Sun Kissed

Her kisses burned like the sun, leaving searing marks in their wake. The heat was a welcome comfort now, warming my body like that familiar celestial orb, but I knew that tomorrow would be different.

The burn left by her mouth started red but would quickly fade to the blues and browns more often associated with anger and hurt. There was pain here too, in the sting of her teeth and the bite of her words.

"If anyone asks, lie."

"My father would kill us both if he knew."

"I love you too, but-"

I treasured the signs she left on my body, reassuring myself in the mirror hourly that I hadn't imagined the fire between us, that I wasn't burning up for no reason, that what we had was real.

Real.

What is reality when I can't discuss it with my best friends? When I can't tell my family?

The ache of missing her digs at me. The thought of her sends flames racing across my skin.

I can't take it.

I go to her house.

"What are you doing here?"

The words sputter out of me, dripping like lava from my lips, but the only one burning is me.

A commotion behind her; she turns away.

"Sorry, Dad. She was just leaving."

My veins run cold.

My fire is out.

I never speak to her again.

Foxworthy

James was not one of the few weighted with the honorable title of Foxworthy, despite the yellowish tint to his brown eyes. The naming ceremony was not easily forgotten; he would remember it in detail. His red-tipped brown hair had never seen an herbalist's concoction, despite the continual inquiries about where he had obtained such a sought-after potion.

The sharp tip of an exceptionally ill-placed rock dug into his spine but despite his discomfort James didn't want to move. He cracked an eye open but squeezed it shut immediately.

It was still there.

Why was it still there?

Bright, staring yellow-brown eyes. Reddish fur. White neck and chest. Alert ears.

No. This was not happening. There was not a fox sitting on his torso, watching him with intelligence and expectation in its gaze. His dreams had suddenly become much more vivid and realistic.

*I know you're awake.*

And now he was hearing things. Perfect.

*One generally hears things when another is speaking to them.*

Sarcastic things. Even better.

*The quicker you come to terms with the reality of your situation, the sooner I will get off your chest.*

James slowly opened his eyes. The fox tilted its head and blinked at him.

*That took much longer than necessary. Please respond in a more timely manner in the future.*

James groaned. "Why me? What did I do to deserve this?"

*You were born.* The fox jumped off of James, landing lightly on the forest floor. *Have you never looked in a mirror? Never wondered why you so resemble the creatures your people pay such homage to?*

"Everyone else wonders enough for me." James sat up and brushed himself off. "I think I'll leave now."

The fox leaped up and landed on James's shoulder. *Indeed. It is past time for us to be going.*

Frowning, James swatted at the fox. "Get off me!"

Digging its claws into James's shirt, the creature settled into a comfortable position. *Head north.*

With a loud groan, James clambered to his feet. "I'm definitely missing dinner today."

iPod Inspiration: The Beat

I was lacking the push to write and decided to inspire myself. I put my iPod on shuffle and forced myself to listen to whatever song played, on repeat, while I wrote a 100-word mini short story. This is my first one.

Inspired by:
'The Beat' by Basshunter ( http://youtu.be/FsDyYaqnc7Q )

The worm ran through his brain, devouring everything it found. Night filled the space left behind, lit by pulsing and flashes of light. Control was relinquished to the man in the booth, worshipped by clothed and half naked bodies for his prowess in auricular synthesis.

Personal inclination to maintain inaction slipping out the hole left by the worm, his limbs acquired consciousness without permission.

His body followed, mirroring the neighboring opposite. Hair flew past his face, and he followed it to the alluring origin.

“Dance with me!” Her yell was intimate against his ear among the pounding noise.

He succumbed.