frogs_of_war (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
frogs_of_war) wrote2012-09-18 07:22 pm
frogs_of_war) wrote2012-09-18 07:22 pm
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Annals of Autumn: Late September
I really wish TokyoPop hadn't gone out of business. I want the last 18 or so volumes of Silver Diamond. *sigh*
Late September
Title: Annals of Autumn
Chapter: 4 — Late September
Series: Seth and Steven Ito-Parker
Status: Incomplete
Genre: Family, 'married' life, drabbles
Length: about 4,200 words
Summary: Seth and Steven deal with home and family and school after the boys come to live with them, but still manage to find time for each other
Prompt: # 26 velvet heart
Title: hand-me-downs
“What do you want for your birthday?” Seth asked.
Quinton would be nine soon.
“Quinty wants a kitty,” said Zoe.” And I want a mouse. Or maybe a squirrel.”
Javier flicked her forehead. “This isn’t about you.”
“I get stuff,” Zoe argued. “Dani’s gonna give me her purple fuzzy heart pillow for my bed.”
Javier frowned. “Why don’t I get hand-me-downs?”
“Because Josh trashes his clothes and you are already as tall as me.”
“But I could have the stuff you don’t want anymore.”
“For the, what, next two weeks. You’ll soon be as tall as Steven.”
“But still...”
“Sorry.”
Prompt: #4 cupboard, falling, fear
Seth opened the cupboard and quickly put up his hand to keep the peanut butter from falling out.
The kids used to be so careful about asking for things. Now Javier just ate what he wanted when he wanted. Although, he was bound to be hungry all the time as he was eleven and growing fast.
Quinton was fast and kind and bright. He was just about the perfect kid, which made Seth fear that Quinton wasn’t feeling entirely at home yet. Seth hoped he would be soon, even if it meant misbehavior.
And Zoe was Zoe. Demanding and adorable.
Prompt: #21 animal, vegetable, mineral
Title: Homework
“What is a vaugey?”
Seth looked over at Quinton’s worksheet. “Veggie. Short for vegetable.”
Quinton sighed. “English is so weird.”
Seth rubbed Quinton’s head.
“Zo,” Javier said, “you are such a distracting animal.”
Zoe stamped her foot. “I’m not an animal. I’m a girl.”
“But a girl is an animal,” said Javier and launched into a detailed scientific explanation, which proved that he had a firmer grasp of English than Seth had expected.
Seth shot him a smile. “I am impressed.”
Javier looked back at his homework. “Is salt a mineral?”
“Yes. NaCl.”
“Thanks.” And for once he looked happy.
Prompt: #6 light, refrigerator, mountains
Seth dropped the bags just inside the door. Taking the kids anywhere meant a lot of luggage. They had been to the mountains. Or rather just one. Mt. Hood had only a dusting of snow now, but they’d go back when it got deeper.
Quinton carried his bag into his room, like the good boy he was. Javier, always hungry, dumped his on the kitchen floor and raided the refrigerator.
Steven carried Zoe to her bed. She’d been out like a light as soon as they gotten in the car for the ride home. Seth wished he could have been.
Prompt: #2 hail, giant cucumber, goat
“I want a cucumber too, Gramma,” said Zoe, bouncing on her toes, “but only if it’s a giant cucumber.”
“If you can eat all that,” said Javier, “you’re a goat.”
“But I don’t want to be a goat,” wailed Zoe.
“Javier, stop teasing your sister.” Deborah looked at the clock. She’d volunteered to watch Steven’s kids while Steven and Seth took the evening away from the overwhelming hail of questions and demands of their three growing children.
She didn’t remember having this much trouble with these three on their other evenings in her care. Selective memory was a mixed blessing.
Prompt: # 31 picture birdman statue
Title: riding
“Dad,” Javier said, looking up from a letter he’d just received from his friends in Madrid. “Can I learn to ride a horse? Everyone asked if I am a cowboy now. I’ve never even seen a horse up close.”
Steven smiled. “That can be remedied.”
Matt knew a couple who stabled horses. They were always looking for young people to share their passion with. And mucking out stables on the weekends would be good for Javier.
“Papa,” said Zoe. “I want to learn to fly.”
“An airplane?” asked Quinton.
“No.” Zoe stamped her foot. “A bird. A great big one.”
Prompt: # 35 hard, crease, color
Title: Tiger
Seth crawled into bed beside Steven, who welcomed him with open arms and soothed the crease in his forehead. Seth’s long hard day, almost over, was finally going right.
He wanted Steve’s hands upon him and to forget there was a world outside their bed.
He purred into Steve’s mouth. Steven rolled them over like Seth wanted. Steven kissed Seth until he couldn’t breathe and then moved to his neck and chest, leaving bright spots of color in his wake.
Seth could turn aggressive, which would turn Steven from a tiger into a mouse, but tonight Seth wanted a tiger.
Prompt: # 41 fertility, growth, renewal, birch
Title: Crush
“Dad, can we go to the library?” asked Javier. “I need to research the life cycle of a birch. That’s a tree, right?”
Steven nodded.
“What do you need to know?” asked Seth. “We can look it up on my laptop.”
Javier sighed. “Its growth cycle, fertility, and place in forest renewal.”
“Or maybe,” said Seth, “we can look up to see which library has the books you’ll need.”
But Steven knew which library Javier wanted to go to: the one with the tall, blond, athletic-looking high schooler who volunteered for a few hours on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Prompt: # 42 pointing, goal, overcome, forward
Title: Court
“Who’s that?” Zoe pointed at the boy Javier watched.
“I think that’s Court.” Seth had met him once at a fundraiser Belinda where volunteered. “His grandparents own the stables where Javier will be working. Do you want me to introduce you?”
“No.” Javier covered his head, overcome with what? Embarrassment? Fear? Was he worried about being too forward?
“He’s on a swim team. Their goal is getting to State.”
Court walked by their table. “Seth, right?”
Seth introduced the kids. “Javier used to swim for his school team.”
Court grinned. “High school?”
“Middle.”
“Too bad.”
Javier blushed and turned away.
Prompt: # 101 Peace, greenstone, shimmer
Title: Jewelry
Seth piled the kids into the car. Steven was working on getting custody of Bene. Seth could tell by his red, tired eyes. Even if he was done for the day, Seth could give him some peace.
Javier wanted to park next to the game store. Quinton liked the parking garage. And Zoe was happy as long as she got to ride an escalator or two.
As they passed the jeweler’s, Quinton stopped to look at the shimmer. Javier pointed at a greenstone pendant. “Dad would like that.”
“Do you think so?”
Was Steven really the type to wear jewelry?
Prompt: # 43 late, boss, smile
Title: Bedtime
“Sorry, I’m late,” Seth sagged into a chair. He was so glad to be home. The study group was only supposed to last until eight, but one of the girls decided she could boss everyone around and so in protest no one had gotten anything done. Seth and a few others had met afterwards at a diner, so they wouldn’t show up for class tomorrow empty-handed.
Steven’s smile brightened Seth’s evening considerably. “Because you are so late…”
“Sorry.”
“I’m not. The kids are asleep. Do you need dinner?”
“I ate.”
“Bedtime then.”
Seth grinned. To bed, but not to sleep.
Prompt: # 44 ear, summoned, shrieking
Title: kids
A shriek was the only warning Seth got that something was wrong. He dashed for the sound. A little neighbor boy held his hands over his ears and squished up his face.
Zoe glared at the boy. “You can’t play with my doll.”
The boy’s mother, also summoned by Zoe’s scream, hurried over. Seth sighed. She always made such a big deal over every little thing.
“Zoe,” Seth said, “if you don’t share, you can’t play outside.”
The mother arrived. “What happened?”
Seth shrugged. “A small squabble among children.”
And the kids were already playing together again like nothing happened.
Prompt: # 50 my love, beautiful, what
Title: Mild Jealousy
“Your dads are both beautiful,” said a girl at Javier’s study group. The other children giggled.
Seth couldn’t help but overhear. They were only a few feet away at the dining room table, while Seth sat on a couch. Did she think he wouldn’t understand her middle school Spanish?
“What are you talking about?” Javier said. “They’re just my dads.”
Seth smiled. That was probably the first time for Javier to refer to Seth as Dad.
“Seth, my love,” Steven said from the kitchen doorway in Japanese. “Remind me tonight to mark you again.”
Seth grinned, knowing Steven wouldn’t forget.
Prompt: # 51 elegant, charming, sweet
Title: Dressing up
Seth held up a shirt and looked in the mirror. Tonight his normal clothes wouldn’t do. He needed to look good and not like a sex kitten.
Maybe he should look through Steven’s clothes. Steven had nice taste in clothes. And in other things. He’s chosen Seth and Seth was the perfect man for him.
Steven stepped into the bathroom. “Can I help?”
Seth sighed. “I’m just looking for the impossible. I want to be charming and elegant and just a bit sweet. I want to complement you.”
Steven ran his hands down Seth’s sides. “You always compliment me.”
Prompt: # 52 tarry, long, shall
Title: Loitering
“Time to go,” said Seth. It was really long past time to leave the stables. Seth had talked to Mr. Bronson about the weather, how Javier was adjusting to Oregon, Court’s swim team’s chances at State, Mrs. Bronson’s and Belinda’s volunteer efforts, and the weather again before someone called Mr. Bronson away.
The only thing they hadn’t talked about was how Mr. Bronson’s grandson and Javier couldn’t drag themselves apart.
“Court, dear,” Mrs. Bronson said. “Invite him to lunch tomorrow.”
Seth nodded when Javier looked his way. Then Javier strutted to the car. “Shall we go?”
And so they went.
Prompt: # 162 scissors, opportunity, phone
Title: Homework
Seth set down his scissors and put the last two pieces of card paper into place. Now he just had to glue them in.
Steven had taken the kids and animals for a walk to give Seth the opportunity to get this project done.
The phone rang.
Seth ignored it. But it only stopped ringing to start again.
If it was really important the person would call Seth or Steven’s cell phones. Where was Gramma?
If Seth didn’t get his assignment done now, he’d have to do it tonight after the kids went to bed.
He’d rather be doing Steven.
-
Prompt: #169 home, train, blood
Title: Unhappy
Why would Seth’s grandparents want to see him now of all times? They hadn’t even bothered to come to his graduation in June. Seth had made a happy home with Steven and college classes had started. Plus California was where the father he wasn’t allowed to meet lived. Or maybe the man just hadn’t wanted to meet him. Seth derailed that train of thought.
Seth owned nothing to the man who was father in blood only. Or to grandparents who gave him away.
Steven’s arms wrapped around Seth and Steven kissed Seth’s neck, filling his heart with love and acceptance.
Prompt: # 62 pet, toy, home
Title: determination
Zoe sat down beside Seth. “Amy has a new puppy.”
“Does she?”
“Yes. It’s got its own bed and toys and everything.”
Seth knew that Steven didn’t think their home was ready for a pet yet. This Christmas, Bene and Phoebe were each coming to stay for a few weeks to a month. The house, which was full with six, would be stuffed with eight. Add a few pets and they’d be tripping over each other.
Zoe got up. “Maybe Gramma wants her own little doggie. Her big bedroom must be lonely at night.”
Seth had to admire Zoe's determination.
Prompt: # 53 sail, year, land
Title: Sailing
“We saw a movie today,” said Quinton, “about a man who sailed around the whole world.”
“It probably took him years,” said Javier without looking up from his homework. Steven rested a hand on Javier’s shoulder. Javier had stopped liking day trips so well, now that they made him miss hours at the stables.
“Sailing is both work and fun,” said Seth. “Matt has friends with a sail boat. They took me and Josh out once. Maybe they’ll take you.”
“Not alone?”
“We won’t all fit,” said Javier. “And I prefer land.”
Steven patted Quinton’s head. “We’ll think of something.”
Prompt: # 64 ninja, ceiling, slither
Title: Hand-me-downs
Steven slithered inside the barely opened doorway. He’d have to be a ninja and crawl across the ceiling to get to where Javier sat by his bed. “What’s this?”
Javier emptied a box onto the huge pile. “Court gave me some of his old things.”
That was nice of the Bronsons, but that didn’t explain the mess that had taken over even Quinton’s part of the room.
“You have two hours to decide what you’re going to keep. You’ll need to find places for it.”
“Sure, Dad,” Javier grinned.
But Javier would probably take longer than that just smelling everything.
Prompt: # 68 Lie, sleep, water
Title: Bedtime
“I want Papa to put me to bed.”
That sounded innocent enough when said by an adorable four-year-old.
But it was never that easy.
Zoe had a bath. Then she needed stories. Three tonight. One in Japanese. Seth wasn’t sure he wanted her to learn Japanese. How would he speak to Steven in front of the kids?
Then she needed fresh water before she’d lie down.
Seth tucked her in, kissed her nose, turned out the light, and said goodnight.
In their room, Steven grinned. “Only one more person to put to bed.”
“Who?”
“Me.”
Seth looked forward to that.
Prompt: # 79 picture kissing couple
Title: At the park
“Hey! Dad!”
Seth pulled out of the kiss at the same time as Steven. A man walked towards them with an intense expression.
Steven smiled pleasantly. “May I help you?”
Quinton and Javier ran up. Javier glared at the man. “What do you want with our dads?”
Zoe arrived only a moment later. “Were you going to be mean?”
The man looked at the three children, who while having different skin tones, all wore identical expressions that Seth had only seen on Steven when he was truly angry.
“No,” said the man. “I was just walking by.”
And he did.
Prompt: # 181 magic, bunny, ward
Title: Comfort
“Dad, what’s a ward?” asked Javier.
Seth closed his book. “In what context?”
Javier looked down. “They saw us together and asked if I was your ward.”
“In this case: opposite of guardian. What did you say?”
“That you’re my Dad.”
Seth grinned. “At times like this, my grandmother used to tell me stories of a little bunny to cheer me up. He had all the same troubles I did.”
“Did it help?”
It had until she’d abandoned him forever.
“Just knowing I wasn’t alone magically made me feel better.”
Javier leaned close. “Then tell me one.”
So Seth did.
Prompt: # 83 hunt, catch, go
Title: Shoes
“Papa,” said Zoe. “I can’t find my shoes.”
“Which ones?” Between new pairs from her grandmothers and hand-me-downs, she had more than any four people needed.
“Papa, help me hunt.”
Seth found several pairs, but Zoe ignored all of them.
“Is this catch and release?”
“Papa! I’m going to Amy’s. Her puppy likes me. My shoes!” Zoe picked up a pair that looked just like many other pairs they’d seen.
“You need a shoe shelf in your room.” With only the shoes Zoe really liked on it.
“A purple one. I want Gramma to meet Amy’s puppy. She’ll love her.”
Prompt: # 80 picture horse ring
Title: The joys of exasperating your children
“Papa, look,” Zoe pointed down, “a pony.”
A small toy horse was tied to a ring in the curb.
“What is it?” asked Javier.
Seth grinned. “It’s a horse ring.”
Javier rolled his eyes. “But what is it really?”
“A horse ring. To tie horses to.”
“Da-ad!”
Somehow a hard-won Dad from Javier felt as good as a thousand of Zoe’s easy Papas.
“No. Years ago people used to ride around Portland on horseback. They tied their horses to these.”
“But why are they still here?”
“Why not? We have historical houses, why not historical horse rings in the sidewalk?”
Prompt: # 81 introduce, bees, stories
Title: Visitor, part 1
“Oh, Javier,” said Gramma, “is this your little boyfriend?”
Javier turned crimson. So did Court.
Seth made the introduction as quick as possible, then hustled Gramma, Zoe, and Quinton out the door.
Steven would distract the boys.
Gramma seemed very pleased with herself and told stories about Steven and his almost boyfriend. Since Seth met Jason and his husband Peter, these stories no longer buzzed in his ear like an angry bee.
Steven and Jason had no spark. Even if they would have dated, it never would have lasted. Seth was the perfect man for Steven. Time would prove it.
-
Prompt: # 82 visiting, tight, get
Title: Visitor, part 2
Steven smiled at the boys from the doorway. Court was visiting and Seth had made an impromptu decision to take Gramma with him after she’d made the boys wonder if other people saw more in their relationship then they were ready to admit.
They got over the embarrassment quickly after Steven pulled out the super-old-fashion stove-top popcorn maker he’d found in the kitchen. They laughed as they struggled with the tight lid.
Did they notice that they moved closer together until they were touching then jumped apart before migrating again?
Either way, Steven wanted his children to enjoy their youths.
-
Prompt: # 76 once, look, joke
Title: Visitor, part 3
Seth followed Zoe inside the house. He hoped he’d given Javier enough time with his new friend Court without siblings during Court’s first visit. Once inside, Zoe looked high and low for the boys. They were in the TV room, slumped down in a beanbag chair, laughing and joking as they read one of Gramma’s many books.
The boys quieted when they spotted Zoe. Seth picked her up and carted her into the living room where Quinton was telling Steven what they’d seen at the dance studio.
Steven took Zoe and pulled Seth down beside him, just where Seth belonged.
Prompt: # 85 meet, birthday, two
Title: Birthday plans
“Dad, Seth.” Quinton squeezed himself between them on the couch. “For my birthday…”
Seth slid an arm around Quinton and grinned at Steven. “So, Sunbeam, your birthday?”
“Can I have a friend or two over?”
“Well,” said Steven, “as you’re about to be nine, you can have nine friends over.”
“Plus family who are bound to show up anyway.” Seth figured that would at least nine right there.
“Do you want us to meet them first?” asked Steven.
“Like having friends over every weekend until then?”
Seth and Steven shared a grin as they nodded to their happy little boy.
Prompt: # 93 urchin, stretch, aroma
Title: Evening
Seth walked along the Waterfront where the aroma of clam chowder mixed with the stench of dead fish. The kids didn’t care. They downed saltwater taffy like they were street urchins: quickly with grubby faces.
The day was wearing on them all. Seth stretched his arms out and brought one back clutching Steven’s hand. Steven pulled him close. “Tired?”
“You aren’t?”
“Well, I’m not likely to fall asleep on the way home.”
They both turned to look at the kids.
“Time to go,” said Seth. He wanted to get home before he was too tired for whatever Steven had planned.
Prompt: # 91 cd, ground, lump
Title: Redecorating
“Javier, before we can redo your room, you’ll have to move everything out.” Steven toed a lump of stuff on the floor.
“But where am I going to put everything?”
“The TV room. You two will sleep on the couches.”
Javier sighed and picked the top thing, a CD, off the nearest pile on the ground. He needed more storage, but would he use it?
“When the whole room is nice and clean, I’ll let you and Quinton have a sleepover. Two friends apiece.”
Which would be better, and probably safer in the long run, than having just Court over.
-
Prompt: # 92 shelve, block, lit
Title: Fathers
Seth held a board while Matt screwed it in to complete a block of shelves. They had decided to give Javier his own black cubby, which though shortening the room, would mean Javier had privacy only as long as his mess was small enough to stay inside his space.
The cubby didn’t have a window, but Matt had installed a skylight, so it would be lit at least part of the day.
“You know,” said Matt. “He won’t use it. Josh doesn’t.”
“But hope springs eternal.”
And Seth and Matt grinned as they bonded over being fathers of teenage sons.
Prompt: # 100 celebration, centennial, accomplishment
Title: Memories
“Papa,” asked Quinton, “how old are the States?”
“Two hundred and thirty-one years for the US,” Steven said as he mated socks, “Or do you mean individual states?”
“I remember Oregon’s centennial celebration,” said Steven’s mother. “My mother helped me make a dress. She was already sick then, so my sisters razzed me about it, but I was very proud of my accomplishment.”
She’d said more about her childhood since he’d been back than in all the years before he left. She smiled at him. “I’m glad your back.”
“I’m glad I am, too.”
Prompt: # 143 @_@
Seth felt dead. A body wasn’t supposed to be up for over twenty hours straight unless it involved a bed and a hot boyfriend. And being allowed to sleep in the next morning.
Seth glanced at his phone. Steven had left him a message at 1am. Seth had hoped at least one of them would get a good night’s sleep.
My lover, call me when you have a minute. I can’t sleep without you beside me.
Seth did. From a locked bathroom. And their little “chat” gave him the energy to finish up his project and get home to Steven.
Prompt: # 118 poofed, particular, friday
Title: Study group
Seth could think of a lot of things he’d rather do on a Friday evening than attending a study group.
“Why does Kale have to be so… particular?” Caitie asked, despite being was the one who always wanted everything her way.
“I like him.”
“You would.”
Seth looked around to see if there were any other seats. No luck. The meeting itself went well, but as they got up, Caitie made a homophobic comment.
Seth couldn’t let that pass. “Excuse me. I’m engaged to a man and have been, as you put it, poofed.”
Then he went home to Steven.
Prompt: #134 image tarot hanson-roberts
Title: ephemeral
Seth looked up from his text book. The rain had gone and in its place a rainbow blazed bright. He nodded his head toward the window. “Look.”
Steven looked outside and smiled. “Life’s little ephemeral beauties. Let’s enjoy it while we can. Kids, a five minute break.”
The day was warm enough that they didn’t bother with shoes. The rainbow might not last through bows and buckles.
Zoe and Quinton danced in the wet grass. Steven wrapped his arm around Seth’s waist. “I give you my life, my love.”
Seth rested his head against Steven’s. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be.”
Prompt: # 65 expensive, innocent, revenge
Title: Surprise
Seth looked at the car and back at Steven, who had told him to come to this address and to dress nice. Sure, they’d talked about getting a new vehicle — Seth’s car only held five and this winter he’d need to ferry seven — but did his new car have to be this expensive?
Steven looked at him with wide, innocent eyes. And he could pull it off. “You don’t have to say yes tonight. I just thought you might like to drive it.”
But Seth already knew he’d lost.
He’d get his revenge tonight. He’d make Steven whimper and beg.
-
Prompt: # 66 beseeching, wicked, please
Title: Begging
Steven lay back in the bed, spreading his legs as Seth touched and tasted him, but not in the place Steven wanted him to. “Please, please, please, Seth, please.”
Seth grinned wickedly. “Are you sure that’s what you want?”
“Yes, please, yes,” Steven beseeched with every ounce of his body and soul. “Please, I want you in me. Yes, deep inside me.”
“Good,” said Seth, but then he just stroked Steven’s skin.
Steven whimpered and pleaded and begged until Seth’s hands and mouth left him with no breath.
And then, at long last, Seth gave him exactly what he wanted.
Late September
Title: Annals of Autumn
Chapter: 4 — Late September
Series: Seth and Steven Ito-Parker
Status: Incomplete
Genre: Family, 'married' life, drabbles
Length: about 4,200 words
Summary: Seth and Steven deal with home and family and school after the boys come to live with them, but still manage to find time for each other
Prompt: # 26 velvet heart
Title: hand-me-downs
“What do you want for your birthday?” Seth asked.
Quinton would be nine soon.
“Quinty wants a kitty,” said Zoe.” And I want a mouse. Or maybe a squirrel.”
Javier flicked her forehead. “This isn’t about you.”
“I get stuff,” Zoe argued. “Dani’s gonna give me her purple fuzzy heart pillow for my bed.”
Javier frowned. “Why don’t I get hand-me-downs?”
“Because Josh trashes his clothes and you are already as tall as me.”
“But I could have the stuff you don’t want anymore.”
“For the, what, next two weeks. You’ll soon be as tall as Steven.”
“But still...”
“Sorry.”
Prompt: #4 cupboard, falling, fear
Seth opened the cupboard and quickly put up his hand to keep the peanut butter from falling out.
The kids used to be so careful about asking for things. Now Javier just ate what he wanted when he wanted. Although, he was bound to be hungry all the time as he was eleven and growing fast.
Quinton was fast and kind and bright. He was just about the perfect kid, which made Seth fear that Quinton wasn’t feeling entirely at home yet. Seth hoped he would be soon, even if it meant misbehavior.
And Zoe was Zoe. Demanding and adorable.
Prompt: #21 animal, vegetable, mineral
Title: Homework
“What is a vaugey?”
Seth looked over at Quinton’s worksheet. “Veggie. Short for vegetable.”
Quinton sighed. “English is so weird.”
Seth rubbed Quinton’s head.
“Zo,” Javier said, “you are such a distracting animal.”
Zoe stamped her foot. “I’m not an animal. I’m a girl.”
“But a girl is an animal,” said Javier and launched into a detailed scientific explanation, which proved that he had a firmer grasp of English than Seth had expected.
Seth shot him a smile. “I am impressed.”
Javier looked back at his homework. “Is salt a mineral?”
“Yes. NaCl.”
“Thanks.” And for once he looked happy.
Prompt: #6 light, refrigerator, mountains
Seth dropped the bags just inside the door. Taking the kids anywhere meant a lot of luggage. They had been to the mountains. Or rather just one. Mt. Hood had only a dusting of snow now, but they’d go back when it got deeper.
Quinton carried his bag into his room, like the good boy he was. Javier, always hungry, dumped his on the kitchen floor and raided the refrigerator.
Steven carried Zoe to her bed. She’d been out like a light as soon as they gotten in the car for the ride home. Seth wished he could have been.
Prompt: #2 hail, giant cucumber, goat
“I want a cucumber too, Gramma,” said Zoe, bouncing on her toes, “but only if it’s a giant cucumber.”
“If you can eat all that,” said Javier, “you’re a goat.”
“But I don’t want to be a goat,” wailed Zoe.
“Javier, stop teasing your sister.” Deborah looked at the clock. She’d volunteered to watch Steven’s kids while Steven and Seth took the evening away from the overwhelming hail of questions and demands of their three growing children.
She didn’t remember having this much trouble with these three on their other evenings in her care. Selective memory was a mixed blessing.
Prompt: # 31 picture birdman statue
Title: riding
“Dad,” Javier said, looking up from a letter he’d just received from his friends in Madrid. “Can I learn to ride a horse? Everyone asked if I am a cowboy now. I’ve never even seen a horse up close.”
Steven smiled. “That can be remedied.”
Matt knew a couple who stabled horses. They were always looking for young people to share their passion with. And mucking out stables on the weekends would be good for Javier.
“Papa,” said Zoe. “I want to learn to fly.”
“An airplane?” asked Quinton.
“No.” Zoe stamped her foot. “A bird. A great big one.”
Prompt: # 35 hard, crease, color
Title: Tiger
Seth crawled into bed beside Steven, who welcomed him with open arms and soothed the crease in his forehead. Seth’s long hard day, almost over, was finally going right.
He wanted Steve’s hands upon him and to forget there was a world outside their bed.
He purred into Steve’s mouth. Steven rolled them over like Seth wanted. Steven kissed Seth until he couldn’t breathe and then moved to his neck and chest, leaving bright spots of color in his wake.
Seth could turn aggressive, which would turn Steven from a tiger into a mouse, but tonight Seth wanted a tiger.
Prompt: # 41 fertility, growth, renewal, birch
Title: Crush
“Dad, can we go to the library?” asked Javier. “I need to research the life cycle of a birch. That’s a tree, right?”
Steven nodded.
“What do you need to know?” asked Seth. “We can look it up on my laptop.”
Javier sighed. “Its growth cycle, fertility, and place in forest renewal.”
“Or maybe,” said Seth, “we can look up to see which library has the books you’ll need.”
But Steven knew which library Javier wanted to go to: the one with the tall, blond, athletic-looking high schooler who volunteered for a few hours on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Prompt: # 42 pointing, goal, overcome, forward
Title: Court
“Who’s that?” Zoe pointed at the boy Javier watched.
“I think that’s Court.” Seth had met him once at a fundraiser Belinda where volunteered. “His grandparents own the stables where Javier will be working. Do you want me to introduce you?”
“No.” Javier covered his head, overcome with what? Embarrassment? Fear? Was he worried about being too forward?
“He’s on a swim team. Their goal is getting to State.”
Court walked by their table. “Seth, right?”
Seth introduced the kids. “Javier used to swim for his school team.”
Court grinned. “High school?”
“Middle.”
“Too bad.”
Javier blushed and turned away.
Prompt: # 101 Peace, greenstone, shimmer
Title: Jewelry
Seth piled the kids into the car. Steven was working on getting custody of Bene. Seth could tell by his red, tired eyes. Even if he was done for the day, Seth could give him some peace.
Javier wanted to park next to the game store. Quinton liked the parking garage. And Zoe was happy as long as she got to ride an escalator or two.
As they passed the jeweler’s, Quinton stopped to look at the shimmer. Javier pointed at a greenstone pendant. “Dad would like that.”
“Do you think so?”
Was Steven really the type to wear jewelry?
Prompt: # 43 late, boss, smile
Title: Bedtime
“Sorry, I’m late,” Seth sagged into a chair. He was so glad to be home. The study group was only supposed to last until eight, but one of the girls decided she could boss everyone around and so in protest no one had gotten anything done. Seth and a few others had met afterwards at a diner, so they wouldn’t show up for class tomorrow empty-handed.
Steven’s smile brightened Seth’s evening considerably. “Because you are so late…”
“Sorry.”
“I’m not. The kids are asleep. Do you need dinner?”
“I ate.”
“Bedtime then.”
Seth grinned. To bed, but not to sleep.
Prompt: # 44 ear, summoned, shrieking
Title: kids
A shriek was the only warning Seth got that something was wrong. He dashed for the sound. A little neighbor boy held his hands over his ears and squished up his face.
Zoe glared at the boy. “You can’t play with my doll.”
The boy’s mother, also summoned by Zoe’s scream, hurried over. Seth sighed. She always made such a big deal over every little thing.
“Zoe,” Seth said, “if you don’t share, you can’t play outside.”
The mother arrived. “What happened?”
Seth shrugged. “A small squabble among children.”
And the kids were already playing together again like nothing happened.
Prompt: # 50 my love, beautiful, what
Title: Mild Jealousy
“Your dads are both beautiful,” said a girl at Javier’s study group. The other children giggled.
Seth couldn’t help but overhear. They were only a few feet away at the dining room table, while Seth sat on a couch. Did she think he wouldn’t understand her middle school Spanish?
“What are you talking about?” Javier said. “They’re just my dads.”
Seth smiled. That was probably the first time for Javier to refer to Seth as Dad.
“Seth, my love,” Steven said from the kitchen doorway in Japanese. “Remind me tonight to mark you again.”
Seth grinned, knowing Steven wouldn’t forget.
Prompt: # 51 elegant, charming, sweet
Title: Dressing up
Seth held up a shirt and looked in the mirror. Tonight his normal clothes wouldn’t do. He needed to look good and not like a sex kitten.
Maybe he should look through Steven’s clothes. Steven had nice taste in clothes. And in other things. He’s chosen Seth and Seth was the perfect man for him.
Steven stepped into the bathroom. “Can I help?”
Seth sighed. “I’m just looking for the impossible. I want to be charming and elegant and just a bit sweet. I want to complement you.”
Steven ran his hands down Seth’s sides. “You always compliment me.”
Prompt: # 52 tarry, long, shall
Title: Loitering
“Time to go,” said Seth. It was really long past time to leave the stables. Seth had talked to Mr. Bronson about the weather, how Javier was adjusting to Oregon, Court’s swim team’s chances at State, Mrs. Bronson’s and Belinda’s volunteer efforts, and the weather again before someone called Mr. Bronson away.
The only thing they hadn’t talked about was how Mr. Bronson’s grandson and Javier couldn’t drag themselves apart.
“Court, dear,” Mrs. Bronson said. “Invite him to lunch tomorrow.”
Seth nodded when Javier looked his way. Then Javier strutted to the car. “Shall we go?”
And so they went.
Prompt: # 162 scissors, opportunity, phone
Title: Homework
Seth set down his scissors and put the last two pieces of card paper into place. Now he just had to glue them in.
Steven had taken the kids and animals for a walk to give Seth the opportunity to get this project done.
The phone rang.
Seth ignored it. But it only stopped ringing to start again.
If it was really important the person would call Seth or Steven’s cell phones. Where was Gramma?
If Seth didn’t get his assignment done now, he’d have to do it tonight after the kids went to bed.
He’d rather be doing Steven.
-
Prompt: #169 home, train, blood
Title: Unhappy
Why would Seth’s grandparents want to see him now of all times? They hadn’t even bothered to come to his graduation in June. Seth had made a happy home with Steven and college classes had started. Plus California was where the father he wasn’t allowed to meet lived. Or maybe the man just hadn’t wanted to meet him. Seth derailed that train of thought.
Seth owned nothing to the man who was father in blood only. Or to grandparents who gave him away.
Steven’s arms wrapped around Seth and Steven kissed Seth’s neck, filling his heart with love and acceptance.
Prompt: # 62 pet, toy, home
Title: determination
Zoe sat down beside Seth. “Amy has a new puppy.”
“Does she?”
“Yes. It’s got its own bed and toys and everything.”
Seth knew that Steven didn’t think their home was ready for a pet yet. This Christmas, Bene and Phoebe were each coming to stay for a few weeks to a month. The house, which was full with six, would be stuffed with eight. Add a few pets and they’d be tripping over each other.
Zoe got up. “Maybe Gramma wants her own little doggie. Her big bedroom must be lonely at night.”
Seth had to admire Zoe's determination.
Prompt: # 53 sail, year, land
Title: Sailing
“We saw a movie today,” said Quinton, “about a man who sailed around the whole world.”
“It probably took him years,” said Javier without looking up from his homework. Steven rested a hand on Javier’s shoulder. Javier had stopped liking day trips so well, now that they made him miss hours at the stables.
“Sailing is both work and fun,” said Seth. “Matt has friends with a sail boat. They took me and Josh out once. Maybe they’ll take you.”
“Not alone?”
“We won’t all fit,” said Javier. “And I prefer land.”
Steven patted Quinton’s head. “We’ll think of something.”
Prompt: # 64 ninja, ceiling, slither
Title: Hand-me-downs
Steven slithered inside the barely opened doorway. He’d have to be a ninja and crawl across the ceiling to get to where Javier sat by his bed. “What’s this?”
Javier emptied a box onto the huge pile. “Court gave me some of his old things.”
That was nice of the Bronsons, but that didn’t explain the mess that had taken over even Quinton’s part of the room.
“You have two hours to decide what you’re going to keep. You’ll need to find places for it.”
“Sure, Dad,” Javier grinned.
But Javier would probably take longer than that just smelling everything.
Prompt: # 68 Lie, sleep, water
Title: Bedtime
“I want Papa to put me to bed.”
That sounded innocent enough when said by an adorable four-year-old.
But it was never that easy.
Zoe had a bath. Then she needed stories. Three tonight. One in Japanese. Seth wasn’t sure he wanted her to learn Japanese. How would he speak to Steven in front of the kids?
Then she needed fresh water before she’d lie down.
Seth tucked her in, kissed her nose, turned out the light, and said goodnight.
In their room, Steven grinned. “Only one more person to put to bed.”
“Who?”
“Me.”
Seth looked forward to that.
Prompt: # 79 picture kissing couple
Title: At the park
“Hey! Dad!”
Seth pulled out of the kiss at the same time as Steven. A man walked towards them with an intense expression.
Steven smiled pleasantly. “May I help you?”
Quinton and Javier ran up. Javier glared at the man. “What do you want with our dads?”
Zoe arrived only a moment later. “Were you going to be mean?”
The man looked at the three children, who while having different skin tones, all wore identical expressions that Seth had only seen on Steven when he was truly angry.
“No,” said the man. “I was just walking by.”
And he did.
Prompt: # 181 magic, bunny, ward
Title: Comfort
“Dad, what’s a ward?” asked Javier.
Seth closed his book. “In what context?”
Javier looked down. “They saw us together and asked if I was your ward.”
“In this case: opposite of guardian. What did you say?”
“That you’re my Dad.”
Seth grinned. “At times like this, my grandmother used to tell me stories of a little bunny to cheer me up. He had all the same troubles I did.”
“Did it help?”
It had until she’d abandoned him forever.
“Just knowing I wasn’t alone magically made me feel better.”
Javier leaned close. “Then tell me one.”
So Seth did.
Prompt: # 83 hunt, catch, go
Title: Shoes
“Papa,” said Zoe. “I can’t find my shoes.”
“Which ones?” Between new pairs from her grandmothers and hand-me-downs, she had more than any four people needed.
“Papa, help me hunt.”
Seth found several pairs, but Zoe ignored all of them.
“Is this catch and release?”
“Papa! I’m going to Amy’s. Her puppy likes me. My shoes!” Zoe picked up a pair that looked just like many other pairs they’d seen.
“You need a shoe shelf in your room.” With only the shoes Zoe really liked on it.
“A purple one. I want Gramma to meet Amy’s puppy. She’ll love her.”
Prompt: # 80 picture horse ring
Title: The joys of exasperating your children
“Papa, look,” Zoe pointed down, “a pony.”
A small toy horse was tied to a ring in the curb.
“What is it?” asked Javier.
Seth grinned. “It’s a horse ring.”
Javier rolled his eyes. “But what is it really?”
“A horse ring. To tie horses to.”
“Da-ad!”
Somehow a hard-won Dad from Javier felt as good as a thousand of Zoe’s easy Papas.
“No. Years ago people used to ride around Portland on horseback. They tied their horses to these.”
“But why are they still here?”
“Why not? We have historical houses, why not historical horse rings in the sidewalk?”
Prompt: # 81 introduce, bees, stories
Title: Visitor, part 1
“Oh, Javier,” said Gramma, “is this your little boyfriend?”
Javier turned crimson. So did Court.
Seth made the introduction as quick as possible, then hustled Gramma, Zoe, and Quinton out the door.
Steven would distract the boys.
Gramma seemed very pleased with herself and told stories about Steven and his almost boyfriend. Since Seth met Jason and his husband Peter, these stories no longer buzzed in his ear like an angry bee.
Steven and Jason had no spark. Even if they would have dated, it never would have lasted. Seth was the perfect man for Steven. Time would prove it.
-
Prompt: # 82 visiting, tight, get
Title: Visitor, part 2
Steven smiled at the boys from the doorway. Court was visiting and Seth had made an impromptu decision to take Gramma with him after she’d made the boys wonder if other people saw more in their relationship then they were ready to admit.
They got over the embarrassment quickly after Steven pulled out the super-old-fashion stove-top popcorn maker he’d found in the kitchen. They laughed as they struggled with the tight lid.
Did they notice that they moved closer together until they were touching then jumped apart before migrating again?
Either way, Steven wanted his children to enjoy their youths.
-
Prompt: # 76 once, look, joke
Title: Visitor, part 3
Seth followed Zoe inside the house. He hoped he’d given Javier enough time with his new friend Court without siblings during Court’s first visit. Once inside, Zoe looked high and low for the boys. They were in the TV room, slumped down in a beanbag chair, laughing and joking as they read one of Gramma’s many books.
The boys quieted when they spotted Zoe. Seth picked her up and carted her into the living room where Quinton was telling Steven what they’d seen at the dance studio.
Steven took Zoe and pulled Seth down beside him, just where Seth belonged.
Prompt: # 85 meet, birthday, two
Title: Birthday plans
“Dad, Seth.” Quinton squeezed himself between them on the couch. “For my birthday…”
Seth slid an arm around Quinton and grinned at Steven. “So, Sunbeam, your birthday?”
“Can I have a friend or two over?”
“Well,” said Steven, “as you’re about to be nine, you can have nine friends over.”
“Plus family who are bound to show up anyway.” Seth figured that would at least nine right there.
“Do you want us to meet them first?” asked Steven.
“Like having friends over every weekend until then?”
Seth and Steven shared a grin as they nodded to their happy little boy.
Prompt: # 93 urchin, stretch, aroma
Title: Evening
Seth walked along the Waterfront where the aroma of clam chowder mixed with the stench of dead fish. The kids didn’t care. They downed saltwater taffy like they were street urchins: quickly with grubby faces.
The day was wearing on them all. Seth stretched his arms out and brought one back clutching Steven’s hand. Steven pulled him close. “Tired?”
“You aren’t?”
“Well, I’m not likely to fall asleep on the way home.”
They both turned to look at the kids.
“Time to go,” said Seth. He wanted to get home before he was too tired for whatever Steven had planned.
Prompt: # 91 cd, ground, lump
Title: Redecorating
“Javier, before we can redo your room, you’ll have to move everything out.” Steven toed a lump of stuff on the floor.
“But where am I going to put everything?”
“The TV room. You two will sleep on the couches.”
Javier sighed and picked the top thing, a CD, off the nearest pile on the ground. He needed more storage, but would he use it?
“When the whole room is nice and clean, I’ll let you and Quinton have a sleepover. Two friends apiece.”
Which would be better, and probably safer in the long run, than having just Court over.
-
Prompt: # 92 shelve, block, lit
Title: Fathers
Seth held a board while Matt screwed it in to complete a block of shelves. They had decided to give Javier his own black cubby, which though shortening the room, would mean Javier had privacy only as long as his mess was small enough to stay inside his space.
The cubby didn’t have a window, but Matt had installed a skylight, so it would be lit at least part of the day.
“You know,” said Matt. “He won’t use it. Josh doesn’t.”
“But hope springs eternal.”
And Seth and Matt grinned as they bonded over being fathers of teenage sons.
Prompt: # 100 celebration, centennial, accomplishment
Title: Memories
“Papa,” asked Quinton, “how old are the States?”
“Two hundred and thirty-one years for the US,” Steven said as he mated socks, “Or do you mean individual states?”
“I remember Oregon’s centennial celebration,” said Steven’s mother. “My mother helped me make a dress. She was already sick then, so my sisters razzed me about it, but I was very proud of my accomplishment.”
She’d said more about her childhood since he’d been back than in all the years before he left. She smiled at him. “I’m glad your back.”
“I’m glad I am, too.”
Prompt: # 143 @_@
Seth felt dead. A body wasn’t supposed to be up for over twenty hours straight unless it involved a bed and a hot boyfriend. And being allowed to sleep in the next morning.
Seth glanced at his phone. Steven had left him a message at 1am. Seth had hoped at least one of them would get a good night’s sleep.
My lover, call me when you have a minute. I can’t sleep without you beside me.
Seth did. From a locked bathroom. And their little “chat” gave him the energy to finish up his project and get home to Steven.
Prompt: # 118 poofed, particular, friday
Title: Study group
Seth could think of a lot of things he’d rather do on a Friday evening than attending a study group.
“Why does Kale have to be so… particular?” Caitie asked, despite being was the one who always wanted everything her way.
“I like him.”
“You would.”
Seth looked around to see if there were any other seats. No luck. The meeting itself went well, but as they got up, Caitie made a homophobic comment.
Seth couldn’t let that pass. “Excuse me. I’m engaged to a man and have been, as you put it, poofed.”
Then he went home to Steven.
Prompt: #134 image tarot hanson-roberts
Title: ephemeral
Seth looked up from his text book. The rain had gone and in its place a rainbow blazed bright. He nodded his head toward the window. “Look.”
Steven looked outside and smiled. “Life’s little ephemeral beauties. Let’s enjoy it while we can. Kids, a five minute break.”
The day was warm enough that they didn’t bother with shoes. The rainbow might not last through bows and buckles.
Zoe and Quinton danced in the wet grass. Steven wrapped his arm around Seth’s waist. “I give you my life, my love.”
Seth rested his head against Steven’s. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be.”
Prompt: # 65 expensive, innocent, revenge
Title: Surprise
Seth looked at the car and back at Steven, who had told him to come to this address and to dress nice. Sure, they’d talked about getting a new vehicle — Seth’s car only held five and this winter he’d need to ferry seven — but did his new car have to be this expensive?
Steven looked at him with wide, innocent eyes. And he could pull it off. “You don’t have to say yes tonight. I just thought you might like to drive it.”
But Seth already knew he’d lost.
He’d get his revenge tonight. He’d make Steven whimper and beg.
-
Prompt: # 66 beseeching, wicked, please
Title: Begging
Steven lay back in the bed, spreading his legs as Seth touched and tasted him, but not in the place Steven wanted him to. “Please, please, please, Seth, please.”
Seth grinned wickedly. “Are you sure that’s what you want?”
“Yes, please, yes,” Steven beseeched with every ounce of his body and soul. “Please, I want you in me. Yes, deep inside me.”
“Good,” said Seth, but then he just stroked Steven’s skin.
Steven whimpered and pleaded and begged until Seth’s hands and mouth left him with no breath.
And then, at long last, Seth gave him exactly what he wanted.