Rated S for Stunning.

"Education... has produced a vast population able to read but unable to distinguish..."

2008-05-11T21:17:50Z

"Education... has produced a vast population able to read but unable to distinguish what is worth reading." - G. M. Trevelyan

Well I think it's about time for a journal entry.

I've been out of school for a week now. My parents came down and moved me home last Friday. Let me tell you, I have never been so happy for a school year to end. Sure I was tired at Christmas break but at the beginning of my summer break I was just sick of my classes.

Final Grades
School Art - A
Psych of Learning & Exceptionalities - C
Creative Writing: Poetry - C
Descriptive Linguistics - D
Intro to Political Science - D

Overall I'm pleased. I was hoping for a C in Poli Sci but I'll settle for a D. At least I don't have to retake it like I do Linguistics -gag-. I'm uberly pleased that I pissed off my Poetry prof with my final paper. I'll have to scan it and post links to the pics to share it on here once I get a new laptop.

Oh that's right! I'm getting a new laptop this summer. My mom spent $243 to have it fixed after it gave me the BSOD but now I can't even get it to charge. She's tired of spending money on it so we're just getting a new one. I found the one I want and it's soooo pretty. It's blue :D

Take a look!: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8771279&st=laptop&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1203815723334

For the past week I have been helping my past librarian at my old high school by packing up all her books and things because my high school is under construction and next year there will not be a library. It's such a horrible tragedy. D: But once the new library is built it should be amazing. I can't wait. The school board says it should be ready by January... but Mrs. B doesn't think so. I just know I will be there to help her once she has a new library.

I found a summer job and it's my dream job. I'll be working at my public library helping with the summer reading program. This puts me in a great position to come by all the books on my summer reading list.

Speaking of my summer reading list... it can be found behind the cut! They are numbered in the order that I am going to read them. Before I can start my summer reading I have to finish Blood Bank by Tanya Huff, it's a collection of short stories to go along with her "Blood Books" series. Excellent read for anyone who likes vampires and a bit of mystery.

1. Magic Hour - Kristen Hannah
2. All Quiet on the Western Front
3. The Perfect Boy - Mark A. Roeder
4. The Realm of Possibility - David Levithan
5. The Year My Sister Got Lucky - Aimee Friedman
6. Thirteen Reasons Why - Jay Asher
7. Ancient Prejudice Breaks to New Mutainy - Mark A. Roeder
8. Smoke and Shadows - Tanya Huff
9. Jane Boleyn - Julia Fox
10. Three Little Words - Ashley Rhodes-Couter
11. The Briton - Catherine Palmer
12. *Possible present for aubreys_master therefore no title for ya'll!*
13. *Also a possible present for aubreys_master no title!*
14. The Harlequin - Laurell K. Hamilton
15. Twilight - Stephine Meyer
16. Blood on the Water - P.N. Elrod
17. A Chill in the Blood - " "
18. The Dark Sleep - " "
19. Highland Vampire - Hannah Howell
20. Sins of the Night - Sherrilyn Kenyon
21. The Vampire - M. G. Dailey
22. A Hunger Like No Other - Kresley Cole
23. Be Still My Vampire Heart - Kerrelyn Sparks
24. Desert Sons - Mark Kendrick
25. Into this World We're Thrown - " "
26. The Vampire Dairies: The Awakening - L.J. Smith

This is by nooooo means my reading this. My reading list has at least 20 more books on it. I'm gonna wear my eyes out! But at least it will be done doing something I love ^_^.

Drabble: Blame

2008-04-30T23:46:15Z

Title: Blame
Author: avari_maethor
Summary: DG accuses Cain but Glitch takes the blame.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Slash, Cain/Glitch.
Disclaimers: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by Imagiquest Entertainment. Parts of two quotes are property of FOX Network from the TV Show HOUSE M.D. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Note: Watching the newest episode of HOUSE M.D. this past Monday, I was inspired by a quote I heard to write this drabble. I hope you find it as funny as I did.

Blame

DG tapped her foot against the floor impatiently. Cain was an hour and twenty minutes late for their meeting. On one hand she was worried as Cain was never late, but on the other she was livid. Cain had never stood her up when it came to a security meeting and he wasn’t going to start now! Standing from her chair DG marched from the room intent on finding the missing Tin Man.

Cain was just closing the door to his and Glitch’s suite when DG came around the corner. The princess did not look happy Cain noted as he ran a hand over his still damp hair. One moment DG was stalking towards him and the next she was yelling with her finger jabbing him in the chest.

“You are an hour and thirty minutes late!” She accused.

“I know and I’m sorry for keeping you waiting,” Cain replied.

“And why are you later?” DG questioned.

“I had to take a shower.”

“Cain, it’s the middle of the day, why would you be taking a shower?” DG demanded, she didn’t notice the door to their room open again, this time by Glitch, brown curls dripping water.

“Sorry doll, that was my fault,” he said with an apologetic smile. For the first time DG noticed Cain and Glitch were both wet, it took a moment but then she blushed brightly.

“Oh!” She exclaimed before excusing herself from the two. Glitch watched her go before wrapping his arms around Cain.

“You need to come home at lunch more often Tin Man,” he murmured.

“Why? So I can get yelled at by the princess some more?” Cain asked.

“So I can take the blame and you can make it up to me,” Glitch answered pulling him into a kiss. Cain smiled against Glitch’s lips.

“Anytime sweetheart,” he murmured pulling Glitch back into their room.

Drabble Challenge Resonses!

2008-04-24T23:56:44Z

From the music thingy lovemyfaceoff posted, I decided to try my hand at it.

First the rules:

1. Pick a character, pairing, or fandom you like.
2. Turn on your music player and put it on random/shuffle.
3. Write a drabble related to each song that plays. You only have the time frame of the song to finish the drabble; you start when the song starts, and stop when it’s over. No lingering afterwards!
4. Do ten of these, then post them.

1. Was It A Dream - 30 Seconds to Mars

The thunder rumbled across the sky and Glitch whimpered as the lightning flashed, deepening the shadows in the hall for seconds before it went dark again. This felt so familiar… why did this feel so familiar? Oh… that’s right Ambrose had done this, he had seen the flash of so many memories from being connected to his brain for those few minutes. This one stuck in his mind though…

Heated kisses caught in the hallways… lightning flashing and deepening their shadows… Ambrose had moaned, holding tightly to the thin form of the one pressing against him. Zero had smiled at his moan, grinding their hips together.

Glitch sat up gasping, his hands tangled in the sheets of his bed. Sweat poured down his face. Ambrose… and Zero? Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed, highlighting the shadows of his room.

Was it a dream? It had to be a dream…

2. Mi Morena - Josh Groban

DG stood at her window, from here she had a beautiful view of the gardens… and something else. A smile rested on her lips as she watched Cain and Glitch dance in the evening light. With the suns setting everything was cast in a orange glow and their smiles were peaceful. She was amazed by how well they moved together but really it shouldn’t have surprised her. Glitch had a way of working his way into people’s hearts and even though Cain had lost his, Glitch had found it and returned it to the Tin Man.

A rumble of thunder distracted DG but not the dancers below. Cain and Glitch didn’t even seem to notice as the rain started to fall down upon them. DG brought a hand to her throat as Cain tipped Glitch back and kissed him.

3. I Need a Hero - Shrek 2 soundtrack

“Cain? Cain! Cain! Where are you?” Glitch cried. People ran past him in a panic trying to get away from the fires that had claimed the city. He should have been running with them but he had to find Cain.

Horse beats rushing along caught Glitch’s attention and his breath caught as he watched Cain gallop towards him. Fire raged behind the Tin Man and he was covered in ash but he didn’t even pause as he reached a hand out and pulled Glitch up behind him.

“We have to get out of here sweetheart, this part of the city is lost,” Cain called back to him as Glitch held on tightly.

“Cain…” Glitch murmured. Cain shouldn’t have been able to hear him but somehow Cain looked back and met Glitch’s eyes. “I needed a hero and you came.”

4. It’s Gonna Be Love - Mandy Moore

He had waited long enough. The “accidental” brushes of their hands, the casual smiles, the little bits of comfort that they gave each other now and then… Ambrose straightened his jacket before knocking on Cain’s office door.

“Come in,” Cain called. Ambrose entered and gave him a smile. “Ambrose? Something wrong?”

“No, nothing wrong… I just… I’ve waited long enough.”

“Waited? For what?”

Ambrose walked behind Cain’s desk and pushed him back before straddling Cain’s lap. Ambrose tipped Cain’s head back and captured his lips. One hand slid down and rested over Cain’s heart, he wasn’t sure if he should have been surprised that their heartbeat’s matched. Ambrose pulled back after a few moments searching Cain’s eyes.

“Love,” he whispered.

5. Love Song Requiem - Trading Yesterday

Glitch held onto Cain tightly. He didn’t want the other man to leave. He had been gone to much lately. Cain stroked his hair and that was comforting but he still held tightly. Why did Cain have to keep leaving?!

“Be damned the kingdom for once! Stay with me!” Glitch pleaded. Cain tipped Glitch’s head up and wiped his tears away.

“I can’t do that sweetheart. You of all people should know that,” Cain murmured before kissing him gently.

“I know…” Glitch whimpered. “But that still doesn’t mean you’ll come back this time.”

“I’ll come back. I always do,” Cain promised easing his way out of Glitch’s arms. It was time to go. “Jeb.”

Jeb looked up from where he had his face buried in DG’s hair and nodded. It was time to go again. He kissed his princess goodbye. Both men put their hats on and walked out into the rain.

Watching their men ride off DG put a hand on Glitch’s shoulder to comfort him, although she could have used the comfort as well. One moment Glitch was there and the next he wasn’t. On his knees Glitch cried knowing this time Cain wouldn’t come back.

6. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You - Andy Williams

“May I have this dance?” Cain questioned. Glitch blinked those big chocolate brown eyes up at him in surprise. Seconds later the smile followed and Glitch’s hand was in Cain’s leading him out onto the dance floor. For most of the night Cain had watched Glitch look longingly at the dance floor but never daring to step onto it at some of the looks he got because of the zipper on the top of his head. Cain didn’t like it and now he was going to make up for that. Glitch didn’t deserve those looks.

“You should dance more often Cain,” Glitch told him.

“Why’s that sweetheart?”

“Cause you’re really good at it, good at it, good at it-”

“Glitch.”

“Oh! Heh, there goes my synapses again! Always misfiring!” Cain just smiled watching the happiness in Glitch’s eyes.

7. This is Home - I Am Ghost

Glitch closed his eyes against the assault of lips on his neck. He had always wanted for this moment… the moment Cain returned his feelings… but now it wasn’t right. Cain reeked of some sort of alcohol and didn’t realize what he was doing or who he had pressed up against the wall. This was just a quick fuck in the hallway for him. Glitch quickly blinked back tears as he dig his nails into Cain’s shoulders. He had to face reality. Cain would never love him back, a quick drunken fuck was all he would get… but home was here… in Cain‘s arms.

8. Truly, Madly, Deeply - Savage Garden

“Glitch, what are you doing?” Cain questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“Posting notes,” Glitch answered cheerfully.

“I can see that. But why are you posting notes that say ‘I love Wyatt Cain’?” He questioned.

“Because I do! And I want everyone to know!” Glitch exclaimed dropping the rest of his notes on the floor to jump on Cain and capture his lips. Cain stumbled back to the wall from the force of Glitch’s jump into him, but even so he chuckled and kissed Glitch back.

“Why the notes though?” Cain asked once the kiss had broken.

“Cause I went hoarse screaming it from the tower yesterday,” Glitch answered.

9. It’s Just Make Believe - Kami Kimmel

It couldn’t be true… it just couldn’t. Cain set the letter down with shaking hands. Glancing up in the mirror he was actually surprised by what he saw. There were laugh lines at the corners of his eyes. Ambrose had done that… how?

I love you Cain - Ambrose

It had to be make believe, some story like those fairytales DG was always talking about. A knock on the door brought his attention to the present and he found himself smiling before he could stop it. Standing he came over to Ambrose and pulled him close.

“I love you too sweetheart.”

10. I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing - Mark Chestnut

Cain sat next to Ambrose’s bed watching the paler man sleep. It had been a week since the surgery and the former, maybe reinstated advisor, had yet to wake. Cain hadn’t thought he would miss the other man’s presence so much but now after this lonely week of sitting by his bed and waiting he realized he had.

DG had come and tried to get him to sleep but Cain wouldn’t leave Ambrose’s bedside for the world. He cursed himself when he did fall asleep. If something happened to Glitch now he wouldn’t forgive himself. A soft moan drew him out of his thoughts and he took Ambrose’s hand.

“Sweetheart?” He questioned softly. Ambrose slowly blinked and then gave him that smile Cain had come to love so much.

“You’re here,” Ambrose murmured.

Songfic: If Tomorrow Never Comes

2008-04-23T18:42:43Z

Title: If Tomorrow Never Comes
Author: avari_maethor
Summary: If tomorrow never comes would he doubt the way I feel?
Rating: PG
Warnings: Slash, Ambrose/Cain. Character death.
Disclaimers: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by Imagiquest Entertainment. Song lyrics belong to Garth Brooks. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

If Tomorrow Never Comes

Cain quietly entered their room. Ambrose had gone to bed a couple of hours before and was sound asleep now. Cain changed into his sleeping clothes and slipped into the bed. Sleep never came easy, there were always to many rules and figures running through his mind. To ease his mind he would lay and watch Ambrose. The small smile on Ambrose’s lips let him know that no nightmare was disturbing his lover’s sleep at the moment.

Cain reached out and rubbed his thumb back and forth the soft skin of Ambrose’s neck. Under his thumb he could feel the steady thread of Ambrose’s heartbeat. Sometimes nothing but this feeling calmed him, assured him that Ambrose was still alive and that he wasn’t alone.

“What if I don’t wake in the morning?” Cain thought. He has had his share of close calls, even after the Queen had been restored. “Would Ambrose really know he always comes first?”

Sometimes late at night
I lie awake and watch her sleeping
She's lost in peaceful dreams
So I turn out the lights and lay there in the dark
And the thought crosses my mind
If I never wake up in the morning
Would she ever doubt the way I feel
About her in my heart

Cain tried to think back to the last time he and Ambrose had eaten together, just the two of them… he couldn’t remember. He had thought when Adora was taken from him that he would never have loved again. But somehow Glitch had found a way into his heart and now he was wondering is he had done the same to Ambrose.

Would Ambrose mourn him for more than a week? Would he take a new lover? Would he still invent? Would he be happy again… if tomorrow never came?

If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her
Did I try in every way to show her every day
That she's my only one
And if my time on earth were through
And she must face the world without me
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes

Adora’s lovely ace flashed in his mind, Jeb laughing as he tossed him up in the air… he had told his family that he loved them but he doubted they knew just how much. His heart gave a painful thud as all the moments he could have made his love known replayed in his mind. The day he had realized that he loved Ambrose he had vowed to make that love known.

Now that vow seemed to have fallen short. Cain reached out, his fingers ghosting over Ambrose’s fine features. Ambrose shifted, sighing softly as a smile twitched on his lips.

“I love you,” Cain thought. He would arrange a private dinner just for the two of them for tomorrow night. It had been to long.

'Cause I've lost loved ones in my life
Who never knew how much I loved them
Now I live with the regret
That my true feelings for them never were revealed
So I made a promise to myself
To say each day how much she means to me
And avoid that circumstance
Where there's no second chance to tell her how I feel

The explosion rang across the palace grounds, shaking the palace on its foundation. For a few panicked moments it was thought that the palace was under a surprise attack. A second explosion did not follow however and the smoke came from the palace grounds. DG came running from her “princess lessons”, almost running into Cain.

“Cain… wh-“ Cain cut her off.

“Ambrose’s lab,” Cain said without pausing.

“Oh God…” DG breathed as she ran at his heels.

When they reached the section of the palace that held Ambrose’s lab dread filled them. The windows had been blown out and fire was lapping the frames. Black smoke filled the sky. There was no sign of Ambrose.

“Soak me with water,” Cain stated.

“Cain you can’t go in there,” DG replied.

“Ambrose is in there princess, I have to get him out,” Cain replied. “You won’t stop me.”

Seconds later a thoroughly soaked Cain ran into the burning lab. Each second that passed after that seemed like a lifetime. DG put many men to work keeping the fire from spreading to the rest of the palace. After what seemed like an eternity Cain ran back through the doorway holding Ambrose tightly. Immediately they were both soaked with water to prevent any flames. Cain slowly laid Ambrose on the ground. Blood and watery ash covered him.

“Cain…” DG started falling to her knees. Cain just shook his head, tears mixing with the water running down his face. DG buried her face in her hands and cried.

If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her
Did I try in every way to show her every day
That she's my only one
And if my time on earth were through
And she must face the world without me
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes

Three days later Cain stood in front of the stone that bore the carved name ‘Ambrose’ on it. The stone itself was simple as, other than his advisor attire, Ambrose was a simple man. Now he was gone. Tears filled Cain’s eyes for the millionth time since the explosion.

“Tomorrow never came sweetheart. I’m so sorry… I… I shouldn’t have waited. Now I can’t tell you… I love you sweetheart.”

So tell that someone that you love
Just what you're thinking of
If tomorrow never comes

Happy Birthday!

2008-04-20T19:28:16Z

Happy Birthday to my friend graycefulchaos! I hope you are having a wonderful b-day. Maybe a wonderful day will inspire you to update "How to Destroy Yourself" hm?

^_^

Drabble: It's Time

2008-04-16T19:55:19Z

Title: It’s Time
Author: avari_maethor
Summary: Cain decides that it’s time for Glitch to…
Rating: G
Warnings: Slash, Cain/Glitch. Use of semi-sharp objects.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by Imagiquest Entertainment. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

It’s Time
“Glitch, it’s time,” Cain stated as he made sure the straps holding Glitch’s hands and feet to the chair arms and legs were tight. Glitch needed this and tying him down assured that he couldn’t run away or hurt himself in the process. Glitch whimpered squeezing his eyes shut tight. “You’re sure about this sweetheart?” Glitch nodded quickly.

“Pos… actually n-no no! I’m ready Cain, get this over with already,” Glitch answered, his hand making fists. Cain slowly stepped behind Glitch. Resting a hand on Glitch’s shoulder, Cain chose his weapon of choice from the table beside them.

“I’ll be gentle sweetheart,” Cain assured him brushing an easy hand over the rough zipper.

“Stop teasing me Tin-” Glitch was cut off as the first snip sounded in the room. “A…are you sure you know what you’re doing Cain?” Another snip came before Cain replied.

“Yes Glitch, I’m sure,” Cain answered with a small smile as another brown curl fell to the floor.

“You know, I haven’t brushed or had my hair cut in a long time,” Glitch said with a laugh.

“Probably fourteen years,” Cain mused.

“My hair used to be very neat; at least I think it was.”

‘And you looked like a pompous ass,’ Cain thought.

“The Queen always had the loveliest hair.”

‘Tall like a tower.’

“Ladies at the dances would spend hours styling their hair. Are we going to a dance?” Glitch questioned.

“No Glitch, there’s not a dance,” Cain answered. Glitch’s shoulders slumped as he sulked. Cain was pretty sure he was pouting. When Cain cut another of the messy locks off and Glitch jumped Cain figured he had had a glitch.

“It’s alright sweetheart, we’re close to being done,” Cain told him. Glitch turned his head as far as he could to look at Cain.

“Cain? What are you doing?”

“Cutting your hair,” Cain answered.

“Oh… you aren’t making me look crazy are you?” Glitch asked sounding worried.

“Never sweetheart,” Cain replied. Glitch relaxed and Cain finished cutting off the hair. Making sure it was even Cain put the scissors down and picked up the brush. Brushing Glitch’s hair was a much easier task now that all the tangles had been cut out of it. The much shorter strands of hair still tended to curl and under the brush frizzed. Cain had to force back a laugh as he set the brush down and moved to Glitch’s front to untie him.

Once untied Glitch jumped up and ran to the mirror. Cain saw the look of horror on his face in mirror and quickly slipped out of the room. Glitch turned, ready to yell, he blinked at empty room and then dashed out the open door after Cain.

“Cain! You made me look like that frilly dog!” He yelled Cain’s laughter echoed through the hallways.

Writing "To-Do" List

2008-04-11T21:25:07Z

I thought it was about time I made a writing "To-Do" list for myself since I get so many ideas. Eventually all of these will be posted here. Loooooots of songfics!

Book
Original:

1. Rewrite An Ending That Fits - Co-authored with Zelirica - Shawn comes from a bad home, Jerith from a rich family. They both have their secrets but it is through each other they will discover the courage to face their futures, even if that leads them down different roads.

2. Merger - Co-authored with Zelirica - Rayne Collins, a 15 year old business genius, is in for the shock of his life when he, the second in line for his father's business after his brother Marcus, catches the eye of handsome Adamare Lucus. The man his father wants for Marcus. MPREG

3. Moving In - Co-authored with Zelirica - A bitter divorce brings two strangers together.

4. Stay With Me - Co-authored with Zelirica & Sai - Bonds are powerful things, they are what hold us all together. Micah, Gabriel and Dusk will find this out first hand.

5. His Call - Co-authored with Zelirica - Is it possible for a vampire to find love in a person that is so full of life? Daemon is about to find out when Kayln survives his bite and then becomes his friend.

6. Together At the Seems - Co-authored with Zelirica - *needs summary*

7. Play Me A Song - Co-authored with Zelirica - *needs summary*

8. Sweet Southern Comforts - Plantations, honeysuckle, and a handsome boy, sweet southern comforts indeed.

9. Romance Book Romeo

10. It's Not Much - co-authored with aubreys_master

Fanfics:

:Beyblade:
- Reflection - Kai and Brooklyn are possibly two of the most intriguing characters of Beyblade. This is a story about them… trying to understand why they do not see who they are.

:Card Captor Sakura:
- 1000 Words
- Insatiable
- I Do, Cherish You
- Snow Bunny
- This I Swear
- The New Moon
- Thank You
- There You Are
- Where You Are

:Yu-Gi-Oh:
- Confessions (Series)

:Princess Princess:
- To Pain and Pleasure

:Harry Potter:
- Over You
- Specializing Mayhem and Madness (co-authored with truthwritaslies)
- Tonight I Wanna Cry
- When You're Gone

:Lord of the Rings:
- Determined Guardian *on hold*
- Possessed Banishment *on hold*
- Silent Price to Pay
- Until Hope Awakes Me

:Star Wars: (all co-authored with aubreys_master
- Vampire Star Wars story *needs better title*
- Paper Flowers
- *Sequel to Dust
- Things that Never Were
- "Unnamed"

:DN Angel:
- Nimble Fingers

:Sailor Moon:
- Stealing Cinderella

:Tin Man:
- Among the Paper Flowers: Tin Man: PG: -summary to be determined-

- Last Hope: Tin Man: PG-13: There has been a new uprising and the palace is being stormed. Cain protects the outside while putting Glitch the safest place he can think of, with the royal family. “If they get past me, you are their last hope.” Cain never thought he might lose his last hope. : Cain/Glitch

- I Can’t Hate You Anymore
- Help Me Remember
- It’s Getting Better All the Time
- Long Slow Kisses
- I Need a Hero
- Empty Chairs
- Heart Breaking Miracle
- Two to Tango, Sweetheart
- Little Boy Brown
- Dreaming of You
- Until You Find Your Mr. Right

**Various drabbles that just come to mind.

Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open. - Elmer G. Letterman

2008-04-02T16:00:28Z

Once upon a time there was a girl named Olivia. For longest time Olivia was lost in what she wanted to do with her life. Near the end of her 11th grade year in high school she decided that she loved books and encouraging others to read she wished to be a librarian.

Her journey would not be an easy one however. Olivia tried to get a job at her local library during the summer months starting at the age they would hire kids, 16. The local library never once hired her so she was forced to take a job she hated. The position and location of the job stressed Olivia out so badly that it started to create a strain on the relationship she had with her parents. Olivia sought refuge from this stress at her best friend and soul sister's house, April. Olivia started spending so much time at April's her mother threatened to kick her out of the house. Her mother said that if she wanted to spend so much time at April's she could live there.

This part of the story has a happy ending, Olivia made peace with her mother and cut back on the time she spent at April's a bit. Olivia returned to college in the fall and worked hard towards achieving her dream of being a librarian. To gain experience Olivia held a federal work study job in the library on her campus. She enjoyed this job more than anything offered on her campus, except for maybe her Death & Dying class.

The following year (this year) was not as easy for Olivia. During the fall semester she piled 19 hours onto her plate trying to play catch up for classes she had dropped. The classes and their requirements added more stress into the mix of her school, social and personal life. Sleep became a valued commodity that was caught up on on Friday afternoon's. By the end of the semester she was tired of school, tired of being unhappy with the way things were going. She was sacrificing everything she was to make others happy it seemed. She was majoring in a subject only because she needed the background to get her Master's in Library Science. She wanted to give up.

Over Christimas break she rested and felt ready to take on school again although she did not really care about returning. This semester she had fewer hours but was still horribly unhappy. Olivia's English classes were not going well and as classes for her major that was not good. She tries everything she think will help but in the end comes to the conclusion that English is not for her. If she can barely understand the majority of the rules, how could she ever teach them?

Olivia began considering changing her major to Art Education, art was a subject she was fairly good at and understood. She was minoring in it and would have that completed this semester. Researching the Art Education program proved to be discouraging at first. The major listed in the book required 57 hours. To complete this she would have to take all the Art classes offered. There was no way she could do this and graduate even remotely on time. She couldn't stay in college forever, her parents couldn't afford it. As a last resort she talked to her minor advisor who finally shown some hope on the whole situation.

"It has been proposed to reduce the number of hours the Art Education program would need from 57 to 39. The 57 was to many for any student to complete," her advisor explained. Olivia didn't dare hope yet... would the proposel be accepted? "It's looking very good," her advisor assured her. With that assurance Olivia officially changed her major to Art Education with a minor in English. She had never left better about her life at that moment. Now things seemed to be going in the right direction. FINALLY!

Alas, with all good things must come the bad. Over spring break Olivia had planned to see all her friends, catch up with them and replinish her spirits. Only two of her friends came through and she was more hurt by the others than those two could heal. One of the disappointing friends called Olivia a few days later and had a responsible and legit excuse, Olivia forgave her. But it was the other than still weighed heavily on her soul.

For five years she had been Olivia's best friend, the one she told everything to, the one she knew she could count on and the same was returned vice versa. They were soul sisters. And then this happened. Olivia waited for an hour and fifteen minutes, much longer than she should have, for her to get home. No call, no text message, nothing. For four days she was allowed to be pissed off until she received a message from her on Myspace. She was sorry, they had a lot of places to go after work, they would be home all day tomorrow. This message only served to piss Olivia off further. Here they had been trading text messages before they had not shown up and yet they couldn't send one to let her know where they were or when they would be home? Bullshit. It wasn't like she could come now anyway, Olivia's break was over and she was back at school.

Can a friendship that was as strong as all that survive an event that hurt that much? I guess we'll find out.

This story is nowhere near finished but perhaps it is time to put it on the shelf and let it collect dust.

Fic: Heart Breaking Miracle 5/7?

2008-04-02T01:13:46Z

All I can say about life is, Oh God, enjoy it! - Bob Newhart

2008-03-28T15:23:39Z

The best thing to happen in my life (thus far) was made official yesterday.

I changed my major from English Education to Art Education.

Now I will get my teaching degree in Art, a subject that I enjoy and understand for the most part rather than a subject I like but rarely understand. I'm still getting a minor in English, track 2 with an emphsis on writing ^_^

The Art Education major is getting ready to go through some changes, if the proposed amount of hours are accepted the major will be 39 hours. (YES!)

My second major, Education with an emphsis on Secondary, is still 42 (?) hours... maybe a few more.

The English minor is 24 but those are easily completed.

I might actually graduate slightly on time now! Time for a happy hug... or something!

"Mistakes and disappointment make the sweet things in life that much sweeter."

2008-03-26T19:13:19Z

I have been back to school for three days now, gods how I wish it was over. I'm so sick of this semester. I hate my English classes, I could deal with all my other classes but just let the English ones be over. -takes a deep breath- Alright 33 days left, I can make it.

Hm? Oh, how was my spring break? Well that's an easy question to answer, it sucked. I only got to see two of my friends, one I had to go see where she works and the other I had to stop on my way back to school.

I was disappointed to say the least, I have forgiven one of my friend's. We were supposed to get together but she never called me. Well she called me a couple of night's ago and I understand why she couldn't call. The other's... well I'm still not 100% happy with them. In fact I'm not 98% happy with them.

When you say you are going to be home "soon" that means 15-30 minutes, not a fucking hour and 45! I left at an hour and fifteen but I shouldn't have even stayed that long. No minutes to call me but we can still text, so send a fucking text message.

Yeah... can you tell I'm not a happy camper?

Anyway, my cousins that live in St. Louis are in on their spring break this week. I only got to see them on Saturday but it was a great time. Sophia actually smiled and hugged me! This is the child I say can turn from angel to devil spawn in 2 seconds flat.

I called my mom earlier, she's watching Sophia today. Sophia wouldn't talk to me but she did have mom tell me that she had colored me a picture and my mom was to save it for me for when I came home. To cute <3

A couple of days ago aubreys_master proposed that we write a book together. Talk about a shocker. We've written many fanfics together but never has there been talk of a possible book. She's such a better writer than I am... I hope I don't screw this up to badly. I'm completely flattered that she asked me. Actually, pretty dang excited covers it fairly well.

My mom called about my laptop last Saturday. Bad news. I lost all my documents, pics, music, everything that was on it. The guy working on it said that the hard drive was just completely fried, but he could rebuild it. So he stopped by my house yesterday and got all the discs that originally came with it. I hope to have my baby back by this Saturday. Mom said she would drive down and meet me halfway.

I have a meeting with my minor advisor in 15 minutes. I might be changing my major from English Education to Art Education. I still want to be a librarian more than anything but I'm terrified of teaching... and I suck at English, at least when it comes to the advanced grammar rules. I think I could become comfortable with teaching art... if I -have- to.

I wish my life had a fast forward button sometimes.

"Anger is a signal, and one worth listening to." - Harriet Lerner

2008-03-14T03:52:46Z

This is an overdue entry but a needed one.

Once upon a time... back at the beginning of this semester I thought my classes were going to be rock'n but as of midterm I had an A, two C's & two F's. I can easily say neither I nor my parents were pleased. However, unlike my parents I set my sights on improving my grades instead of dwelling and worrying over the fact I was failing.

It's not that I don't like my classes, I love each of them in their own right. I couldn't say that about Poetry a few weeks ago but we started on a new set of poems by Nickole Brown and it has gotten much better. The poems are at times gruesome but amazingly written.

I have been doing a lot of writing, as you can tell if you look back at my most recent enteries on here. Tin Man has claimed part of my life but not so much that it rules me. I would like to think that I am putting the things I learn in my Descriptive Linguistics class to good use... even if I can't seem to use it in class >.<

I can do all the things we are learning... I just can't explan them. I dun get it! Somehow I am missing the link between the two.

Another tragedy has happened, well at least it's a tragedy in my mind, my laptop gave me the blue screen of death. I am taking it to the place I always have stuff done to it tomorrow on my way home for spring break. I hope they will be able to fix it without losing my docs... but if they can't I hope they can at least get it past the BSOD I can burn all my important stuff to CD before they have to wipe the hard drive clean.

I GOT MY TIN MAN DVD TODAY! -scream- Okay... maybe it rules a bit more of my life than I thought ^^;

Now it's time for spring break!

Things to do over Spring Break
-See if I can get my summer job back
-Write that slashy piece about Zell and Leo
-Write 3-5 poems
-Write at least part of my 10 page poetry paper
-Write my 3-4 page "Spoken" paper for D.L.
-Brainstorm for 4th papar for D.L.
-Write next chapter of HBM
-Write last part of the "So Close" arc
-Catch up on D.L. assignments

Anything else...? -Ponders- I bet I'm missing *something* I just don't know what.

Fic: Heart Breaking Miracle 4/7?

2008-03-12T04:17:12Z

Title: Heart Breaking Miracle
Author: avari_maethor
Summary: She was supposed to be a miracle, and she was his… but she was also a heart break.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Slash. Ambrose/Cain. Mpreg (Ambrose’s part).
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by Imagiquest Entertainment. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Note: This whole chapter is a continuation of all the flashbacks, including new ones. Fillers to the missing pieces of the story that everyone wanted. Not the true chapter everyone was looking forward to but needed.

Prologue : http://avari-maethor.livejournal.com/31946.html#cutid1
Chapter 1: http://avari-maethor.livejournal.com/32065.html#cutid1
Chapter 2: http://avari-maethor.livejournal.com/33642.html#cutid1
Chapter 3: http://avari-maethor.livejournal.com/34126.html#cutid1

Heart Breaking Miracle
Chapter 4
Cain placed his hat on his head and made sure his coat was straight before he looked towards the bathroom. Five minutes ago Ambrose had went in there to was his face and put his shirt on, usually it only took him about three minutes so Cain know his lover was having one of his few and far between glitch’s.

“Almost ready Sweetheart?” He questioned.

“Um… yeah…” Was the answer he received and a smile tugged at his lips. Cain came to stand in the bathroom doorway to watch Ambrose finish what he was doing.

Ambrose had an arm in one of the sleeves of his shirt, the other was wrapped around his waist and he was trying to button the shirt up. Cain could see by the expression in the mirror that Ambrose was getting frustrated. Before his lover tore his shirt Cain walked up behind him and stilled his hands. Ambrose let out a sigh and Cain kissed his shoulder as he undid the buttons, helped Ambrose’s free arm into the other sleeve before he fastened the buttons correctly.

“Thanks Cain,” Ambrose said with a smile.

“Any time Sweetheart,” Cain answered. “Ready to head to the orphanage to make this appearance for the Queen?”

“Yes Sir!” Cain chuckled as Ambrose gave him a mock salute. Ten minutes later they were riding out into in the city.
---
“The Queen wishes that the children have everything they need while under your care. Is there anything you need to help keep the children happy?” Ambrose asked one of the caretakers of the orphanage. He listened and nodded, writing down the more important things first. He was about to ask another question…

“Stick ‘em up mister!”

Ambrose’s attention went out to the playground where Cain had been talking to some of the older kids. He had to hold in a laugh because now his lover, head of the tin men, was being held up by a seven year old. Cain had his hands up, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. The little red headed boy glared up at Cain past his toy pistol, his arms rigid.

“Mryan!” The caretaker exclaimed. “I’m so sorry, he knows better than this.”

“It’s alright,” Cain stated as he kneeled down so that he was eye level with Mryan. The little boy’s eyes widened and he quickly brought his pistol back to being level with Cain’s forehead. “Could I give you some advice, head of tin men to a future captain?”

Mryan’s eyes widened further and his pistol lowered a bit. “I-I could be a captain of the tin men?” He questioned.

“It’ll take a lot of work but with a good shot it’s very possible,” Cain answered. “Here let me show you…” Ambrose smiled as he watched his lover. Cain was so good with children; Ambrose would have loved to seen him with Jeb when the boy was young… Ambrose’s eyes widened then, a child… his and Cain’s child. He was a great inventor, he could do this! Cain would love a child.
---
Months had passed since then and Ambrose had spent those months researching, planning and gathering the chemicals he would need. He spent hours locked away in his lab, skipped meals and lost hours of sleep. Cain and his other friends were worried he knew, but this was important.
---
Cain was determined, Ambrose had missed lunch again and whatever this project he was working on was not worth it. Cain didn’t care how much whatever it was could help the O.Z. He went to the kitchens and did his best to sweet talk the head cook into preparing a separate meal for he and Ambrose that night. After an hour of sweet talking Cain left the kitchen with a smile.
---
Hours later Cain drug Ambrose from his lab. His lover protested the whole way until he saw the table and spread that had been prepared on the balcony of their room. Cain could have sworn that there were tears in his Sweetheart’s eyes. Ambrose turned and hugged him, they slowly danced and swayed around the room before sitting down to enjoy their supper.
---
The moon was halfway across the sky when Ambrose sat up and looked down at Cain’s sleeping form. Cain was absolutely wonderful. A determined look entered Ambrose’s eyes, this way why he wanted to have Cain’s child, he wanted to share this love with their child. Ambrose leaned down and kissed Cain’s shoulder before climbing out of bed. He didn’t notice or feel those blue eyes on himself as he left the room.
---
It had been almost a year and a half since Ambrose had decided he wanted to have Cain’s baby. In that year and a half he had researched, gathered chemicals, interviewed women who had had children and some of the younger maids who were expecting about the things they went through. After all this he had spent three days locked in his lab carefully measuring out chemicals and even more carefully mixing them. All this studying had him excited enough to almost drink the mixture as soon as he had completed the mixing of the chemicals. However, being an experienced inventor he knew he should test the mixture first. This is where the two male mice came into play.

Ambrose fed one of the male mice a dose of the mixture he had made. For hours he observed the mouse’s reaction, there seemed to be extreme pain but no sign of death. Once the mouse had stopped squeaking Ambrose smiled and fed them both their supper. He would give this mouse a day of rest before turning the other male mouse in with it. His own stomach grumbling Ambrose left his lab to go raid the kitchen’s since it was long past the time the rest of the palace ate… or even fell asleep for that matter.

The next day Ambrose turned the other male mouse in with the one he had given the mixture to. Now it was just a matter of waiting and seeing if this mixture really and truly worked. After a week Ambrose separated the mice once more and tested the mixture mouse, to his immense excitement the test showed that the mixture worked. Being the careful inventor however, Ambrose waiting one week and tested the mouse again. Once more the test proved to be positive and Ambrose knew it had worked. With a smile Ambrose went to his second dose of mixture and taking the cork off the top he brought the vial to his lips and drank.
---
Hours later Cain found his lover unconscious in his lab. To worried about Ambrose, he failed to notice the empty vial that had rolled a few inches away from Ambrose’s hand. He never thought Ambrose would try an experiment on himself, he figured his lover was just unconscious from exhaustion. For the next couple of weeks Cain refused to let Ambrose out of bed, even going as far as getting the Queen to order the advisor to rest. To his surprise Ambrose didn’t really put up that much of a fight, he protested some but then agreed to the orders and promptly fell asleep.

“Something isn’t right,” Cain thought.
---
Two months after drinking the mixture he had invented Ambrose experienced his first morning of morning sickness. Unlike most who dreaded this occurrence that came with pregnancy Ambrose was excited. He was also glad Cain was gone on a training trip with some young tin men, had his lover been there he would have been worried out of his mind. A quick trip to his lab and a test confirmed his suspicions.

Ambrose was pregnant with Wyatt Cain’s child.
---
Ambrose sighed as he slipped into bed with Cain, he smiled as he shared a lazy kiss with his lover. Tonight was the night, tonight he would tell Cain about his experiment and how he was now close to five months along with their child. Their child, his and Cain’s, it sounded so right! But he had to work up to it; he didn’t want to give his lover a heart attack.

Cain rested his hand just below Ambrose’s ribs. Over the past couple of months Ambrose had been putting on a bit of weight and for that Cain was happy. He had always thought the scarecrow of a man was to skinny. Cain had gotten used to the fact that Ambrose was something of an insomniac, so it didn’t worry him as much as it had at first, when he woke and his lover was not there in the mornings.

“Cain…” Ambrose whispered.

“Yeah sweetheart?” Cain questioned softly, not opening his eyes.

“Have you ever thought about having more kids?” Now Cain blinked.

“What? You mean like adopting?”

“Yeah… like that,” Ambrose answered.

“I don’t know sweetheart… Jeb is pretty much grown; I don’t know how he’d feel about it.”

‘Translation: I don’t want anymore kids,’ Ambrose thought and he blinked quickly to stop the threatening tears. The baby kicked against Cain’s hand and Cain’s brows creased in confusion as he glanced down.

“What was that?” Cain questioned. Ambrose faked a rather convincing wince.

“Muscle spasm,” he answered. Ambrose pulled away as he pushed the covers back. “I’m going to walk it off. Do not wait up.”

“Are you sure sweetheart?” Cain asked sitting up.

“Yes, you have to be up in the morning, I do not… really.”
---
Ambrose had talked to the women who had had children before, they had told him how much pain they had gone through but… giving birth was apparently something you had to experience for yourself before you really appreciated. Ambrose laid his head back against the edge of the tub as he removed the piece of leather from his mouth, sweat had already started to break out on his body and he had only been in labor for an hour.

“Thank Ozma I made silencers for my lab… I’m going to need them…” He thought.

Ambrose had been amazed that the mixture he had created not only created a way for the baby to be born naturally but once the baby, or babies in his pet mouse’s case, the created way had healed up as if it had never been there. The memory was cut off as a new contraction seized his body. Ambrose placed the piece of leather back between his teeth and bit into it hard. Gods he wanted Cain…
---
Ten hours after the first contraction Ambrose fell back against the side of the tub panting, the edges of his vision darkening just a bit… but the strong cries of his baby filled the air and he smiled. Pushing the darkness back Ambrose sat up, cut the cord, making sure that both ends were secured and then cleaned his baby. Once the baby was wrapped in a warm blanket he had waiting and was resting among a clean pile of towels he stood on wobbly legs. It was time to make sure everything was cleaned up, the sheets would have to be hidden, just giving them over to the women that did the laundry would raise to many unwanted questions.

There was too much to do, rest would have to come later… once he had disposed of his baby. Ambrose almost collapsed against the sink as he let out a sob. His baby… he was about to kill his baby…
---
Cain was… frustrated, to say the least. He had barely seen Ambrose in the past two months. The advisor had basically hidden himself away in his lab during the day, only coming to bed extremely late after Cain had already fallen asleep and left the next morning before Cain woke. Each time Cain had tried to go find his lover something came up and his course was changed away from the lab. Now he was two feet from the lab… two feet! That was when a rookie guard found him.

“Sir! Your must come quickly!”

“It can wait,” Cain stated.

“But Sir…”

“It can wait.”

“It really can’t Sir, a set of bloody sheets were found in the laundry, they don’t know where the blood came from. The Queen is calling for an all out search of the castle and the city,” the guard explained. Cain growled, looking almost longingly at the door to Ambrose’s lab, before turning away to follow the guard.

Within the following twenty minutes Cain was filled in on the story of the bloody sheets. Apparently the dampness of the laundry room had caused enough condensation under the sheets for a rather large puddle of bloody water to form, attracting attention to the often over looked corner. A chorus of screams from the women who did the laundry had followed the discovery. Now an all out search had been started inside the castle and in the city for the cause of the blood sheets.
---
Once the figure was sure no one was going to pass in front of the alley they pulled a small bundle from the folds of their cloak. The bundle admitted a small cry as the figure lay it on the boxes of the trash that would be taken by the trash men during the early morning hours. The figure reached out and stroked the baby’s cheek to quiet it.

“Shhh…” The figure whispered.

Ambrose backed slowly out of the alley; lightning flashed and illuminated the tear tracks on his cheeks. Moments later the sky opened up and a small cry echoed through the night. Ambrose’s heart broke each time he heard the cry but he walked quickly back to the palace… now the only thing breaking his heart was the echo’s in his ears.

TBC…

Fic: Heart Breaking Miracle 3/7?

2008-03-07T01:41:13Z

Time to mourn... maybe...

2008-03-05T19:43:16Z

Last night my laptop gave me the "blue screen of death". Normally if you just reboot it will go away but not this time. It came back each time I rebooted. I'm skipping my Psych class on Friday to take it to the guy that usually works on my comp. I'm hoping he'll be able to fix it without losing any of my files.

The sad thing is that he said he doubted he would be able to get to it on Friday. I'm hoping he'll have it done by Saturday afternoon but if he doesn't he'll have to keep it the entire week before my spring break and I will be laptop-less.

I have access to plenty of comps on campus but it's just not the same T_T

Everyone pray with me that my docs are alright.

EDIT:

Well me going home to get my computer repaired this weekend isn't going to happen. There is a major snow storm heading our way and my parents have basically forbidden me from coming home. T_T

I could still go home if I really wanted to and they couldn't stop me but with this snow there is no for sureness that my comp would be repaired.

-sad-

Fic: Heart Breaking Miracle 2/?

2008-03-03T00:36:25Z

Drabble: Warm Amber Liquid

2008-02-28T21:39:27Z

Title: Warm Amber Liquid
Author: avari_maethor
Summary: Response to prongs_padfoot’s “Sweethearts” challenge. Theme #11.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Slash. Cain/Glitch.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by Imagiquest Entertainment. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Warm Amber Liquid

The suns had disappeared below the window ledge of the library leaving the room cast in a dim orange glow. The fire blazing in the fire place added to this glow, casting flickering shadows on the walls. No more than ten hours ago the eclipse had ended; the suns had lit the land with their beautiful light, replacing the cold darkness that had ruled just moments before. In the hours since then plans had been made, word of the witch’s defeat spread, hostile long coats and alchemists had been captured and placed in cells deep below the palace. The decisions of what would be done with them would come in the following days. Now it was time to rest, at least for a few hours.

Cain was taking this time to do just that. A lot of the palace was in shambles, at least in the organized sense; the library had not escaped that. Books and torn pages from those books littered the floor, some of the shelves had been overturned, the place was a mess to say the least. The chair he was now sitting in, and the table beside it, had been overturned but easy enough to set back up.

Cain reached out and picked up a small glass of amber liquid. He raised the glass to his lips and took a sip, even one as small as this burned on the way down. He took a second sip and then returned the glass to the table, clinking it against the other sitting there slightly before it settled evenly. The three glasses of whiskey had left him feeling warm and relaxed. Cain adjusted his hat so that it covered his eyes for the most part, just barely letting the firelight in. Slight movement on his lap shifted his attention from the fire to the man on his lap.

It was just some sleepy stretching, Glitch’s lashes fluttered against his pale cheeks and then he settled with his head resting on Cain’s shoulder once more. Cain smiled slightly as he watched the sleeping form. They had had an eventful couple of weeks and now a peaceful, even if slightly drunken, sleep was well deserved. Glitch had barely been through his second glass when he had settled himself on Cain’s lap. Cain had not complained, touching this way assured him that Glitch was safe and not wondering around lost.

Cain watched the flickering light play warm shadows on Glitch’s face. The fire brought the natural highlights of lighter brown out making Glitch even more beautiful than he usually was. When Glitch had smiled and asked if he wanted to dance Cain had briefly wondered if Adora would mind if he thought another man was beautiful. Now he knew she did not, she had been there after he had been shot in that awful brain room.

Cain doubted he would ever tell DG or Glitch how close he had come to following the light that came after being shot and shocked. It didn’t matter now, but the fact that Adora had been the one to appear and tell him he had to protect Glitch had told him her feelings on the matter. He loved her, and he knew she knew that but she could also see he loved Glitch and her acceptance of that had been in her words, “protect him”. Glitch shifted again, drawing Cain out of his thoughts, as brown eyes blinked. There was confusion there, confusion and a bit of curiosity.

“Good even’n sweetheart,” Cain said softly. He felt Glitch relax at his words, a smile on his lips.

“Is alcohol always this good Cain?” Glitch whispered, not moving his head from

Cain’s shoulder.

“It can be,” Cain told him.

“Good, we need to do this again,” Glitch said. Cain just smiled and tipped his head down, catching Glitch’s lips in a soft kiss, his hat hiding the action from anyone that might have walked in, although Glitch’s arm coming up to wrap around Cain’s neck would not have been hidden but it wasn’t like either of them cared.

Songfic: My Memory Ain't What it Used to be

2008-02-25T15:20:48Z

Title: My Memory Ain’t What it Used to be
Author: avari_maethor
Summary: Cain tries hard but he just can’t seem to remember why he ever left Ambrose. Sequel to “So Close”.
Rating: PG
Warning: Slash. Cain/Ambrose. Het. Cain/Adora.
Disclaimers: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by Imagiquest Entertainment. Song lyrics belong to Jason Aldean. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

My Memory Ain’t What it Used to be

Cain walked past the dining room, ignoring the laughter of the royal family. It had been a month since the defeat of the evil witch and for that month Cain had been thinking over the past. He had spent twenty years in that blasted tin suit planning how he would avenge his family and now it had been done. Adora was dead; he had made peace with that, although he still missed her. Jeb was a captain in the newly reinstated tin man group, Cain couldn’t have been prouder of his son.

And then there was Ambrose… the Queen had spared no expense in finding an alchemist that could return the brain to the head case. A week of recovery had followed and now the inventor was hard at work trying to restore the O.Z. with new inventions. Cain paused outside of Ambrose’s lab, glancing inside just long enough to see that the ex head case was lost in some new invention. Cain sighed and shook his head before continuing on his way. He would get Ambrose to eat later.

Once outside, Cain took a deep breath of the first air before making his way out to the garden. He had been thinking a lot in the past few weeks, taking time to remember more than he had been willing to in a long time. Now the last few weeks of his tin man training were on his mind.

Normally the days were exhausted with drills, various tests and very few breaks. Normally Cain would have gone back to the barracks and rested after his training ended but ever since that dance a week ago he found himself going to the palace to visit the man he had danced with. Cain couldn’t remember a night he had enjoyed more. Ambrose was so… smart. They talked about anything and argued about everything. Their arguments rarely turned serious but Cain loved how Ambrose would not simply back down like most did.

The night before his graduation had been one of the saddest he had ever experienced. Months before when he had left Adora he had felt sad, but watching Ambrose work on something called the “Sun Seeder” he felt… empty. When had he started to count on Ambrose’s presence in his life? Oh right… when they had spent hours talking after the dance.

“I want to stay here,” Cain stated. Ambrose glanced up and then snorted as he went back to screwing a small screw into place. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Cain, you do not belong here. You are a simple man,” Ambrose replied. “Plus, all your training would have been for nothing, and what of Adora?” Cain winced, wishing he had never mentioned her to Ambrose. A couple of hours later Cain had proposed it again in the kitchen but received the same response. An hour after that Cain bid Ambrose goodbye, tomorrow he would be graduating.

Walking away from the palace that night his heart had never broken more.

It must have been a mountain standing in our way
Or some small misunderstanding
We talked about too late
Was it the kitchen or the bedroom
Where we let a good thing go
Was it destined dreams, or space we needed?
I don't know.

“Punch, dodge, kick, dodge…” Ambrose chanted as he acted on the words. He and Cain were in one of the back courtyards of the palace, both stripped to the waist as they danced around each other in a sparring match. Cain had wanted to learn some of those fancy moves Ambrose had used to dispatch the long coats so he had asked Ambrose to teach him. The advisor was more than happy to comply and so the next day they had started Cain’s lessons. Now a week later it was the first day Cain hadn’t found himself on his back within the first ten minutes of their practice.

Somehow this felt very familiar to Cain… but he couldn’t remember ever sparring with Ambrose. He dodged a punch Ambrose threw and caught Ambrose’s smile. Ah, that was it, that smile. Had Ambrose’s smile always made him feel this way? If it had… why did he ever leave?

Baby, lately my memory
Ain't what it used to be at all
It's crazy, but holding you close to me
Seeing you smile at me
Is all that I recall
Cause baby it don't matter how hard I try
I still can't remember why we said goodbye

One, two, three movements to spread the butter on the bread. One, two, three movements to spread the jelly on the same piece of bread. Ambrose rarely ate the meat that was presented at any meal other than supper so this was not an occurrence that Cain was unused to. Cain had found himself watching Ambrose more and more as of late. He tried to avoid spending hours in the advisor’s lab but in truth that was all he wanted to do.

Adora had been his childhood sweetheart, he had done everything most little boys did to the girls they liked. He had put frogs in her desk, dipped her hair in ink, and basically just picked on her any chance he had gotten. The day he had left flowers on her doorstep he had thought that was the first day of the rest of his life. He had never counted on being locked away in a tin suit for twenty years. He had never counted on falling in love with a young advisor just weeks before he and Adora were married.

Cain sighed; all this thinking was giving him a headache. Ambrose glanced at him at the sigh. Their eyes caught and Ambrose smiled. Cain hoped the blush he felt wasn’t showing as badly as he thought it was.

Maybe time's just playing tricks on me these days
Or maybe these old feelings never went away
Cause all that i remember
Is that I'm still in love with you
And if I'm losing my mind, I hope you are too

After the graduation ceremony had been completed Cain looked everywhere for Ambrose but couldn’t find him.

‘Was I just seeing things?’ He wondered as he slowly made his way to the barracks. Pulling out his bag from under his bunk he started to pack his few possessions. He played with the idea of going to the palace and seeing Ambrose again… who knew when he would get to see the man again?

Someone behind him clearing their throat and Cain turned. The smile came before he had even thought about it and Ambrose smiled back. It seemed like it had only taken two steps to get across the room and envelop Ambrose in a hug.

Baby, lately my memory
Ain't what it used to be at all
It's crazy, but holding you close to me
Seeing you smile at me
Is all that i recall
Cause baby it don't matter how hard i try
I still can't remember why we said goodbye
Goodbye

Ambrose returned the hug, his cheek resting against Cain’s shoulder. Cain had become his best friend in the past few weeks, he had never had a best friend other than his inventions before. He hated to see Cain leave but… Cain did not belong here.

“Let me stay with you,” Cain whispered into his hair. Ambrose blinked back tears.

“You do not belong here Cain.” Ambrose felt Cain stiffen and then he had pulled away. Cain was angry but Ambrose had to be firm. Cain did not belong here, at least not yet. Cain went over to his bed and picked up his hat, placing it on his head.

“Goodbye Ambrose,” he said curtly.

“Goodbye Cain,” Ambrose whispered.

Cain’s eyes widened at the memory. The tightness of Ambrose’s arms… the sadness in his voice… he had not wanted Cain to leave but he had to! That… could that have been it? He jumped up from the seat he had claimed in the library, the forgotten book that had been in his lap fell to the floor and he ran from the room.

Ambrose would know. He had to know. It didn’t even register in Cain’s mind that it was getting close to dawn as he ran through the hallways to Ambrose’s room.

It's crazy
But holding you close to me
Seeing you smile at me
Is all that I recall
Cause baby, it don't matter how hard i try
I still can't remember why we said goodbye
Why we said goodbye
Why did we say goodbye?