The way she blinked, the way she pouted, the way she huffed out in complete frustration. The golden goddess brought her glass milkshake closer to her. Placing the straw between her lips she sucked as hard as she could. In a few seconds her face had gone a shade of blue and she gave up, whatever was blocking her straw was a force to be reckoned with. Sitting beside her, he scooted closer to her. God she smells good. He nuzzled his nose into her hair, inhaling her.
"Mamo-chan!" Usagi whispered harshly. "Stop that, it's embarrassing."
The college student chuckled. He pulled back, and with his hand he turned her face toward him. Her cheeks were flush. Biting her lips her eyes darted away. He grinned, he enjoyed how innocent she was.
"What's embarrassing?"
"People keep looking at us," she said under her breath.
Mamoru took a moment to survey the arcade. His navy gaze fell onto the group of girls sitting near the entrance booth. They were staring intensely, their eyes narrowed in on his tiny blonde. He knew the group well, dated one or two...he thinks. None of them left enough of an impression to remember them. Continuing on, he found several other patrons, some staring blatantly curious whilst others snickered at their impropriety.
"I don't see anyone," he lied. Her gaze shot up and she scowled at his obvious fib.
"Liar."
"Would it help if I said I don't care?"
"No." She rolled her eyes and attempted to get back to her food.
However, Mamoru clasped her chin between his thumb and forefinger and kissed her softly. Her eyes widened at the public affection and her face immediately reddened. Her shoulders hunched as if trying to hide behind her milkshake glass. He chuckled again and placed his arm around her waist, hauling her up against his chest.
"What the hell Chiba-kun?" An ash-haired male came up to their table. "I didn't know you were into little kids."
Usagi tucked her chin to her chest, shrinking into herself.
"Hey Myu-kun, what's up." He replied in his normal monotone.
"I heard you were fooling around with a high schooler, so I just came by to see if there was any truth."
"Fooling around?" he repeated the phrase, sounding somewhat amused. He ran his left fingers through her hair.
"That's what the girls have reported."
"Hmmm…" he hummed a non committal.
"So?"
"Gomen Myu-kun, this is Usagi-chan, my girlfriend."
"The fans are not gonna like this," the student responded. Mamoru shrugged. His friend sighed and then straightened up. His brown eyes swept over Usagi, who was fidgeting uncomfortably in her new beau's arms.
"Ohayo," Myu greeted. Usagi looked up, her sapphire eyes meeting his.
"Ohayo," she smiled.
The ash-haired man felt himself suck in air rapidly. "You are gorgeous."
Once again, the tiny blonde blushed. Her reaction caused Mamoru to frown.
"Fuck off Myu-san."
"Mamo-chan!" Usagi gasped.
"Woah, no need to get angry," he held his hands up in surrender, "I was only making an observation. Not like I'm trying to steal her."
He slid into the booth opposite the couple and folded his hands on the table. "I'm sure you know why I'm here."
Usagi looked between the two. Mamoru looked annoyed.
"It's none of their business."
"I agree," he responded. "Unfortunately they have me wrapped around their little finger." He sighed dreamily. Snapping to in a second, his gaze fell on the blonde. "You don't have to answer," he informed.
"Answer?"
"This is an interrogation."
"Interrogation? What's that?"
"Oh you sweet-"
"Shut up," Mamoru growled.
"I should probably reintroduce myself. I'm Myu Hitachi, Mamoru and I have been class mates since middle school."
"Do you go to Keio too?"
"Yes, I'm working for a law degree. Which brings me to my visit. I'm here to question you about your dating Mamoru-kun."
"Let's go Usako." Her boyfriend attempted to get them out of the booth, but she shook her head.
"No, I want to hear."
"An interrogation is when I ask you questions to find out more about you."
"Why?"
"Usako, let's go," Mamoru repeated, his tone stern.
"If you want to go, then go," she replied haughtily. He'd always loved her stubborn penchant, but at this moment, not so much.
"His many admirers want to know...therefore I've been hired...bribed, whatever you want to call it." Myu shrugged. "Of course, you don't have to stay. But it'd be helpful."
I could have approached you alone," -eyes sliding to Mamoru's- "without Mamoru," Myu's green eyes held the doctor-to-be's. Usagi watched the silent stare off, perplexed. A few seconds passed before his gaze returned to Usagi's. "But he'd find out sooner or later. So I figured the direct way would be best. So...can you help me out Tsukino-san?"
"You can call me Usagi."
The man smiled brightly. "Alright Usagi-san. Is it true you've know Mamoru for three years?"
"Yes."
"So you're pretty familiar with his...personality?"
She turned to give her boyfriend a teasing grin, "Yes"
"Is it true you two used to get into loud verbal...sparring matches?"
"I think anyone," she raised a perfectly arched eyebrow, "who goes to the arcade knows that."
"But then you guys started being friends. Inquiring minds want to know how that happened."
"Well...I don't know...I guess…" she looked to Mamoru and squinted, trying to remember. "Oh, yea, he offered to help me with my summer school work."
"Summer school?"
"I'm not really" she paused, fiddling her fingers. "...great with school stuff." Mamoru gave her waist a comforting squeeze.
"He offered or you asked him?"
"I was going to ask Toki-chan, but Mamo said that Toki was already busy with the arcade and I'd just be another both-" suddenly remembering his scathing remarks she turned around and slapped his chest, "I'm not stupid."
"I know," Mamoru smiled, "I was only joking then Odango." She huffed and then turned back to Myu.
"So he helped me during summer and we became friends."
"Did you ask Motoki in front of Mamoru?"
"No, I never got to ask him. I bumped into Mamoru first and told him about it."
"Did you 'bump' into him on purpose?"
"No. Why would I do that?" Her brows furrowed in confusion.
"Because he's so good looking and popular."
"But he's such a jerk. It never really crossed my mind at that moment."
"So you didn't think he was attractive?"
"Of course I did, I'm not blind." Mamoru smirked. "It was just his personality that put me off." And then it faded.
"Don't you think it's a bit weird how off Mamoru's been lately?"
"Hmm?" she tilted her head, unsure.
"I'm not off," Mamoru scowled.
"Since we've known each other," the ash-haired student gestured to his himself and co-ed. "You've always been, pretty much, uptight physically and emotionally. You know...an asshole."
Usagi giggled, in agreement.
"But now he's done a 180. Don't you think it's suspicious?" The smile left her face at his question. It did sound suspicious when he put it like that...like there was something happening she unaware of... perhaps hidden motives.
"And you're a sophomore in high school...and he's a sophomore in college...I'm sure you can imagine what they're say-"
"Stop right there," Mamoru's voice was low and threatening. It was hard enough to convince her to be with him. If Myu fed into her insecurity- she'd change her mind.
Mamoru felt her scoot away from him. Feeling hurt and angry, he pulled her against him roughly. She slammed into his chest. He didn't care about the pain that accompanied it. His hands tightened around her sternum.
"It's pretty simple. The answer is I love her."
I]I]I]I
Sitting on his couch, Mamoru had Usagi cradled on his lap; his lips against hers. His left hand was on her knee, ever so slowly he inched it higher. His other hand held her neck steady. Over and over he plunged his tongue into her mouth. Hearing her moan sent a thrill through his body.
Expertly he maneuvered her to lay under him, his upper body laying across her chest. Releasing her mouth he moved to her throat. As she closed her eyes and moaned, his fingers undid the buttons of her uniform. She didn't realize he'd opened the blouse until she felt her skin against his cotton shirt. She gasped and tried to wiggle out. He refused to let go of his hold. Instead, he cupped her breast.
"Mamo-chan," she gasped, her body tensing. She'd never been touched like this. Sure she'd made out a few times with boys she'd dated, but they'd never touched her like this. She felt embarrassed.
"Mamo, stop."
"What's wrong?" he asked, his lips traveling down her throat to her collar bone. His thumb brushed her nipple and her body arched in response. It felt good, but in a way that she didn't feel comfortable with yet.
"Mamo-chan, please stop."
"Why?" He continued his ministrations, his thumb gently rubbing at her hardening nipple. A warmth began pooling between her legs. His mouth suckled her through her bra. The action elicited a loud moan.
"You like that, huh?" he chuckled darkly. His other hand pulled down the thin fabric that kept him separated from her skin. He bent down to take her mound in his mouth again, but she grabbed his hair and pulled him away.
"Mamoru, I said stop," -she was breathing heavily. She quickly closed her blouse, pulling the ends together and clasping the shirt.
"What's wrong, Usako?"
"...I don't think-" She paused. She wasn't sure how to put into words that she was scared; in a way that didn't make her sound like an immature child. "I think we're moving too fast."
"Too fast?"
"I mean...we just started dating."
"Don't you trust me?"
"Yes...but, I don't want to be…" she wanted to tell him she didn't want to be treated like the other girls. And...and what if he was using her? Myu had a point. And didn't Mamoru say that all guys want is sex? Didn't he say she would be easy to take advantage of? That guys will do just about anything to "get in" a girl's pants?
"I love you Usako," his words broke through her thoughts. He brushed his knuckles against her cheek.
"I love you too."
"I want you to be mine, forever."
She smiled, and the butterflies in her stomach came alive. "I want to be yours forever."
"I want to make you mine."
"Mamo-"
"Let me love you, please." He kissed her neck. She bit her bottom lip. "Please," he asked suckling her earlobe. Delicately he placed his hands on hers and removed the teen's grasp of her shirt. "Please," he repeated.
She remained quiet. Taking her silence as permission, he carried her to his bedroom. She was tense when he began; Shoulders drawn up to her ears and her eyes squeezed shut. Mamoru went slowly, coaxing her with his soft touches and tender words. Eventually, she relaxed.
When his hands went down in between her legs, she squeezed her thighs. Immediately clamming up.
"Relax Usako. Trust me." He pushed himself up on his forearm to look in her eyes. "You'll like it, I promise." She nodded and did her best to relax her knees. He returned his lips to hers and kissed her. She needed to forget to feel embarrassed, so he brought his hand back up to her breasts and pinched at her nipple. She moaned again and he smiled into her mouth.
He moved his mouth down to her breast and used his tongue to flick over the pebbled. Her hands thrust into his hair. She squirmed under him, the sensations taking over her receptors. His hand snaked down again; this time he was able to get to her easily. He slipped a finger between her lips, to ensure she was ready for him.
"This will hurt a little."
He adjusted himself between her legs and pushed himself in, in one quick thrust. He felt her hymen break and her subsequent tears that fell on his hands.
He rocked slowly, trying his best not to let the desire to slam into her overtake him. When he began to feel her moving with him, he thrust a little harder.
"You make me whole," he told her. He picked up his pace when he heard her breathing increasing.
"Ahhhh! I'm- I'm- I'm-" Her hands grasped the bedsheets. He could feel the tremors begin.
"Hold onto me," he commanded. She clutched on to his shoulders. As soon as he felt her tighten around him he released, filling her with his essence. He could hear her weeping.
"Usako, what's wrong? Did I hurt you?" He asked, pulling away to look at her. She shook her head vigorously. "Then what is it?" He rolled onto his side and wiped the tears from her cheeks.
"It was just...overwhelming...it was so," she struggled to come up with the word. Unable to find the right one she settled on, "happy.- More than Christmas," she clarified.
He smiled and kissed her shoulder. Wrapping his arm around her waist he pulled her against his chest. needing to feel her skin against his. Abruptly, she pushed herself away from him.
"Mamoru," she shouted in a panic, "you-you didn't use protection!"
"I know."
"Why not?" she shouted, her eyes wide in hysteria. "Oh my god, do you do that with everyone? Do I need to get an STD check? I ca-"
"Usako, calm down. This was the first time I've ever had sex without a condom. The last STD check I had was half a year ago. And no, I did not sleep with anyone between then and now."
"Why didn't you use a condom?" she cried dismayed.
"I …" he wasn't sure how to express himself. He had wanted to be one with her, to feel her completely, to be whole. "...wanted it to be special."
She slapped him. He hadn't seen it coming. Putting his hand to his cheek, he stared at her both confused and bewildered. She was running about picking up her clothes.
"Usako-"
"No!" she pointed an accusing finger. "Don't you dare come near me again."
She was as beautiful as the day he'd first met her. Her golden hair still pinned up in that ridiculous hair style, her blue eyes twinkling, her smile captivating the people around her. Based on her outfit, it looked like she was at some type of celebration. He wondered what she ended up doing after attaining her college degree. Did she even finish her college? He wasn't sure. He never bothered to check up.
He blinked several times and reminded himself that he was looking for Reika. His eyes wandered the crowd.
"Where did you see her?" Mamoru asked.
"Right there, she's standing at that table, she's in a blue dress." A large lump formed in his throat. It threatened to choke him. That...that couldn't be.
"What color hair?" Mamoru asked.
"Blonde."
"Fuck." The mother of Motoki's children was not Reika. It was Mamoru's ex-wife.
*sumimasen: formal/polite apology to someone (usually of higher status/age/stranger).
*tou-chan: a child's way of saying dad. (Think of it being equivalent to little kids calling their father- "daddy")
Author's post talk: And so there you go...and just so you know, yes...I have another scene from the future...and yes I'm struggling to get from the end of this chapter, to the next scene I've written. I'll go hide in my hole now and figure out to bridge all my stories. The next story I have to update is How Not To Handle A Breakup. Ohh boy that is a struggle. But I'm trying to keep to a rotation. The idea is to get in a headspace in which I have trained myself to write and keep writing now matter what. Anyway, if you're interested: Earth King and How Not To Handle A Break Up are both 5 chapters. My story: As One...that one...I'm not sure how long that'll be. It'll likely be a lot. There's a lot of development that needs to occur to get to the climax and the resolution (sorry about that). I'm still stuck on Exile (The Premise Series), I write on and off for that one. Then lastly...I am experimenting with a different teen story. The writing there is much harsher and the dialogue very explicit (due to the age group). Not sure if anyone who likes my writing will enjoy that piece. Anyway, I hope that this interests you!
late
-Billy