Scribble: The other, much better piece I wrote based on Smiletron's forthcoming EP needs more work. And set-up.

      Slender fingers slipped between the cold digits of her artificial arm, warming her heart through the servomotors and sensors beneath. She wasn't sure how she had arrived in this place, full of trees and the sounds of life all around her, basking in the twilight of perpetual evening; only that she was there, and felt somehow like home to her. With a confused smile, she turned to her companion, only to be greeted by a slender girl in a flowing violet dress, her eyes the color of starlight.
      "You're beautiful," she said bashfully, almost instinctively caressing her companion's soft cheek with her other, normal hand. "Are you the one who brought me here?"
      With a nod, the beautiful stranger slid her fingers around the outstretched hand, gently kissing the tawny palm before pressing it to her cheek once more. "I am the one you're destined to free," purred a soothing voice, though the stranger's lips did not move, "and the one destined to love you."
      Without another word, the nymph cupped her face in the warm, almost glowing hands, closing the glistening pools of starlight before drawing her lips to the girl's own.
      And with their kiss, she awoke, moonlight slipping in through the cracks in the blinds, her lips still sweet with the taste of the stars.

Scribble: One day, I will go back to writing about robots.

      She smiles a mischievous little smile, stretching lithe, porcelain arms across the bed, casually sliding over the bare, gently rising-and-falling tawny stomach below her. As a familiar pair of bright eyes, half-open, follow her, not leaving her own, her milky white fingertips gently trace long-forgotten letters upon her lover's body, the brightest of smiles growing ever so slightly with each touch. A warm hand reaches up to caress the living doll's cheek, as a wistful sigh mingles with a gentle purr, warm, moist lips gently kissing unseen lines along the soft, smooth olive skin.
      "I love you," comes a half-whisper, as the tiny kitten finds a familiar pair of lips shortly pressed against her own. So small in her lover's arms, the doll lets slip another sigh, sliding down to bury her delicate face in her lover's ample breast. Fingertips gingerly caressing her lover's smooth, supple body, she purrs once more, her lips lovingly seeking each untouched bit of flesh.
      "I love you," she breathily replies, nuzzling as a familiar hand traces patterns along her porcelain back. "I love you..."

Scribble: There is a star in Brooklyn tonight.

      A lonely star watched over the city, lost in the flashing lights of satellites and jetliners, no more than a ghost of starry nights past. Yet, far below, between streetlights and the dim hum of bodega signs, a pair of weary, heavy-lidded eyes stared skyward, not once drifting from the lonely point of light above.
      A flash in that place beyond sight, of a summer-yet-to-be filled with laughter, the kiss of gentle breezes and soft, familiar lips, of verdant days of adventure and starlit nights of tenderness. Fingertips drifted without stirring in the crisp evening air, memories of smooth skin, warm to the touch, floating to the surface. And far above, lost in the color of a star, the cerulean pools of ponds yet to be discovered, and the deepest beauty of unforgettable eyes.
      Soon, came a thought, joined by a laugh and an ever-present smile. Soon we'll be together again, my starlight...
      And somewhere between memories and dream, another star slipped into sight beside its companion, as a smile shone all the brighter.

Scribble: The Album Leaf came on Pandora.

      The salty spray tickled unshaven cheeks, as dark eyes drifted between puffs of white above. Hands bundled in the pockets of a worn, weathered hoodie, the wanderer just sighed, leaning against a dented car door. Morning light danced on the shimmering waters just beyond the old safety rail, gentler than the blinding reflection from the hood and roof behind him, but still slipping little needles of light into his eyes. Somewhere in the distance, a gull cried out, the half-mocking laughter of a bird who knows no other sounds.
      "Are we almost ready?" came a gentle voice from behind, as the wanderer turned to see wind-tousled locks, splayed over shoulders, and eyes deeper than any ocean.
      She was smiling so brightly, he wasn't sure if he squinted from the harsh light off the roof. "I think so," he finally said, a smile slipping onto his stubbly face. "Let's go."
      A scene ended. An adventure began.

Scribble: Distracted in Class

...revisiting old ideas...

Scribble: Sometimes, I hope gender ambiguity can flow with vivid description.

      Birdsong fluttered through the cool morning air, as a pair of sleepy eyes gazed out over the waters, growing lost in the limbs of trees and rustling leaves. A playful breeze tickled bare arms and legs, running its unseen fingers through long, auburn locks, lulling about the shore and its slowly-waking nymph. A yawn teased the still-waking soul, tugging at her smiling lips, as she crossed her slender arms tightly over her chest for warmth.
      "Lovely," a whisper tickled at her ears, as another pair of arms wrapped tightly around the skin of her waist. Leaning back into a soft, familiar chest, the nymph sleepily nuzzled into such gentle warmth, finally letting slip the unrelenting yawn. With a renewed smile, she slid her arms over her lover's own, quietly purring at the touch.
      "It is," she cooed, pressing her head ever so slightly into the warmth behind her. "I never thought a morning could be so beautiful."
      A giggle tickled her ears, as a gentle pair of lips tickled her cheek. "I meant you," came the soft whisper, as her smile grew all the brighter. Gently purring, she carefully turned within the sweet embrace, as her slender arms slid around the warm, inviting waist.
      "I know," she whispered, as a giggle slipped into the air, followed by the gentle sound of touching lips, soon lost in the flutter of birdsong...

Scribble: I've been sick, and someone's been sweet.

      With a heartfelt sigh, she excitedly danced upon the hardwood floors, her stiff, bare toes still aching from their temporary disuse. A radiant smile beaming upon her tired, gentle face, she held the worn and weathered box to her heart, twirling and stepping on air in excitement. The faint ghost of a cough tickled her swollen throat, but the dancer still smiled, unkempt hair flowing freely with each graceful movement.
      I'm the luckiest girl in the world, she thought, looking down at the familiar curls and lines written as a name. Thank you, she whispered in her heart, another sigh slipping past her lips, as thoughts of a warm bed and a familiar pair of arms teased her into another twirl. Closing her eyes, the dancer could only see the bright blue eyes so familiar to her heart, as her cheek instinctively nuzzled rough cardboard flaps, feeling only the softest of skin.
      The sound of a gentle ring tugged at her ear, as the lithe dancer glided, without so much as a stumble, over to the flashing, chirping phone. Still holding the box to her heart, she let slip a giggle, a loose sleeve sliding down her arm.
      "Feeling any better, love?" cooed a gentle voice, tickling her ear with sweetness.
      "I am now," came the raspy whisper, followed by another trickle of laughter. "Thank you..."

Scribble: This one made me blush.

      Delicate fingers tickled her skin, tracing unseen patterns and gentle shapes, as sunlight danced tenderly across her back. The blankets and pillows, in all their shyness, had slipped away in the night, leaving her wrapped only in the familiar pair of arms, her head resting comfortably on her lover's breast. As her eyelids fluttered open, she could see the blurred shape of a smile, and a pair of half-open eyes gazing into her own.
      "G'morning, sleepyhead," cooed the sweet melody, as a pair of familiar lips soon found their way to her own. Hearing the gentle beating of her lover's heart, the sleepyhead found her lips curling into a smile, as fingertips flowed through her long, disheveled locks with the greatest of ease.
      Still half-asleep, she slipped back to her warmest of pillows, gently kissing the soft skin awaiting her. "How are you so warm?" she purred, nuzzling deeper into her lover's chest, squeezing her arms tightly around her pillow's supple hips.
      "I love you," came the sweet melody, tickling the sleepyhead's ears, "how else am I supposed to be, so wrapped-up in you?"
      A sly little grin slipping onto her face, the sleepyhead squeezed tighter, pulling their bodies even closer. "You're simply too sweet, y'know," the sleepyhead cooed, her lips following unseen patterns across her pillow's skin. "Simply too good to me, my sweetest dream..." she whispered, before words faded away, lost in the sunlight's warm embrace.

Scribble: "One in a million streets."

      Dancing between the streetlights, her toes barely touching the soft blanket of white below, the dreamer giggled as tiny dancers of white fell gently on her palms. With a smile brighter than any star, she twirled around a lamppost, her silent audience ever vigilant in its stillness, its watchful gaze illuminating her every step. Long, silver locks flowing in the air, the dreamer suddenly paused, smiling, her eyes shining in the light of the moon.
      Where will you be, she thought, as cold, soft fingertips slid stray locks behind her ear, my someone just for me?
      With another giggle, she wrapped her arms tightly around her body, a gentle wind sweetly flicking a stray lock out of place. Her smile ever brighter, a swoon slipped past her lips, the little sigh slipping and dancing in the falling snow.
      And will you, just once, let me be the one to lead? she thought again, giggling, as her toes took to flight once more...

Scribble: 'Tis the season.

      Little crystals of white drift through the endless night sky, floating atop the chill currents of winter. Somewhere in the distance, a flash of color bursts into the air, fine lines of light fading into the clouds and snow. Explosions ring out, forever out of place with the sparkling, still ground, so wrapped up in its cold blanket.
      And yet, in that single moment, that same sparkle slips into her eyes, and shines from the brightness of her smile. The fireworks fade, trails of smoke swallowed by the clouds in the sky, but without so much as a sound, the night is made alight once more, as a laugh slips away from her lips to dance between flakes of white. A single gasp, a meeting of lips, and soon, not even the brightest of lights can match the quiet moment on the ground below.
      And somewhere, dreams of blankets to rival even the vast sheet of winter float within hearts, little bursts of light that never fade.

Scribble: My dream.

      Little flecks of white gently drift through the chill night air, tiny shavings from fallen stars come to rest upon the ground. High above the dreamers, a thousand silent watchers float endlessly beyond the clouds, peering through unseen gaps to the entwined lovers far below. Even the wind calms, playful fingers no longer slipping between folds of cloth, waiting for the moment to grant the breeze its blessing.
      Standing together in each other's arms, the two let little specks of white fall leisurely between them, the stream from their breath casually tickling the lenses before their eyes. A hand strays away from the warmth of her back, delicately slipping fingers around the wire frames, as another strays from his, gracefully joining him in freeing pairs of longing, loving eyes. A laugh slips between the steam, the satisfying clink of metal on wood ringing quietly in the air as a sound of liberation.
      The snow stops, the last few glimmers of frozen stars drifting gently to the tops of heads and shoulders. Neither notices, locked in love's warm embrace, lips bringing them above the clouds, to be home again in the night sky. Cheeks flush, passions flare and bask in the glow of streetlights, the chill air no longer seeking to embrace the lovers, as the moment brings only smiles between kisses, gentle words carried on whispers that not even the wind dare profane.
      And somewhere, hidden from all other eyes, a streak of light flashes across the sky, a blessing for a new home, a new life, and many more moments to come.

Freeform: Like rivers, streams, and estuaries...

      Fingers sliding, delicately interlacing, entwined in the feeling but never reeling, what words could there be for such smooth movements that flow like water over the roughest stone, gently peeling away jagged corners and frays until only the tenderness remains forever on the formerly unyielding face.
      Water flowing, skies glowing, stars shining in her eyes that sparkle only for me, for her, for something much more than fickle words could ever put to paper, the poet's dilemma, the writer's block, to be rounded and swept up on the ever-gentle currents.
      Together, we flow...

Scribble: I've been sick lately...

      Sunlight slipped through dusty, half-open blinds, as the sounds of passing cars drifted in through the glass. Glowing copper in the dancing light, unkempt locks shifted atop the cocoon of comforters and sheets, the rest hiding beneath overstuffed pillows.
      "Plan on staying in bed all day?" chirped a quiet voice, as a pair of bright eyes searched, to no avail, for the hint of a face in all the mess.
      "When it's warmer out there than it is in here, I'll consider an alternative," came the grumbled reply, as the would-be sleeper felt her companion slide beside the mound of fabric. Rolling around to catch a pair of familiar amber orbs, she couldn't help but smile, her cheeks weakly straining at the effort. "Still sick," the would-be sleeper continued, softer than before. "Though at least it's through the rougher parts..."
      With a smile, her companion leaned forward, reaching down to run her slender fingers through the flowing copper locks. "You sound better, anyway," came the quiet voice once more, the words gently tickling the sleeper's ears. "Still, you should get up for a little bit, at least..."
      "Or..." the invalid began, a mischievous smile falling upon her face. Suddenly, her bare, tawny arms burst from her cocoon, wrapping tightly around her companion before pulling the smaller girl inside. A feigned scream filled the air, quickly overtaken by surprised laughter, as the willing captive soon found herself beneath layer after layer, auburn locks tickling her cheek.
      "You're definitely feeling better," came the chuckled, exasperated reply, as a slender hand reached out to resume a gentle pet. "I guess it is pretty nice and warm in here, too . . . though I did bring you some freshly-brewed tea..."
      "It can be reheated," replied a tired voice, slipping through the cracks in a yawn. Shifting herself once again, the would-be sleeper nuzzled deeply into her companion's chest, an arm still wrapped tightly around her captive. "Thank you, though..." she began once more, voice growing softer with each breath. "You're so sweet to me..."
      "Silly girl..." came the quiet reply, a slight flush falling upon the captive's smiling face. Hidden even in the dancing light, slumber slipped in between graceful fingers, falling between auburn locks, and gently closed a pair of eyes...

Scribble: Comma comma comma, period.

      Beneath the bright summer sun she sits, as deep azure pools stare out across the sea, the tiniest of sighs escaping from her lips. Pulling her folded legs closer, she leans back on the salt-kissed stone, stray granules of sand slipping through her fingers, and turns her gaze to the skies above.
      "Beautiful, isn't it?" comes a voice from behind, as high above, clouds drift lazily along unseen currents. "Told you it wouldn't be boring," he adds, running slender fingers through his hair.
      Turning to the tall young man behind her, she simply smiles, nodding ever slightly. With a tiny hand, she adjusts the flower in her hair, as the newcomer takes a seat beside her, careful to share as much of the perch as possible.
      "Thanks," she finally replies, the melody of her voice flowing atop the rolling waves.
      With no further words between them, they both stare skyward, one head slowly leaning against another, as lazily drifting clouds take shape, putting on a grand show...

Scribble: Scene from a future project?

      A candle's fickle flame danced upon the wick, as she looked across the tiny attic once more. Having slipped away from her companions as they slept, the waif couldn't help but smile at her new-found privacy, suppressing an anxious giggle in an effort not to wake them. Trying to brush away long silver locks, her fingertips graced the ornate leather patch where her left eye once had been, and the tender care someone had taken to ease the loss with beauty.
      Another gift, thought the waif, her single eye welling-up with a tear. One you promised you'd take back someday, if only to give me another. But that's not why I'm here...
      With a wistful sigh, she quickly unfastened the fabric above her breast, just enough to reveal a small, metal chamber where her heart might've been. Cautiously, her slender fingers tapped a gentle rhythm, as the circular seal shifted away, revealing but an elaborate series of gears and springs, roughly in the shape of a heart.
      Gently reaching inside, her fingers found a small locket, fitting in place with its surroundings almost perfectly, despite its peculiar shape. Staring longingly at the little rabbit of brass, the waif released yet another sigh, before folding the trinket into her pale, soft hands.
      Thank you, she thought, the faint clicking of her inner mechanisms sounding almost like a song. May we meet again so very soon...

Scribble: Waiting for the L...

...a new approach...

Flash Fiction: High Above the Clouds

      She glides along the dance floor, floating far above the myriad patterns of light with each sweeping movement. Flirtatious toes kissed the ground, playfully avoiding any deeper commitment to gravity, staying aloft on unseen music and a beaming smile. With each pounding beat, her untamed hands discovered new shapes drifting in the air, as her heart eagerly explored each new rhythm.
      Adrift on sweet melody, the sylph could only fly, bright eyes shining like stars in the flashing lights. Not even when toes kissed the shallowest of water would she stop, her body losing all inhibitions and soaring across the dance floor...
      ...right into his waiting, warm arms, and his familiar chuckle just waiting to tickle her ears.

Scribble: I couldn't figure out what he's applying to do.

      Birdsong drifted above the glistening waters, tickling the swimmers' ears as they laid upon the warm sand. Quietly they listened, their bare skin waiting for the sunlight to sate its thirst, as a stray thought floated over to the pile of neatly-folded shirts and jeans nearby. Sharing a towel and a smile with his companion, the taller of the two remained propped on his elbow, as emerald orbs gazed into the azure waters hidden beneath the other swimmer's eyes.
      "You're doing it again," the shorter said with a half-chuckle, hands folded neatly upon his flat stomach.
      "Doing what, pray tell?" said the first, his innocent tone doing little to obscure the grin upon his face.
      With a sigh, the shorter sat-up, using a hand to brush away stray granules of sand in his blond hair. "Oh, nothing, Lev," came the exasperated, yet willingly so, reply, "just making it painfully obvious that you're waiting for me to say something." With another half-chuckle, he added, "ass."
      Falling onto his back, the taller heaved a sigh of his own, comically raising a wrist to his forehead. "Oh, how quickly he hath discovered my ruse," he said with mock despair, trying to keep his grin at bay. "And it only took him this long to put the pieces together! Such admirable detective skills haven't been seen since Ryan discovered someone's secret affections for him!"
      A playful laugh soon followed, only to be left alone to linger in the air. The clever grin falling from his face, Lev looked over at the slender swimmer beside him, only to find him turned toward the water.
      "I'm sorry," he said, placing a hand gently upon his companion's shoulder. "I forgot about . . . you know."
      With another heaving sigh, a smaller, slender hand fell atop Lev's own. "It's okay," he replied, turning to face his companion with a smile upon his face, "I mean, I know you didn't mean that, just . . . couldn't help thinking about it, is all."
      For a brief moment, not even birdsong could be heard, as the gentle lapping of the waves roared like thunder. Without a sound, a pair of strong, inviting arms wrapped around the sullen swimmer's body, as a chin tenderly fell upon his shoulder.
      "Next year," came a soothing whisper, "you'll try again, and you'll make it. And just to be sure, promise me one little thing, and I'll do everything in my power to help."
      "What's that?" Ryan asked, awkwardly leaning into his companion's embrace.
      "Take me with you," came the mischievous reply, the grin glowing so brightly upon Lev's face that even the sunlight felt threatened by it. "And don't you dare try to slip away, either. We both know who's the strongest!"
      Squeezing his smaller companion tightly, Lev let loose a pathetic roar, soon joined by Ryan's stifled laughter. "Damn you!" Ryan cried out, playfully struggling in his companion's embrace, before giving-in entirely, nuzzling into a heaving, almost purring chest.
      "Will you, though?" Lev asked, running a hand through sandy blond locks. "Take me with you, I mean..."
      Without a word, the smaller gave a tender smile, before gently pressing his lips to his lover's own. "Of course," Ryan whispered, gazing into verdant fields, "after all, I might need help in honing my detective skills . . . ass."

Scribble: Once again, turning video game music into an excuse for sap.

      She smiled that usual smile, the one reserved only for a single someone, as she nuzzled deeper into an all-too-inviting coat. Swaying with each jerk of the train, the would-be dreamer slid an arm tightly around her lover's sleeve, trying to steady herself with minimal effort. Without a word, a slender hand soon fell atop her own, as her lover's face rested atop her head, her long, brown locks tickling her exposed cheek.
      “I'm not a pillow,” the would-be dreamer mumbled, the words slipping between consciousness and slumber.
      “Says the girl currently using my chest for the same thing,” came the playfully tired reply, as a laugh drifted slowly into the air.
      “You're lucky you're cute,” came another mumble, as the sleepyhead nuzzled deeper into the coat's soft, warm fabric, giving the sleeve another gentle tug.
      The ringing of the train kept silence from creeping in, as the only pair of open eyes stared beyond the scratched and weathered glass. Moments passed, as the sounds of the train soon faded away, emerging from the tunnel and into the clear, starry night.
      With a sigh, she gave the sleepyhead's little hand a squeeze, a bright smile beaming upon her tired face. “You're missing a beautiful night,” she teased, leaning over to kiss the dreamer's silver locks, open eyes never drifting from the sea of stars.
      “I beg to differ...” whispered the dreamer, giving her lover's hand a squeeze in return, just as slumber stole her away...

Scribble: Elevator music can be romantic...

      A smile slipped onto her porcelain face, gazing out over the flickering landscape. Just beyond the smooth glass panel, the city lit-up the night sky, a mirror to the countless stars above.
      Gentle laughter drifted into her ears, as a familiar hand slipped onto her shoulder. "Glad you like it," a silken voice whispered, just before a pair of soft, warm lips pressed against her cheek.
      Turning to see the glowing face beside her, the smaller of the two could only nod, a flush coming over her cheeks. "Thanks for showing me," she whispered in return, her slender fingers sliding over her companion's tawny hand. "Still, next time, I'm going to show you what a proper night sky looks like."
      "Oh shush," replied the silken voice, staring into star-filled eyes, as warm lips drew ever so closer together. "Just enjoy the moment for what it is..."
      And somewhere, in another world, a pair of elevator doors opened and closed, a single chime getting lost in the electric symphony just beyond the glass.